Cat owners should avoid the emerging hybrid breed of ‘bully cats’ which resemble the controversial XL bully dogs, a Queen’s University expert has warned.
US breeders have created the new type by mixing the hairless gene from Sphynx cats with the short-legged gene from Munchkin cats.
However, animal welfare experts are concerned over the potential health issues, predicting they could live an average of only six years.
QUB’s Dr Grace Carroll warned pet owners to carefully consider the implications.
She said: “Consumers hold purchasing power. By refusing to buy breeds with extreme traits we can discourage breeders from prioritising aesthetics over the health and welfare of the animals.”
She called for ethical breeding to allow cats to be healthier and engage in natural feline behaviours, such as climbing, jumping and basking in the sun.
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Despite these warnings, the cats are continuing to gain popularity, with breeders insisting they are health-tested and completely functional.
However, Dr Carroll added: “Kittens already have a limited ability to regulate their body temperature, which is further complicated by hairlessness, making them susceptible to respiratory infections and skin issues.”
Since February it has been a criminal offence to own an XL bully dog in England and Wales without an exemption certificate, but there is no specific legislation regulating the breeding of cats.
Animal welfare organisations are particularly concerned about the rise of bully cats, with the NatureWatch Foundation highlighting the “disturbing” trend on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
The organisation said: “It’s shocking to see these poor cats starting to appear in the UK. This kind of breeding is just cruel.”
Earlier this year the RSPCA urged breeders to prioritise the health and welfare of any animal over the way they look.
It added: “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.”
© The Independent