The RSCPA has warned of a brand new pattern of breeding imposing however sickly “bully cats” and has warned the general public to not purchase one.
The animal charity has mentioned it has seen a spike in demand for the animals on social media, with potential consumers displaying a misplaced curiosity in direction of them.
Naturewatch Basis has additionally flagged the worrisome pattern and mentioned that the illness-prone pets can typically reside sad lives.
“Excessive cat breeding, which prioritises exaggerated bodily traits over the well being and well-being of the animals, has led to the creation of cats that suffer from a spread of debilitating well being and welfare points,” a press release learn.
“From respiratory issues to joint and pores and skin issues, these cats typically endure a lifetime of ache – all within the title of aesthetics.”
Here’s what you must find out about these so-called bully cats.
What are ‘bully cats’?
The feline bullies are hairless Sphynx-like cats which can be bred with brief legs and “extra pores and skin folds”, in keeping with the RSCPA.
They’re bred to look powerful and intimidating, a minimum of to people, and are seen amongst some as a standing image.
Nevertheless, the genetic make-up of the cats means they typically lead sad lives.
Why are they inflicting controversy?
“They’re hairless cats that are bred with very brief legs and extra pores and skin folds, which might trigger welfare points,” the RSPCA mentioned.
It added that their brief legs can pressure their joints and the pores and skin folds are prone to trigger circumstances.
“The cats are being bred from a restricted gene pool which can be worrying,” a press release added.
The problems might each depart the cat in bodily discomfort and the proprietor is prone to face frequent vet payments.
“These poor cats have been intentionally bred to have shortened and bowed legs, unnaturally muscular our bodies and hairless, wrinkled pores and skin,” Naturewatch Basis added.
“Think about what life have to be like for the cat inside that physique. Unable to precise regular behaviour due to ache and discomfort, it have to be an insufferable existence.
“And it’s solely pointless. Human greed and vainness are what drives excessive breeding.”
Have they got any relation to XL bully canines?
XL bully canines have been banned within the UK and Eire
Jacob King / PA
The bully cat is just not an official breed of cat however extra a just lately bred number of feline that derives its title from wanting imposing – just like the XL bully canine.
The American XL bully breed of canine has been banned by the federal government after a variety of incidents the place they’ve viciously attacked individuals.
Since February, it has been a prison offence to personal one with out an exemption certificates.
The bully cat bears little resemblance to the canine model however has been given the identical nickname for its powerful look.
An RSPCA spokesperson instructed The Unbiased: “We perceive that their rising presence on social media could gasoline a requirement for these sorts of cats however we’d urge fellow cat lovers to contemplate adopting the numerous rescue cats in our care as a substitute of shopping for from a breeder.
“We’d additionally urge breeders to prioritise the well being and welfare of any animal over the way in which they appear.”
