A new breed of cat that bears a resemblance to the controversial XL bully dogs have hit the market.
Dubbed "bully cats", this US-bred hybrid is a cross between the hairless gene from sphynx cats and the short-legged gene from munchkin cats. However, animal welfare experts warn that these felines have a significantly shorter lifespan of just six years and suffer from numerous health issues.
Dr Grace Carroll, an animal behaviour specialist at Queen's University Belfast, people to be careful when purchasing experimental breeds, as "consumers hold purchasing power."
READ MORE: Brit influencer, 26, fell to death on 630ft Spanish bridge - despite family pleas not to climb
Click for more of the latest news from across the world from the Daily Star.
She told the Telegraph: "By refusing to buy breeds with extreme traits, we can discourage breeders from prioritising aesthetics over the health and welfare of the animals."
Dr Carroll urged us to "let cats be cats" while warning that the breed would face health complications throughout their shortened lives.
The breed reportedly has a communication handicap due to lack of whiskers, like the sphynx cat, as well as poor spatial awareness and navigation skills.
According to Dr Carroll, the breed's exaggerated features are believed to cause respiratory complications, while their hairlessness makes them susceptible to skin cancer and sunburn, reports the Express.
She explained: "Kittens already have a limited ability to regulate their body temperature, which is further complicated by hairlessness, making them susceptible to respiratory infections and skin issues."
With the law now classifying it a criminal offence to own an XL bully dog in England and Wales without proper certification since February, there is no comparable legislation for cats.
Animal charities are raising the alarm over the increasing craze for such breeds, driven hugely by platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
Prices for bullycats are floating between £200 and £800. The RSPCA earlier this year called on breeders to put animals' health and welfare before their appearances.
They added: "We understand that their emerging presence on social media may fuel a demand for these kinds of cats but we would urge fellow cat lovers to consider adopting the many rescue cats in our care instead of buying from a breeder."
For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.
