Much to the surprise of many, there are a number of hairless cat breeds that you’ll love.
These cats are some of the most unique and engaging pets you’ll ever have the pleasure of owning. While they do require a bit more TLC than your average feline friend, these little guys will make up for it in personality and cuteness!
So if you’re looking for an unconventional pet that is sure to turn heads, a hairless cat may just be the perfect choice for you. Keep reading to learn more about some of the most popular hairless breeds out there!
8. Elf Cat
This is by far the rarest and the newest of the hairless cat breeds. It was actually developed only as recently as the mid-2000s.
Elf cats are a combination of Sphynx and American curl cats. They get their hairless, wrinkly bodies from the former and unique ears from the latter. With the ears, while they may have an arched curve towards the tip of the skull as with the American curl cat, those on an elf tend to be longer.
7. Bambino
Another cat breed that could confuse even experts is the Bambino. It is a mixed cat breed developed from a combination of the Sphynx and Munchkin breeds. It is different from Dwelf and Minskin in that there is no third breed included.
As a result, Bambinos tend to look like nothing more than just dwarf versions of Sphynxes. Though predominantly hairless, they may have a thin coat or a small puff of hair at the tip of the tail, known as a “lion’s tail.”
6. Donskoy
This Russian cat breed has a face that really takes time to get used to. There is just something about those tight folds and the angry-looking expression that makes them look just a little bit scary.
Contrary to popular belief, they are not in any way related to the Sphynx. Their appearance is actually due to a dominant gene mutation that causes hairlessness and skin folds, unlike the breeder-developed sphynx.
5. Ukrainian Levkoy
Strictly speaking, Ukrainian Levkoy cats are not always hairless. Some may have a thin layer of fur. They also tend to have whiskers which are not always common with hairless cat breeds.
However, these are not the most outstanding features of this unique cat. They have a set of upright ears that are folded inwards near the rounded top. This is the main distinguishing feature that will let you tell them apart from other hairless breeds.
4. Dwelf
The Dwelf is a mixed breed kitty developed from the Munchkin, Sphynx, and the American Curl cat breeds.
It gets its adorable, dwarf build with the disproportionately short legs from the Munchkin bloodline. The hairlessness and facial structure on the other side are from the Sphynx.
These cute little cats are also endearing in temperament with their affectionate and almost clingy nature, which makes them the perfect lap cats for cat lovers.
3. Minskin
At first glance, you may be confused between a Minskin and Dwelf cat. The two are actually quite similar mainly due to shared ancestors, including the Sphynx and the Munchkin cats.
Minskins are mixed cats, but instead of the American Curl used in the Dwelf, breeders use the Burmese.
What makes them different from the Dwelf is the fact that a Minskin’s ears are erect and open, whereas a Dwelf’s are curved inwards longitudinally.
2. Peterbald
The Peterbald is a beautiful cat for lovers of the hairless aesthetic. It has big, beautiful eyes, and a petit, muscular frame, with a long, slender tail. They also have a personality to match their looks being some of the friendliest cat breeds out there. However, they may need a bit of time to get used to strangers.
Their coat is unique in that they are not technically born hairless. They initially have fur but lose all of it due to the presence of their hair-losing gene.
1. Sphynx
This is one of the best-known of all hairless cat breeds. What sets it apart the most from other hairless kitties is the fact that its survival as a cat breed is more due to selective breeding than genetic mutation.
These cats are also known to be very intelligent and friendly both with their human companions and with total strangers. They also get along very well with other pets in the home.
Related Questions
Are All Hairless Cats Sphynx?
Not all hairless cats are sphynx. However, they are by far the best-known of all the furless kitties. There are many different, independent hairless cat breeds with different origins and physical features. However, there are a few hairless cat breeds that are mixed offspring, including genetic contributions from the more popular sphynx.
Why Are Hairless Cats So Expensive?
Hairless cats are expensive mainly because they are very rare. Most of them are so rare you may have to put in special requests with breeders. They are also expensive due to their unique demand trends. Though hairless cats are an acquired taste, their unique aesthetic makes them popular among cat owners who want something different.
Do Hairless Cats Hate Water?
Hairless cats do not necessarily love or hate water any more than your average cat. However, they need more baths to keep their exposed skin healthy. As a result, they tend to get used to the water and are more comfortable whether it is swimming or for their weekly baths.
