In 2023, it was made illegal to sell, give away, abandon or breed from an XL bully dog, a story that flooded the British press. Shortly after this, it was also made illegal to own an XL bully dog without an exemption certificate. Since the ban, breeders in the US have developed a new hybrid breed of cat – which has been designed to be the feline equivalent of XL bully dogs. People are being urged not to buy this new hybrid breed.
What is an XL bully cat?
Known as the XL bully cat or bullycat, this new hybrid breed has been developed from the sphynx and munchkin breeds of cat to produce a cat that visually resembles the XL bully dog. It mixes the gene that causes the hairlessness in sphynx cats with the gene that develops the short legs of munchkin cats.
Bully cats have shortened legs, excessively wrinkled skin and curled ears. "Any one of these body types is likely to cause painful conditions, so these cats really are facing a horrible, painful life," says Sarah Elliott, central veterinary officer for Cats Protection.
Do bully cats have health issues?
Arthritis and joint abnormalities are the most likely problems facing XL bully cats, but they will also be at risk of skin conditions due to their heavily folded, hairless skin, Sarah explains. "Not only that, a lack of whiskers in hairless cats can make it difficult for them to navigate their surroundings, judge distances and sense objects close up."
While XL bully cats are classified as cats, their health issues may prevent them living a normal life. Many of the behaviours and instincts that are inbuilt in most domestic cats may not be possible. "All cats will have the same instincts to groom, knead, jump, pounce and perform usual cat behaviours," says Sarah. "Due to their physical limitations, this may not be possible for bully cats and can lead to behavioural problems. If they feel threatened and can’t physically jump to a safe space, or if they’re in pain due to a health condition like arthritis, they may well lash out of fear, pain or frustration. Also, cats bred by unethical breeders may not have been properly socialised as kittens, and that can lead to problems in a domestic home.”
Should you buy a bully cat?
It’s important to remember that bully cats are not a recognised breed and are at risk of suffering considerable health problems. Animal welfare charities like Cats Protection are calling for a ban on breeding cats with extreme traits, like the bully. "We’d urge people to avoid buying cats like the bully, as it will just encourage more unethical breeders to intentionally produce more kittens with painful conditions. It’s really important that we, as animal lovers, put a stop to this kind of breeding. There’s nothing fun or cute about it, it’s a horrible life to inflict on an animal," says Sarah.
For anyone considering buying a kitten from a breeder, the charity recommends choosing a breeder who is registered with the Governing Council of Cat Fancy (GCFF) and referring to the Kitten Checklist on the Cats Protection website.