Rescued cat sparks warning over 'extreme breeding'

The rescue of a rare cat has led a West Sussex animal charity to raise the alarm over "extreme" social-media-fuelled breeding practices.

The Cat & Rabbit Rescue Centre in Sidlesham said Alfred, a bambino cat, was dumped in a cardboard box in some bushes near Portsmouth and left to fend for himself.

His unique "eye-catching" characteristics are the result of combining genes for hairlessness and dwarfism, which may cause long-term health issues and reduce his quality of life, the centre says.

"Extreme breeding driven by aesthetics, social media trends, and profit comes at a cost to the animal's health and wellbeing," said the centre's general manager Ian Hughes.

"His story is also a stark reminder of the dangers of breeding for appearance over welfare.

"We're so relieved Alfred is now with us where he can be properly cared for," Mr Hughes added.

Alfred is at risk of several health challenges due to his genetics, including a lack of whiskers, hairlessness and short legs that can cause pain and limit his mobility, the centre detailed.

He also has entropion, a painful condition in which the eyelid turns inward, causing fur to rub against and irritate the eye.

"We all adore Alfred," said Mr Hughes.

"He is the sweetest boy, and his story has touched everyone at the centre.

"He is incredibly affectionate. He follows the team around and just wants to be close to people."

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