Vets slam 'distressing' trend for short-legged sausage cats

Vets have issued a warning against the growing popularity of munchkin cats, a breed with a genetic defect that causes abnormally short legs.

The felines, sometimes referred to as “sausage cats”, are in vogue thanks to celebrities such as Paris Hilton.

The socialite often posts pictures of her cat, called Shorty, to her 6.5million Instagram followers.

Now it appears some people are intentionally breeding munchkin kittens, which fetch between £650 and £900 online.

However, vets say these designers cats are denied their innate instinct to hunt because they are unable jump properly. They also suffer from a range of illnesses.

Andrew Prentis, of Hyde Park Veterinary Centre in London, urged cat-lovers not to buy the breed.

“The cat in its natural form has evolved over thousands of years to be pretty well designed and to be very efficient, healthy and athletic,” he told the Mail on Sunday.

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“The idea that someone wants to breed them to have effectively no legs and for entirely cosmetic reasons is very disappointing.”

While the cats are increasingly popular, the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy, the largest cat registering organisation in Britain, does not recognise the breed.

Rosemary Fisher, director of the group, said: “Munchkins have a range of potential physical problems.

“Some, for example, suffer from lordosis, a condition in which spinal muscles grow too short, causing the spine to arch inwards.

“This may cause early death in kittens or shortness of breath during physical exertion in an adult.

“It is distressing to see kittens and puppies bred simply for the cuteness factor or following the trend for designer breeds kept as a fashion statement.”

However, the International Cat Association, which sanctions cat shows, granted the munchkin “new breed” status in 1995 and championship status in 2003.

Last year, vets also warned dog lovers about buying breeds with “flat-faced” features because of concerns over their welfare.

Pugs, bulldogs and shih-tzus have become fashionable in the UK, despite wide-ranging health problems, including breathing problems.

The British Veterinary Association said the surge in popularity of these dogs had “increased animal suffering”.