Naked Cat Breeds: Which Cat Breeds Are Hairless?

All cats are different. Some breeds of cats love affection, while others prefer to spend time alone. Meanwhile, some cats, like the Bengal cat, are known for their beautiful coats, while others are known for their lack of coats.

When looking for a cat that's right for you, you may also consider indoor vs. outdoor cats depending on your living situation or hairy vs. hairless cats based on allergies. Hairless cats are a great option for those with pet allergies because they don't shed (since there's no hair to shed). However, they do still produce dander, so they're not completely hypoallergenic.

Hairless cat breeds can offer you the same affection and playfulness as cats with hair. However, not many people know how many different hairless cat breeds there are to choose from. This article will discuss these cats to help you find a naked cat breed that's right for you based on several factors, including maintenance, playfulness, energy, and your lifestyle.

• Caring For Naked Cat Breeds
• Naked Cat Breeds: Frequently Asked Questions
• Final Notes

1. Sphynx

The Sphynx is the most popular and well-known naked cat breed. These sweet, enthusiastic cats are great companion animals. They're athletic and love to spend time with their pet parents. Not all Sphynx cats are totally bald, though. Some have peach fuzz across their bodies, which makes them silky soft.

Sphynxes are high-maintenance cats that require frequent bathing to remove oils from their skin and prevent skin irritation.¹ Sphynx cats also have different skin patterns, so no Sphynx looks like another. Unfortunately, because these cats have either no fur or very little fur, they get cold easily, so if you're cold, you can bet your cat is cold. Therefore, it's best to have a Sphynx cat if your home has a warm, sunny spot where they can nap and are willing to turn the heat up a little higher in the winter.

2. Bambino

The Bambino hairless cat breed is a dwarf cat that mixes a Munchkin and a Sphynx. They have short legs like a Munchkin and are hairless with the same perky ears as a Sphynx. Bambinos are friendly and affectionate. These tiny cats weigh up to nine pounds but do well with other pets in the household. Like other naked cat breeds, the Bambino is not completely hypoallergenic and still produces dander, but regular bathing can help remove dander and reduce pet allergies.

3. Donskoy

A Donskoy, also known as a Don Sphynx, is a medium-sized cat that's a mix of the Peterbald and Siamese cats. These cats have webbed toes and are more muscular than a Sphynx. However, they have similar affectionate personalities. Donskoy cats are energetic and love spending time with their human companions. They're also smart and can be easily trained with basic commands. Like with any bald cat breed, your Donskoy should be bathed frequently or wiped down with a soft, damp cloth to prevent skin irritation.

4. Elf

Elf cats have unique ears that make them completely unique from other hairless cats. They are a hybrid breed of the Sphynx cat and American curl. Even though they’re hairless, Elf cats have a soft feel and peach fuzz. They are gentle but not overly energetic. However, they're incredibly playful.

These intelligent cats require tons of attention and love to climb, so you'll need to invest in a high-quality cat tree to satisfy their natural instincts. Elf cats are prone to skin problems because their skin is exposed, and oil buildup can lead to rashes or infections. Additionally, they can get ear infections and require proper ear care.

5. Dwelf

The Dwelf hairless cat breed is a cross between three types of cats: Munchkin, American curl, and Sphynx. Most of these cats have similar ears to the Elf, but the main difference is their short legs. Dwelf cats are friendly and love attention. They weigh anywhere from four to nine pounds when fully grown and thrive in a home with tons of affection. Dwelfs are high-energy cats, so they shouldn't be left alone all day. Instead, they need tons of indoor activities, including plenty of cat toys and climbing trees.

Even with their short legs, Dwelf cats can run and jump just as well as any other cat, so don't be surprised if you find them jumping on the back of the furniture. You should care for your cat's skin since they are a hairless breed and will require you to remove their oils with regular bathing.

6. Minskin

The Minskin naked cat breed is another short-legged cat. A mix of the Sphynx and Munchkin. These cats are similar to the Bambino breed. However, the bambino gets most of its traits from the Sphynx while Minskins get theirs from the Munchkin. These tiny cats weigh only four to six pounds, so you can easily pick them up and care for them. Minskins have a fine peach fuzz throughout their bodies, but you can also find them bald with patches of fur on the face, ears, tail, legs, and nose.

