Not all cats are equipped with a fluffy coat. There are, in fact, several hairless cat breeds that not everyone knows about.
In the popular imagination, the cat is an animal with a thick coat to be pet. In reality, there are numerous hairless cat breeds, that have very ancient origins.
The hairless cat breeds
These breeds have their roots in Egypt, Central and South America. Later on, in the first half of the 20th century, births of hairless cat kittens were documented in the USA and France. In 1966 the first breedings began to be established in North America.
They are not a single breed, but several breeds that have the absence of hair in common but differ in other factors. These cats are hairless because they have developed the baldness gene as a result of a natural genetic mutation.
Hairless cats are not completely hairless but have a millimetric layer of hair invisible to the eye. On the other hand, there is more hair on the extremities of the body to protect these parts that are most exposed to the cold.
Hairless cat: the Sphynx
The most famous hairless cat is undoubtedly the Sphynx, which comes from Canada and has Egyptian appearance. The Sphynx is a medium-sized cat with strong muscles and green or blue eyes. He is sweet, well-balanced and enjoy company.
Hairless cat: the elf cat
Amongst the hairless cats are the elf cats, a very special breed. In addition to being hairless, these cats have their ears folded back like elves. They are a cross between the Sphynx and the American Curl. The elf cat is the biggest of the hairless cats, has a robust body and can weigh up to 10 kilos without showing any signs of obesity. He has a lively and playful character.
Hairless cat: Donskoy
Originally from Russia, on the banks of the River Don, the Donskoy hairless cat has long been considered a descendant of the Sphynx because of their similarity. This is not actually the case, even though their characters are very similar: docile and sociable. Because of their personality, the Donskoy are often recommended for families with children.
Hairless cat: Peterbald
Born in Russia, in St. Petersburg, in the 1990s, from a cross between a Donskoy and a Siamese, the Peterbald is an elegant and refined cat. It has a long and narrow head, webbed feet and a long tail similar to a mouse. These kittens at birth have a light layer of fur which will be lost as they grow older.
Hairless cat: Kohana
It is known as the Hawaiian cat, but his breed has not yet been formally recognised. Kohana cats have a wrinkled body and are completely hairless. They are particularly delicate, especially during weaning, and therefore require a great deal of care.
Caring for a hairless cat
In general, hairless cats are strong cats with few health problems. However, special attention must be paid to their skin. Because of their hairless condition, they need special care. The Sphynx, for example, tends to have a rather oily skin, which must be cleaned frequently with neutral pH cat products or wet wipes, to avoid skin problems. But there’s nothing to worry about, as these cats like water and love to be washed!
Other hairless cat breeds have a drier skin and are therefore easier to look after.
Special attention should be paid to the ears too. Because of the fact that they do not have any hairs to retain impurities, hairless cats produce a lot of earwax, so it’s important to keep them clean and under control. Your vet will certainly be able to advise you on the best product for your cat.
Hairless cats are still looked upon with amazement, but their sweet and fun personality makes them a perfect pet.