October 19th 2024.
Animal lovers have been advised against purchasing a new and popular breed of hairless cats known as "bullycats" due to serious concerns over their health. These cats were originally bred in the United States and quickly gained a large following on social media before making their way to the UK. With their lack of fur and short legs similar to the now-banned XL bullydog, experts warn that these cats are at risk for various health and quality of life issues.
Among those expressing concern are animal welfare charities, Naturewatch Foundation and the RSPCA. Dr. Grace Carroll, an animal behavior specialist at Queen's University Belfast, has also spoken out, urging people to carefully consider the consequences of buying these unique felines. In an article for The Conversation, she writes, "Consumers hold the power to discourage breeders from prioritizing aesthetics over the health and welfare of these animals."
So, how exactly are "bullycats" bred? The breed is a result of combining genes from a hairless sphinx cat and a munchkin cat, known for its short legs. However, despite claims from breeders that these cats are healthy and happy, research conducted by experts at Utrecht University in The Netherlands suggests otherwise. According to Dr. Carroll, potential health issues for "bullycats" include respiratory infections, skin sensitivity, communication and navigation difficulties, and mobility problems.
One of the main concerns is the cats' lack of body hair, making them more prone to respiratory infections due to their limited ability to regulate body temperature. Additionally, their bare skin is highly vulnerable to sunburn and skin cancer, making it important for them to be kept out of direct sunlight. Furthermore, the absence of whiskers, a vital tool for cats in navigating their surroundings, can also pose challenges for these unique felines. Their short legs may limit their ability to climb and jump, potentially leading to painful health conditions.
With "bullycats" being a relatively new breed, their average lifespan is still unknown. However, the average lifespan for a sphinx cat is only 6.7 years, compared to 12 years for other cats. With their shortened legs, it is possible that "bullycats" may have an even shorter lifespan. This is a concerning issue that should be taken into consideration before purchasing these cats.
In August, a spokesperson for Naturewatch Foundation expressed shock at the appearance of "bullycats" in the UK, stating, "We've seen a rise in extreme breeding practices in the dog world and it seems that unscrupulous individuals are now exploiting cats in the same way, all for the sake of profit and social media attention. This is a disaster for animal welfare and these breeding practices are simply cruel."
Dr. Carroll hopes that ethical breeding practices will become more popular, rather than extreme ones. She suggests that a shift in this direction could result in healthier and happier cats who are free to engage in their natural behaviors such as climbing, jumping, and basking in the sun. After all, cats should be allowed to be cats.
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
