What is the breed of hairless cats called? - briefly
The breed of hairless cats is known as the Sphynx. This unique breed is recognized for its lack of fur and distinctive appearance.
What is the breed of hairless cats called? - in detail
Hairless cats are a unique and fascinating breed, known for their distinctive lack of fur. The most well-known breed of hairless cats is the Sphynx. This breed originated in the 1960s through a spontaneous mutation in a domestic shorthaired cat in Ontario, Canada. The Sphynx is characterized by its wrinkled skin, large ears, and expressive almond-shaped eyes. Despite their lack of fur, Sphynx cats are not completely hairless; they have a fine down on their skin that gives them a suede-like feel.
Another notable breed of hairless cats is the Peterbald. Developed in Russia in the 1990s, the Peterbald is a result of crossing a Don Sphynx with an Oriental Shorthair. This breed can vary in the amount of hair they have, ranging from completely hairless to having a fine down similar to the Sphynx. Peterbalds are known for their slender, muscular bodies and elegant appearance.
The Bambino is another hairless cat breed, created by crossing a Sphynx with a Munchkin, a breed known for its short legs. Bambinos are small, with a compact body and short legs, making them a unique addition to the family of hairless cats. Their skin is wrinkled, and they have large ears and expressive eyes, similar to the Sphynx.
The Dwelf is a relatively new breed, developed by crossing a Sphynx with an American Curl and a Munchkin. This breed is characterized by its small size, short legs, and curled ears. Dwelfs have a wrinkled skin and a fine down, giving them a distinctive appearance.
The Ukrainian Levkoy is another hairless breed, developed in Ukraine by crossing a Don Sphynx with a Scottish Fold. This breed is known for its unique forward-folding ears and wrinkled skin. Ukrainian Levkoy cats are medium-sized with a muscular body and a friendly demeanor.
Each of these breeds has its own unique characteristics and care requirements. Hairless cats generally require more frequent baths to remove oils from their skin, as they lack fur to absorb it. They are also more sensitive to temperature changes and may require additional warmth in cooler environments. Despite these considerations, hairless cats make loving and affectionate pets, known for their playful and social nature.