A vet has revealed the four cat breeds he would personally never welcome into his own home, despite their adorable appearances. Social media star Ben the Vet shared his verdict on TikTok, explaining that the breeds' needs, cuddliness levels and health risks can make them a challenging match for potential households.
Bengals and Sphynx
Speaking about Bengals, Ben said: "They are beautiful-looking cats, they have gorgeous coats. I can see why people like them." However, he explained he wouldn't want to own one as they are essentially a cross between a wild cat and domestic cat breeds.
Ben stated: "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."
On the Sphynx, Ben admitted he "prefers cuddling a fluffy cat". The hairless breed divides opinion, largely due to their loose, wrinkled skin, particularly around the head, neck and shoulders. Despite this, they are an energetic and inquisitive breed with a great deal of affection to offer.
Scottish Fold health concerns
Ben also named the Scottish Fold, a breed that originated in Scotland in the early 1960s and is known for its owl-like ears. He said: "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."
He explained how this defective cartilage is also present throughout all of their joints, meaning they frequently develop painful arthritis from a very young age. Ben made clear he would not wish to support the breeding of Scottish Fold cats, as he is unwilling to contribute to their suffering.
Persian breathing difficulties
Topping the list, Ben revealed he would never consider owning a Persian cat, citing their flat faces as the cause of numerous serious health complications. He said: "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."
He added: "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."
