Personality and Temperament
What do you get when you cross an Oriental shorthair with a Donskoy cat? A Peterbald cat! These whimsical creatures are easy to care for, with fun-loving, spirited personalities, and looks that can only be described as uniquely adorable.
The Peterbald cat has a sense of loyalty that many other felines simply don't possess: in fact, this cat is often compared to a dog simply because it is so affectionate toward its humans.
These cats are incredibly sociable, and will happily greet newcomers rather than hiding suspiciously when friends come to call. Because of their social nature, they are unhappy when left alone, meaning it's very important to provide constant companionship. The good news is that companionship doesn't have to be human: Peterbald cats are very similar to their Oriental cousins in that they can form close bonds with other felines and dogs.
Peterbald cats are playful and athletic. They spend their waking hours investigating everything, helping their favorite humans with chores, and looking for tall vantage points from which to survey their domain. They have a tendency to talk while they're at it, loudly expressing their opinions on everything from the amount of attention you're giving them to the fact that they require more food in their dish.
While the Peterbald cat might not be the ideal pet for everyone, this breed is a fascinating one. Those who are lucky enough to bring a Peterbald kitten home have a loyal friend for life!
Care
Nutrition
Grooming
Exercise
Health
Peterbald cats don't have any special nutritional needs, however they do require a high-quality diet that incorporates real fish or meat as the number one ingredient. Depending on activity level, these kitties might need a bit more food then the average cat simply because they burn more calories with all of their antics.
Like all other hairless cats, the Peterbald requires occasional bathing. This is necessary because there is not enough hair to absorb all of the oils the skin produces. Excess oil attracts dirt, leading to irritation and odor. A gentle shampoo and a warm, soft place to dry are two essentials Peterbald cat families will want to have on hand.
You will not have to encourage the Peterbald cat to play! These frolicsome kitties retain their youthful exuberance well into adulthood and are always ready to have fun with a friend or on their own. A tall cat tree is essential, as are scratching posts and a basket full of toys.
Peterbald families will want to make sure that these cats always have something appropriate to amuse themselves with; without cat-friendly essentials, these kitties will make their own fun, often with items that their human friends would rather leave on a high shelf or in a drawer.
Peterbald cats have a reputation for good health overall, however some individuals are prone to a skin condition called feline ectodermal dysplasia. Even without this painful skin condition, these kitties are prone to injury if subjected to rough treatment by kids, competitive cats, or overeager dogs.
They need to be treated gently, and they need to be protected from the elements since they are prone to sunburn, wind burn, and other skin ailments that can happen with exposure.
History
In 1994, a cat breeder in St. Petersburg, Russia decided to create a brand-new breed that represented the best of two of her favorites. Olga Mironova successfully crossed a hairless Donskoy with an Oriental Shorthair, creating a kitty that resembled the Sphynx, but that was in fact genetically closer to an oriental Shorthair with a hair-losing gene.
The Russian Selectional Feline Federation (SFF) accepted the Peterbald cat in 1996. The International Cat Association (TICA) gave its approval in 1997, and the World Cat Federation (WCF) accepted the breed in 2003. The American Cat Fanciers Association ACFA) accepted the Peterbald in 2008. The breed is gaining popularity worldwide thanks to its outstanding personality, however it is relatively rare in comparison with other cat breeds.
Eyes
Legs & Paws
Tail
The Breed Standard
Body
Head
Ears
Coat
Color
FAQ
How much does a Peterbald cat cost?
Peterbald cats cost between $1700-$3000.
How big do Peterbald cats get?
Peterbald cats tend to be medium in size. A fully grown Peterbald cat might weigh between 6-10 pounds or more and range in height anywhere from about 8"- 10" inches tall.
How long do Peterbald cats live?
The Average lifespan for Peterbald is 10-12 years.
Do Peterbald cats shed?
Peterbald cats are considered a hairless cat breed, they lack a coat to shed or groom.
