Bald cats, also referred to as hairless cats, have a distinct look and charm. These cats’ remarkable features and endearing personalities have captured the hearts and minds of pet lovers all over the world, despite their lack of fur.
Hairless cat breeds, like the well-known Sphynx, have a long history spanning several decades. These cats began as spontaneous genetic mutations and were later bred into unique hairless varieties by breeders. Every breed has an intriguing history of its own.
You might think that taking care of a bald cat is simpler without all that fur, but these animals need extra care. Because their bare skin is so sensitive, regular bathing, moisturizing, and weather protection are necessary to maintain their well-being.
| Breed | Description |
| Sphynx | The most well-known hairless breed, developed in Canada. They have smooth, soft skin and are friendly, active, and social. |
| Peterbald | A breed from Russia, known for their sleek and elegant appearance. They are affectionate and intelligent, making great companions. |
| Bambino | A cross between Sphynx and Munchkin cats. Small in size with short legs, they are playful and loving. |
| Donskoy | Originating from Russia, these cats have wrinkled skin and are known for their curious and gentle nature. |
| Care | Hairless cats require regular bathing to remove oil buildup, gentle skin care, and protection from extreme temperatures due to their lack of fur. |
Story
Chromosome abnormalities are the cause of lack of wool.
The existence of these cats in antiquity is suggested by a number of artworks and sculptures from the height of Ancient Egypt. The fact that these cats were worshipped and treated like gods is a good indicator of how uncommon they were.
In Mexico, the first hairless kittens were formally registered. The proprietor obtained two peculiar creatures from nearby Native Americans. Cats did not procreate, despite the fact that their lives are documented in great detail in numerous sources. How come the breeder didn’t try to get kittens that were different? There could be two causes:
- both animals were from the same litter;
- the lack of hair was perceived more as a disease than as a feature.
It took much longer for attempts to successfully breed a new breed. Accordingly, it is known that in 1938, a typical Siamese cat gave birth to hairless kittens, and in 1948, three strange foreign babies unexpectedly showed up in France at the same time. After learning that this mutation is spontaneous, genetics developed an interest in it. Breeders around the world have tried to cross closely related animals to produce offspring that have stable traits from their parents.
Due to a spontaneous "mutation," representatives of breeds of cats without hair started to appear. And these kittens showed up in France, Australia, Canada, and America. Sphinxes appeared at random intervals. They were initially thought to be alien. However, sphinxes were eventually thought to be a distinct breed.
Famous for their distinctive looks and loving dispositions, bald cats have a fascinating breed history that includes well-known Sphynx, Peterbald, and Donskoy cats. Because of their delicate skin, which requires frequent cleaning and protection from harsh temperatures, these hairless breeds require particular care. They are devoted companions who do best in warm, indoor settings, despite not having fur. This post will discuss their history, offer important maintenance advice, and feature images that highlight their unique charm.
Breeds of hairless cats
Most people think of the sphinx breed when they hear the term "hairless cat," but few are aware that there are other breeds as well (Canadian, St. Petersburg, Donskoy). In addition, the Devon Rex, Elf, and Levkoy breeds from Ukraine are known for having no hair. Despite sharing certain traits, every breed is distinct in its own right and possesses unique personal qualities.
Canadian Sphynx
The distinctive attributes of this breed include a broad chest, long fingers, a whip-like tail, and a muscular yet elegant body. It is noteworthy that the breed standard stipulates that a small woolen tassel should normally be present at the tip of the tail. The folds make the kittens extra adorable.
The large, widely-set ears and wedge-shaped head of the Canadian Sphynx give the muzzle a unique expression. Although the skin is nearly hairless, some breed members may have a tiny, nearly undetectable amount of fluff. Almost any color can be used.
The character is loving, vivacious, and affectionate.
Don Sphynx
This breed is regarded as one of the newest. In 1987, it was bred in Russia. Breeders from Rostov-on-Don brought notice to a partially hairless cat that eventually gave birth to kittens with no hair at all.
Cats resemble "Canadians" in appearance, but they are more stubborn and heedless. Pet owners frequently observe behaviors in their animals that are more common in dogs than in cats. There shouldn’t be any fringes, but the body color may differ. If the animal had any fluff on its body, it should have vanished by the time it was two years old.
Peterbald (St. Petersburg Sphynx)
A relatively new breed that gained official recognition in 1996. The name makes it clear that the Peterbald originated in St. Petersburg. Felinologist Mironova crossed an oriental cat with a Don Scythian to produce unusual hairless kittens.
This breed differs from its predecessors in that:
- elongated body;
- a narrow elongated head with a large number of folds (the absence of folds is considered a defect);
- a very long and thin tail, even at the base (necessarily bald);
Ukrainian Levkoy
Exceptionally rare hairless lop-eared cats that first surfaced in 2004 (though genetic research has been conducted since 2000). The Scottish Fold, which carries a dominant lop-ear gene, and the bald Don Sphynx are among the ancestors of the Levkoy.
