XL Bully cats, a mix of sphynx and munchkin breeds, are gaining popularity but come with serious health risks. Experts warn that these hairless, short-legged cats suffer from respiratory infections, sunburn, and shorter lifespans. Ethical breeding is urged to prioritize the animal’s well-being over extreme physical traits.
Highlights
- XL Bully cats are a mix of munchkin and sphynx breeds.
- Experts warn against buying these cats due to severe health risks.
- Hairless cats struggle with temperature regulation, respiratory issues, and skin cancer.
- XL Bully cats are prone to shorter lifespans compared to other breeds.
- Ethical breeding practices are urged to prioritize cat health over appearance.
XL Bully cats have recently gained popularity in the US and UK, but animal experts strongly advise potential pet owners to steer clear.
These cats are a mix of munchkin and sphynx breeds, combining the gene responsible for hairlessness with the gene for short legs.
Despite their growing trend on social media, experts highlight serious health risks and a much shorter life expectancy.
Dr. Grace Carroll from Queen’s University Belfast warns that these mixed breeds often suffer from severe health problems. Without fur, they are more vulnerable to sunburn and skin cancer.
Additionally, kittens already struggle to regulate their body temperature, and hairlessness further increases their risk of respiratory infections.
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According to research, XL Bully cats face the same issues as sphynx and munchkin cats but often at a higher intensity.
The average sphynx lives only 6.7 years, compared to 12 years for other cats. Bully cats, with their combination of traits, may face even more severe challenges.
Social media influencers like Bella Jones, a breeder who runs BullyCats UK, claim their cats are “health tested.” However, animal welfare experts argue that breeding for extreme aesthetics compromises the cat’s health.
Dr. Carroll emphasizes that consumers have the power to demand ethical breeding practices that prioritize the well-being of the animal.
