hairless cats

Hairless Cat Breeds

When people hear the term "hairless cat breeds," they tend to think that the cat is completely bald. This is not true as this type of cat actually has a coat of fine down hair that covers its body.

Even though these cats have less hair than other types of cats, it does not mean that it is a hypoallergenic cat breed. People are allergic to a protein that is present in the saliva of a cat and not the actual hair.

One of the most well known hairless cats is the Sphynx. In Toronto in 1963 a litter of kittens were discovered that had been born without hair. A breeding program was started with these kittens but was discontinued in the late 1970's. In 1978 the last breeding pair was sent to Holland but they did not produce any litters. Kittens that were born without hair due to natural mutations were bred to the Devon Rex - a cat with almost no hair. This established a new interest in the Sphynx and today this different cat breed is recognized for shows by cat fanciers worldwide.

Another of these strange looking cats is the Peterbald cat breed that has the elegant look of the Siamese but without the hair. The coat of this cat is divided into two groups: bald and hairy. A kitten that falls into the bald category is born without any hair, whiskers and eyebrows and stays like this throughout its entire life.

These cats require special care and grooming. Ideally, they should be kept as indoor cats. If allowed to go outside, an animal-friendly sunscreen has to be applied to prevent sunburn.

In the cold winter months, they have to be protected against the cold. This can be done by providing fur-lined baskets and tunnels or by dressing the cat in a soft coat.

This is one cat breed that actually requires a bath. As there is no hair to absorb skin oils, the skin will be greasy to the touch and breeders recommend a bath twice a week to keep the skin in good condition. When bathing this type of cat, use only a veterinary quality product (never human shampoo!) and make sure that there are no drafts. Dry the cat with a soft towel.

Before choosing such a cat, think about the extra care and grooming that they require. You have to be able to make the commitment to ensure that your hairless cat is happy and healthy.

People who love cats come in all shapes and sizes, as do cat breeds. Being informed about the different cat breeds and their needs will ensure that you and your cat have a mutually beneficial relationship.

If you would like to learn more about cat breeds and how to take care of your cat, visit http://www.cat-breed-info.com

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