Peterbald Cat: Characteristics, Personality, and Breed Information

Peterbald
Overview
Characteristics
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Origin
Russia
Height
8"- 10"
Adult weight
6-10 pounds
Life Span
10-12 years
Temperament
Loyal, affectionate, inquisitive, dog-like
Other Names
Peter Bald, Petersburh Hairless cat
Group
Medium-sized hairless
Price
$1700-$3000
Affection Level
? Breeds with a high affection level want to give and receive a lot of attention, while less-affectionate breeds are not as interested in petting and snuggles.
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100%
Activity Level
? Breeds with high activity levels will engage more in active play and demand more space and attention.
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80%
Pet-Friendly
? How well the breed tends to get along with cats, dogs, and other pets.
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80%
Kid-Friendly
? Breeds with a higher rating in this area tend to be gentle and patient, while lower-rated breeds may feel uncomfortable with children.
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80%
Sociability
? Breeds with a higher sociability rating will want to spend time with you all day, while less-sociable breeds seldom seek out human interaction.
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60%
Intelligence
? Breeds with higher intelligence ratings are more curious, investigative, and easy to train. Less-intelligent breeds are less trainable but often laid-back and easygoing.
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60%
Playfulness
? Breeds that score higher in this area have strong hunting instincts that make them great playtime companions.
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80%
Independence
? Breeds that score higher in this area are able to spend hours alone, while less-independent breeds require plenty of attention.
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60%
Vocality
? A higher rating in this area indicates a breed prone to plenty of meowing and other vocalizations, while less-vocal breeds are happy to stay quiet.
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80%
Grooming
? Breeds with higher grooming scores require more maintenance like brushing and bathing, while lower-scored breeds are virtually maintenance-free.
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40%

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!

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Care

Nutrition

Nutrition

Grooming

Grooming

Exercise

Exercise

Health

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

The Peterbald cat’s eyes should be of medium size with a near almond shape. All eye colors are acceptable and eye color is independent of coat color.

Legs & Paws

The legs should be long, with medium to fine bones. The hind legs should be slightly longer than the forelegs. The paws should be medium-sized, with an oval shape and long, prominent toes.

Tail

The tail should be long and whippy, with a finely tapered end.

The Breed Standard

Body

The body should be long and graceful with firm, well-developed musculature. The hips and shoulders should be of equal width.

Head

The Peterbald cat’s head should for a long, inverted triangle that extends from the tips of the ears to the point formed by the cat’s chins. The muzzle should form a blunt wedge, with no whisker pinch. Whisker pads may be evident.

Ears

The ears should be extra-large, with wide bases and pointed tips.

Coat

The Peterbald may be completely hairless, or might display a fine coat described by Peterbald breed standards as chamois, flock, brush, or straight. Cats with full, straight coats are not accepted in the show ring.

Color

Peterbald cats may be of any color. Lockets are permitted.

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.