Although they’ve distinctive wants and challenges, most hairless cat breeds are affectionate, loyal, and enjoyable. Whereas some cats have a naturally occurring gene mutation that creates the situation, others are bred for it in methods that may trigger well being issues because the bloodline shortens, or as a result of their hairlessness makes them extra vulnerable to pores and skin situations.
Hairless cats are available two varieties, fully easy and peach fuzz, each of which are supposed to be indoor cats. Like every nude creature open air, they will get sunburned simply. These cats have particular grooming wants that may not be for each proprietor — however you’ll by no means need to brush them or fear about fur in your garments and furnishings!
10 Hairless (and Almost Bare) Cat Breeds
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Sphynx
The distinctive Sphynx cat is a well-liked alternative for people who need a hairless cat. These cats can have variegated pores and skin tones, however are sometimes a pale pink flesh tone. Hairlessness and wrinkles in these cats are produced by genetic mutations, however the Sphynx wasn’t selectively bred for this trait till the Sixties — some displayed it and a few didn’t, so by pairing those that have been born hairless, it turned a constant trait. These cats are very affectionate and love studying new tips and spending time with individuals. They do get very oily and require common bathing, otherwise you would possibly find yourself popping kitty zits — which, for the report, vets don’t suggest as doing so could make the zits worse or unfold an infection. Get forward of the problem with heat suds. They’re liable to Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, Hereditary Myopathy, and Periodontal illness and can even have bother regulating their physique temperature. Nice excuse to purchase cat sweaters.
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Bambino
A Bambino cat is a Sphynx crossed with a Munchkin, a cat that naturally has quick, stubby legs. This bald cat breed usually seems just like the Sphynx however with smaller legs. Cats of this breed can even inherit well being issues from each the Sphynx and the Munchkin; the Sphynx is vulnerable to Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, Hereditary Myopathy, and Periodontal illness, whereas Munchkins are vulnerable to bone deformities, together with alongside the backbone. These well being points make them a controversial new cat breed of their very own, having solely been launched in 2005. Just like the Sphynx, the Bambino is weak to the solar, the chilly, and pores and skin situations.
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Donskoy
The Sphynx and the Donskoy, generally known as the Russian Hairless, look related, however their hairlessness comes from completely different genetic mutations. The Donskoy is often leaner than the rounder bare Sphynx, with extra sharply almond-shaped eyes. Some Donskoy cats are born with fur coats that they might lose to a point as they age — they’re distinguished as flocked, velour, and brush coats. Flocked Donskoy cats are virtually completely hairless however for a skinny coat. Those born “nude” are known as “rubber bald.” These cats are very affectionate, like to cuddle, and will be as loyal as a canine.
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Dwelf
One other fastidiously bred and expensive cat, the Dwelf is a mixture of Sphynx, Munchkin, and American Curl. The Dwelf seems just like the Bambino, however essentially the most notable visible distinction between these hairless cat breeds is the Dwelf’s curly and textured ears. As a result of the breed is uncommon, they’ve a small gene pool, which makes it more durable to breed wholesome cats. They’re vulnerable to well being issues, together with pores and skin points, coronary heart illness, backbone curvature, and joint illness.
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Elf
The Elf cat is a hairless mixture of Sphynx and American Curl. These cats have the identical curly ears because the Dwelf, with considerably longer legs and really smooth wrinkly pores and skin folds. They like to climb and play and are fairly social and cuddly. They’ll undoubtedly demand your consideration. The Elf was bred by Karen Nelson and Kristen Leedom in 2004, so the breed is kind of uncommon.
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Lykoi
Lykoi cats, often known as “werewolf cats,” can have various quantities of fur on account of a naturally occurring genetic mutation found in Home Shorthairs about 20 years in the past. When their full coat is available in, it’s often black and grey and sparse leading to numerous bare pores and skin exhibiting by means of. This breed often has giant yellow eyes and massive pointed ears with equally formed faces to a Sphynx. They bond properly with one individual and different cats however will be shy at first. As soon as they heat as much as you, they’re nice companions and love searching and enjoying fetch.
