Popular Hairless Cats

The Peterbald cat is a loyal and affectionate feline companion. What they lack in hair they make up for in affection, playfulness, and loyalty, earning them the compliment of being a "dog-like" cat.

Also referred to as the Don Sphynx or Russian Hairless, the Donskoy is a medium-sized, muscular cat that has little (or no) hair due originally to a genetic mutation. Although the Donskoy is sometimes called a Don Spynx, the breed is not related to the Sphynx. These friendly, active cats are known for being very loyal—in fact, their loyalty is often compared to that of dogs—and they are also both intelligent and affectionate.

The elf cat, a new and rare hybrid of the sphynx and American curl, is known for their hairless body and signature curled ears. These bright-eyed, muscular cats are highly sociable and intelligent and love to jump and play. While the elf cat requires no brushing, their grooming regimen can be demanding, as lacking fur requires different cleaning practices.

The sphynx cat, sometimes called the hairless cat, is a unique cat breed known for their wrinkly skin and peach fuzz coat. Sphynxes stand out among other cats due to their lack of fur or hair—an uncommon occurrence among most mammals. Despite their regal appearance, they are playful and goofy pals who sometimes act more like dogs than cats.

Hairless cats have been popular for decades, partly due to their friendly and sociable demeanor, which can sometimes be almost dog-like. However, before choosing a breed of hairless cat, it’s important to understand their unique care requirements. Life without fur can require more upkeep than one might initially expect.

The defined cheekbones and wide-set eyes of the Sphynx cat personify their ancient Egyptian namesake. Often hairless and cuddly, these cats make for a unique pet. They love human attention and excel at agility and tricks despite their pot-bellied appearance. Sphynxes are loyal, easygoing, and great with other pets. Everyone will fall in love with their sense of humor and charming personality.

With a unique, partially hairless coat that lends a wolfish appearance, the lykoi looks like no other cat breed. Lykoi also have a hairless mask that connects the nose, muzzle, eyes, and ears, further suggesting the appearance of a werewolf. It should come as no surprise, then, that the breed name was derived from the Greek word "lycos," which means wolf.

The bambino cat (Italian for “baby”) is a controversial new breed that crosses the hairless sphynx with the short-legged munchkin, often bearing the general appearance of a sphynx atop shockingly short legs.

Hairless cat breeds immediately make an impression. These striking felines are often totally bald or covered in a very fine, suede-like coat. Since they lack the dense fur found on other cats, hairless cats have some special grooming and care needs. But many pet parents find the extra work is all worth it, because their “naked” kitties are usually affectionate and full of personality.