The Cat Group opposes breeding of Bully and Dwelf cats

The Cat Group, a coalition of feline welfare organizations, said it is “completely opposed” to the breeding and promotion of so-called Bully and Dwelf cats, arguing that these cats are being selected for deformities that compromise welfare and quality of life. In a position statement reported in August 2024, the group said the cats’ hairlessness, shortened and bowed limbs, and abnormal joints can cause pain, restrict mobility, and prevent normal feline behaviors. The statement lands amid broader veterinary concern about extreme feline conformations, including a parallel campaign from International Cat Care, FECAVA, FVE, and UEVP urging companies not to use cats with welfare-compromising conformations in advertising. (dev.veterinary-practice.com)

Why it matters: For veterinary professionals, the statement adds to a growing body of policy and welfare guidance pushing back on breeding for extreme traits in cats. The UK Animal Welfare Committee’s opinion on feline breeding practices highlighted serious welfare risks linked to inherited deformities, including dwarfism-related limb abnormalities and painful joint disease, while the GCCF says it opposes breeding cats whose physical structure harms welfare and has long declined to recognize breeds based on abnormal structure or hair-deficient traits beyond those already established. That gives clinicians and practice teams stronger backing when counseling pet parents about the likely health burdens, chronic pain risks, mobility limits, dermatologic issues, and ethical concerns tied to novelty breeds. (gov.uk)

What to watch: Expect continued pressure on breeders, advertisers, registries, and policymakers as veterinary and welfare groups broaden scrutiny of extreme-conformation cats. (icatcare.org)