7 Hairless Cat Breeds That Are Wonderfully Weird
Are you searching for a new bald cat friend? We broke down a few hairless cat breeds to tell you more about their personality and requirements.
When someone says hairless cat, I always picture that episode of Friends when Rachel buys a Sphynx cat named Mrs. Whiskerson for $1,000. It always makes me laugh because, in that episode, Mrs. Whiskerson is not very friendly and ends up hissing and scratching Rachel.
However, I have come to learn that hairless cats are not like that at all. While personalities always vary among any breed, hairless cats make a great addition to any family. They are energetic, friendly, and have a great sense of humor.
Like little show-offs, these feline clowns perform for your attention and love being your entertainment. Plus, some make great pets for someone with a pet allergy since a few breeds carry less dander than their hairy counterparts. Not to mention that by having one such cat you can own a jewel pet because some of them are really rare cat breeds.
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7 Hairless Cat Breeds and Their Features
1. Sphynx
Characteristics
The most popular of hairless cats, the Sphynx body is actually not entirely hairless, even though it appears to be. These kitties are covered with a fine, delicate hair which is hard to see with the naked eye, but can be slightly felt. You can describe it as warm suede.
Personality
These guys are high energy, friendly little clowns. As true extroverts, they like your attention, and they won’t be afraid to charm their way to you with their performances. They will even follow you around wagging their tail. Loyal and loving is their middle name.
This a great feline friend to have, especially if you are a crazy cat lover that has to have as many little cute pets in their home.
♥ Fun Fact ♥
Sphynx are very vocal and will talk to you. They are also prone to heart issues, so be sure to get them screened regularly with their vet.
2. Bambino
Characteristics
The Bambino is a mixed breed cross between the Sphynx and the Munchkin. This gives this tiny kitty short legs and pointy ears. These little guys appear hairless, but also have fine down-like skin.
Personality
Known to be very affectionate, intelligent, and friendly, they love to be cuddled and curl up on your lap. They travel well and adapt quickly to new environments.
You can rest assured that the Bambino cat is an excellent companion. It may be your matched-made-heaven cat. Try to see if that`s true in our cat quiz.
♥ Fun Fact ♥
Believe it or not, the Bambino is not considered hypoallergenic. While it is deemed to be hairless, it still produces the same allergy-causing Fel d 1 as furred felines.
3. Donskoy
Characteristics
Donskoy cat coats can vary from hairless to having some hair with bald spots. Hairless cats like this one have coats very similar to the human skin. This is one of the most famous cats that are out there. A cat lover would recognize this breed from a far distance. It really is a head-turning hairless cat breed.
Personality
Friendly, intelligent, and easy to train, they are affectionate and social cats that will demand your attention. They might not be the best option for someone who isn’t home much.
♥ Fun Fact ♥
Donskoy cats are known for their dog-like qualities. They enjoy playing fetch and hide-and-seek.
4. Peterbald
Characteristics
The Peterbald is a mixed breed between the Sphynx and the Oriental Shorthair, which gives this kitty a sophisticated look. Its coat can vary from velvet-like to completely hairless.
Personality
This breed LOVES attention and makes great companion cats. They are very outgoing and will get along well with other cats, kids, and even strangers. They are energetic, active, and bold.
♥ Fun Fact ♥
The Peterbald is very vocal and will love to communicate with you. They will see you off and greet you at the door when you get home.
5. Ukrainian Levkoy
Characteristics
This breed is entirely hairless and possesses those magnificent curled up ears. They also have a very thin coat.
Personality
Ukrainian Levkoy cats are smart, playful, and outgoing once they warm up. They get along well with other pets and adapt well to small living spaces.
♥ Fun Fact ♥
This hairless breed is not hypoallergenic since they still produce enough of the Fel d 1 protein that causes allergies. They also require special care because of their thin coat.
6. Elf
Characteristics
This bald cat breed is a cross between the Sphynx and the American Curl, and also has a down-like coat and curled up ears.
Personality
They are intelligent, affectionate, and quite friendly. Elf cats are active and love to climb things.
♥ Fun Fact ♥
Elf cats are extremely rare and are not considered an official breed just yet.
7. Dwelf
Characteristics
This unique looking hairless breed is a cross between the Elf and Munchkin breeds. It has unique curled ears, short legs, and down-like coat. The best part, they are considered hypoallergenic.
Personality
Dwelfs are intelligent, playful, active, and much like the Donskoy, almost dog-like. They make excellent companions and love being around people. They are a great choice for families who have time to devote to them.
♥ Fun Fact ♥
Even as full-grown adults, Dwelf cats will remain quite small, and their hind legs tend to be longer than their front legs, giving them a low-rider appearance.
Are Hairless Cats Really Hairless?
As you can guess, not all hairless cats are 100% hair-free. In fact, most of them have suede-like coats with peach fuzz or a down-like feel, and very few will be completely bald. Naked cats have unique skincare needs. Special considerations must be taken into account before deciding to adopt or purchase a hairless cat.
Are Hairless Cats Hypoallergenic?
If you’re looking for a hypoallergenic cat, don’t be fooled, because not all hairless cats are hypoallergenic. Some hairless cats still produce enough of the Fel d 1 protein and can cause an allergic reaction.
Hairless Cat Care Guide
Diet
Hairless cats have a faster metabolism than their harrier counterparts and will eat more than regular cats. Their bodies work overtime to stay warm. This means they have insatiable appetites, so feeding them small meals throughout the day is recommended. If you are feeding your hairless cat dry kibble, be sure to provide plenty of fresh, clean water to avoid dehydration.
Sensitivities
As mentioned above, hairless cats are more sensitive to temperature changes and can get cold much faster. If temperatures drop, be sure to have a sweater to help them keep warm. On the other hand, if they need to be exposed to the sun, be sure they have protective clothing and try to limit the time they spent outdoors. Never use sunscreen to protect your hairless cat’s coat.
Grooming
Since hairless cats don’t have hair to absorb skin oils, regular bathing is a must. Lack of regular bathing will make their skin sticky due to oil build-up and could turn into skin issues later. Be sure to use a shampoo targeted to hairless breeds and try to schedule in a bath at least once a week.
Conclusion
Hairless cat breeds are a unique bunch. They can be mistaken for being mean and scratchy, but these naked cats are far from it. They are intelligent, friendly, and affectionate, but do require special care.
They are also quite pricey to purchase, so you might consider adoption instead. Some breeds are extremely rare, so you might have difficulty getting the one you want. Are you ready to add a bald kitty to your family? What do you most love about them?
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