Hairless cats aren’t a lab experiment or an artificial creation. The trait appeared naturally, through spontaneous mutations. In fact, there isn’t just one hairless breed but several, and you’ll meet them all below.
Contents
- History of hairless cats
- Hairless cat breeds
- Caring for a hairless cat
- Health
- Feeding hairless cats
- What owners say
- Kitten prices
- Who should get a hairless cat?
History of Hairless Cat Breeds
1830. The naturalist Johann Rudolph Rengger described hairless cats in Paraguay.
1902. A pair of hairless cats named Nellie and Dick was bought from Pueblo people near Albuquerque, New Mexico. They were said to be a special “Aztec” breed and became known as the Mexican Hairless. Nellie and Dick never had kittens together.
1966. In Toronto, a black-and-white cat gave birth to a hairless kitten named Prune, the start of the first breeding line that led to the Sphynx.
1975. In Minnesota, an ordinary barn cat gave birth to a hairless kitten that its owners, with a sense of humor, named Epidermis. Epidermis and her sister Dermis became key founders of the modern Sphynx.
1987. In Rostov-on-Don, Russia, Elena Kovaleva found a nearly hairless stray cat. Bred to an ordinary male, she regularly produced both normal and hairless kittens, which gave rise to the Donskoy.
Hairless Cat Breeds
Hairless cats don’t all look alike. Each breed has its own look and its own hairlessness genes.
Donskoy
The modern Donskoy is an elegant, medium-sized cat with velvety, warm skin. Donskoys are known for their beautiful almond-shaped eyes, but not for their whiskers, which are usually curly, broken or missing altogether.
The breed was first called the Russian Hairless, but the name had to be dropped because not all Donskoys are hairless. A litter can include kittens born completely bald, without even whiskers or eyebrows, as well as:
- Velour Donskoys, whose soft fuzzy coat feels like the finest suede. Velour cats lose most of their hair as they grow up.
- Brush Donskoys, which have a wiry, partly hairy coat and can be used in breeding.
Interestingly, you can see a hairless cat’s color right from birth, because not only the hair but the skin itself is pigmented.
You might also like: Cat breeds for people with allergies.
Sphynx
The Sphynx is a medium-sized cat but surprisingly heavy for its size, usually 6–12 lb. Sphynx cats only look completely bald. They actually have very short, fine fuzz that just feels a bit like suede or a peach.
Sphynx cats don’t sweat all over, as many people think. Their skin produces natural oil (sebum) that fur would normally absorb. Without fur, it builds up on the skin and leaves brownish marks on furniture and bedding. Sphynx cats make wonderful lap warmers. Their body temperature is normal for a cat (about 100.5–102.5°F), but without fur they feel noticeably warmer to the touch.
The Sphynx has a heart of gold: these cats are sociable and quite smart and quickly get used to a new home and owner.
See also: Cat breeds with big eyes.
Peterbald (St. Petersburg Sphynx)
The first Peterbald litter was born in St. Petersburg, Russia, in 1994. Despite its Russian roots, the Peterbald looks very Eastern: an elegant long neck, a narrow head, large wide-set ears and a haughty profile.
The Peterbald is a cross between the Oriental Shorthair and the Donskoy. What did it inherit from its Donskoy ancestor? A fast metabolism (and, as a result, an excellent appetite) and a light waxy coating on the skin.
See also: The most aggressive cat breeds.
Ukrainian Levkoy
Take a little Peterbald, a bit of Donskoy, a touch of Scottish Fold and a dash of a cat of unknown breed, and you’ll get the Ukrainian Levkoy. The first result of this cocktail, a cat named Levkoy Primero, was born on January 21, 2004. The breed still isn’t recognized by the major registries such as the CFA, TICA or GCCF, but it already shines at some smaller shows.
See also: Cat breeds that don’t shed.
Bambino
Sphynx + Munchkin = Bambino! This very unusual breed is controversial, and in some countries breeding it is banned outright because of welfare concerns about combining dwarfism and hairlessness. Still, the Bambino’s charm is so great that enthusiasts around the world are campaigning for its recognition; TICA currently lists it as an experimental breed.