Minskins may be tiny, but they're incredibly affectionate with people, even children. They're just as active as other cats, but they can't jump as high because of their tiny stature and short legs. However, their legs do not prevent them from living active, healthy lives. Minskins are indoor cats because they have sensitive coats.

7. Peterbald

Peterbald cats are elegant cats that can grow up to 17 inches in length and weigh up to 14 pounds. They are incredibly loyal and have even been compared to dogs in their temperament. Peterbalds have a variety of hair coats; some can be bald while others have fuzz. They're a fairly low-maintenance breed because they don't shed often, but like other hairless cat breeds, they require regular baths.

Peterbalds are intelligent and can learn basic commands and tricks. They also love puzzle games or interactive toys and spending time with their humans.

8. Ukrainian Levkoy

Ukrainian Levkoy cats have inward folded ears that make them truly unique. They're a cross between Scottish fold and Donskoy cats, making them friendly, playful, and intelligent. Ukrainian Levkoy gets along well with other pets and humans. They're also kid-friendly, making them a great choice for a family pet. These cats are natural explorers, so they must have something to investigate every day. While they're exclusively indoor cats, you can give them scratching posts or cat trees to help them occupy their intelligent minds.

9. Lykoi

Lykoi cats are not completely hairless and are often referred to as the werewolf cat. Some Lykoi cats have gray or black coats, while others are mostly hairless. These cats frequently shed since they're only partially bald. However, they can still get cold easily, so they must always be kept inside. Lykoi cats have a strong prey drive and enjoy stalking their toys. However, they still have friendly personalities. Since Lykoi cats have a high energy level, they will be more active and may require more interactive toys to keep them occupied. They're also incredibly independent yet affectionate.

Caring For Naked Cat Breeds

Naked cat breeds are not low maintenance. While they might appear low maintenance because they don't shed or have tons of fur, they require more frequent bathing than the average cat. Although you don't have to worry about cat shedding on your clothing or furniture, your naked cat breed needs to have their skin properly taken care of to prevent oil buildup and infections. Since they don't have fur to protect them, they may be more prone to eye irritation or ear infections. Hairless cat breeds should be bathed once a week to keep their skin healthy.

Naked cat breeds are also sensitive to temperatures because they don't have fur to regulate their body heat. Therefore, they must be kept indoors at all times and have warm spots to nap in during the day. Depending on where you live, you may have to put your cat in a sweater to keep them warm throughout the colder months.

Naked Cat Breeds: Frequently Asked Questions

What breed of cat has no fur?

Many breeds of hair are hairless, but they're not as common as other types of cats. The most well-known breed of hairless cat is the sphynx cat. However, other breeds include Bambino, Donskoy, Elf, Dwelf, Minskin, Peterbald, Ukrainian Levkoy, and Lykoi.

How much is Sphynx cat worth?

Sphynx cats are purebred, so they're one of the most expensive cats you can buy. Depending on the breeder, they typically cost anywhere from $1800 to $3000.² Additionally, sphynx cats are high maintenance, so you'll spend more money taking care of them after the initial purchase.

What you can expect to spend on a Sphynx cat will vary depending on their size, color, origin, and other factors. However, these cats are rare, so they will be expensive, especially if you buy them as kittens.

Are there different types of hairless cats?

Yes, there are many different breeds of hairless cats. While the Sphynx cat is the most popular and well-known, other breeds are hybrids of the Sphynx cat and other types of cat, including Bambino, Elf, Dwelf, and Minskin.

Do Sphynx cats smell?

Sphynx cats can develop a smell because their skin doesn't have fur to protect it from dirt and bacteria. Poor diet, hygiene, and mouth and ear issues are common reasons why a Sphynx cat might smell. However, with proper maintenance, Sphynx cats should not smell. If your cat has a smell, it could be a sign of an infection.

Final Notes

Naked cat breeds are truly unique and make great family pets. These cats require extra care because they don't have fur to protect their skin, eyes, or ears, but they are affectionate with their human companions and do well with other pets. However, hairless cat breeds are more prone to skin irritations and infections, so you must take proper care of their skin with regular bathing to remove oils.

If you're worried about your hairless cat's skin or ear health, talk to a veterinarian who can help you find the best solution to make your cat more comfortable and eliminate signs of infection. Dutch can help you care for your hairless cat year-round by offering televet solutions to ensure your cat gets the unique personalized care they need.