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Home > Cats > 7 Hairless Cat Breeds (with Pictures)

7 Hairless Cat Breeds (with Pictures)

Ukrainian Levkoy

Hairless cats make interesting pets. While they might not be cute in the traditional sense, it does not make them any less beautiful. Additionally, hairless cats are more likely to form deeper bonds with their owners than regular cats. Due to their lack of fur, they need to snuggle up next to you to keep warm.

Some people consider adopting hairless cats thinking they are hypoallergenic. However, being hairless does not make a cat allergy-friendly. This is because allergens are found in the cat’s dead skin cells, not in its hair. Nevertheless, since hairless cats require frequent bathing, they are less likely to trigger allergies as baths allow you to eliminate the allergy-causing dander.

Apart from a lack of hair, hairless breeds are ordinary cats, meaning they behave like any other felines. Interested in picking up one? The following is a list of recognized hairless cat breeds.

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The 7 Hairless Cat Breeds

1. Sphynx

Sphynx
Image Credit: Best dog photo, Shutterstock

The Sphynx is arguably the most popular hairless cat breed on the planet. Unlike several other hairless breeds, the Sphynx’s hairlessness results from a natural mutation, not human manipulation.

This kitty has a suede-textured coat, with little thin fuzz on its head, feet, and tail. Additionally, it has wrinkled skin around the head and shoulders. As with any other cat, the Sphynx also comes in various colors and patterns.

Sphynxes are charming cats. They are affectionate, loyal, curious, and playful. Additionally, they get along with other pets, which is why they make great pets.

Despite all its charm, this cat requires regular cleaning to remove oil and debris that accumulate under their skin folds.


2. Bambino

bambino cat
Image Credit: Jaroslaw Kurek, Shutterstock

The Bambino is a cross between a Sphynx and the adorable Munchkin cat. It has its parents’ trademark attributes; the Sphynx’s hairlessness and the Munchkin’s short stature and tiny legs. Some people call this cutie “baby cat” due to how adorable it is. Nevertheless, despite its small size and short legs, the Bambino does not have mobility issues.

Like the Sphynx, the Bambino also comes in numerous shades, colors, and patterns. Bambinos are intelligent, affectionate to their owners, and friendly to other pets and strangers. These cats are also big fans of cuddles.


3. Minskin

Minskin_Kitten_Female_blue_tabby_color-pattern_Paulmcsorley_Wikimedia Commons
Kitten Female blue tabby color-pattern (Image Credit: Paulmcsorley, Wikimedia Commons
CC SA 3.0 Unported)

The Minskin is also a cross between a Sphynx and a Munchkin, which is why it is often difficult to tell Minskins and Bambinos apart. However, Minksins tend to be smaller than Bambinos and have some fur on their extremities.

Additionally, they have a thinly dispersed coat with a velvety texture around their face and legs. They also come in all colors, shades, and patterns.

The Minskin is intelligent, playful, and has a propensity for goofiness. As you can imagine, they are more than adorable.

Fun fact: The name “Minskin” is derived from the words “miniature” and “skin.”


4. Donskoy

Donskoy cat
Image Credit: Viachaslau Herostratos, Shutterstock

The Donskoy—also known as Don Sphynx or Don Hairless—is a Russian hairless cat breed. This breed came about when its founder rescued a kitten that started losing fur at only 4 months of age. As such, Donskoy’s hairlessness is not a result of human manipulation but a genetic mutation.

Since genetics determine whether a Donskoy cat will be hairless, not all Donskoys are hairless. Some have patches of hair all over their bodies. Interestingly, all Donskoys can grow a winter coat, making them unique among hairless cat breeds.

The Donskoy is muscular, heavy-boned, athletic, and comes in various colors and patterns. It is also intelligent, friendly, and playful, making it a great fit for most homes.


5. Peterbald

Peterbald
Image Credit: Seregraff, Shutterstock

The Peterbald is among the most expensive, as well as rarest cat breeds in the world. This hairless feline is a cross between a Donskoy and an Oriental Shorthair.

However, the degree of hairlessness tends to vary among Peterbald cats. Some are entirely hairless, others have a fine down, while a few sport a suede-like coat. Moreover, infants are born with hair, shedding it as they mature.

The Peterbald has thick and dense wrinkles all over its body. This cat is remarkably athletic, thanks to its muscular composition.


6. Ukrainian Levkoy

Ukrainian Levkoy
Image Credit: Oleksandr Volchanskyi, Shutterstock

The Ukrainian Levkoy is a cross between the Donskoy and the Scottish Fold. It inherits the Donskoy’s hairlessness and the Scottish Fold’s inward-folding ears. Most people describe its face as being dog-like.

The Ukrainian displays sexual dimorphism, meaning that the males are significantly larger than the females. But whether male or female, they make great pets.

Unfortunately, this breed is yet to be recognized by the International Cat Association (TICA) and the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA). It is, therefore, difficult to find in the USA.


7. Dwelf

Dwelf Cat
Image Credit: Jenni Ferreira, Shutterstock

This tiny, hairless cutie originates from the United States. The name “Dwelf” is derived from the words “dwarf” and “elf,” as a homage to its short stature and large, curled ears.

The Dwelf was developed by crossing various breeds, including the Sphynx, Munchkin, and the American Curl. This cat is playful and said to have a dog-like personality.

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Conclusion

Most people assume hairless breeds require less maintenance since one does not have to keep grooming them. However, hairless cats need regular sponge baths to stay healthy. This is because the lack of hair promotes the buildup of oil and debris on their skin, which can trigger skin problems.

Additionally, hairless cats are susceptible to temperature extremes. Too much time in the sun can result in sunburns, while below-average temperatures are highly uncomfortable for the cat for obvious reasons.

Therefore, do your research first before adopting one of these hairless cuties.


Featured Image Credit: Oleksandr Volchanskyi, Shutterstock

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