London, UK – Katie Price, a former glamour model and reality TV star, is facing criticism after purchasing two sphynx cats despite her ongoing financial challenges and a past marked by controversy over her care of pets. Price, who declared bankruptcy for the second time in March 2024, reportedly spent £2,000 on the hairless felines, each costing approximately £1,000.
Price showcased her new pets on TikTok, engaging with her audience by asking viewers playfully about their own activities while her kittens frolicked in view. These two cats join a household already home to several sphynx cats, including ones named Dobby and Hagrid, which she previously tried to sell in 2017 due to conflicts with her dogs, and Daisy, whom she acquired in September.
The acquisition of these cats has drawn attention not just for the financial expenditure it represents but also due to Price’s controversial history with animals. Over the last six years, the star has publicly shared the deaths of five dogs, a horse, and a chameleon, raising concerns about her suitability as a pet owner. This has culminated in a petition, signed by thousands, urging her to refrain from acquiring more animals.
In her memoir, “This Is Me,” released in July 2024, Price details some of these incidents, including the unfortunate demise of her sphynx kitten, Frog, due to a neurological disease, and the distressing death of a French Bulldog, Rolo, accidentally crushed under an electric armchair. Another tragic episode involved her dog Queenie, who was struck by a delivery vehicle, the driver leaving without taking responsibility.
Price’s handling of pets has been under scrutiny as evidenced by other incidents, such as when her dogs Queenie and Sparkle were fatally hit by cars in separate incidents, and when she rehomed an Alsatian named Tank after hitting him, an incident caught on video that sparked immediate public backlash.
Financially, Price is also under pressure after being declared bankrupt again due to an unpaid tax bill amounting to over £750,000. This situation escalated when she failed to attend a court date due to traveling abroad for plastic surgery, leading to her arrest at Heathrow Airport in August.
Despite these setbacks, Price is no stranger to public scrutiny and controversy, often weaving her personal dramas into her public persona, which has been spotlighted in several television series detailing her life and dealings, including her interactions with her pets and family.
The public response to Price’s recurrent issues highlights a broader discussion about celebrity behavior, especially concerning animal welfare and financial management. As she navigates these troubled waters, it sparks debates around accountability and the glamorization of lifestyles that may encourage imprudent decisions, putting both financial security and animal welfare at risk.