XL BULLY CAT: THE CAT BREED EVERYONE IS BEING TOLD TO AVOID – AND WHY

The hairless hybrid breed, reportedly been created by breeders in the US, have grown in popularity on social media and can now be bought online in the UK.

Brits are being cautioned against purchasing XL bully cats, a breed that resembles the banned dogs, due to concerns for their health.

This hairless hybrid breed, reportedly developed by breeders in the U.S., has gained popularity on social media and is now available for purchase online in the UK.

It is alleged that these cats were bred to resemble XL Bully dogs, which were banned in England and Wales in February due to a rise in attacks and fatalities associated with the breed.

Under current law, anyone owning an XL Bully could face having their pet euthanized and could receive a criminal record if they do not register the animal.

While the growing popularity of this breed has raised concerns among scientists and charities, there are currently no similar legal restrictions on owning these cats, according to The Daily Star.

Why are experts advising against purchasing them?

“Bullycats” are created by combining the hairlessness gene from sphynx cats with the gene that causes the short legs found in munchkin cats.

While some animal lovers may be attracted to the unique appearance of XL Bully cats, experts caution that this breed may have a lifespan that is six years shorter than the average cat due to significant health issues they are prone to.

Dr. Grace Carroll, an expert in animal behavior and welfare at Queen’s University Belfast’s School of Psychology, cautioned in an article for The Conversation that prospective pet owners must recognize the risks of owning mutant and experimental breeds.

“Consumers have the power to influence the market. By choosing not to buy breeds with extreme traits, we can encourage breeders to prioritize health and welfare over aesthetics.

“An emphasis on ethical breeding could lead to healthier, happier cats that can freely engage in natural behaviors like climbing, jumping, and lounging in the sun,” she remarked, emphasizing, “We should allow cats to be cats.”

What kinds of health problems does the breed suffer?

According to Dr Carroll, XL Bully cats may fall victim to “twice the number of challenges encountered by sphynx and munchkin breeds”.

Similar to Sphynx cats, XL bully cats lack whiskers, which are essential for navigating their environment and communicating effectively.

“Hairlessness makes it even harder for kittens to regulate their body temperature, increasing their risk of respiratory infections,” Dr. Carroll explains.

Hairless cats are also at greater risk of sunburn and skin cancer, she adds.

According to Cats Protection, the animals’ short legs—due to a genetic defect—can lead to painful arthritis and mobility issues.

Dr. Carroll pointed out that the average lifespan of a Sphynx cat is only about 6.7 years, compared to the 12 years typical for other cats, adding that “XL bully cats may have an even shorter lifespan.”

A spokesperson for the RSPCA previously told The Independent, “While we recognize that their growing popularity on social media may drive demand for these breeds, we encourage cat lovers to consider adopting from the many rescue cats in our care instead of purchasing from breeders.

“We also urge breeders to prioritize the health and welfare of the animals over their appearance.”