Hi, I’m Dr. Karyn! Read my introduction to learn more about me and meet my five funny cats: Clutch, Cyril, Alex, Zelda, and Zazzles.
I saw something recently that made my blood boil. This is the emergence of a new ‘designer’ cat breed called the ‘Bully’ or ‘Dwelf’ Cat. Named for their elf-like features and genetic dwarfism, these wretched creatures have the hairless mutation of the Sphynx, the leg deformity of the Munchkin Cat, and the raised ears of the American Curl. I can’t think of any reason why someone would deliberately make such an unhealthy mixture, other than ignorance, cruelty, or greed.
Cruelty can take many different forms, and it is not always as obvious as directly causing pain and suffering to an individual animal. Knowingly creating a cat that comes from two breeds with the most extreme cat appearance is irresponsible. And to continue to do so after knowing the health problems these cats will suffer is cruel.
Most cat lovers out there will wholeheartedly agree with me on this, but there are clearly those who are unaware of the health problems and suffering these cats suffer. Many people trust breeders, sometimes more than they trust veterinarians, and don’t believe they will deliberately breed unhealthy animals, and in some cases, that’s true. However, like the mentality behind animal hunters, if someone will buy them, someone will sell them.
Breeding and Mutation
Picture of a cat. A simple (so awesome) tabby cat like Cyril. If allowed to breed without any human intervention, most cat populations would look like him. His features represent dominant genes, so it is a statistical certainty that over time, these genes will dominate.
Any variation from normal genetics is caused by a mutation, whether it’s a lack of fur, extra toes, or an unusual coat color. When we don’t intervene, those mutations tend to dissolve back into the population, rarely, if ever, reappearing.
What happens in selective breeding is that we find those variations, and we mate those individuals with others that have the same or similar mutations, producing a population of cats with a high incidence of that trait. Unfortunately, when people first started doing this, they didn’t realize that those physical features could be linked to other genetic abnormalities or defects, such as heart disease, kidney problems, or bone deformities.
People don’t know that pairing white fur with blue eyes often results in deafness, or that the mutation that gives Scottish Folds their trademark ears also causes a cartilage defect that can be painful and debilitating. . But we do now. However, we have disturbing breed mixes like the Scottish Fold x Munchkin, and now, the Dwelf. And there’s no doubt in my mind that the people who breed these cats hope like hell that people stay in the dark about their health.
The Trouble with Dwelves
Although generally quite robust cats, the genes that give Sphynx cats their hairless appearance also predispose them to skin problems, heart disease, hereditary myopathy (a neuromuscular disorder) , and poor thermoregulation.
The Munchkin Cat’s short stature is the result of a genetic mutation that prevents the bones from growing normally. This mutation is so severe that embryos that inherit two copies of the munchkin gene will die in the womb.
I appreciate that not everyone will have a solid knowledge of genetics, but how could anyone think that mixing two races with such obvious genetic mutations could possibly be a good idea?
I have seen statements from Dwelf and Bully Cat breeders that their kittens are happy and healthy. They may be happy, but they are by definition, unhealthy. A cat born with three legs or missing eyes may be ‘happy’, but does that mean we should start deliberately breeding three-legged or eyeless cats? Of course not. But if people pay money for something, people will give it.
Be an Advocate for Cats
This is where I ask for your help, as I am just one voice, desperate to show people the cruelty inherent in the creation of ‘designer’ races like the Dwelf, with no thought or appreciation for the consequences of their actions. Tell your family, tell your friends, tell your followers – these cats are deliberately bred to have genetic defects, but if no one buys them, the breeders will stop exploiting them.
This article is part of a series by Dr. Karyn with her five funny cats.
