Animal welfare organizations are once again cautioning the public against purchasing the increasingly popular ‘bullycat’ breed, citing serious concerns over the health of these animals.
Originally bred in the U.S., ‘bullycats’ quickly gained attention on social media before making their way to the UK. These cats are distinct for being hairless with unusually short, bowed legs, traits that resemble the now-outlawed XL bullydog breed. Experts warn that these physical features lead to numerous health problems and diminish the cats’ quality of life.
Some of the most pressing issues include increased sensitivity to sunlight, respiratory challenges, and mobility restrictions, which could potentially shorten the cats’ lifespans.
Groups such as Naturewatch Foundation and the RSPCA have been vocal about the dangers posed to these cats. Recently, Dr. Grace Carroll, an animal behavior expert from Queen’s University Belfast, emphasized the need for people to think carefully before buying these animals.
“Consumers have a huge influence on the market,” Dr. Carroll wrote in an article for The Conversation. “By refusing to buy breeds with exaggerated features, we can send a clear message to breeders that the health and welfare of the animals should always come first.”
What Is the Breeding Process for ‘Bullycats’?
The ‘bullycat’ breed is a result of combining genetic traits from two different types of cats: the hairless sphynx and the short-legged munchkin.
What Are the Main Health Concerns Facing ‘Bullycats’?
While breeders claim that ‘bullycats’ are healthy, research conducted by experts at Utrecht University in the Netherlands—namely, Marjan van Hagen and Jeffrey de Gier—points to a series of significant health risks. Dr. Carroll highlighted these concerns in her article.
Respiratory Issues
Newborn kittens naturally struggle to regulate their body temperature, and this problem is exacerbated when they lack fur. As a result, ‘bullycats’ are more prone to developing respiratory infections.
Skin Sensitivity
Most cats love lying in the sun, but the hairless skin of a ‘bullycat’ is especially vulnerable to sunburn and even skin cancer.
Difficulty Navigating
These cats are also missing whiskers, which are crucial for helping them navigate their environment and measure distances. Without whiskers, ‘bullycats’ may struggle with spatial awareness.
Mobility Problems
Cats are known for their ability to leap and climb, but the short legs of ‘bullycats’ can make this difficult, limiting their activity and potentially leading to painful physical issues.
Since the breed is relatively new, their average lifespan is not yet established. However, sphynx cats typically live around 6.7 years—significantly shorter than the average 12 years for most other cats. With their additional physical challenges, ‘bullycats’ could have even shorter lifespans, according to Dr. Carroll.
A Shift Towards Ethical Breeding
Back in August, a Naturewatch Foundation spokesperson expressed alarm at the emergence of these cats in the UK.
“In recent years, we’ve seen extreme breeding practices among dogs, and now it seems unethical breeders are turning their attention to cats. They’re doing this for profit and social media fame, but the impact on animal welfare is catastrophic. This type of breeding is simply cruel,” the spokesperson said.
Dr. Carroll hopes that ethical breeding practices will soon become more fashionable. “If we embrace ethical breeding, future generations of cats will be healthier, happier, and free to engage in their natural behaviors, like climbing, jumping, and basking in the sun. We need to let cats live like cats”.
