A VET has issued a stark warning against a certain breed of cat that people have dubbed the cutest thing ever.
Dr Ben Simpson-Vernon advised that “Munchkin cats” are simply a product of cruelty.
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Munchkin’s have very short legs due to a genetic mutation that makes them more susceptible to bone and joint issues.
Despite this, people are increasingly breeding the moggies because of their cute look.
Dr Ben dubbed their growing popularity as “a great animal welfare concern”.
He warned: “Dear God, if you love cats, please never get a Munchkin cat.
“And just don’t comment on videos saying this cat is cute.
“Munchkin cats have a genetic mutation which means they have these short legs.
“But it’s not cute – it’s cruel.
“It obviously has a consequence that this cat cannot behave like a normal cat.
“It can’t run and jump like a normal cat.
“They’re also much more prone to arthritis and various spinal problems compared to normal cats.”
Munchkin cats cost around £1,500 despite their defective gene meaning their legs can only grow up to 3in.
Dr Ben added that he has luckily never treated a Munchkin cat in the UK and believes they are much more prolific in the US.
Cat-lovers echoed Dr Ben’s sentiment in the comments.
One penned: “ I am continually amazed when this sort of breeding is allowed.”
A second said: “My heart breaks for them whenever I see one.
“I feel like they’re in pain all the time.”
The animals are named after the characters from The Wizard of Oz and originated from a mutation in a litter born in Louisiana in 1983.
But if two Munchkins breed together their kittens are unlikely to survive because the mutant gene is classed as lethal.
