Fur‑free felines spark global debate over ethical breeding
21-year-old Lucy Jones did not anticipate that posting pictures of her cats online would provoke a global uproar. Her five Bambino cats, also known as "Bully Cats," have become the centre of heated debates among animal lovers and animal rights advocates.
Bambino cats, a cross between the Sphynx and Munchkin, are known for their lack of fur, wrinkled skin, and short, muscular legs. Due to their appearance, they have been compared to dangerous bully dog breeds, which are banned in the UK following a series of attacks on humans. According to the "Daily Mail," these cats are called "XL Bully Cats."
Lucy and her 23-year-old boyfriend, Kaine Horridge, run an Instagram account called "Bully Cats UK", aiming to change the perception of this breed.
People started calling them bully cats because of their resemblance to bully dogs. But the comparison has been blown out of all proportion, says Lucy.
The couple has faced a wave of criticism. "We've even had hate mail," admits Kaine. "It's people misunderstanding them, accusing us of breeding deformed animals." Comments like 'You should be ashamed,' 'It's disgraceful,' or 'Revolting and unnatural' appear regularly.
Animal welfare organisations warn that "mutants" like the Bambino suffer from numerous health problems. Nicky Trevorrow from Cats Protection explains: "One of the main problems is that these cats don't have fur. And any cat without fur is automatically suffering."
The lack of fur exposes them to sunburn in the summer and frostbite in the winter. Additionally, their short legs, due to dwarfism, limit their mobility.
They need fur for warmth, protection and to distribute natural oils across the skin. Any hairless cat, like these so-called Bully Cats, is prone to sunburn and heatstroke in the summer, as well as frostbite when it gets really cold, adds Nicky.
They have five "XL Bully" cats. There is a warning
Jeff Knott, director of policy at Cats Protection, warns of the consequences of breeding such breeds.
You're signing up to a lifetime of expensive vet bills. And most owners just don't appreciate that. And, sadly, buying these breeds only encourages the breeders to carry on, he explains.
Lucy and Kaine stress their concern for the cats. "Our cats do shiver when they aren't wearing their coats," admits Lucy. That's why the animals don't go outside. "It'd be like you taking all your clothes off, going in your boxer shorts and just sitting outside," Kaine explains.
Organisations are calling for a ban on breeding cats with "extreme features". "If we don't nip it in the bud, this could become an epidemic," warns Jeff Knott. There are also concerns about the emergence of more hybrids with even more extreme features.
