"Bullycats, which are unnatural hairless Sphynx-like cats with shortened and bowed legs and heavily-wrinkled skin, have gained a disturbing following on social media platforms in recent months", explained Naturewatch Foundation to their website, as experts across the UK expressed concern for both health and welfare.
Originally created as a feline alternative to the XL bully dog, the "bullycat" trend has gained popularity around the world. But what does this kind of breeding mean for the cats themselves?
Serious health issues
In a warning issued to the public, the RSPCA urged people not to consider buying a "bullycat".
Exaggerated features like their very short legs could put strain on their joints, leading to great discomfort throughout their lives. And excess folds of skin may make them prone to skin conditions, which could result in physical pain and hefty vet bills for their owner.
As the cats come from a limited gene pool, there's added concern for further, unknown health issues that may arise in future generations.
"An animal welfare disaster"
Bella Jones, of BullyCats UK recently spoke out against the warnings, claiming her animals are happy and health tested.
But for a spokesperson at Naturewatch Foundation, these cats are "an animal welfare disaster unfolding before our eyes".
"It's shocking to see that these cats are starting to appear in the UK. We've seen increasingly extreme breeding practices in the dog world in recent years, and it seems unscrupulous people are now turning their attention to exploiting cats in the same way", they explained in their statement."This kind of breeding is just cruel".
