What Does a Peterbald Look Like?
Contrary to its name, the Peterbald isn’t always bald – at least, not fully. They have a hair-losing gene which can leave them hairless, velour, brush, or straight-coated with very short hair. Some kittens are born with hair but lose it over time, while others keep their velvet coats. Besides, they still have long whiskers. Peterbalds come in all colors and patterns, and their bald skin can be solid pink or have patches of gray.
Other features you’ll notice are their elongated body, whip-like tail, big triangular ears, and narrow muzzle similar to that of a Siamese. They’re medium-sized cats, typically weighing 7-14 pounds. They also have webbed feet and oval paws, which makes it easy for them to grab objects and open doors. Their almond-shaped eyes can be any color, but they’re usually blue or yellow – or one of each.
What Is a Peterbald’s Temperament Like?
Peterbald cats are very active and playful, and will amuse you with their antics. They’re also very intelligent and can be easily trained to do tricks or walk on a leash. Because of their athletic build, they can play for a long time and start feeling tired long after you do. You’ll need to devote quite a lot of time to playing with them every day to keep them happy.
How Social Are Peterbalds?
These cats enjoy human companionship – almost too much for their owners’ tastes. They can be pretty clingy, following you around everywhere and sitting in your lap for half of the day. If you’re looking for an affectionate and outgoing cat, the Peterbald may be the perfect breed for you.
Are They Vocal Cats?
Peterbalds are known for being vocal. They will often chat with their owners, and they’re not afraid to speak up when they want something. While some people find this behavior to be charming, it can also be a bit overwhelming. If you’re looking for a quiet, laid-back feline companion, you may want to consider another breed.
Will They Get Along with Children and Other Pets?
Most Peterbald owners say that their cats are friendly and outgoing, making them great pets for families with kids. When it comes to other pets, Peterbalds seem to do best with dogs. They’re often less fond of other cats, though this can vary depending on the individual cat’s personality.
Are Peterbalds Healthy Cats? How Long Do They Live?
The Peterbald is a fairly new breed, so there is not a lot of information available about their health. However, they’re generally considered to be healthy, with a lifespan of 12-15 years. Some health concerns that have been reported in their ancestors are:
- skin issues such as sunburn, itching or infections,
- tooth decay and gum disease,
- dilated cardiomyopathy,
- bladder stones.
To protect your Peterbald’s skin, it’s important to apply sunscreen when they go outside and to keep an eye out for any signs of irritation. To help prevent decay, it’s important to brush their teeth regularly and to provide them with dental toys or treats. And to keep their urinary tract healthy, make sure they drink enough water or eat predominantly wet food.
What Are the Grooming Needs of a Peterbald?
Because they’re hairless (or almost so), these cats don’t require any brushing or combing. However, they need to be bathed at least once a week to prevent oils from accumulating on their skin. If you’d like to train your cat to walk on a leash and take them outside, you’ll need to invest in pet-friendly sunscreen to protect them from sunburns.
Their ears will also need to be checked and cleaned frequently, as they’re larger than average. In addition, you’ll need to trim your Peterbald’s nails every few weeks. Fortunately, most Peterbalds enjoy being groomed, so these tasks shouldn’t be too difficult.
As we’ve mentioned before, these cats are prone to dental disease, so we recommend getting your kitten used to tooth brushing from the beginning. Doing it every day would be ideal, but once a week is better than nothing.
Where Can You Get a Peterbald?
This cat breed is relatively new, having only been developed in the early 1990s. As a result, they can be difficult to find. The breed is recognized by The International Cat Association (TICA), so you can find a reputable breeder through their online listings. Because Peterbalds are still fairly rare, they can be quite expensive, typically costing between $1,500 and $3,000. However, their unique appearance and personality make them well worth the price.
If you’re interested in adopting a Peterbald, you can look for a breed-specific rescue or browse shelters with online listings of cats up for adoption. Finding one available locally will be difficult, because they’re so rare.
What’s the History of the Peterbald Cat Breed?
The Peterbald cat breed originated in 1993 when the Donskoy (also known as the Don Sphynx) was bred with the Oriental Shorthair. The resulting offspring was a hairless cat, which was named after the city of Saint Petersburg where it gained popularity. Because some Peterbalds are born with a very short coat, the breed not always hairless. In 2005, the International Cat Association (TICA) accepted the Peterbald for championship competition. Today, the Peterbald is considered a rare breed, but it continues to grow in popularity among cat fanciers.
Is the Peterbald the Right Cat Breed for You?
If you’re considering getting a Peterbald, there are a few things you should keep in mind. They’re a relatively new breed, so they can be expensive and hard to find. However, they may be a good choice for people with allergies because they don’t have hair (or only have short fuzz), so they don’t shed. They’re also good companions for families with children, as they’re very playful.
However, if you’re looking for a low-maintenance pet, a Peterbald may not be the right choice for you. They require regular grooming and baths, and they need a lot of exercise to stay happy. Overall, though, these cats make great pets for the right family.
Fun Facts about the Peterbald Breed
Is there anything else to learn about these hairless cats originating from Russia? Here are a few more facts to satisfy your curiosity about them.
- While they may seem delicate, Peterbalds are actually quite hardy and resilient cats.
- All Peterbald kittens can be traced back to one cat, named Nocturne Iz Murino, who was the foundation stood of the breed and is found in its every pedigree.
- Their coat appears to follow basic Mandelian genetics, with totally hairless cats being homozygous for the peterbald trait. However, there is no current explanation for why some kittens are born with hair and only lose it over time.
- Since they descend from the Oriental Shorthair, which was developed from the Siamese, your Peterbald will have Siamese blood in them.
- The breed was accepted by The International Cat Association in 1997, followed by World Cat Federation in 2003. However, the Cat Fanciers’ Association still hasn’t recognized the Peterbald.
Prepared to Add One of These Cats to Your Home?
In conclusion, the Peterbald is a hairless cat breed known for being affectionate, playful, and high-maintenance. If you have the time and patience to care for them, they’ll reward you with their loyalty and amusing antics for years to come. And your guests might just fall in love and decide to get one of their own!
Have you ever had a Peterbald? Share your stories, tips and thoughts in the comments below.
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