While I can't find direct evidence of the claims that
>>48941812 and
>>48941741 throw out, it is kind of implied this might've happened.
>It's accustomed to luxury because it used to live with Alolan royalty.-Alolan Meowth, Sword Pokedex
>Its round face and smooth coat—softer than the most high-class velvet-Alolan Persian, Sun Pokedex.
With these in mind, it makes sense if they were selectively bred so aggressively it lapsed into severe inbreding. Especially since it's a Pokemon that once belonged to the royalty of the islands.