Why do people love these cats so much? Mostly because of the way they scamper around on their short little legs. Breeders say their cats live active lives, but vets still debate the long-term effects of short legs on the spine and joints, so choose a breeder who health-tests.
Elf Cat
Another breed that no major registry recognizes yet. That doesn’t stop its fans from adoring Elf Cats. Just look at photos of these wonderful kittens: a flexible body, a touching gaze and curled-back ears, the breed’s signature feature. Elf Cats are American: they were developed by breeders Karen Nelson and Kristen Leedom by crossing the Sphynx with the American Curl.
Dwelf
Think breeders stopped there? Not a chance! Hairlessness wasn’t enough, and short legs weren’t enough either. What if you combined the Sphynx’s bare skin with the Munchkin’s legs and the American Curl’s ears? You’d get the Dwelf, a mini cat that first appeared around 2009. There are still very few Dwelfs in the world and only a handful of breeders.
See also: The largest cat breeds.
Caring for a Hairless Cat
“Naked” breeds need special care. If you get a hairless kitten, congratulations: you can skip buying a deshedding brush. Unfortunately, that’s the only thing you’ll save on, because:
- Hairless cats get oily skin, so:
- wipe your cat down regularly with soft, damp, unscented pet wipes. Never use alcohol-based wipes or solutions; they can irritate or burn the skin;
- bathe your cat regularly (usually once every 1–2 weeks) with a gentle shampoo made for cats. The water should be comfortably warm, about 100°F;
- keep your cat out of drafts, or it may catch a chill and get sick.
- Hairless cats’ ears collect a lot of dark brown wax, so clean the outer ear about once a week with a cotton pad and a vet-approved ear cleaner. Never push cotton swabs into the ear canal.
- Hairless cats get cold easily, so:
- make sure your cat doesn’t get chilled; keep the house warm (around 70–75°F) and offer heated or fleece beds;
- at the same time, your cat can burn itself lying too close to a hot radiator or space heater, so watch out for that;
- your cat should have sweaters and shirts, and plenty of them, for every occasion.
- Hairless skin is sensitive to UV light, so:
- a little gentle sunbathing is fine, but limit time in strong sun;
- in summer, protect your cat from sunburn with shade, light clothing or a sunscreen your vet says is safe for cats (many human sunscreens, especially those with zinc oxide, are toxic to cats).
- Hairless cats have no eyelashes, so discharge builds up easily. To prevent infections, gently wipe the eyes every few days with sterile saline or vet-approved eye wipes.
- The tail. Yes, hairless cats have a tail like any other cat, and there are oil glands along the top of it. In other breeds, the oil is hidden by fur, but in hairless cats it goes straight onto the skin. Wipe the tail separately every few days.
See also: How to care for a kitten at home.
Health of Hairless Cat Breeds
- Fading kitten syndrome
Sometimes hairless kittens start to weaken and fade 10–14 days after birth for no obvious reason. Specialists link this to problems with the thymus (an immune organ). Unfortunately, these kittens usually can’t be saved with medication.
- Gingival hyperplasia
An inherited overgrowth of the gums, seen mostly in blue and tortoiseshell cats. It can be treated, but it often comes back.
- Short lower jaw
This defect is fairly common in hairless breeds: the lower jaw is noticeably shorter than normal. It can’t be cured.
- Tail vertebrae defects
Often occur together with a short lower jaw and slower overall development. They can’t be treated, and cats with these defects shouldn’t be bred.
- Microphthalmia
This term covers various defects of the eyeball. In hairless cats, they’re often linked to newborn kittens opening their eyes too early. Surgery can sometimes help.
- Entropion
An inward-rolling eyelid. Geneticists agree it’s inherited in hairless cats, though exactly how is still unclear. Congenital entropion can often be corrected surgically.
- Nipple hyperplasia
Enlarged nipples that are passed from mother to daughter. It’s most common in blue cats with blue eyes.
- Mammary gland problems
Mostly affect young tortoiseshell hairless females around sexual maturity. These problems develop quickly and don’t respond well to medication, but surgery can help.
