With over 200,000 followers on TikTok, 'Ben The Vet' is known for helping raise awareness of welfare issues affecting pets.
In a recent video, he revealed five breeds he would never own, given serious long-term health concerns.
No judgement, just information
"This video is just to share my opinion as someone who sees a lot of cats and their health problems" he explained. "It's not intended to cast judgement over people".
"Truly rescuing one of these cats if you have the means to care for them is different to buying a kitten, I should make clear. I've made a similar video to this a while ago, but some of the trends are changing, so I felt the need to revisit it" he added.
The 5 breeds
The first breed Ben would never own is the Sphynx, the most famous hairless breed.
These cats have very small whiskers, which "are an integral part of being a cat. They use them to navigate in the dark, to sense vibrations, to communicate their emotional state."
They also have a high rate of heart disease, and a lower life expectancy than other cats, of just 6 years on average.
Second on the list is the Munchkin, a breed with the tiniest legs. "Please, let's not let it become socially acceptable to deliberately breed cats with dwarfism. Pets should not just be the object of amusement." Ben told viewers.
The Scottish Fold, originally from Scotland, was third on the list due to a genetic mutation known as osteochondrodysplasia. While this condition gives them the folded ears they're known for, it also means they suffer from pain and arthritis from a young age.
The Peke-faced Persian is also known to suffer from discomfort, with the smushed-faced Persians unable to groom themselves or breathe properly.
Last on the list for Ben is the very unusual Savannah, a hybrid breed between a domestic cat and the wild Serval. "They're much bigger and stronger than a domestic cat, and they retain a lot more of their wild instincts. So they're hard to cater for in a home environment. I would say near impossible." Ben told viewers.
"I just think if you're going to buy a status symbol, choose an inanimate object" he concluded.
