Ever seen a cat without fur? Yep, those are the most rare cat breed in town. They’re not your usual fluffy buddies, but they’ve got loads of character. Imagine soft, wrinkly skin that’s a joy to touch, plus those big ears and lemon-shaped eyes that make them stand out in a crowd.
Back in 1966, in Canada, there was a cat born without hair. Breeders thought, “What if we mix this hairless cat with others with the same genetic mutation.” And that’s where Sphynx cat ( the first hairless cat) was born.
Not only are they strikingly different in looks, but they’re also great for families with kids, or even for someone who has mild cat allergies. So, if you’re on the hunt for a unique and lovable pet, consider these hairless cats your new best friends!
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Hairless Cat Breed List
Hairless cats have been around for a long time, but breeders in Europe started shaping the Sphynx breed in the early 1960s. Then, in the 1970s, two separate discoveries of hairless cats in North America laid the groundwork for what we now know as the Sphynx breed.
There’s a bunch of hairless cat breeds that big cat clubs like TICA (The International Cat Association) have given their thumbs up to. These clubs have set out specific features for each breed to make sure they stay healthy in the long run.
| Breed | Distinctive Features |
|---|---|
| Sphynx | Wrinkled skin, large ears, muscular build, affectionate and playful personality |
| Donskoy (Don Sphynx) | Muscular build, varying degrees of hairlessness, can range from completely bald to short, fuzzy coat |
| Peterbald | Slim and elegant body, long and slender legs, almond-shaped eyes, distinctively shaped head |
| Bambino | Cross between Sphynx and Munchkin breeds, short legs, hairless or short coat, playful and affectionate |
| Elf Cat | Cross between Sphynx and American Curl breeds, curled ears, hairless or short coat, affectionate |
| Ukrainian Levkoy | Folded ears, angular head, muscular body, short and soft coat, friendly and sociable personality |
| Minskin | Short legs, hairless or short coat, friendly and outgoing personality, developed from Sphynx and Munchkin breeds |
| Lykoi | “Werewolf” appearance with sparse hair, large ears, distinct facial features, playful and affectionate |
| Dwelf | Dwarfism, short legs, hairless or short coat, friendly and sociable personality, developed from Sphynx, Munchkin, and American Curl breeds |
| Kohana | Hairless or short coat, friendly and sociable personality, developed from Sphynx and American Shorthair breeds |
| Oriental Shorthair | Sleek and slender body, large ears, almond-shaped eyes, short coat in various colors, intelligent and vocal |
Have a look at the 11 different hairless cat breeds in case you are interested to adopt one:
1. Sphynx
The superstar of hairless cats born in Canada in the 1960s. They are always ready to greet you like an old buddy.
Key Characteristics:
- Big lemon-shaped eyes.
- Wrinkly skin and long, dexterous paws.
- They love hanging out with other furry friends.
2. Elf
Mix a Sphynx with an American Curl, and you get the cheerful Elf cat, a bigger version of the Dwelf. They are known for being patient and friendly.
Key Characteristics:
- Strong and agile, with curly ears.
- Big walnut-shaped eyes and a slender tail.
- They’re chatty cats and crave attention.
3. Peterbald
They came about from mixing the Donskoy and Oriental shorthair breeds. Not all Peterbalds are completely hairless; some kittens may have a fluffy coat that they might keep or lose as they grow.
Key Characteristics:
- Beautiful round eyes and elegant ears.
- They’re talkative and affectionate.
- Known for their sociable nature.
4. Donskoy (Don Sphynyx)
Another Russian gem from the ’80s. The Donskoy, also called the Russian hairless or Don sphynx. They have a dominant gene for hairlessness.
Key Characteristics:
- Medium-sized with striking eyes and ears.
- They may grow a winter coat, during cold weather.
- Friendly, and great with kids and other pets.
5. Ukrainian Levkoy
This newcomer isn’t officially recognized yet. They came about from mixing Donskoy and Scottish Fold breeds.
Key Characteristics:
- Almond-shaped eyes and folded ears.
- They’ve got a muscular and dog-like appearance.
- Playful and pretty intelligent breeds
6. Bambino
The Bambino is a small hairless cat, named after the Italian words for “baby.” It’s a mix of the Sphynx and the Munchkin breeds. Bambino refers to a sphynx with shorter legs.
