‘I’m a vet and there’s 5 cat breeds I’d never own as pet’ | UK | News

Bringing a cat to be part of the family is a pretty big deal. Not only do you have to weigh the options on how it will fit into your lifestyle, but you also get to choose the breed.

A vet has now revealed five cat breeds he would never own as pets, and the reason behind his decision has sparked a lot of debate among animal lovers.

Ben, known online as Ben the Vet, shared his honest attitude after years of working with cats and seeing the health issues some breeds face.

In a TikTok post to her 217,500 followers, she explained: “This is just my opinion from seeing a lot of cats and their health issues.

“This isn’t about judging anyone, but sometimes you just have to tell it like it is.”

sphinx cat

The veterinarian, known for its hairlessness, pointed out why he could never own this breed.

He said: “In my opinion, we have eliminated the essence of being a cat. If you were dressing as a cat, the first thing you would do would be to draw its whiskers, but these cats either have no whiskers or very short, ineffective whiskers.”

The expert added that whiskers are vital for navigation and communication, while the lack of fur means they often struggle to stay warm.

Moreover, he also pointed out the higher risk of heart disease and shorter life expectancy.

munchkin cat

Next is the Munchkin cat, known for its short legs.

“Let’s not make their lives harder by giving them short limbs,” he said, explaining that the breed can struggle with mobility and develop arthritis at a young age.

Scottish Fold

It’s a genre that’s becoming increasingly popular, thanks in part to celebrities like Taylor Swift.

While their folded ears look cute, Ben warned: “They all have the same genetic defect, which means they develop painful arthritis at a young age.”

He said the increase in popularity was worrying, with many people either not researching the breed or choosing to ignore the risks.

savannah cat

The fourth breed on his list is the Savannah cat, which is a hybrid between the domestic cat and the wild serval.

“I’ve seen a few of them in training and I have to say I’m pretty scared of them.” he said.

Describing them as larger, stronger and more instinctive than typical house cats, he said they can be extremely difficult to handle in a home environment.

Persian cats

Finally, he highlighted Persian cats, especially the flat-faced breeds.

“I really feel sorry for these cats,” she said, explaining that their facial structure can lead to breathing difficulties, eye problems, frequent infections, as well as grooming issues.

Although each of these breeds has their fans, Ben’s overall message is simple: Health and quality of life should come first when choosing a pet.

She added: “If you want a happy, healthy companion, buying a kitten that looks like this is not a good choice.”

Commenting on the Instagram post, the RSPCA’s official account said: “Well said, Ben. We shouldn’t be breeding animals for the sake of welfare. They deserve better.”

Another user added: “Rare and exotic, I can’t recommend the domestic shorthair cat enough! 10/10 breed.”

Another user said: “There are good reasons why Sphynx and Scottish Folds are banned in the Netherlands.”