The hairless Bully cats, known for their “quirky” characteristics, were bred in England and are gaining popularity on social media.
The breed known as Bully cats has recently been making waves across social media platforms. They are called Bully cats because they share similar traits with the famous Bully dog breed, known for its muscular build and distinctive wrinkled skin.
It is known that these are actually Sphynx cats (a hairless cat breed) that have been crossbred. It is believed that the so-called Bully cats originated in the United States, but they have now spread across the Atlantic and created a new trend in this region.
Bully cats have a quirky appearance.
However, experts have warned that this frightening breeding trend could lead to serious health issues for pets. Cat lovers are being advised not to purchase and to boycott this unusual cat breed as they will likely endure a life of suffering.
The animal welfare charity Naturewatch Foundation (UK) has sent a message to those considering adopting a cat: “If you are thinking about getting a cat, don’t buy harmful crossbred cats like these. It is horrifying to see these poor cats starting to appear in the UK.”
We have witnessed increasingly extreme breeding practices among dog breeds, and now unscrupulous breeders are shifting their attention to cats in similar ways. All in pursuit of greed and social media likes.”
These are actually bred Sphynx cats.
Dr. Dan O’Neill, an associate professor of animal epidemiology at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC), stated that it is heartbreaking to see these cats suffer similar pains to those of dogs due to human fascination with “extreme body shapes.”
He noted: “These crossbred cats will have a significantly reduced lifespan compared to normal cats. For instance, being hairless can lead to sunburn and difficulty keeping warm, dwarfism can cause mobility issues and joint pain, and wrinkled skin can lead to lifelong skin infections… This means that many Bully cats will have to endure a life of suffering.
Such diseases may also compel owners to take their pets to the veterinarian, increasing costs. These Sphynx-like cats are also bred to have only a thin layer of fuzz covering them, and some may even lack eyelashes or whiskers to explore their surroundings.”
Crossbred cats will significantly reduce lifespan compared to normal.
Regarding this special cat breed, a spokesperson for the RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) also stated, “We understand that the increasing appearance of Bully cats on social media may drive demand for this breed. But we also urge cat lovers to consider the implications of adopting them. At the same time, we call on breeders to prioritize the health and welfare of any animals over their appearance.”
