Many people love cats but dislike the thought of having fur everywhere in the house.
For those scared of picking cat furs around the home, the panacea is to go for short hair and hairless breed.
Having some hairless cats as a pet can be attractive and appealing. Also, note that breeders are making concerted efforts to have new hairless breeds of the desired look.
Bald breeds shed less. Bald cat breeds include Sphynx, Peterbald, and Bambino. Minskin, Dwelf, Donskoy, Ukrainian Levkoy, and a few others.
Let us explore together a list of short-haired and hairless cat breeds that will save you worry about picking furs in your home:
1. Sphynx: is the most famous hairless cat breed. The sphynx breed is gifted a natural bald appearance that differentiates it from other cat families.
However, Sphynx is not entirely hairless as it sounds because it has some super-soft coat that is not too apparent.
Although the Sphynx breed is known for nudity, it is also known for eyebrows and scanty whiskers; and these features make it stand out in the feline world.
These unusual appearances earn the sphynx a fair share of fans and a few who are less than impressed by its nakedness.
Other distinctive features of the Sphynx breed include large ears, long and finger-like toes, and a big, rounded tummy.
Despite its rounded midsection, the Sphynx cat is an incredibly active, athletic animal with a muscular body.
Sphynx is a loving and friendly breed that craves your attention.
The Sphynx cat has patterned skin like a traditional house cat.
Sphynx are considered medium-sized cats with an average weight range of 6-14 pounds and a life span of 8-16 years.
Because they are uncommon, these hairless cats can cost a bit buck. You should be ready to dig deep into your pocket if you want to be a proud owner of a Sphinx cat.
2. Peterbald: The Peterbald is a Russian-bred cat created around 1994 with much resemblance to Oriental and Sphynx breeds.
Despite the likeness in looks, Peterbald is a relatively rare domestic cat breed on its own.
Average sized Peterbald cat maintains Don Sphynx features up to certain age.
The Oriental bald cat gave the exquisite breed its elongated body form and oval head size.
The Peterbald is often friendlier and more social than traditional Siamese or oriental cats.
Agility is another exceptional feature of Peterbald. They create alliances easily with humans and animals.
Peterbald cats are always willing to participate in games or puzzle objects.
Monitor Peterbald cats with infants because their lacking of fur makes them particularly vulnerable.
The Peterbald hair varies in type, from a soft, fuzzy velour coat to a completely hairless cat.
You may also come across some Peterbald cats with sticky skin and without eyebrows or whiskers.
If you consider going for a Peterbald cat, know that there may be significant coat change within the first two years. The difference can be an increase or reduction in coats or an outright shift in texture.
The volume of the coat and color pattern determine the extent of care to give a Peterbald cat.
Careful bathing and wiping are necessary to avoid skin irritation and oil build-up on the skin.
As required of hairless cats, Peterbald should stay indoors to avoid catching a cold very quickly.
General risk factors for Peterbald include skin density, weather changes, sunburn, and other skincare issues.
3. Bambino: The Bambino is a dwarf cat and product of crossing between Munchkin and Sphynx breeds.
The Bambino cat picks the short and thick legs of the Munchkin cat. While the baldness, whisker pads, cheekbones, and big upright ears are from the Sphynx breed.
The small stature, stubby legs, and hairlessness are the peculiar traits of the Bambino cats.
The Bambino’s most distinctive features are its short stature and hairless body.
Small tufts of coat on Bambino make people mistake the breed for Lynx cat. The main difference between Bambino and Lynx include the ridge-like line and short legs Bambino breed possesses.
The back legs of the Bambino can be slightly longer than the front legs.
In addition to its well-rounded tummy and broad chest, Bambino carries a medium-sized body frame. However, its size and short stubby legs do not hinder its movements and athletic displays.
The whiskers of the Bambino are sparse and short on their firm chin. The eyes are large, rounded, and wide-spaced
The Bambino is an excellent fit for cat masters with children. This mixed breed has a playful and loving nature that will see them forming close bonds with the kids in their life.
Regular grooming is necessary to remove greasy secretions from the skin.
If you do not bathe and groom regularly, the Bambino can become excessively unkempt, oily, and sticky to the touch and develop skin conditions.
Like other hairless cats, the Bambino skin is also vulnerable to temperature and sun, hence the need to keep them indoors.
Besides, remember to get a suitable cat sweater for Bambini during winter.
Common problems of Bambino include an excessively curved spine resulting from its low body (lordosis) and malformed thorax (pectus excavatum). Some Bambino cats also suffer from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (thickening of a feline’s heart muscles).
4. Minskin: This is another cat breed with hairlessness and sparse coat as its trademark.
The body skin may have sparse hair covering, but the belly is always hairless.
They have very short legs like munchkins. Their ears and eyes are prominent on their round-headed face, and they possess the sweetest and most unsuspicious looks.
Minskin is output from Sphynx and Munchkin.
While it features among the hairless felines categories here, Minskin cats also have bred with coat styles and can have short coats, long coats, or be hairless.
Short-haired Minskins have fluffy medium-density coats, while long-haired Munchkins have a silky-smooth coat.
You can also have this breed in all color combinations.
These cats are known to keep a fun-loving, kittenish attitude well into adulthood. The cat is always actively engaged by playing with humans and running after objects.
Minskins are friendly, intelligent, and self-assured felines who love spending time with humans.
The cat is an easy-going breed, and it gets along well with dogs and other cats.
The Minskin cat is well-suited to most indoor living situations, as long as she has space to run and play.