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Minskin
The Minskin is one other uncommon almost bare cat that could be a pretty new breed; the breed is a mixture of Munchkin, Burmese, Sphynx, and Devon Rex. They usually have a skinny coat, however you possibly can often see the traditional Sphynx pores and skin folds by means of it. They’re often fairly small with quick legs even when absolutely grown, and since they arrive from a lot of different pleasant breeds, you possibly can count on them to be affectionate and playful, too.
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Peterbald
The Peterbald cat originated in Russia and have become common within the mid-Nineties. They’re nonetheless common, making them each uncommon and costly. They arrive in several colours however are most frequently grey or with the color-point sample of a Siamese cat. They’re generally in comparison with an Oriental shorthair in construct, however they’ve that neat hair-losing genetic mutation. They are often fairly pleasant and talkative.
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Sphynxiebob
If you would like a cat that’s each hairless and tailless, the Sphynxiebob — a combination between a Sphynx and a Bobtail cat — is for you. Breeder April Arguin debuted this breed, which seems remarkably just like a Sphynx with the cute little quick tail of a Bobtail, in 2015. Described as “velcro kittens,” they make great members of the family as a result of they love human firm and can observe you round the home to get their much-needed each day dose of consideration.
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Ukrainian Levkoy
This breed is a cross between a Donskoy and a Scottish Fold, which leads to an almost hairless cat with smooth wrinkly pores and skin and huge inward-folding ears. They’re usually long-bodied and muscular and are hottest in Russia and Ukraine. They arrive in all completely different colours however are usually grey, black, or combined white and black in a piebald sample. They’re fairly affectionate and social.
Tips about Caring for a Hairless Cat
Common Baths
One of many huge calls for of a hairless cat is bathing. With out fur, oil can rapidly construct up on their pores and skin, and so they have to be often cleaned to stop zits or rashes. Fortunately, most hairless cats are amenable to mild bathing, particularly in case you get them used to it younger.
Vets could have suggestions, however select a pet shampoo and not using a robust scent and use heat water — by no means sizzling. Make certain to rinse totally after which pat them dry afterward. As a result of they haven’t any fur, they have to be saved heat and never left moist. In the event that they do get an zits breakout, use a gentle antibacterial cleaning soap for pets and make contact with your vet if issues don’t enhance.
Sunscreen
Bare cats have delicate pores and skin that may simply get sunburned when uncovered to the solar’s UV rays. Pet-safe sunscreen will help defend their pores and skin from injury, which may result in discomfort, ache, and even pores and skin most cancers. To keep away from sunburn and related pores and skin issues, apply at any time when they’re outdoors or spending an excellent period of time toasting within the window.
Nail & Ears
Hairless cats need assistance with typical issues a cat does for grooming, corresponding to nail reducing. They particularly want ear cleansing. They haven’t any hair of their ears, to allow them to simply have a wax build-up that blocks their ear canal solely.
Hairless Cat FAQ
Do hairless cats get chilly?
Sure, hairless cats get chilly simply and need assistance regulating their physique temperature. Within the winter, it’s good to have some cozy cat outfits and sweaters for them or be sure that your property is appropriately heated. If the temperature is simply too chilly so that you can be snug bare in, it’s most likely too chilly to your hairless cat.
Are hairless cats hypoallergenic?
There’s no such factor as a completely hypoallergenic cat, however as a result of hairless cats don’t shed, that may assist with some allergy sensitivities. All breeds of cats can produce the protein that causes allergic reactions of their dander, saliva, and even their urine. Some cats inside choose breeds, together with some hairless cats, naturally produce much less of the protein that triggers cat allergy symptoms in individuals. Usually bathing your cat will clear up dander and different protein-carrying mud on the cat’s physique.