Among the external characteristics, the following are noteworthy:
- loped ears;
- wedge-shaped head with widely set ear bases;
- almost flat forehead with wrinkles.
Elf
It is a relatively new breed that was bred in the USA. It was registered in 2006 by breeders Karen Nelson and Kristen Ladom. These strange cats’ progenitors were the American Curl and the traditional Sphynx.
The primary characteristic is its widely spaced ears, which have a curving top that resembles elves from fairy tales.
Devon Rex
The body of the Devon Rex is covered in short, wavy hairs, unlike the earlier breeds that had no hair at all. Nevertheless, the breed still lacks guard hair. This characteristic gives cats a distinct, recognizable appearance and a certain charm.
There is a great range of colors, including acromelanic ones.
It is important to remember that while hair coverage varies, it is consistently consistent from the muzzle to the tail. Animals who are married have patches of baldness on their bodies.
The majority of issues directly relate to skin care. Despite being bald, cats can develop a brownish-colored "raid" on their skin. This is the gland’s oxidizing secret when it comes into contact with dust. It also needs to be removed because if it isn’t, the pet will smell bad and may develop acne and other inflammatory conditions.
Crucial! Don’t give Sphinx a daily bath. Wipe it with napkins soaked in a special lotion; this will suffice for a day or two. Additionally, once a week water procedures using "cat" shampoo are sufficient.
Focus on the region close to the claws, behind the ears. The most accumulates is mud. Remember to take care of the folds. Avoid pushing too hard on your skin as this could cause damage to it. Cover with a gentle cloth. The cat may quickly become cold if it is released while still wet, which could result in pneumonia.
Bald breed representatives are also not allowed to be in direct sunlight or scorching temperatures. Because the skin is unprotected, even a brief exposure to the sun can result in a serious burn. Since your pet lacks a warm fur coat, you should also shield it from the wind and the cold. Make sure to purchase appropriate clothing for your pet if you intend to take it outside.
Crucial! Sphinxes can freeze in an apartment during the cold months.
Particular care must also be given to the eyes and ears. Instill good hygiene habits in your cat from an early age. Use discs or cotton swabs. Claws should be periodically clipped.
These unique animals also have a different diet. Hairless cats have an accelerated metabolism, so you will need to feed them more frequently and in larger quantities. Since vitamins and minerals "use up" quickly, it’s critical to keep an eye on how these essential nutrients are balanced in your diet.
If your cat is growing fur, it means that either the diet isn’t nourishing enough to provide the metabolism needed for warming, or the environment in the house is too cold for the cat. Wool is a defensive response meant to provide some warmth. It is worthwhile to review the requirements for maintaining and providing food for the pet, and its appearance will normalize.
How to choose a kitten
A bald kitten, which can cost anywhere from $400 to $1,500, needs to be chosen very carefully, taking into account not only the price but also the mother’s and the babies’ living conditions. The kitten you select may have health issues if the owners do not provide proper care for their animals. A robust immune system is formed during the first few months of life and requires careful upkeep and nutrition.
It is essential to research the lineage. There shouldn’t be any dubious relatives in the far-off "past." It is beneficial if the owners give thorough details regarding the parents’ and, ideally, the grandparents’, health. This will enable you to be "ready" in case the kitten has a predisposition to this or that disease and it develops.
Good breeders always take care of the following before sending a kitten to a new home:
- issuing a veterinary passport;
- preventive deworming;
- primary vaccination.
Crucial! Never accept passive and lethargic kittens, regardless of the breeder’s explanation for the behavior. Babies in good health are always curious, gregarious, and energetic. Additionally, it is best to wait until the kittens are two to three months old so that they can become stronger and independent.
When selecting a pet, familiarize yourself with the requirements for the breed you have selected in advance and follow the list of symptoms. Make sure you get the owner’s business card and find out which club he belongs to. Good people will always come to your aid:
- they will help with advice, even if you have already bought a pet, and some time has passed;
- they will suggest a good veterinarian, whom they themselves contact;
- will tell you what food is best to feed, what to wash and how to care for.
Crucial! Don’t purchase if the owner avoids your questions, doesn’t consult, doesn’t have a passport for the animal, or hasn’t taken any precautions given the animal’s age.
Bald cats give cat lovers something really special with their unusual appearance and interesting history. They are unique due to their lack of fur, but it also increases their reliance on human care. These cats are well-known for being amiable and loving, which makes them excellent companions for people who are sensitive to their needs.
Nonetheless, extra care must be given to a hairless cat. They need to be protected from the sun, cold, and dirt because their skin is delicate. To keep them healthy and cozy, regular baths, moisturizing, and a warm environment are necessary.
Bald cats can be a loving addition to the right household, regardless of whether you are drawn to them because of their unusual appearance or their lively personalities. These incredible animals will flourish and fill your home with endless joy if you give them the right care and put in a little extra work.
Video on the topic
Sphynx cat breed | Care and maintenance | Planet of cats.
Hairless cats: photos, history of the breed, care and maintenance
