Wrinkled, hairless, skin ranges from light pink to black
Suitable for:
Families, seniors, single people, the elderly, or anyone who spends most of their time at home
Temperament:
Social, friendly, don’t respond to change well, affectionate, active, intelligent
While a relatively new breed, the Dwelf cat is becoming more popular by the minute. This breed is known to be social, friendly, affectionate, intelligent, and active. It’s the total package, according to some pet owners. The cat doesn’t respond well to change but will adjust in time if given a chance. Once they’re used to their surroundings, they become very affectionate with their families.
A cross between the Munchkin, American Curl, and the Sphynx cat, this tiny cat only grows to between 6 and 7 inches tall and weighs in at around 4–9 pounds. As you can see, in most cases, the Sphynx characteristics are the most apparent in the Dwelf cat breed.
It’s important to note at this point that there’s quite a bit of controversy around this cat breed and the crossbreeding of cats in general. However, with its elf-like features and dwarf-like appearance, how could anyone not fall in love with this hairless cat?
If you’re considering purchasing one of these kittens there are a few things you should know first. We’ll talk about the price of this breed, some facts you might not have known, and much more in the guide below.
Dwelf Kittens – Before You Welcome One Into Your Family…
These kittens are said to be more playful than other cat breeds. They have quite a bit of energy, are extremely affectionate with the ones they love and are quite social as well.
As with any cat, the Dwelf cat can be stubborn and independent, meaning that it takes a bit to train them not to get on counters and claw up the furniture. Since they are a hairless kitten, shedding is non-existent.
This breed is adorable, sweet, and loving, however, these cats don’t like change. Once they get into a routine, they want to stick with it, so be aware that if you change the cat’s environment it will take them some getting used to.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Dwelf Cat Breed
1. Dwelf Cats Need to be Kept Indoors
Since the Dwelf cat is a hairless breed, they need to be kept indoors. Remember, they have no fur to protect them from the elements.
2. Dwelf Cats Are Not Hypoallergenic
Since the breed is hairless, many potential pet owners think that they’re hypoallergenic. In reality, though they shed very little, it’s not the fur that people are allergic to. Instead, it’s the proteins in a cat’s urine and salvia. You do stand less of a chance of being allergic to this breed, though.
3. The Dwelf Cat Name Is Due To Their Appearance
You may have already guessed this, but the Dwelf cat name is a combination of two names. Its origins come from elves and dwarves. The name comes from the cat’s short legs and elf-like ears. So, the name Dwelf cat was born, and you couldn’t find anything cuter if you tried!
The Dwelf cat isn’t like your normal cat. Instead, they are playful, loving, and attached to their families. Most cat breeds are aloof, independent, and super willing to do their own thing.
You do have to give your Dwelf cat time to get used to being around you. After they adapt, they have been likened to small dogs by many pet owners. The Dwelf cat breed is intelligent, and while they can be independent, they do prefer to be with a family member.
In fact, this cat has been known to go through separation anxiety symptoms when left alone, so never leave your pet alone for a long time. This breed doesn’t mind being picked up and cuddled; in fact, they prefer it.
Since this breed has a higher-than-average intelligence, it’s essential to give them plenty of mental stimulation in the form of toys and companionship. However, it’s important to note that they don’t respond well to change and do better in a normal routine. Since this cat is also energetic and active, make sure to have a few balls and interactive toys around that you can play with together.
If you’re looking for a cat that’s intelligent, loving, and playful, then you’ve found your pet.
Are These Cats Good for Families? 👪
This breed loves to be around people, so it does great with families. Whether you’re a single person, an elderly person, or a complete family, this cat can fit in. You do need to make sure that someone is home with this breed most of the time, as they aren’t aloof and prefer to be with people.
Since they don’t like change, when you bring other people into the house, make sure to take the time to let the cat get to know them slowly, instead of pushing someone new on your pet, and you’ll be fine.
This breed also does well with children, as long as the child is gentle with them. Make sure to teach your children from an early age how they’re supposed to treat and interact with animals, not just your Dwelf cat. It’s super easy for a child to unintentionally hurt a small cat by being too rough, and any cat will scratch or bite to get away from someone hurting them or if they feel threatened.
The Dwelf breed gets along well with other pets if they are introduced to one another slowly. You’ll even find your little feline friend playing with the family dog on occasion. Make sure that any new animal you bring into the home isn’t just tossed in with your Dwelf cat, as they might not get along.
Instead, take the time to let them get used to one another slowly, and they should be fine. Make sure to have a cat tree on hand so that your little one can get away from other pets when he needs to and for exercise as well.
