When breeding focuses purely on aesthetics—such as excessively flat faces, exaggerated folds, or unnatural proportions—animals often pay a heavy price with their health. As part of GAIA's nationwide "Ziekste collectie" summer campaign, we have developed a unique virtual reality experience to make the invisible suffering of hypertype animals tangible.
Through this VR project, visitors are given the opportunity to see the world directly through the eyes of a Persian cat. By simulating the visual impacts and physical challenges tied to extreme breeding traits, the experience shifts perspective from mere appearance to animal welfare.
The goal of this initiative is to educate the public, spark crucial conversations, and build support for stronger protections and ethical breeding practices across Belgium.