Bambino Cat: Breed Info, Pictures, Temperament & Traits

The Bambino is a relatively new cat breed that first appeared in 2005. It’s a crossbreed between the Sphynx and Munchkin. The breed’s name is Italian for “baby,” and it definitely loves being treated like one. This friendly cat tends to be quite small, loves to be pampered, and doesn’t like being alone. It’s very playful and enjoys spending time with its family members.

Breed Overview

Bambinos are relatively rare and since they’re a new breed, there isn’t a lot of information or data on them, such as genetic health concerns. So, although they have a great personality and temperament for first-time cat owners, we’d recommend these cats for people who have some experience and understanding of cat behavior. Here are some facts to help you get to know the charming and wonderful Bambino.

Bambino Characteristics

Bambino Kittens

Bambinos are relatively new and rare, so the price range for Bambino kittens varies. There’s some controversy¹ surrounding this breed because it’s been bred purposefully with cats with mutated genes to create its small size. So, when looking for a Bambino kitten, it’s vital to work with a reputable breeder. Good breeders will be very transparent and willing to answer any of your questions. They’ll also be able to provide health records for their breeder cats and kittens and will test for any diseases and defective traits.

Bringing home an unhealthy kitten can cause significant distress for both the kitten and owner, and you can also end up racking up vet bills. So, there’s no harm in doing your research before choosing a breeder.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Bambino

Bambinos are bright and social cats that enjoy having a good time. They’re good-natured and patient with children and have an easier time getting along with other pets.

Are These Cats Good for Families? 👪

They’re very social and tend to be very in-tune with their humans. So, they’ll do best in homes where there’s someone available to be with them so that they don’t have to be alone for long hours.

Bambinos can also be great playmates with children. However, their playtime should be supervised because these tiny cats can easily get injured if a child doesn’t know how to play with them appropriately.

Keep in mind that Bambinos aren’t hypoallergenic cats. People have allergic reactions to proteins found in the cat’s saliva, skin, and urine—not their fur. Despite their lack of hair, you can still experience allergic reactions.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?

Bambinos are generally good-natured cats and can learn to live with other pets, including other cats and dogs. Early socialization will be key for increasing the chances of successful cohabitation with other animals. Make sure to slowly introduce a Bambino to other pets and monitor all interactions.

Since Bambinos tend to be inquisitive, they may not do well with small pets and fish. Although they may not have bad intentions, their curiosity may lead them to accidentally injure these types of pets. Therefore, always make sure to supervise a Bambino if it’s in a room with small pets.

Things to Know When Owning a Bambino:

Despite having adorable stubby legs, Bambinos are actually quite agile and playful. They also have some specific needs that have to be fulfilled in order to live a happy and healthy life. Here’s a breakdown of what living with a Bambino could look like.

Food & Diet Requirements

Bambinos don’t have dietary requirements or restrictions that are particularly unique from other cat breeds. It’s important to remember that all cats are obligate carnivores, so they’ll need a diet that’s high in protein and low in carbs.

Keep in mind that indoor cats are prone to becoming overweight. So, make sure to work with a veterinarian to determine how much food to feed your Bambino. You can also speak with your veterinarian if your Bambino is having particularly severe issues with their skin and coat. Supplements or a specific diet for skin and coat may help manage these concerns.

Exercise 🐈

Since indoor cats can quickly become overweight, make sure to provide plenty of exercise and enrichment activities for Bambinos. These cats are surprisingly playful and will need something to do to expend their energy. They’ll enjoy playing with toys that they can chase and pounce, and they’ll most likely appreciate having a cat tree that they can climb and scratch.

Bored cats often develop unwanted behavioral issues, and unhappiness can lead to depression. So, including several play sessions throughout the day is vital for Bambinos.

Training 🧶

Bambinos tend to grow strong attachments to their families and become very attuned and aware of their owners. They also respond very well to positive reinforcement, such as praise and treats. So, Bambino kittens often become litter box trained rather quickly and may even learn some fun tricks.

Grooming ✂️

Bambinos may not have a lot of hair, but they have significant skin and coat care needs. Because of the lack of hair, a Bambino’s skin can quickly become oily or dirty. So, they’ll require regular baths and may also need lotion applied afterward to prevent their skin from over-drying. Bambinos that aren’t groomed regularly can end up developing skin diseases.

Outside of skin and coat care, Bambinos don’t have other specific grooming needs. They’ll need their teeth brushed regularly to avoid plaque buildup and dental disease.

Health and Conditions 🏥

While Bambinos tend to be relatively healthy, they may be susceptible to some genetic concerns that their Sphynx and Munchkin parents may have. In particular, Munchkins can have a significant set of health concerns. So, it’s important to know your Bambino’s family history and go to routine veterinary checkups to monitor your Bambino’s health and ensure that your Bambino’s free of concerns.

Male vs Female

There isn’t any concrete evidence that male and female Bambinos have distinct temperaments. Some male Bambinos may be slightly larger than female Bambinos, but that’s about all that distinguishes them from each other.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Bambino

Bambinos may be newer to the cat scene, but their popularity continues to grow. Here are some interesting facts that we do know about these cats.

1. The first litter of Bambinos originated from North America.

Despite having an Italian name, the Bambino first appeared in the United States. American breeders Pat and Stephanie Osborne bred a Sphynx and Munchkin to create a hairless cat with short legs.

Most Bambinos have short legs, but some may have longer ones. This is because the Sphynx doesn’t have short legs, so its offspring can inherit its longer legs instead of the Munchkin’s traits.

2. The Bambino is an experimental cat breed.

As of today, the International Cat Association (ICA) recognizes the Bambino as an experimental cat breed. However, the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) and the American Cat Fanciers Association (ACFA) are hesitant and unwilling to recognize this cat breed.

The reason is driven by ethics. Both the CFA and ACFA don’t want to encourage the breeding of cats based on their appearances while disregarding genetic abnormalities.

3. Bambinos have significant skincare needs.

Many people believe that hairless cats are hypoallergenic and have low-maintenance grooming needs. However, Bambinos actually require routine skincare maintenance because they’re susceptible to having both dry and oily skin.

Bambinos are also very sensitive to temperature since their skin is much more exposed than most other cat breeds. They can’t stay out for long in hot, sunny weather, and if you do bring them out, they’ll need cat-friendly sunscreen. Bambinos usually have to wear a sweater or have a lot of blankets in cooler weather to keep themselves warm.

Final Thoughts

Bambinos are sweet cats that can be fun and playful family pets. They’re a relatively new cat breed and can be rare to find. So, if you’re looking for Bambino kittens, make sure that you find a trustworthy breeder that follows ethical breeding practices.

Due to their unique coats, these cats require a little extra care, but it’s all worth it. These good-natured cats offer invaluable companionship throughout their lifetime and have a lot of love to give to those who take great care of them.

Featured Image Credit: Jaroslaw Kurek, Shutterstock