Things to Know When Owning a Dwelf Cat Breed:
Now that you know a bit about the Dwelf cat breed, you might be ready to contact a breeder and put in your order for a Dwelf kitten of your very own. First, it’s essential to note that you’re purchasing this cat to give it a forever home, so make sure you’re prepared to do just that. Becoming a pet parent is a huge responsibility and one that shouldn’t be taken lightly.
Now that you’ve decided to give a Dwelf cat a forever home, there are a few things you’ll need to know about owning this breed. We’ll go into food, diet, exercise, and training requirements below.
Food & Diet Requirements
Since your Dwelf cat is a hairless breed, they will require a high-calorie diet. A high-calorie diet will help to regulate their body temperature since they have no fur to help. It’s best to choose a high-quality cat food that lists an animal protein as its first ingredient. It’s best to skip cat foods with preservatives, chemicals, and artificial colors in the ingredients, as they could mess with your kitten’s digestive system and cause stomach issues.
These cats have a high metabolism, so you need to provide them with enough food to fill them up daily without overfeeding them. If you’re unsure how much kibble to feed your Dwelf cat, contact your vet—they can help you come up with the correct amount based on your cat’s needs.
Exercise 🐈
As with any cat, the Dwelf cat needs at least 10 to 15 minutes a day of intentional exercise. Make sure to provide plenty of toys that your cat can chase, and always have a cat tower for your cat to climb and run around on.
While you can get a cat leash and take your cat for walks, you need to be aware of the Dwelf cat’s sensitivity to heat and cold when doing so.
It’s important to limit the exposure to the sun your cat gets. Since they are a hairless breed, they are apt to sunburn easily. There are sunscreens that you can use for your hairless cat, though. They are also extremely sensitive to the cold, so it’s best to keep your Dwelf cat inside during the cold winter months to prevent them from getting sick.
Dwelf cats are an intelligent breed, so training them to use the litter box shouldn’t be much of a challenge. However, they can be independent and stubborn, so as with any cat, it may take a little more training to teach them not to claw the furniture.
Their legs are super short, so you won’t find them on top of a bookcase, but they do tend to be creative in finding ways to get on counters and tables if that’s where they decide they want to be. Other than that, there is very little you can do to train a cat.
Grooming ✂️
Many pet owners assume that since the Dwelf cat is hairless, there’s very little grooming required. However, since this breed is hairless, its skin needs extra attention instead. In addition, since the breed doesn’t have fur to absorb the oil that builds up on their skin, you’ll need to bathe your Dwelf cat regularly.
Usually, bathing your cat once a week will suffice to keep the oil from building up on its skin. If the oil is allowed to build up, your cat’s skin will start to feel oily and greasy. All you need is warm water and a medicated shampoo. It’s also important to wash their blankets, beds, and soft toys regularly as well to prevent oil buildup.
Some Dwelf cats have more wrinkles than others, and bacteria can easily become trapped in those wrinkles. Make sure to clean them thoroughly when giving them a bath. Clean your Dwelf cat’s ears regularly as well, since they don’t have hair in their ears which means dirt can build up and make them sick.
As previously stated, make sure to put sunscreen on your cat before venturing out during the summer. In the winter, put sweaters on them when you go out, and when the temperature drops, keep plenty of warm blankets on hand to keep them from becoming cold and getting sick.
Right now, the Dwelf cat is considered to be a healthy, hardy breed. However, they are still a fairly new breed so not much is known about their health and the conditions they might end up having. Nevertheless, there are a couple of serious and minor conditions you should be on the lookout for with your Dwelf cat.
Other than the male of the breed being a bit bigger, there aren’t any significant differences between the male and the female of this breed. There may be personality differences, but most of these can be taken care of by getting your pet spayed or neutered.
Final Thoughts
This concludes our guide on the Dwelf cat breed and everything you need to know before getting one.
Though the breed is a bit pricey, they are adorable, lovable, and make great companions. Remember, however, that taking on the responsibility of any animal needs to be done after careful thought and research. This cat will be a loyal companion for many years to come and expects you to be as well.
Featured Image Credit: Jenni Ferreira, Shutterstock
Patricia is a pet writer and lifelong animal lover. She has two cats (Binx and Link) and one dog (Mystery). Binx was found as a kitten under her house and has been part of the family ever since! Patricia is also a published author under the pen name Skylar McKinzie. When she isn’t writing, Patricia enjoys volunteering at her local animal rescue.
