Cats are often considered as cute and cuddly creatures. There are over two million cat videos on YouTube alone, a testament to their popularity.
However, their hairless variants deserve love all the same. Unlike commonplace cats, this breed lacks a traditional coat of fur.
Admittedly, hairless cats may startle pet owners not used to their appearance. Despite this, they are every bit as fun-loving as their hairy counterparts.
Are there major differences between these types of cats? Every good question deserves a great answer, so increase your knowledge with these helpful tips and tricks.
How Do You Care for a Hairless Cat?
The most obvious aspect of hairless cats is their skin.
Cats produce body oils; unlike furred cats, hairless ones cannot simply shrug them off. Hygiene is critical to one’s physical and mental health, so take care of the situation. It’s your job to clean your cat on a regular basis.
Try warm bathwater every week, along with a hypoallergenic shampoo. Since they aren’t used to the water, gently let them get used to it. Try to sprinkle a little water on them. Make sure they are comfortable with the sound effects of running water.
Thoroughly rinse your hairless cat after each bath and dry them up with a towel. Clean their ears and trim their nails. There should be no remaining shampoo residue after a bath. Otherwise, your cat might be prone to skin irritation.
If they develop acne problems, consult a local veterinarian for more information on what to do. Listen to their instructions and follow them accordingly.
Are Hairless Cats Hypoallergenic?
The term hypoallergenic refers to unlikely causes for allergic reactions in humans. While not all hairless cats are completely hypoallergenic, they produce a weaker response than furry ones.
However, you have to be mindful of skin dandruff. As previously mentioned, you should schedule a weekly bath time for your hairless cat. Since they produce oils that contain glycoprotein, it can be a potential trigger. A nice scrub with shampoo and warm bath water is all you need to keep them clean.
Cat allergies include coughing, wheezing, sneezing, a runny nose, and red eyes. If you experience any of these symptoms, you can visit a doctor to perform a blood test or skin patch. One particular breed less prone to allergies is the Sphynx cat. While not entirely hypoallergenic, their genetic traits strongly gear towards it.
Do Hairless Cats Get Cold?
Without a fur coat to keep them warm, hairless cats are more likely to experience cold. Whether they are inside or outside your house, you should always keep temperatures warm enough for these felines.
Set your heating systems 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit. You can significantly reduce hypothermia as a result.
Make sure your hairless cat has a comfortable bed to sleep in. Cats tend to look for warm areas to take rests, so set up a soft bed with plenty of pillows. You should also let them rest on you when given the chance. Hairless cats are affectionate creatures, so don’t be shy.
Interestingly, since hairless cats lack fur, their metabolism levels are much higher. They tend to eat more than furred cats. Serve them high-quality meals with delicious flavor and make their dinner time one to look forward to.
Ideas of Hairless Cats Names
A name is only a word, but it serves as a means of communication to the main world. You need to take your time; carefully decide the best one for your hairless cat. To get the creative juices flowing, you should look for inspiration around you.
For instance, you can dust off the old history book and look up Egyptian mythology. The ancient cats bear a striking resemblance to the modern Sphynx. Why not name one after a legendary pharaoh?
You can also stick with traditional European names since breeds were popularized there in the 1960s. For those with a sense of humor, you can rely on puns like Harry.
Write down a list of names to brainstorm. Afterward, you can decide which one fits the personality of your hairless cat.
For your viewing pleasure, here are a few suggestions you can use. The order starts with female names, following male counterparts:
• Cleopatra
• Elizabeth
• Felyne
• Kitty
• Mew Mew
• Olivia
• Shirley
• Anubis
• Boris
• Harry
• Jackson
• Osiris
• Ra
• Sphinx
Overview of 5 Hairless Cats Breeds
There are plenty of hairless cat breeds available from rescue shelters. Be mindful of their appearances and characteristics, since each feline is in a special class of its own. While there are several breeds out there, here are 5 popular ones in particular:
Bambino
These cats are mostly without fur, although a few of them do exist with hair. The Bambino cat has short legs with upright ears, which make them a dwarf. Despite their lack of size, they make up for it in high energy.
Bambino Cat – Source: miawmiaw.com
Donskoy
Similar but not related to the more popular Sphynx, the Donskoy is gentle, friendly, and inquisitive. They are easy to train for new cat owners.
Peterbald
Notably, a Peterbald is actually born with fur. However, they lose it later due to hair-loss genetics. Peterbald cats are thin but muscular in build. They are known for their intelligence, energy, and affectionate nature.
Peterbald Cat – Source: flickr.com – CC BY-ND 2.0
Sphynx
Far and away the most well-known breed, the Sphinx has lemon-shaped eyes and long ears. While they lack fur, their skin keeps the same colorful textures a normal cat would. The skin texture is similar to expensive European leather.
Ukrainian Levkoy
The Levkoy breed is only recognized as such by Russian and Ukrainian organizations. It originally showed up in the 2000s. They have a dog-like appearance with two distinct features – folded ears and wrinkly skin.
Do You Want to Adopt a Hairless Cat?
Remember – cat adoption is a serious undertaking. No matter which breed you prefer, give them your careful attention.
With or without hair, cats provide a loving companionship with their owners.
Contact a local cat shelter to find yourself a hairless variety. There is plenty of love to go around, and that’s the naked truth of the situation.
Hairless Cats: A Final Word
I hope that this article presenting the hairless cats will have allowed you to know better these breeds a little bit unloved because too little known.
Do you have a hairless cat at home? How do you feel about this little companion? Express yourself!