The public has been advised against purchasing a particular breed of hairless cat that experts warn may suffer significant health issues.
Naturewatch Foundation, an animal welfare charity, urges people to steer clear of bullycats, a sphynx-like breed with short, bowed legs and deeply wrinkled skin. The organisation highlighted that this breed’s ‘exaggerated and unnatural appearance’ makes them prone to various health problems, including sunburn, skin infections, and mobility issues.
The charity noted that bullycats have gained ‘a disturbing following’ on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok in recent months.
⚠️ Animal welfare warning as horrific #Bullycat fad reaches UK.
Extreme and unnatural Bullycats are starting to appear in the UK – all because of human greed & vanity.
Let’s stop the exploitation of pets bred to suffer.
Read more: https://t.co/SjIhSfTJ2W. #StopGreedBreeding
— Naturewatch Foundation (@Naturewatch_org) August 12, 2024
Bullycats, named for their resemblance to bully dogs, are believed to have originated in the US but are now also bred in the UK, according to the charity.
A Naturewatch Foundation spokesperson expressed concern, stating, “It’s shocking to see these poor cats emerging in the UK. Extreme breeding practices seen with dogs are now affecting cats, driven by greed and social media popularity. It’s an animal welfare disaster and is simply cruel.”
Dr Dan O’Neill, Associate Professor of Companion Animal Epidemiology at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC), concurred. He mentioned that RVC research over the past decade has documented the suffering inflicted on dogs due to extreme body shapes. He finds it heartbreaking that similar suffering is now being inflicted on cats with the creation of the bullycat.
Dr O’Neill pointed out that bullycats are likely to experience shortened lifespans, as evidenced by a recent RVC VetCompass paper showing Sphynx cats lived 6.7 years compared to an average of 11.7 years for other cats. He noted that selecting for disease mutations, such as hairlessness leading to sunburn, dwarfism causing mobility issues and joint pain, and folded skin resulting in skin infections, means many bullycats will suffer throughout their lives.
The Naturewatch Foundation spokesperson added, “If you’re considering getting a cat, avoid these harmful designer breeds. You’ll face high vet fees and the pain of seeing your pet suffer from lifelong health issues. Many wonderful cats need homes, so please adopt from a reputable rescue and choose a cat with a natural body shape.”
The charity also urges people to boycott social media accounts promoting bullycats.
Those concerned about low-welfare or unlicensed pet selling should report their concerns to their local authority’s licensing department. Naturewatch Foundation also investigates tips about the illicit pet trade. Visit their website for more information.
In 2022, a campaign was launched to legally ban the breeding of exotic cats with domestic cats. The Wildheart Trust, supported by Chris Packham, stated that the trend for ‘designer cats’ driven by social media causes health problems for the pets and endangers future wild feline populations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why shouldn’t I buy a bullycat?
Bullycats are likely to suffer from sunburn, skin infections, and mobility issues due to their exaggerated appearance.
What are bullycats?
Bullycats are a sphynx-like breed with short legs and heavily wrinkled skin, resembling bully dogs.
Where did bullycats originate?
Bullycats appear to have originated in the US but are now also being bred in the UK.
What should I do if I see a social media account promoting bullycats?
Naturewatch Foundation urges people to boycott social media accounts that promote bullycats.
What are the consequences of owning a bullycat?
Owners may face high vet fees and the pain of seeing their pet suffer from lifelong health issues.