Hairless Cats
Hairless Cats: A Comprehensive Guide
Are you considering adopting a hairless cat? If so, you’re in for a treat! Hairless cats are truly sights to behold. They come in several recognized breeds, from Sphynx to Bambino, and each is special in its own way. Some hairless cats have very fine peach fuzz while others are truly smooth to the touch.
What are Hairless Cats?
Hairless cats are the result of genetic mutations that have done away with their protective fur. These cats need specific care. They often have difficulties staying warm, requiring sweaters and cold weather gear. And if your cat spends any amount of time lying out on a window sill, their skin needs sunscreen. Additionally, some hairless kitties will need regular baths to prevent oil buildup on the skin. Hairless cats also tend to be more active with a higher rate of metabolism, often requiring a high-quality food to meet their energy needs.
Recognized Breeds
There are several recognized breeds of hairless cats, including:
Sphynx: The most well-known hairless cat breed, the Sphynx originated in Canada in the 1960s. Resulting from a naturally occurring recessive genetic mutation, the Sphynx was developed through crossbreeding with shorthair cats to create a healthy, broad gene pool. Some Sphynx cats have a downy coat or patches of hair, primarily on the face, legs, and tail.
Bambino: This dwarf feline is a cross between the Sphynx and the Munchkin. Some might have a little fur, primarily on the face, ears, legs, and tail, while others are totally hairless.
Donskoy: Also known as the Russian hairless, Don hairless, or Don Sphynx, the Donskoy is different from the Sphynx. The Sphynx gets their hairlessness from a recessive genetic mutation. Meanwhile, the Donskoy gets their hairlessness from a dominant gene. Interestingly, some Donskoy cats develop a partial winter coat when the weather cools, and they shed it once the temperatures warm up.
Conclusion
Hairless cats are unique and fascinating creatures that require specific care. If you’re considering adopting one, make sure you’re prepared to provide them with the care they need. With the right care, hairless cats can make wonderful pets that will bring you joy for years to come.
How do I take care of a hairless cat?
Hairless cats require specific care to maintain their health and well-being. Here are some tips to help you take care of your hairless cat:
Hygiene: Hairless cats need regular baths with warm water and an over-the-counter, hypoallergenic pet shampoo that is free of dyes and perfumes. This helps clean the oils off their skin and prevent acne and blackhead breakouts. It’s important to ensure that all the shampoo is thoroughly rinsed off of your cat, as any residual shampoo left on the skin for an extended period may cause irritation. Additionally, hairless cats will need their ears gently cleaned once or twice weekly using over-the-counter pet ear cleaner and cotton balls or cotton rounds.
Skin Care: Hairless cats need to be protected from the sun and cold weather. If your cat spends any amount of time lying out on a window sill, their skin needs sunscreen. They often have difficulties staying warm, requiring sweaters and cold weather gear. Hairless cats also tend to be more active with a higher rate of metabolism, often requiring a high-quality food to meet their energy needs.
Nail Care: Regular nail trimming can help prevent your cat from getting stuck on things like blankets and carpeting as well as preventing painful ingrown nails. For hairless cats, keeping nails clipped back is even more important. Without fur as a barrier, a hairless cat with long claws may accidentally scratch open wounds on herself. These open wounds could also easily become infected. Getting your cat comfortable with nail clippings, as with ear cleaning, is easier when they are young, but that doesn’t mean you can’t train your adult cat to allow a nail clipping.
