A vet has spoken out against the trend of ‘cat spinning’ videos – where people share videos of themselves spinning their felines around, often while holding them by the front legs.

UK-based veterinarian Ben the Vet took to TikTok, where he has some 210,000 followers, to comment on the trend in a short clip.

The video, which is among his many videos focusing on animal welfare topics, was accompanied by a short caption.

His caption simply read: ‘Leave the cats on the ground people.’

The video opened with a short clip from another TikTok post, showing someone spinning their cat around.

It then cut to Ben, who shared his thoughts on the trend. In his video, he asked: ‘Is that funny? Am I not getting why it is so entertaining? It is really? 

He continued: ‘Is it [funny] watching an unhappy cat be spun around, [who is quite clearly, not very happy with the situation?

Ben closed his video saying: ‘I’m all for funny cat videos, but not when the cat is the sort of losing party.’

Ben the Vet (pictured) made a video on his TikTok channel, in which he spoke out against the trend of cat spinning

Ben the Vet (pictured) made a video on his TikTok channel, in which he spoke out against the trend of cat spinning 

The veterinarian (pictured) described the viral trend, in which people share videos of themselves spinning their pets around, as 'disappointing'

The veterinarian (pictured) described the viral trend, in which people share videos of themselves spinning their pets around, as ‘disappointing’

He also noted that the video he used in his clip had racked up more than 4million views.

According to animal welfarists, videos in which people spin around their pets – including cats, dogs and rabbits – are dangerous for a number of reasons.

As well as potentially causing nausea and vomitting, spinning animals around, particularly when holding them by the front legs, puts lots of pressure on their shoulders and legs.  

In addition, when the animals squirm while being spun around, this can cause damage to their spines. 

People took to the comments section of the video to share their own thoughts on the topic – and appeared to mainly agree with the veterinarian.

One wrote: ‘No kidding. So much of this just feels like abuse. Sorry. That’s not my sense of humor.’ 

Viewers took to the comments section of the video to share their thoughts on the trend - with many saying they thought it was cruel

Viewers took to the comments section of the video to share their thoughts on the trend – with many saying they thought it was cruel

Another agreed, adding: ‘thanks for posting. I saw one of these and couldn’t understand why people thought unhappy cats were funny.’

And in a similar vein, a third said: ‘It’s cruel, May cause damage to its joints, I’d never do that to mine.’

‘I think this is awful poor animal. Cat is clearly stressed and unhappy,’ added another.

A further TikTok user pointed out: ‘I’ve seen videos with people doing this with their dogs too. Didnt think those were funny either.’ 

It comes after actress Jennifer Garner found herself in hot water with some fans after sharing a video of herself spinning her own cat, Moose.

The Alias actress randomly filmed her feline in her arms as she spun him around in her living room, prompting some fans to say she was hurting the animal. 

Jennifer Garner sparked a mixed response online after sharing a video of herself taking part in the cat spinning trend

Jennifer Garner sparked a mixed response online after sharing a video of herself taking part in the cat spinning trend

She swung her cat Moose around her living room while holding her phone in her mouth to film them together

She swung her cat Moose around her living room while holding her phone in her mouth to film them together 

While some of her followers found the quirky move ‘cute’ and ‘super fun,’ others expressed concern for the creature and urged Jennifer not to do it.

Some of those who commented on the video expressed their love for Hollywood star.

A few of those who liked the clip felt it showed how ‘down to Earth’ Jennifer is.

‘God bless this woman,’ one penned. ‘We must protect her at all costs.’

‘Nailed it,’ said another. ‘Extra points for muffled giggles.’

‘I love you, Jen,’ a third added. ‘You’re so down to earth.’

However, others took to Jennifer’s Instagram comments to warn the actress about the dangers of the trend. 

Some social media users urged Jennifer not to spin around with Moose, informing her that vets have said the trend is dangerous

Some social media users urged Jennifer not to spin around with Moose, informing her that vets have said the trend is dangerous

One said: ‘Vets are telling people NOT to do this to their pets!! It can and does hurt them!!’

‘It is dangerous to lift any cat like this,’ another said. ‘Instead of playing that way, read about that.’

A third added: ‘How do you know he doesn’t care? You know animals can sick from spinning as well as people. Tired of some of you using animals as props for stupid videos.’

‘Actually, no, poor cat,’ another commented. ‘I’m sure he can’t be enjoy being swung around like that. What was even the point? No explanation, nothing.’

‘You shouldn’t do that,’ warned a fifth, while a sixth simply wrote, ‘Poor cat.’



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