All colors and patterns on a hairless or semi-hairless body
Suitable for:
Families looking for an active, kid-friendly, and unusual cat breed
Temperament:
Intelligent, playful, and affectionate, gets along well with other pets
If you’re looking for a rare breed cat like nothing you’ve ever seen before, prepare to be captivated by the Elf cat! These adorable little guys are a hybrid of crossing the American Curl and Sphynx breeds. You may not know much about them, seeing as they’re a recent addition to the cat breed scene.
We rounded up all the details about the Elf cat, so you can decide whether they’re the perfect breed for you. From exactly how this breed came into existence to their personality, intelligence, and health, everything you need to know is right here.
Let us warn you now that Elf cat kittens are off the scale in terms of cuteness. As gorgeous as they are, Elf cats still have specific needs that you need to be sure you can meet before you sign up to become the new owner of a tiny kitten.
Elf cats really need to be kept indoors, partly because their hairless bodies are prone to becoming too hot or too cold when they’re outside. The other reason is to protect your rare breed cat from people who may want to steal them.
These intelligent and curious cats need a great deal of attention and interaction from their owners in order to stay mentally and physically content. They’re not a low-maintenance breed by any means, so be prepared to dedicate a significant portion of your time and money to keeping your Elf cat happy and healthy!
3 Little-Known Facts About Elf Cats
1. Elf cats are a hybrid breed
The Elf cat is a hybrid created by breeding the American Curl and the Sphynx. They were first developed in 2004, for the challenge of breeding a cat with both curled ears and a hairless body.
2. They’ve been accepted for registration with TICA
Elf cats are still incredibly rare, but they have now been accepted for registration with the International Cat Association. They’re shown under the Sphynx with new traits category.
3. Elf cats need special care
With their hairless bodies, Elf cats are sensitive to changes in temperature. Many owners of Elf cats decide to keep them indoors, as they can feel the cold easily and are prone to sunburn. Their delicate skin can also get cut or lacerated more easily than other breeds.
You won’t need to brush your Elf cat’s fur, but their skin does require special attention. This includes wiping your cat down to remove oily secretions and giving them a bath when necessary.
The Parent Breeds of Elf Cat: Left – American Curl (Nitiphonphat, Shutterstock); Right – Sphynx (Igor Lukin, Pixabay)
Temperament & Intelligence of the Elf Cat
Elf cats are extremely sociable, playful, and intelligent. They love to be surrounded by their family and won’t enjoy being left alone for long periods of time. They adapt well to living in a multi-pet household, especially since there will always be someone for them to play with.
Their playfulness means they need plenty of mental stimulation to keep them active and content. Food games, hide and seek, chasing catnip mice, and racing up and down the stairs are all games that an Elf cat will love.
Are These Cats Good for Families? 👪
Elf cats can make great family pets, and they’re sociable enough to get along with life in a busy household. They usually adore children, as long as the kids know how to play with a cat respectfully. Older kids may love to train an Elf cat. They have delicate skin that can be easily damaged, so make sure anyone playing with an Elf cat takes extra care.
They love to be the center of attention, so they will happily entertain everyone with their antics.
Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?
Elf cats generally adapt well to life in a multi-pet household. They’re sociable and confident enough to enjoy living in the same house as a dog, as long as those initial introductions are carefully managed.
They also enjoy living with other cats, especially if they can be persuaded to play! Elf cats don’t have a huge prey drive, so they can usually live in a house with smaller pets, like rodents, without any problems. Just make sure the smaller pets are housed in a separate part of the house, and never leave them and cats unattended together.
Things to Know When Owning an Elf Cat
Deciding to add an Elf cat to your family isn’t just a matter of whether you can afford the high initial cost of buying a kitten. You also need to make sure you can meet your cat’s needs on a daily basis. Whether that’s sourcing a specific food or making sure their vaccinations are up to date, you’re responsible for your cat’s wellbeing.
Before you start searching for an Elf kitten, here’s more information to be aware of.
Food & Diet Requirements
Hairless cats like the Elf cat can have sensitive digestive systems, so it’s worth asking your kitten’s breeder what brand of food they use and sticking to that, at least to start with.
