Rusty, a red Persian cat, rests during the Iams Cat Championship Saturday in New York. The breed's short muzzle has become extremely exaggerated over the years, making Persians susceptible to sinus and breathing problems.
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The breed was originally established with a short (but not non-existent) muzzle, but over time this feature has become extremely exaggerated, particularly in North America, and Persians with the more extreme brachycephalic head type are susceptible to a number of health problems (specifically affecting their sinuses and breathing) caused by it. Their short muzzle also causes them to have dust and debris cover the inside of their nostrils more often, which makes it very difficult for them to breathe.