The RSPCA in Cambridgeshire says it is "very concerned" about the breeding of ‘XL bully cats’ amid a rising social media trend.

Breeders have created the new cat breed - which resembles the controversial XL bully dogs - by mixing the hairless gene from Sphynx cats with the short-legged gene from Munchkin cats.

However, the RSPCA has raised concerns over the potential health issues the felines may face, predicting they could live an average of six years - which is less than typical cats.

An RSPCA spokesperson said: “We love all cats but we’re very concerned about the recent trend of so-called ‘bully cats’ as these felines are bred to have exaggerated physical features which could cause them serious welfare issues.

“These exaggerated Sphynx cats are bred with very short legs which could put a strain on their joints, and they also appear to have excess skin folds making them vulnerable to skin conditions which can cause a great deal of discomfort.

“Such ailments could also result in trips to the vet leaving owners with costly vet bills too. 

“These Sphynx-like cats are also bred to have only a fine covering of downy hair and some may not have eyelashes or whiskers.

“This lack of fur can leave cats vulnerable to harmful ultraviolet light, cause difficulties keeping warm and means they won’t be able to use their hair and possibly their whiskers to explore their environment.

“The lack of a fur coat also means they need to be regularly washed as oil can accumulate on their skin. 

“There could also be further health issues associated with these cats being bred from a limited gene pool.

“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.

“We would also urge breeders to prioritise the health and welfare of any animal over the way they look.”