Key Characteristics:
- They’re warm-hearted and love to play.
- Some might have a lion-like tail and big, expressive eyes.
- Hairless and stocky body, large ears
7. Minskin
The Minskin is a unique breed with short legs and minimal fur, created by crossing a Munchkin with a Sphynx. Their bellies are completely hairless.
Key Characteristics:
- They have sparse hair only on ears, legs, and tail
- Most affectionate and athletic breed.
- Live for about 12 years.
8. Lykoi
Lykoi, also known as the werewolf cat! These don’t always sport a hairless look. Some lykoi cats have a black-gray coat, and many of them have bare patches around their faces..
Key Characteristics:
- Partially hairless with short tails.
- They usually have black-gray coats.
- They are smart and most playful.
9. Dwelf
The Dwelf breed is a result of mixing Munchkin, American Curl, and Sphynx cats. These combinations led to their unique and elf-like look, but also brought along some health concerns related to their bones.
Key Characteristics:
- They are quite playful and chirpy in nature.
- They are named for their elf-like appearance.
- Included among the list of “puppy cats”
10. Kohana
Kohana cats, unlike most hairless breeds, hail from Hawaii. Known for their gentle nature, they’re a favorite among families with kids and other pets.
Key Characteristics:
- Completely hairless, they even lack hair follicles.
- Very large ears and long sinuous rat-like tails.
- They are affectionate, sociable and intelligent in nature.
11. Oriental Shorthair
Oriental Shorthair cats are famous for their coat patterns. While most aren’t completely hairless, some may carry a gene for minimal hair.
Key Characteristics:
- The most vocal cats with high levels of energy.
- Slender and elegant body shape.
- Very sociable, cuddly and loyal breed.
Hairless Cat Pros and Cons
Hairlessness in cats is a naturally occurring genetic mutation and the cats like Sphynx were created through selective breeding. Hairless cats usually come with specialized characteristics which require them to be properly treated.
So, In case you consider getting a hairless cat, you need to look at the pros and cons to weigh up the joys and challenges of these feline companions.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Hypoallergenic | Skin care required |
| Low shedding | Temperature sensitivity |
| Unique appearance | Sun sensitivity |
| Warmth | Health concerns |
| Easy grooming | Cost |
Downsides of having a hairless cat
- Skin care required: Due to their lack of fur, hairless cats need regular skincare to keep their skin healthy and moisturized.
- Temperature sensitivity: Hairless cats can be sensitive to extreme temperatures, requiring extra care in cooler weather and hotter climates.
- Sun sensitivity: Their exposed skin can easily sunburn, so it’s important to provide them with protective attire when they’re outdoors.
- Health concerns: Hairless cats may be prone to certain skin conditions. They need regular veterinary check-ups.
- Cost: Hairless cat breeds are often more expensive due to their rarity and specialized care.
- Limited availability: Hairless cats require enough research to locate a breeder or rescue organization.
Benefits of Having a hairless cats
- Hypoallergenic: Hairless cats are often considered hypoallergenic because they produce fewer allergens. It’s a great option for people with allergies to cats.
- Low shedding: Since hairless cats don’t have fur, they shed very little, which means less cleaning up around the house.
- Unique appearance: With their distinct features, hairless cats have an eye-catching appearance that makes them attractive for animal enthusiasts.
- Warmth: Hairless cats tend to feel warmer, which can be comforting for both the cat and their human companions, especially during chilly nights.
- Easy grooming: Hairless cats need minimal grooming. A simple wipe-down or occasional bath is all that’s needed.
Hairless Cat Quiz: Is a Hairless Cat Right for You?
Answer the following questions honestly to find out if a hairless cat is the right pet for you:
Personal Experiences of Hairless Cat Owners
My experience with Sphynx has been Incredibly heartwarming! Initially not much of an animal person, I’m now completely attached to my Jojo. From waking up together to playing hide and seek, he has always been by my side to cheer me up. I don’t know what I would be doing without you, Jojo.
Michael Wreck
Owning Vinny and Tulip has been a fantastic decision for me. Their cuddles during meal times and movie nights are simply adorable. Play sessions and bathing times have been pure joy with these two. For me, having hairless cats has been worth every penny.
Stephanie Huye