- Acne
Hairless cats can get blackheads and pimples, often on the chin and tail, and the tendency is partly inherited. Blue, cream and red cats seem to be affected more often. Acne is easy to treat.
- Seasonal dermatitis
Females are prone to it during heat. It usually goes away on its own.
- Allergies
Hairless cats are very prone to allergies themselves. They can react to almost anything, from cat litter to a houseplant. Removing the trigger usually stops the reaction.
- Vasculitis
Inflammation of the blood vessels can be caused by medication, infection or even stress. In hairless cats, vasculitis isn’t unusual after shows or long trips. Reducing stress and supporting overall health helps.
- Hereditary myopathy
A neuromuscular disease that can show up when a kitten is about 6 months old. A mild form barely affects quality of life, but a severe form can be fatal. A DNA test can identify carriers.
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
A heart disease in which the walls of the heart muscle thicken, making it harder for the heart to pump blood. It’s common in the Sphynx. Regular heart screening (echocardiograms) is key to catching it early.
- Airway obstruction
A blockage of the airways linked to recessive genes. It can’t be treated.
Healthy hairless cats live quite long lives, usually 12–15 years or more.
Feeding Hairless Cats
Hairless cats have a very fast metabolism because they burn a lot of energy keeping warm, so they love to eat. You’d think that just means feeding them and enjoying it, but stay alert! First, it’s easy to overfeed a hairless cat and ruin its metabolism and figure. Second, hairless cats are prone to food allergies, and not every food suits them, even a commercial one.
If your cat doesn’t have allergies, a hairless cat’s diet doesn’t differ much from any other cat’s: high in animal protein, with moderate fat. But that “if” is key, because allergic reactions can be triggered by the most ordinary foods. That’s why breeders and vets often recommend complete commercial foods, including formulas made especially for hairless breeds or for sensitive skin. Many vets also recommend including wet food in the diet, since it helps keep cats hydrated.
Good foods for hairless cats are usually:
- high in protein;
- formulated to support heart health (with taurine and omega-3 fatty acids);
- enriched with fatty acids for healthy skin;
- free of unnecessary artificial colors and flavors;
- free of the ingredients your particular cat reacts to.
Foods popular with hairless cat owners in the US and UK include Royal Canin Sphynx, Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin, Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach and Acana. Ask your vet which one suits your cat best.
What Owners Say
Owners of hairless cats tend to agree on a few things. On the plus side, these cats are extremely affectionate, people-oriented and warm to cuddle, and many become devoted to one family member. Some owners say their hairless cats are hardy and healthy and have a pleasant, slightly spicy smell when their skin is kept clean.
On the minus side, owners mention the constant skin care, oily marks on furniture and windowsills, the need for frequent baths and, for some cats, a slow start with litter training and tail-end hygiene. If you’re not ready for that routine, a hairless cat may not be for you.
Kitten Prices
A few years ago, hairless cats were a real rarity and breeders charged sky-high prices. Today they’re much more common, but they’re still not cheap. Here’s roughly what a hairless kitten from a registered US breeder costs:
- Sphynx: about $1,500–$4,000;
- Donskoy: about $1,500–$3,000 (rare in the US);
- Peterbald: about $1,200–$3,000;
- Bambino, Elf Cat and Dwelf: about $1,500–$3,000 or more, and they can be very hard to find.
Who Should Get a Hairless Cat?
If you want a quiet cat that stays out of the way, a hairless breed isn’t for you! These cats are temperamental, active and theatrical. They need an audience and attention. Hairless cats are a good fit for people who appreciate their playfulness and don’t mind spending time caring for an exotic “hothouse flower” of a cat. They also suit owners who are willing to pay for quality food and vet care, and who can drive their cat to the vet and to shows in a warm car.
Hairless cats are often recommended for people with cat allergies. But remember that the main cat allergen is in saliva and skin oils, not the hair itself, so no cat is completely hypoallergenic.
Hairless cats often appear on lists of the scariest-looking cat breeds, even though they’re some of the most affectionate cats you’ll meet.
