An investigation has uncovered a troubling network of unlicensed breeders illegally selling “bully” kittens on Instagram and Facebook. These controversial cats, bred for their hairless bodies and short legs, are being sold for up to £6,000 each despite serious health concerns and legal restrictions.
Health Problems Plague Designer Breed
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Veterinary experts warn that these cats are essentially “born to suffer.” Their short legs can strain joints, causing pain and limiting mobility. Without fur, they’re vulnerable to sunburn and skin cancer. The excessive skin folds make them prone to infections.
Perhaps most concerning, these cats lack whiskers—essential sensory tools that cats use to navigate their environment. This combination of health issues typically leads to shortened lifespans and frequent, expensive vet visits.
Social Media Marketplaces Fuel Illegal Trade
Despite restrictions under “Lucy’s Law” (introduced five years ago), unlicensed breeders are openly advertising these kittens on social media platforms. The law requires that only licensed breeders may sell pets under six months old, with violators facing potential unlimited fines or jail time.
An undercover investigator found numerous Instagram and Facebook posts advertising bully kittens. When contacted privately, one seller offered a 10-week-old kitten for £5,000.
“Middlemen” Hide Origins of Kittens
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The investigation revealed another troubling aspect of this trade: many sellers are actually “middlemen” who bring kittens to different locations for sales meetings. This practice makes it impossible for buyers to verify where the kittens were born or their living conditions.
One investigator described meeting a seller at “a semi-detached property, clean and well kept,” only to discover later that “it wasn’t the cats’ home—they were brought in specifically for the sales visit.”
Some sellers are even importing very young kittens from abroad. The investigation uncovered messages where a breeder offered to send a white hairless kitten from Russia to the UK for £6,000. This international dimension further complicates regulation and oversight.
Animal Welfare Groups Unite Against the Trend
A coalition of respected organizations—including the British Small Animal Veterinary Association, Battersea, Cats Protection, PDSA, International Cat Care, and the RSPCA—has branded breeding for these extreme characteristics as unethical.
Alison Richards from Cats Protection expressed serious concern: “We’re incredibly concerned about the breeding of cats with extreme body types and have seen some sellers advertising ‘bully’ cats on online selling sites. Our veterinary assessments of the photos and videos we have seen of these cats have raised serious welfare concerns.”
Animal welfare charities consistently urge potential pet owners to adopt from rescue shelters rather than supporting problematic breeding practices. For those set on a specific breed, researching legitimate, licensed breeders is essential.
Unlike the recent ban on XL bully dogs in England and Wales, there is currently no specific legislation banning “bully” cats. However, the practice of selling them without a license remains illegal.
