Part-wild hybrid ‘designer’ cats could be banned in UK

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Pet cats similar to the one kicked and hit by footballer Kurt Zouma could be banned in the UK to protect their welfare and try to preserve populations of wild felines. The Wildheart Trust, with the backing of television nature star Chris Packham, has launched a campaign for a legal ban on the breeding of exotic felids with domestic cats, a practice that they say causes “untold harm and long-term damage to feline species”. “Hybrid cats may appear cute and cuddly, but they are derived from a wild species and should certainly not be kept as pets in people’s homes,” said a trust spokesperson. “This is no less abhorrent than breeding a wolf with a poodle, and it is something we believe has no place in the 21st century.” Rescuers say the number of exotic cats they are called on to save is surging across Europe because crossing the species often leads to poor welfare and “horrendous” conditions.