| Height: | 8 – 10 inches |
| Weight: | 7 – 14 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 12 – 15 years |
| Colors: | Varied |
| Suitable for: | Families with small children, families with other pets, seniors, apartment dwellers |
| Temperament: | Friendly, affectionate, playful, intelligent |
When folks think about a quintessential hairless cat breed, their minds will probably go right to the Sphynx. But believe it or not, there are many other types of hairless cat breeds available on the market, such as the Peterbald. This unusual cat has a ton of distinct features, from its huge ears to its webbed toes. But what he is truly known for is his friendly, affectionate, and truly dog-like personality.
If you’re seeking a lovable, loyal, and lively kitty to add to your household, the Peterbald cat may be purr-fect for you. Here is everything you need to know about this fantastic breed.
Peterbald Kittens – Before You Invite One To Your Family
First developed in 1994 by a Russian cat breeder who crossed a Sphynx with an Oriental Shorthair, the Peterbald is the ultimate family-friendly cat. However, despite his rapid rise in popularity, the Peterbald still remains a relatively rare purebred cat to this day.
Due to the rarity of the Peterbald, this cat will often come with a steep price tag. But before you go and scoop up the first adorable little Peterbald kitten you see being sold at a very affordable price, it’s critical to know where your new cat came from. The sad fact is that just like puppy mills, kitten mills exist and sell purebred kittens at very reasonable prices with little regard to their health or happiness.
If you don’t already know, a kitten mill is a large-scale cat breeding facility where purebred felines live in tight, unsanitary conditions. Cats will be bred until they are no longer able to reproduce. If this happens, they are typically killed or given away.
Kitten mills are in operation all throughout the United States and sell kittens to pet stores or on internet classifieds. There are several red flags to keep an eye out for that could signify a kitten mill. These include:
- Kittens and cats living in cramped cages, typically in their own filth
- Cats not having access to clean food or water
- Injured or deformed cats and kittens
- An overpowering smell of ammonia and other chemicals
- Cats with matted fur
- The breeder always having kittens for sale
- No vet or vaccine records available for any of the cats
- No references from past buyers
If you notice any of the aforementioned signs being displayed, do not do business with this operation. Even though the affordable price tag of the Peterbald kitten can seem initially appealing, it will cost you tons of money and heartache later down the road.
3 Little-Known Facts About Peterbald Cats
1. They Have Five Different Coat Variations
Though you may assume that all Peterbald cats are beautiful and bald, this breed actually has five very different coat variations, including bald, flock (which is 90% hairless), velour (70% hairless), brush, and straight (a normal short coat with whiskers).
2. The Peterbald Loves Attention
The Peterbald is the diva of the feline kingdom and adores attention. If you’re not giving him enough, he’ll definitely let you know!
3. The Peterbald Is a Relatively New Purebred Breed
The Peterbald has only been around since 1994.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Peterbald
What the Peterbald lacks in fur, he more than makes up for in personality! Much like a dog, the Peterbald is a loyal, loving, and insanely intelligent breed. He loves spending quality time with his human pride, and will constantly follow you around. While charming, this intense loyalty can also equate to separation anxiety if your Peterbald is left by himself for long stretches of time. This is why this breed is not recommended for people who work long hours or are away for long periods.
Along with being super affectionate, the Peterbald is also extremely intelligent, outgoing, and energetic. While he loves cuddling up on the couch with you, your Peterbald also needs a moderate amount of mental and physical stimulation each and every day.
Are These Cats Good for Families? 👪
Yes! The Peterbald is the ideal family companion. Because of his extremely patient and outgoing nature, the Peterbald is great with small children. Just be careful to keep a watchful eye on your tots and Peterbald during playtime so nobody gets hurt.
Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?
Most definitely! The Peterbald is great for multi-cat households and even gets along well with dogs.
Things to Know When Owning a Peterbald
If you’re considering adding a Peterbald cat to your home, it’s important to educate yourself on everything you need to do to keep your kitty happy and healthy. From food and exercise to grooming and training, here is everything you need to know about owning a Peterbald.
Food & Diet Requirements 
As with any cat breed, the Peterbald is susceptible to weight-related health issues, such as obesity. This is why it is important to feed your cat a high-quality, high-protein diet. However, because of their lack of hair, Peterbald cats will metabolize their food faster than cats with full coats. This means that your Peterbald will have a voracious appetite. Always keep a full bowl of fresh, clean water available to your cat at all times.
Exercise 🐈
Peterbald cats need a moderate amount of daily exercise to keep them fit. Cat toys designed to encourage your cat to move and pounce are great for Peterbald purebreds. These include laser toys and fishing pole toys.
In addition to physical exercise, your Peterbald will also need plenty of mental stimulation to keep from getting bored and lonely. Offer your furry friend tons of affection throughout the day by cuddling and petting him.
Training 🎾
The Peterbald is a super-smart cat and is able to be taught tricks. From giving you a high five to fetching his toy mouse, your Peterbald can effortlessly learn fun tricks. Positive reinforcement training methods, such as clicker training, work best for the Peterbald. And don’t forget to reward him for all of his hard work with high-value kitty treats!
Grooming ✂️
Despite being a hairless cat, there are some skincare needs that your Peterbald definitely needs. For instance, if you ever take your cat outside with you into the backyard, be sure to apply a small amount of cat-friendly sunscreen on his sensitive skin. Your Peterbald will also need to wear sweaters or coats during the colder months to keep him warm and cozy.
Gently bathe your Peterbald in warm water once per week to remove dirt, debris, and excess oils from his skin to prevent itchiness and irritation.
Health and Conditions 🏥
- Sunburn
- Temperature sensitivity
- Feline ectodermal dysplasia
- Dental issues
While the Peterbald is a generally healthy cat, he does have some special needs because of his lack of fur and is susceptible to sunburn and temperature sensitivity.
To keep your Peterbald in tip-top shape, feed him a high-quality diet and take him to the vet for his routine wellness visits.
Male vs. Female
While male Peterbald will be a tad larger than females, they often have the same personalities and intelligence.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the hunt for an awesome cat with a dog-like personality, the Peterbald could be perfect for you. Not only are they highly affectionate and extremely smart, but they will thrive in a multi-pet household or a family with young kids.
This breed needs constant attention and is not recommended for people who are gone for long periods of time. Due to their lack of fur, Peterbald cats also have special grooming and skincare needs.
If you want to add an amazing kitty to your family, consider getting a Peterbald today!
Featured Image: Seregraff, Shutterstock
