New study finds fashion for breeding 'grumpy' cats fuelling rise in feline fights A study found that flat faces may be impacting a cat’s ability to effectively communicate through facial expressions 9 January 2021 • 3:38pm Pedigree flat-faced cats are often known to have health problems. Now they are in danger of being beaten up Credit: Gandee Vasan The trend of breeding cats to look "grumpy" is making them have more fights with fellow felines, a study has suggested. Pedigree flat-faced (brachycephalic) cats with exaggerated big eyes or "grumpy" features are often known to have breathing difficulties, problems with their eyes, and other health conditions.