This energetic cat loves working up great speed on her little legs and can round tight corners precisely.
They may be small, but they use their super-intelligence to do everything their larger counterparts can.
Minskin cat may not be able to make it to the targets of high altitudes in a single bound, but she will still love jumping and climbing.
Downsides of the Minskin breed include heart problems, urinary tract infections, and pancreatitis.
The Minskin needs to be protected from the draft and kept warm because of its hairless skin.
If you are a lover of a short-coated feline with a small-sized body, the Minskin is the answer for you.
5. Dwelf: The Dwelf is an interesting-looking hairless new cat breed. This cat answers the imagination with a combination of Sphynx, American Curl, and Minskin.
Dwelf Cat is a hairless designer breed with short legs and a long tail, giving them a stocky appearance.
Dwelf cats are almost always wholly hairless; they can have a covering of fine, short downy hair with a muscular carriage.
Lastly, in addition to its thrilling hairless trait that makes this cat breed uncommon, Dwelves make great pets for anybody who spends a lot of time at home.
Dwelf cats tolerate children as long as children know how to be gentle with them.
Once a Dwelf cat adapts to new people, pets, and environment, it will become very affectionate.
They like being around other cats. If a new pet is around Dwelf, you need to introduce them carefully.
However, as very social and friendly Dwelf cat breed is, once they also get very used to their routine and they do not respond to change well.
Any aspiring cat parent must understand their grooming needs and skin sensitivity, but their friendliness and goofy antics will keep you smiling.
The sensitivity of Dwelf cats to heat also means that they are sensitive to the cold.
Keep them indoors to prevent heat waves.
When the temperature drops, they will need to wear sweaters to keep warm and should be provided with plenty of cozy blankets.
If you allow your Dwelf cats to go outside, it should be for a short while, and they should wear pet-safe sunscreen.
Overall, the hairless feature of the Dwelves calls for extra attention on their skin.
6. Donskoy: The Donskoy, also referred to as the Russian Hairless or Don Sphynx, is in a class of its own.
The Donskoy cat is an uncommon feline breed of Russian origin around the early 1980s. It came into the limelight in 1987 after its recognition by International Cat Association (TICA).
The Donskoy cat is such an affectionately playful feline that likes kissing and cuddling up with people around, especially during the cooler periods of the year.
Their fur is comfy to the feel, making them ideal for winter.
Donskoy cats have a calm demeanor and are known for associating with anyone that comes their way.
The social nature of Donskoy cats makes them excellent companions and great family pets. The Donskoy get along well with young children.
Their pleasant, friendly nature makes Donskoy ideal companions for families with kids and other pets.
The Donskoy cat (also identified as Don Sphynx) comes with a naughty character and innate tendency to spring surprises.
They have a well-balanced personality, show a lively interest in their surroundings, and enjoy making up & playing games.
Donskoy is exceptionally affectionate with a vigorous nature and an irrepressible curiosity.
The Donskoy’s interest in human activities explains why they do not do well if they are left alone for long periods, so they are better suited for a family where someone is usually home.
High-quality nutrition rich in omega-3 fatty acids also helps them maintain healthy skin.
Donskoy consumes more in winter to maintain its stability.
Do not expose it to the hot sun for too long as its skin is sensitive.
The Donskoy is also susceptible to harsh weather conditions.
However, it would help if you always talked with your veterinarian to ensure your pet gets the proper nutrition for their needs.
If you find Donskoys in the care of rescue groups on any of these days, please consider adoption if you decide that this is the breed for you!
7. Ukrainian Levkoy: This is a millennial cat by Elena Biriukova in the year 2000.
This hairless breed with forward-folded ears resulted from crossing bald Donskoy females with Scottish fold males.
The resemblance between the Levkoy cat’s bent ears and the Levkoy plant gave its name, Levkoy cat.
Its inward-folding ears and the little-to-no hair of this cat breed gives it a distinct appearance.
This feature does not mean they are predisposed to the same conditions that the Donskoy and Scottish Fold breeds face.
Oriental and non-pedigree cats were used to develop the breed further and strengthen the gene pool.
Though the cat might lack hair, velvet-like down on the skin provides protection.
These Levkoy cats are medium-sized with longish bodies, appearing both muscular and slender. They have soft, elastic skin, an excess of which leads to a wrinkled appearance.
The unique angular contour on Levkoy’s head gives it a dog-like appearance.
The Levkoy breeds are often sexually dimorphic.
The Ukrainian Levkoy is a very affectionate, playful, and friendly breed that enjoys much human interaction. Ironically, Levkoy cats are relatively docile and get on well with other pets.
The Ukrainian Levkoy is a highly affectionate breed with a laid-back, playful temperament.
The Levkoy is intelligent and curious and will ensure it uncovers anything you try to hide, including your personal belongings.
To keep this cat entertained and stimulated throughout the day, ensure a variety of interactive toys and playthings are available.
They are very vocal, incredibly when hungry. The Levkoy are playful cats and need mental stimulation.
Levkoy cats need outdoor space to stretch their legs and release their energy. Due to Levkoy love for outside movement, Levkoy may not be suitable for first-time cat owners, especially those who fancy pets to be indoors for companionship.
It is always important to schedule regular wellness visits with your vet.
How to Care for Hairless Cats
Even though a cat may be hairless, you still need to do some grooming.
Grooming may involve periodic sponge-bathing to remove oil from the skin. Adequate care will save bald cats from skin troubles.
Ensure your hairless cats are always indoors. Hairless cats may need cat sweaters and sunscreen for protection from harsh weather conditions.