Pet lovers have been warned not to buy XL bully cats, with experts warning the “mutant breed” will suffer serious health issues.
The felines have taken their names from the banned XL bully dogs and are said to have have been created by breeders in the US, and now experts say they are making their way over to the UK.
But cat fans are being advised against purchasing the mutant moggies that have been bred by mixing the gene that causes hairlessness in sphynx cats with the gene responsible for the short legs of munchkin cats.
The cats are expected to have a life expectancy at least six years shorter than an average cat, and will likely face serious health issues, the Telegraph reported.
Dr Grace Carroll, a specialist in animal behaviour and welfare at Queen’s University Belfast’s school of psychology, wrote in the Conversation: “Prospective pet owners need to be aware of the risks associated with owning mutant and experimental breeds.
“Consumers hold purchasing power. We can discourage breeders from prioritising aesthetics over the health and welfare of the animals by refusing to buy breeds with extreme traits.”
The RSCPA also warned against the trend of breeding imposing but sickly “bully cats”.
The animal charity has said it has noticed a spike in demand for the animals on social media, with potential buyers displaying a misplaced curiosity towards them.
The Naturewatch Foundation has also flagged the worrisome trend and said that the illness-prone pets can often live unhappy lives.
“Extreme cat breeding, which prioritises exaggerated physical traits over the health and well-being of the animals, has led to the creation of cats who suffer from a range of debilitating health and welfare issues,” a statement read.
“From respiratory problems to joint and skin disorders, these cats often endure a lifetime of pain – all in the name of aesthetics.”
Here is what you need to know about these so-called bully cats.
Have you heard of a 'bullycat'? They're hairless cats which are bred with very short legs and excess skin folds, which can cause welfare issues.
— RSPCA (England & Wales) (@RSPCA_official) August 16, 2024
The cats are being bred from a limited gene pool which is also worrying.
Read more about our concerns 👇 https://t.co/j1zoxnW4Zg
What are ‘bully cats’?
The feline bullies are hairless sphynx-like cats that are bred with short legs and “excess skin folds”, according to the RSCPA.
They are bred to look tough and intimidating, at least to humans, and are seen among some as a status symbol.
However, the genetic makeup of the cats means they often lead unhappy lives.
Why are they causing controversy?
“They're hairless cats which are bred with very short legs and excess skin folds, which can cause welfare issues,” the RSPCA said.
It added that their short legs can strain their joints and the skin folds are likely to cause conditions.
“The cats are being bred from a limited gene pool which is also worrying,” a statement added.
The issues could both leave the cat in physical discomfort and the owner is likely to face frequent vet bills.
“These poor cats have been deliberately bred to have shortened and bowed legs, unnaturally muscular bodies and hairless, wrinkled skin,” the Naturewatch Foundation added.
“Imagine what life must be like for the cat inside that body. Unable to express normal behaviour because of pain and discomfort, it must be an unbearable existence.
“And it’s entirely unnecessary. Human greed and vanity are what drives extreme breeding.”
Do they have any relation to XL bully dogs?
The bully cat is not an official breed of cat but more a recently bred variety of feline that derives its name from looking imposing – like the XL bully dog.
The American XL bully breed of canine has been banned by the government after a number of incidents where they have viciously attacked people.
Since February, it has been a criminal offence to own one without an exemption certificate.
The bully cat bears little resemblance to the dog version but has been given the same nickname for its tough appearance.
An RSPCA spokesperson told The Independent: “We understand that their emerging presence on social media may fuel a demand for these kinds of cats but we would urge fellow cat lovers to consider adopting the many rescue cats in our care instead of buying from a breeder.
“We would also urge breeders to prioritise the health and welfare of any animal over the way they look.”
