WARNING AS ‘EXAGGERATED’ HAIRLESS ‘BULLYCATS’ BEING BRED IN UK DESPITE SERIOUS HEALTH ISSUES
Source: Independent (Extract)
Posted: August 16, 2024
The RSPCA has issued a warning about a “concerning” trend involving so-called “bullycats,” advising people against purchasing them.
Experts caution that breeds resembling hairless Sphynx cats are likely to face significant health problems and should be avoided.
The RSPCA has warned that these “exaggerated” Sphynx cats, which are bred with very short legs, may experience joint strain. Additionally, their “excess skin folds” make them susceptible to various skin conditions.
These issues can cause significant discomfort for the cats and may result in frequent and costly veterinary visits for owners.
Bullycats have gained a “disturbing following” on social media platforms in recent months, according to the animal welfare charity Naturewatch Foundation.
The breed is referred to as “bullycat” because of its alleged resemblance to Bully dogs. Since February, it has been illegal to own an XL bully dog in England and Wales without an exemption certificate.
The RSPCA added that the lack of fur on Sphynx-like cats may make them susceptible to harmful ultraviolet light and prevent them from using their hair and whiskers to “explore their environment.”
The charity’s spokesperson also noted that breeding these cats from a limited gene pool could lead to additional health problems.
Dr. Dan O’Neill, Associate Professor of Companion Animal Epidemiology at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC), expressed that it is “heartbreaking” to witness the “enormous suffering that humans have inflicted on dogs” now being extended to cats.
“Bullycats are likely to experience similarly shortened lifespans, as evidenced by a recent RVC VetCompass study that found Sphynx cats live an average of just 6.7 years, compared to 11.7 years for cats overall,” he added.
“The advice for anyone considering getting a cat or dog is to always prioritize the animal’s welfare and to carefully consider before acquiring a pet with an extreme and unnatural body shape that is not commonly found in nature.”
An RSPCA spokesperson told The Independent: “We recognize that their increasing visibility on social media may drive demand for these types of cats. However, we encourage cat lovers to consider adopting from the many rescue cats in our care instead of purchasing from breeders. We also urge breeders to prioritize the health and welfare of the animals over their appearance.”
