UK experts warn against buying ‘XL bully cats’
The hybrid breed is understood to be spreading to the UK after being bred to resemble XL bully dogs, mixing the gene that causes hairlessness in sphynx cats with the gene responsible for the short legs of munchkin cats.
Experts have warned in a research paper that the breed is likely to have a life expectancy at least six years shorter than an average cat, as a result of suffering from serious health issues, the Telegraph reported.
Dr Grace Carroll, a specialist in animal behaviour and welfare at Queen’s University Belfast’s school of psychology, said: “Prospective pet owners need to be aware of the risks associated with owning mutant and experimental breeds.
“Consumers hold purchasing power. We can discourage breeders from prioritising aesthetics over the health and welfare of the animals by refusing to buy breeds with extreme traits.
“A fashion toward ethical breeding could ensure future cats are healthier, happier and free to enjoy natural feline behaviour like climbing, jumping and lounging in the sun. We should let cats be cats.”