Elf cats need to burn more calories than haired breeds in order to maintain their body temperature. This means it’s vital to select a high-quality food to help them feel their best. Make sure that real meat is the first ingredient and that the food is free from artificial colors and flavors.
Elf cats have inherited a prominent belly shape from their Sphynx parents. They generally have a good appetite, but make sure you work with your vet to keep your Elf cat at a healthy weight. A protruding belly is normal, but excessive fat across other areas of their bodies may mean they’re becoming overweight.
Exercise 🐈
Elf cats can quickly feel too cold due to their hairless coats. They can also be prone to sunburn. For both these reasons, it’s best to keep them as an indoor cat. Some Elf cats may need a heated bed or a sweater to wear if you live in a very cold climate.
Elf cats are also incredibly rare, so that’s another good reason for keeping your precious kitty indoors. They’re friendly and sociable, so they may just make friends with someone outside who decides that they’d rather steal someone else’s rare breed cat than pay for one of their own.
Indoor cats need plenty of enrichment within their environment to keep them happy and engaged. Consider adding things like scratching posts, cat condos, high shelves, and other items that your Elf cat can climb and sit on. They love being up high! Also, things like birdwatching stations, outdoor enclosures, and plenty of playtime can keep your Elf cat feeling satisfied.
Training 🎾
The playful and intelligent character of the Elf cat makes them the perfect candidate for kitty training sessions! Using positive reinforcement and food rewards are great ways to keep your cat feeling engaged. Regular training sessions are excellent enrichment activities for your cat.
Elf cats can enjoy going for walks outside on a leash and harness, as long as they’re appropriately protected from the weather.
The Elf cat’s body might look hairless, but sometimes, it’s actually covered in a very light covering of soft hair. Grooming wise, they don’t need much more than the occasional wipe-down with a soft cloth to remove the oily secretions that can build up and leave your Elf cat feeling sticky.
Some Elf cats enjoy being bathed, but be sure to use a shampoo that’s designed for cats. Bathing up to once every 2 weeks is a good idea, and wipe down your cat with a soft cloth or baby wipes in between those times.
Their lack of hair can also cause dirt to build up in their ears and eyes more quickly than most breeds. You can clean out these areas using a cotton ball or baby wipe.
Health and Conditions 🏥
It’s not yet clear which health conditions commonly affect the Elf cat. We’ve outlined known conditions below, but be aware that there may be others that haven’t been discovered yet.
Minor Conditions
Gum disease
Sunburn
Heat sensitivity
Skin lacerations
Serious Conditions
Heart conditions
Male vs. Female
Maybe you’re now captivated by the sweet and smart Elf cat and are convinced that they’d be the perfect breed for you and your family. We can totally understand that! You might be discussing if you would prefer a female cat or a male. For any cat breed, we recommend selecting your new cat based on their personality first and considering their sex second.
Elf cats are rare, so you will probably have to sign up for a waiting list with a breeder. Depending on your position on the list, you may not get to choose if you’d like a male or female kitten.
While there are a few differences between male and female cats, once you see these sweet kittens, you won’t be too worried about what sex they are — you’ll just be ready to welcome one into your home!
Final Thoughts
The Elf cat is a new and rare breed created in the early 2000s by breeding the American Curl and Sphynx breeds to create a new hybrid that combines the distinctive folded-back ears of the American Curl with the hairless body of the Sphynx. These gorgeous cats are playful and intelligent and simply love life!
You’ll likely need to be patient and wait for a breeder to have available kittens. You also need to be aware that Elf cats have specific needs that set them apart from many other cat breeds.
Their hairless bodies aren’t as effective at regulating their temperature as other cats, so you’ll need to make sure your cat is comfortable during winter and summer. Many owners of Elf cats decide to keep them inside for this reason. They also burn more calories as they try to regulate their body temperature, so feeding them a high-quality diet and making sure they get enough of it is absolutely vital.
These captivating and adorable cats will soon have your whole household wrapped around their little paw, and you can look forward to plenty of memorable moments with your new and unusual best friend.
Christian is the Editor-in-Chief of Excited Cats and one of its original and primary contributors. A lifelong cat lover, now based in South East Asia, Christian and his wife are the proud parents of an 11-year-old son and four rescue cats: Trixie, Chloe, Sparky, and Chopper.
