Social media trends fuel demand for risky cat breeds in UK

In recent years, concerns over extreme breeding practices have shifted from dogs to cats, with a new hybrid breed resembling the controversial XL bully dogs gaining traction in the UK, The Guardian highlights.

People are being advised against purchasing a new feline breed reminiscent of XL bully dogs, which has emerged from breeders in the US. This hybrid breed is reportedly making its way to the UK, having been created by combining the gene for hairlessness from sphynx cats with the gene that gives munchkin cats their short legs.  

Experts have raised concerns in a research paper that this breed may have a life expectancy at least six years shorter than that of an average cat due to significant health problems, as reported by the Telegraph. Dr. Grace Carroll, an animal behavior and welfare specialist at Queen’s University Belfast’s School of Psychology, stated in the Conversation: “Potential pet owners should be aware of the risks associated with owning mutant and experimental breeds.”

“Consumers have the power to influence purchasing decisions. By choosing not to buy breeds with extreme traits, we can discourage breeders from prioritizing aesthetics over the health and well-being of animals.   “A trend towards ethical breeding could lead to healthier, happier cats that can engage in natural behaviors like climbing, jumping, and basking in the sun. We should allow cats to be their true selves.”  

This new cat breed is being promoted on social media, with breeders already offering them for sale in the UK despite concerns about serious health defects. Like sphynx cats, XL bully cats lack whiskers, which can hinder their communication and navigation abilities.   Carroll explained, “Kittens have a limited ability to regulate their body temperature, which is further complicated by hairlessness, making them more prone to respiratory infections. Additionally, the absence of fur can result in sunburn and skin cancer in hairless cats.”  

Experts have also noted that short legs can lead to various problems. A spokesperson from Cats Protection stated, “Their short legs are a genetic defect that can result in painful arthritis and hinder their overall mobility.” The NatureWatch Foundation, which advocates for animal welfare and investigates illegal animal trafficking, stated: “It’s alarming to witness these unfortunate cats beginning to surface in the UK.

“We’ve observed increasingly extreme breeding practices in dogs in recent years, and it seems that unethical individuals are now shifting their focus to exploit cats in a similar manner, driven by greed and the desire for social media attention.”

By Naila Huseynova