Experts Warn of Health Issues in Hairless ‘Bullycats’
Animal welfare charity Naturewatch Foundation is cautioning the public against a new trend for bullycats, a sphynx-like breed with short, bowed legs and heavily wrinkled skin. These cats, named after bully dogs due to their similarities, are at risk of suffering from serious health issues such as sunburn, skin infections, and mobility problems due to their exaggerated and unnatural appearance.
The foundation has observed a disturbing following of bullycats on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, indicating a growing popularity of this breed. While the breed seems to have originated in the US, it is now being bred in the UK as well.
Naturewatch Foundation and Dr. Dan O’Neill, an expert in companion animal epidemiology at the Royal Veterinary College, are sounding the alarm on the potential suffering that bullycats may face. Dr. O’Neill highlights the shortened lifespan of Sphynx cats, a similar breed, and warns that deliberately selecting for disease mutations in bullycats could lead to a lifetime of health issues and suffering.
The foundation is urging prospective cat owners to avoid buying into harmful designer fads like bullycats and instead opt for cats with natural body shapes from reputable rescues. They are also calling for a boycott of social media accounts that promote these breeds.
In response to concerns about low-welfare or unlicensed pet selling, members of the public are encouraged to report any information to their local authority’s licensing department or to Naturewatch Foundation for further investigation.
A campaign for a legal ban on the breeding of exotic cats with domestic cats was launched in 2022 by the Wildheart Trust, supported by Chris Packham. This initiative aims to address the health issues faced by designer cats and protect the future populations of wild felines.
For more information on reporting illicit pet trade or supporting animal welfare initiatives, visit the Naturewatch Foundation website. Let’s prioritize the well-being of our feline friends and choose compassion over trends when welcoming a new pet into our homes.
