While the differences between cat breeds aren’t as obvious or well-known as dog breeds, there are still a lot that comes with deciding what breed of cat to get that would best suit you.
One vet named Amir Anwary took to TikTok to share his thoughts by revealing five cat breeds he would not get for himself, mainly due to the health issues that often comes with them.
“These are five cat breeds that I would not own as a veterinarian,” he began the video.
But what are these breeds?
Check out the vet’s verdict below to give you more insight if you’re planning to get a moggy yourself.
1. Persian Cat
“Number one is Persian. Now I’ve never seen the appeal of these cats personally, but a lot of people love them which is perfectly fine,” he said before going into why he wouldn’t want to own one.
He explained that since Persians are a Brachycephalic breed, meaning that their face is ‘squished in’, which often causes breathing and dental problems, as well as ‘goo’ at the corners of their eyes. Since they also have a long coat of fur, owners will have to brush it every single day to avoid them getting painful matting.
“So it’s a very very high maintenance breed. They are also prone to a condition called polycystic kidney disease which is basically where these fluid-filled cysts form in the kidneys and in long term that can actually cause organ failure,” he explained.
2. Bengal cat
“I think this is one of the most beautiful breeds that exists, and I think they have one of the most amazing, amazing energies. But they do have several health issues,” Amir said.
He went on to explain that Bengal cats are prone to getting a long list of health issues, including cataract and progressive retinal atrophy, which risks the cats going blind as they get older, as well as Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, which is a condition that causes heart muscles become thicker.
“That can cause them to become lethargic, it can cause breathing problems, and in the long term will cause congestive heart failure,” Amir explained.
3. Exotic Shorthair
He then went on to the Exotic Shorthair, saying: “So this is basically like a different version of a Persian, like it’s a Persian with short hair. So you’re not gonna have the issues with the long coat, but you’re gonna have all the other issues.
“So it is a Brachycephalic breed, you’re gonna have the dental problems, the breathing issues, the eye issues. You’re gonna have the polycystic kidney disease, and you’re gonna potentially have the heart issues as well.”
4. Ragdoll
“Next is a Ragdoll,” Amir announced. “I think all around, this is one of the best cat breeds that would exist if it didn’t have medical issues because it is beautiful. they have such a lovely lovely temperament, but they have so many medical issues.”
Just like some of the previous breeds, Ragdolls are prone to polycystic kidney disease and hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, but they are also prone to getting bladder problems and becoming obese.
“There are so many medical issues associated with this breed – your vet bill is going to be huge,” Amir said.
5. Scottish Fold
He then brought up the Scottish Fold, explaining: “Now the reason it is called a Scottish Fold is because of the way that the ears fold in. Now this happens because of a lack of cartilage due to a genetic mutation that was caused by us humans.
“But this genetic mutation doesn’t only affect the ears, no no, it affects all the joints.”
Amir explained that because of this mutation, they are prone to osteocondylidysplasia, which causes degenerative joint disease, as well as arthritis, making the joints painful.
“And the worst part about this is that it is a dominant gene, meaning even the cats that don’t necessarily have the fold will be affected by the joint pain, and the joint disease.
” I think from an ethical standpoint this is the cat breed that should not be bred anymore.”
