While still relatively rare, hairless cat breeds, also known as a sphynx cat, have become increasingly popular over the years. Many hairless kittens even have their own social media channels! Some people are drawn to them believing they are hypoallergenic, some by their big personalities, whilst others think they look cute. However, it’s important to understand that hairless cats have a unique set of lifestyle and health needs, meaning that taking on a hairless breed is a big responsibility.Â
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What are hairless cats?
You may have heard of a Sphynx cat, but did you know that there are actually several breeds and not just one type of hairless cat? The hairless cat breed has been bred in by selective breeding, so some of these breeds are new and pretty rare.Â
Examples of hairless cat breeds include:
- Sphynx
- Don sphynx or Donskoy
- Ukrainian Levkoy
- Bambino
- Peterbald
- Elf
Technically, most hairless cats (bald cat breed) aren’t completely hairless! They are covered in very fine fuzzy fur, much like peach skin.
Most hairless cats aren’t completely hairless! They are covered in very fine fuzzy fur, much like peach skin.
Are hairless cats hypoallergenic?
Many people with allergies welcome other hairless cat breeds into their families, believing them to be hypoallergenic. Unfortunately, this is not the case!Â
Allergies in cats actually tend to be caused by a substance (a protein) produced in the salivary glands (glands in the mouth producing saliva) and sebaceous glands (oil-producing glands in the skin) of cats.Â
This protein, Fel d 1, is therefore present in cat saliva and dander (skin flakes). Fel d 1 is a very lightweight protein that easily becomes airborne and is very sticky, so easily distributes in the environment of a cat, triggering allergies in some people. So, hairless cats can still trigger allergies in people!
While cat hair itself isn’t an allergen, it can carry and spread allergens, such as Fel d 1, as well as other airborne allergens such as pollen or house dust mites. So, while no cat is antiallergenic (free of allergens), hairless cats may cause less of a reaction in some people. But this will depend on what breed of the hairless cat the person is allergic to.
Many people with allergies welcome hairless cats into their families, believing them to be hypoallergenic. Unfortunately, this is not the case!​
Hairless cat health
Unfortunately, hairless cat breeds are prone to certain health conditions. A cat’s fur has a very important function, so it follows that a lack of fur (or little peach fuzz) can cause issues as the protective fur is not there like in other cats.
Couple this with the fact that these cats are being bred from a relatively small gene pool (meaning there are only a small number to breed from once you rule out relatives), and inherited conditions become a problem.Â
Examples of health conditions that hairless breeds are prone to include:Â
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM): heart disease due to a thickening of the muscles in the wall of the heart.
- Devon Rex Myopathy: a disease affecting the muscles of Devon Rex and Sphynx cats.
Of course, this doesn’t mean all hairless cats will develop these health conditions, but it’s important to be aware of them.
The hairless cat breeds is very prone to skin complaints. Without the fur acting as protection, their skin is prone to damage from the sun’s UV rays, sunburn, and injury. Fur also acts to distribute the natural oils that the skin produces.Â
Without fur, hairless cats get oil accumulation on their skin, which can build up in areas such as nail beds. They also tend to have some areas of wrinkled, or folded, skin where oil and dirt can build up. This means they are more prone to skin infections caused by yeast and bacteria.
Many people with allergies welcome hairless cats into their families, believing them to be hypoallergenic. Unfortunately, this is not the case!​
Caring for a hairless cat
Grooming
Contrary to popular belief, hairless cat breeds actually need more care than most furry cats! Due to their oily skin, hairless cats need frequent bathing. Something most furry cat owners would never consider! You’ll need to bathe your cat in a mild, hydrating cat shampoo around once a week.Â
You can also use soaked cotton pads to clean any skin folds or creases, as regularly as needed.Â
Remember to include ear cleaning in your grooming routine. You should never place anything inside your cat’s ears, including Q tips.Â
You can apply some gentle ear cleaner for cats, and then use cotton pads to wipe around the entrance. If the ear wax seems excessive, changes color or smells, then they may have an ear infection and you should book an appointment with your veterinarian.
Protection from the elements
As well as protection, fur also provides warmth, so a hairless cat or sphynx cat is more susceptible to the cold and you will need to protect the cat’s skin.Â
You’ll need to invest in some cat jumpers or a partial winter coat for wintertime, and make sure your house is warm enough. Most bald cats will appreciate a warm bed, such as a radiator bed, to curl up in.Â
Conversely, in summer they will either need to be indoor cats or you’ll need to apply cat-safe sunscreen with good UV protection. The problem with cats is that they may lick it off! So always make sure it’s cat-safe and non-toxic.Â
It’s sensible to distract and monitor your cat after application, so they don’t lick it off. Regardless of sunscreen, it’s important to keep them out of the sun during peak hours.Â
Contrary to popular belief, hairless cats actually need more care than most furry cats!​
Diet
Hairless cats tend to have a slightly faster metabolism, and also tend to be fairly energetic playful characters! Bald cats need a good quality, complete cat food to keep them in top shape.Â
Physical and mental health
Hairless cat breeds are so sensitive to the elements, those with a hairless cat often keep them as indoor pets. This means you’ll need to make sure they have plenty of physical exercise, as well as mental stimulation.Â
It’s a good idea to invest in some cat toys and interactive puzzle feeders.
Hairless cats can make very loving pets. However, they are high maintenance in terms of health and care requirements. Hairless cat breeds can also be very vocal like any other cat breed!Â
Don’t be fooled that they can’t trigger your allergies either. Welcoming a hairless cat into your home is a big responsibility, but if you do, you’re likely to welcome a loyal companion.Â
FAQ
This will depend on the breed you are looking to buy, and the area you live in. Hairless cats are rare, so tend to be more expensive than other cats.
Hairless cats can be loyal and loving pets. However, they need a lot of time and effort from their humans. They require regular grooming, including weekly bathing. They need protection from the elements. Hairless cats also need to be fed a good-quality, complete cat food.
Sphynx cats are prone to several health conditions, including a type of heart disease known as Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. Their hairlessness can cause issues such as skin complaints.
No! No cats are ‘evil’. Hairless cats can be very vocal and demanding, and they need plenty of physical and mental stimulation. Without these, problem behaviors can develop in any cat breed.
