Vet shares 4 cat breeds he ‘would never own’ as pets

Getting a pet is a big decision and a long-term commitment – and there are plenty of factors you should keep in mind before adopting one.

This includes your financial security, the space you have in your home and time you have to provide love. As well as this, there are personalities and health concerns you should mull over.

With that being said, a veterinary surgeon has revealed the cat breeds he would avoid as pets due to their temperaments and potential health issues.

Ben the Vet took to TikTok to share his opinions on four popular options – outlining his personal justifications for why he wouldn’t choose them as household pets.

Stressing that these are his own views and others may disagree, here’s what he had to say:

1. Bengals

He said: “They are beautiful-looking cats, they have gorgeous coats. I can see why people like them.”

Nevertheless, he explained he wouldn’t wish to own one because they’re essentially a cross between a wild cat and domestic cat breeds.

Ben said: “At the vets, they have a reputation for being quite aggressive. This is usually out of fear but they can be quite dangerous to handle.

“They’re highly intelligent, they need a lot of stimulation and unfortunately, a lot of homes just aren’t quite right for them.”

2. Sphynx

The Sphynx cat is a unique and striking breed, best known for its hairless appearance. They are known for being loving and people-oriented, often seeking out affection and warmth.

However, Ben isn’t a fan of them. He simply stated he “prefers cuddling a fluffy cat”.

3. Scottish Fold cat

Scottish Folds are known for being loving and devoted to their families. They are typically calm, quiet, and easygoing.

However, Ben wouldn’t adopt one for health reasons. He continued: “Another breed I would never buy is a Scottish Fold cat. The reason is, their curly ears, which is their main feature, is actually because of a cartilage disorder.”

This faulty cartilage is also present in all of their joints, meaning they frequently develop painful arthritis at an early age.

4. Persian

Persian cats are beautiful, calm, and affectionate companions, best suited for owners willing to dedicate time to their grooming needs.

However, brushing out all that hair isn’t the only factor to consider. Ben said he would never wish to own a Persian cat due to their flat faces causing numerous problems.

He elaborated: “I have seen Persian cats whose noses look inverted into their face and their eyes bulge beyond their nose. People don’t realise they can struggle to breathe just as badly as some of the flat-faced dog breeds.

“It is for the same reasons on the whole – their nostrils are too small, all of the bones in their nasal passage are crowded together, and their tear ducts usually don’t work properly.”