A fresh warning has been issued regarding the emergence of hairless ‘bullycats’ amidst a growing trend on social media. These so-called ‘bullycats’ are a hybrid breed that bears a resemblance to the controversial XL bully dogs. Breeders in the US have developed this new cat breed by crossbreeding the hairless gene from Sphynx cats with the short-legged gene from Munchkin cats. Despite their unique appearance, animal welfare experts have expressed concerns over the potential health issues these felines may encounter, with predictions suggesting they may have a reduced lifespan, averaging around six years compared to typical cats.
Dr. Grace Carroll, an animal behavior specialist at Queen’s University Belfast, has cautioned pet owners to carefully assess the implications of acquiring such experimental breeds. She emphasised the significance of consumers in influencing breeders to prioritise the health and welfare of animals over aesthetic traits. Dr Carroll advocated for ethical breeding practices that promote the well-being and natural behaviours of cats, such as climbing, jumping, and sunbathing.
Despite the warnings from experts, the popularity of ‘bullycats’ on social media platforms continues to rise, with breeders asserting that the cats are healthy and fully functional. However, Dr. Carroll has highlighted the high-risk nature of these cats due to potential health problems associated with their lack of fur, such as sunburn and skin cancer. She pointed out that kittens already have a limited ability to regulate their body temperature, which is further complicated by their hairlessness, rendering them vulnerable to respiratory infections and skin issues.
While legislation in England and Wales has made it a criminal offence to own an XL bully dog without an exemption certificate, there is currently no specific regulation governing the breeding of cats. Animal welfare organisations have expressed particular concern about the emergence of ‘bullycats,’ with the NatureWatch Foundation condemning the trend as “disturbing,” especially on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. The Foundation’s spokesperson labelled such breeding practices as cruel.
Earlier this year, an RSPCA spokesperson urged breeders to prioritise the health and welfare of animals over their appearance, emphasising the alternative of adopting rescue cats in need of homes. As discussions surrounding the well-being of these unconventional feline breeds continue, the message to prospective pet owners remains clear: the health and happiness of animals should always take precedence over fleeting trends and aesthetic preferences.