Thanks to a new trend, pet owners all over the world are cuddling up with the latest in animal companions: leeches.
"They're amazing, curious creatures that grow like crazy and make wonderful pets," self-described leech keeper Ariane Khomjani tells ScienceAlert.
Some owners even allow their leeches to suck their blood, Khomiani says. "Once they get feeding you don't even feel it, even with the large buffalo leeches," he says, noting that a leech's initial bit may hurt a little.
Yeah we'll stick to cats and dogs, thanks.