The Hairless Cat Breeds You Should Know About

If you were asked about cats, you might think about fluffy pets that entice many people with their elegance, smartness, and capability of affection. But, have you ever been curious about their bald counterparts? These hairless felines have a unique and attractive appearance that proves they don’t need fur to be as stunning as the furry cats. Read below and discover the hairless breeds of the cat kingdom!

1. Sphynx

Undoubtedly the most famous among all the hairless feline breeds, the Sphynxes embody the true meaning of being a “people cat.” They are incredibly affectionate, energetic and will do anything to show off to catch their families’ attention. Despite their odd look, these cats are intelligent and have a curiosity streak. With that, expect them to leave no area of the house undiscovered.

Their story traces back to 1966 in Canada, where a hairless kitty was born due to natural genetic mutation. It was eventually bred to produce more Sphynx cats. Today, these felines come in different colors and patterns but may have a super-delicate down, making them velvety to touch.

2. Donskoy

The Donskoy is a medium-sized, nicely-muscled cat with oversized ears and almond-shaped eyes. What separates them from the other hairless breeds in this list is that these cats may grow a winter coat, mostly on the chest and tail, which they will shed during the summer. These cats are renowned for being a soft-hearted, friendly, and loyal breed that enjoys being with their favorite humans, children, and other pets. Add to that, they are also intelligent, inquisitive, and active, making them a fun addition to any home.

3. Ukrainian Levkoy

Conspicuous with their hairless, wrinkly coat and inward-folding ears, the Ukrainian Levkoy is a cross between the Donskoy and the Scottish Fold. These cats are known for their curious nature and will be happy to survey every spot in their surroundings. While playful, they tend to be on the gentler side.

Ukrainian Levkoy cats are extremely rare in the United States, so you may need to wait if you want to have them as family members. But in their homeland, Ukraine and Russia, these are well-loved by many cat enthusiasts for their distinct good looks and adorable personality.

4. Peterbald

Another rare but a highly-revered hairless cat breed, the Peterbald is a cross between the Donskoy and the Oriental Shorthair. These cats may totally lack fur, or may sport minimal flocked, straight, flocked, or velour down. But, what they run high is affection. These felines are super sweet, build strong bonds with their families, and get along with everyone. They will seem like your feline shadow, following you from room to room, sitting beside you on the couch, or curling up with you under the covers. Not to mention that they’re also extremely vocal. So, prepare yourself as they are always up for a good conversation.

5. Elf

The Elf is a rare cross between the Sphynx and American Curl, giving the breed its hairless appearance and adorable curved ears. These cats also blend the best personality traits of each breed. As a result, they are renowned for being incredibly sociable, affectionate, and smart. While those traits seem good, they create a quirky combo. These cats turned to be super extroverted, love to play, explore, and climb, often leading them to some happy accidents.

6. Bambino

Like most of the earlier hairless breeds, the Bambino results from another cross between two distinct cats, the Sphynx and Munchkin cat. Thus, giving this breed a bald appearance, short stature, and tall, pointed ears. Fondly called “baby cats,” these kitties are very boisterous and outgoing. Their miniature size doesn’t slow them down! With that, they are like race cars that will reach all corners of the house. Not to worry, behind their energy lies their big heart, always ready to shower affection to their owners.

Conclusion

These hairless breeds are distinctively beautiful on their own and boast personalities that will surely melt your heart. However, if you’re looking to get them because you deem they might not need the same grooming needs as their furry counterparts, you should reconsider.

You might be surprised that these cats might even require greater upkeeps as you’ll have to wipe them down daily to avoid oil buildup and bathe them every few weeks to keep their skin healthy.

Moreover, as they don’t have fur, they lack protection from harmful elements. You’ll need to apply vet-approved sunscreen if they need to go outdoors or get them a cute jacket if the weather is cold.

What’s sure is that these hairless kitties make great companions. If you devote these cats the love and care they need, you’ll get unique-looking and affectionate feline pals in your home.