may have influenced a surge<\/a> in the breed\u2019s popularity. But Simpson-Vernon said these cats all have the same genetic disorder, osteochondrodysplasia, which causes their folded ears.<\/p>\nBut that disorder \u201calso means they have defective joint cartilage in all of their joints and develop painful arthritis at a young age,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
He said Scottish Folds make up 2% of all new cats, which he called \u201cquite sad.\u201d Given what\u2019s known about their health issues, Simpson-Vernon said he could never get a Scottish Fold kitten. Other vets offer similar warnings:<\/p>\n
4. Savannah cat<\/h2>\n Savannah cats look like they belong in the wild, as they are basically a blend of a domestic cat and a serval. But that\u2019s exactly why Simpson-Vernon said he\u2019d never get one.<\/p>\n\n\u201cI\u2019ve seen a few in practice, and I have to say, I was quite scared of them,\u201d he said. \u201cThey\u2019re much bigger and stronger than a domestic cat, and they retain a lot more of their wild instincts. So they\u2019re hard to cater for in a home environment. I would say near on impossible.\u201d<\/p>\n
He suggested buying an inanimate object for those looking for a status symbol. And for those drawn to wild animals, he suggested donating to a conservation charity.<\/p>\n
5. Peke-faced Persian cat<\/h2>\n\nPersian cats with faces that look like they hit a wall at full speed are known as \u201cPeke-faced\u201d for their resemblance to a Pekinese dog.<\/p>\n
\u201cI feel really sad for these cats,\u201d Simpson-Vernon said. \u201cThey can\u2019t groom themselves properly, so they get really matted, and they get a lot of health problems. It is obviously harder for them to breathe when they have tiny nostrils, like this, but they get chronic upper respiratory infections really commonly.\u201d<\/p>\n
Simpson-Vernon said this breed is also prone to eye issues, dental problems, and hydrocephalus (a buildup of fluid in the brain).<\/p>\n
He said that \u201cif you want a happy, healthy companion,\u201d buying a Persian kitten \u201cis not a good choice.\u201d<\/p>\n
Making an informed decision<\/h2>\n Not all cat breeds are created equal. But how can you tell if you\u2019re choosing one without ethical concerns? The clearest way to avoid supporting questionable breeding is to adopt a rescue cat. Regardless of breed, these are cats already in need of a home.<\/p>\n
If you want a kitten, consider alerting a local shelter to your interest and asking to be notified when kittens become available for adoption. If you want to choose a specific breed, search terms like \u201ccontroversial cat breeds\u201d or the breed you\u2019re considering, paired with words like \u201ccontroversy\u201d or \u201cethical concerns,\u201d can help you identify potential issues before making a decision. Some organizations also provide lists of traits to avoid<\/a> in order to discourage breeding that may result in unnecessary health problems.<\/p>\nInformed decisions are the best decisions, especially when it comes to our furry friends.<\/p>\n
The post Veterinarian shares 5 cat breeds he\u2019d personally never get and why<\/a> appeared first on Upworthy<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n