IF you’re thinking of getting a cat and aren’t sure which breed is right for you, you’ve come to the right place.
A veterinarian has revealed the five cat breeds he would personally “never” own – and a very popular pet has made the list.
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He claimed that such breeds are often susceptible to a variety of potential problems, some of which can prove incredibly costly.
Opening your home to a pet is an enriching experience that can bring much wanted companionship, but it’s crucial to remember that getting a pet is a significant commitment that requires thorough research.
Cats are extremely popular in the UK, with around 24% of adults owning an estimated 10.8 million pet cats.
Their low maintenance nature and often quirky personalities contribute to their charm as household pets, but according to Dr Amir Anwary, a famous veterinarian content creator, there are five breeds that aren’t as simple as you may think.
So if you had your eyes on a Munchkin cat, or were thinking of buying a Birman, you’ll need to list up and take notes.
Posting on TikTok, Dr Amir Anwary, who has 772,700 followers, shared his thoughts on the five cat breeds he would “never own as a vet“, leaving many gobsmacked.
Munchkin
Firstly, Dr Amir stressed that the Munchkin cat, officially recognised in 1991 and known for its short legs caused by a genetic mutation, can be at threat from a variety of issues.
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Munchkins, which are commonly believed to be the original dwarf cat breed, have a loving and sociable character, but despite this, Dr Anwary explained: “Their short legs are caused by a genetic mutation that can lead to spinal and joint problems (like lordosis or arthritis).”
Birman
Secondly, the Birman, known as the ‘Sacred Cat of Burma’ and known for its stunning long-haired coat and distinctive colour-points, is next on the vet’s list.
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Despite having attractive deep blue eyes and sought-after white ‘gloves’ on each paw, according to this pro, they are “prone to inherited diseases like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)”.
Not only this, but the vet also claimed that this breed may also have “immune system issues.”
Scottish Fold
Additionally, while the Scottish Fold‘s docile temperament has won over the hearts of many, according to this animal lover, this breed carries serious risk factors.
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A dominant gene mutation leads to osteochondrodysplasia, a disorder affecting bone and cartilage development, which can also cause wide-ranging health issues and pain.
Vet Dr. Rachel Siu reveals the 5 dogs she’d never own
By Marsha O’Mahony
HUSKY
Beautiful, intelligent, and super-active, like a Border Collie, a Husky is a working dog and likes to keep busy.
If you lead a sedentary life, then this guy is not for you, and you are not for him.
It should be no surprise that Huskies love the cold – look at that coat of fur. So, living in 110 degrees in Texas is pretty grim for these dogs.
DACHSHUND
Adorable, cute, funny, and they can be very expensive.
The basic physiology of these sausage dogs does them no favours. “Because of their long backs, they’re really prone to intervertebral disc disease,” said Dr. Rachel.
You would be wise to keep a pot of money aside just in case because back surgery is likely to be expensive.
GREAT DANE
These lolloping, loving, and gregarious dogs are “goofballs.”
But they have short lifespans, developing health issues early on in life. Prepare yourself for heartbreak.
DOODLE
These are the current “it” dog, they are everywhere. They can be mixed with pretty much any other breed.
Their popularity has soared in recent years, with pet owners attracted to their low maintenance and hypoallergenic qualities.
But this couldn’t be further from the truth, said our vet.
“These dogs are often mixed with shedding dogs so they do shed and they also need grooming very frequently,” she wrote.
Their temperament is unpredictable and she has seen some that are wonderful to work with and others who have serious behavioral problems.
BULLDOGS
These guys are adorable but they have serious respiratory problems. Genetics are not on the side of any brachycephalic dog.
“I just would not own them,” she said. “They’re just not a healthy breed. They struggle to breathe with their smooshed faces.”
Like the Dachshund, they also suffer from intervertebral disc disease.
Dr Amir warned about the breed, which Molly-Mae owns: “The folded ears come from a cartilage defect that also affects joints, often leading to painful osteochondrodysplasia.”
Persian
As well as this, this vet warned against owning Persian cats, a viral breed loved by Jennifer Lopez and Kim Kardashian that will look cute in Instagram snaps, but is at threat of potential health issues.
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According to Dr Amir: “Their flat faces (brachycephaly) can cause chronic breathing problems, dental issues, and tear duct overflow, plus they’re prone to polycystic kidney disease (PKD)”.
Despite their popularity for their luxuriously long fur, adorably round faces and gentle nature, their distinctive short muzzles see them burdened with health problems.
In some countries, nearly half of the Persian cat population reportedly suffers from PKD due to their squished snouts, which can cost owners thousands of pounds.
Initial testing for a PKD diagnosis can cost between £44 and £750, while ongoing management can range from £100 to £500 per month.
Tiger
Finishing off his list of five breeds he would never own, Dr Amir included a much more extreme and humorous example – tigers.
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Wild creatures like tigers have notoriously been kept as pets over the years, notably by ex-heavyweight champion Mike Tyson who famously had a fondness for Bengal tigers and is believed to have owned three.
But as many of us know, keeping a tiger as a pet is fraught with peril, as these undomesticated wild animals potentially pose fatal risks to those attempting to contain them in a non-natural setting.
How to keep pets cool during hot weather
EVERYONE’S doing their best to beat the heat and stay cool as temperatures soar.
So here’s The Sun’s best advice on what you can do to keep your pet cool during hot weather.
CATS: Drop some ice cubes in your cat’s drinking bowl.
Wait until the end of the day before you play with kitty, when its cooler.
Pet your cat with a wet cloth, most cats don’t mind some moisture on their fur.
DOGS: Give them a wet towel to lay on.
Avoid walking on hot pavements and consider getting booties for them to insulate their toes.
Avoid exercise at the hottest parts of the day.
Social media users react
Dr Amir’s TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @amirthevet, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up 256,000 views in just three days.
Not only this, but it’s also amassed 7,913 likes, 504 comments and 600 saves.
But many cat owners were stunned by Amir’s claims and eagerly flocked to the comments to share their thoughts.
One person said: “Had a Birman. She passed at 19 years old. Never had a problem. She was the BEST. Best friend, companion and smart as hell.”
Another added: “I have a Munchkin. I will own 100+, they are the best.”
A third commented: “I love my Persian. I have four of them.”
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