UK experts warn against buying ‘XL bully cats’
Individuals are being advised against purchasing the cat version of XL bully dogs, which have been developed by breeders in the United States.
The hybrid breed is believed to be making its way to the UK, as it has been developed to look like XL bully dogs. This involves combining the gene that leads to hairlessness found in sphynx cats with the gene that produces the short legs seen in munchkin cats.
According to experts in a recent study, this breed may live at least six years less than the typical cat due to various serious health problems, as reported by the Telegraph.
Dr. Grace Carroll, an expert in animal behavior and welfare from the school of psychology at Queen’s University Belfast, emphasized that people considering getting a pet should understand the potential risks linked to owning mutant and experimental breeds.
“Consumers have the ability to influence the market. By choosing not to purchase breeds that have exaggerated physical traits, we can push breeders to focus more on the health and well-being of the animals instead of just looks.”
A shift towards responsible breeding practices could lead to healthier and happier cats in the future, allowing them to engage in their natural behaviors such as climbing, jumping, and basking in the sun. It's important that we allow cats to truly express their feline instincts.
Cat breeds are gaining popularity on social media, and breeders in the UK are already selling them, even though there are worries about significant health issues.
Similar to the sphynx breed, XL bully cats lack whiskers, which can lead to difficulties in how they communicate and find their way around.
Carroll explained that kittens have a hard time maintaining their body temperature as it is, and being hairless makes this even tougher for them, increasing their risk of respiratory illnesses. Additionally, without fur, these cats are more prone to sunburn and could face a higher risk of skin cancer.
According to experts, having short legs can result in various problems. A representative from Cats Protection mentioned, “Short legs are a genetic issue that may lead to painful arthritis and affect their overall ability to move around.”
The NatureWatch Foundation, which advocates for animal welfare and looks into the illicit trafficking of animals, expressed their astonishment: “It’s alarming to witness these unfortunate cats beginning to show up in the UK.”
"Recently, we've observed a rise in extreme breeding methods among dogs, and it seems that some unethical individuals are now focusing on taking advantage of cats in a similar manner, driven by the desire for profit and social media fame."
