Hairless Cats
So today, I thought it would be fun to talk about hairless cats. Back in episode 3 we talked about Hemingway cats, so let’s keep it going! So, when I say hairless cat, I am sure the first thing to come to mind is the Sphynx cat. These cats are known for their lack of fur. Hairlessness in cats is a naturally occurring genetic mutation. However, the Sphynx cat, as a breed, was developed through selective breeding starting in the 1960’s. Hairless cats, or sometimes known as naked cats, have very distinct personalities and unique grooming needs, which we will get to later. Hairless cats, in my opinion, are adorable and they do make excellent pets. They may look a little quirky, but underneath all those cute wrinkles lie personalities that are affectionate, curious, and good natured. This breed is known for having heart issues and there is a chance of muscle issues such as myopathy and spasticity.
Now that we have a bit of information about these breeds, let’s talk about these individual breeds. Did you know there are 5 recognized breeds of hairless cats? I did not either until doing some research for this podcast. We all know about the Sphynx cat, they are known for being sweet, silly and warmly enthusiastic. As a whole, they are very athletic, love being around people (and I heard they are a breed that does well with canine companions), and exhibit a friendly demeanor. Not all Sphynx cats are completely hairless. Some have very fine peach fuzz that makes the cats feel like velvet. They also may exhibit a range of varying skin patterns which are the color of the fur they would have if they had fur. Fun fact, the gene that causes hairlessness in Sphynx cats is recessive.
Peterbalds are curious, elegant, intelligent and very social. They differ from the Sphynx in that the gene that governs their hairless trait is dominant, rather than recessive. They also have a variety of coat types, ranging from fully bald to slightly fuzzy and have a much more delicate bone structure than their Sphynx cousins.
Donskoy cats are a mix of Peterbals and Siamese and are distinguishable due to their webbed toes. This breed tends to be more wrinkly than the Sphynx, which I think just adds to the cuteness! They do exhibit the same people-orientated, sweet-tempered personality that Sphynx cats have.
Minskin cats are, as the name implies, mini, itsy bitsy bald cats. They are a mix of Sphynx and Munchkin breeds. They have shorter, stubby legs than other cats. They make up for their short legs with a big personality and are outgoing and affectionate. The Minskin is an excellent companion breed and really look like a hairless kitten, even when they are full grown. Their coats tend to be a bit dense around the face, ears, tail and legs.
The last breed we will be talking about is the Elf cat. Their ears are unique and set these cats apart. They are a mix of Sphynx and American Curl. They are again like all the hairless breeds, are very social, active and playful. And tend to be affectionate, loyal and endearing. Be sure to check out our Facebook and Instagram stories, I will be posting pictures of the Elf cat, because I am in love with their ears!
Caring for Hairless cats is a bit different than other cats. Before adding one of these breeds to your family you need to be aware of the specific health, grooming and skin-care needs they have. Above and beyond the nail and ear ear, that is standard for all cats, there are a few differences you need to be aware of. Some hairless cats may have a peach fuzz and others may be completely bald, in either case they lack the long hair needed to absorb oils from their skin, so they will need regular bathing. Lack of regular bathing, which once a week is recommended, they can develop build up on their skin which leads to skin problems. It is highly recommended that you use shampoo specifically formulated for cats. Some cats with no fur also may lack eyelashes, allowing dirt to enter the eyes more easily. Eye care should be taken seriously, and use a wet cloth and gently wipe them as needed.
Can a hairless cat get sunburnt? Do hairless cats get cold? Of course! Hairless cats can be sensitive to both cold and the sun. If the temperatures are dropping, these breeds of cats should have a sweater or coat to help them stay warm. As far as the sun goes, hairless cats, and all cats really, should be indoor pets. Shade protective clothing and limiting sun exposure can help keep your cat healthy. Never Never Never use sunscreen for humans on cats!
Hairless cats have very fast metabolisms and tend to eat more than other cats, since they have to work harder to stay warm. Make sure you are choosing a good, healthy, well balanced cat food and provide enough for your cat to eat, along with plenty of fresh water.
Thank you again for joining us for another episode of the Pet Pawcast. Be sure to check out the link in our show notes to our threadless shop and get your podcast swag!
I also put a few links in the show notes for our favorite cat sweaters, heated cat bed, and the cat toy pack that my cats cannot get enough of!