XL Bully cat warning as extreme feline breed sparks concerns over safety

experts are warning people not to purchase a newly emerging breed of that resembles the controversial .

Known as "bully cats", the US bred hybrid cat is a mix of a hairless gene from Sphynx cats with the short-legged gene from Munchkin cats.

However, animal experts have warned that the breed has a significantly shorter lifespan of only six years as well as an array of other health complications.

Dr Grace Carroll, an animal behaviour specialist at told the Telegraph that pet owners should exercise caution when purchasing experimental breeds as ultimately "consumers hold purchasing power."

She said: "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 insisted that we should "let cats be cats" whilst warning that the breed would experience health complications throughout a shortened life.

The breed is said to have a communication handicap due to having no whiskers, like the sphynx cat as well as poor spatial awareness and navigation ability.

According to Dr Carroll, the exaggerated features of the breed are believed to be behind respiratory complications whilst the hairlessness leaves them vulnerable to skin cancer and sunburn.

She said: "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."

Since February, it has been a in England and Wales without an exemption certificate, but no such legislation exists for cats.

Animal welfare charities have expressed shock and unease at the rise in popularity of the breed, driven in large part by sites such as and

Currently, bullycats can be purchased for anywhere between £200 and £800.

Earlier this year, an spokesperson urged breeders to prioritise the health and welfare of any animal over the way they look.

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."