The extraordinary Peterbald cat may look a bit odd with its huge almond eyes and over-sized ears but, it’s loyalty and affection will win your heart.
We didn’t forget the obvious bald coat and wrinkled skin, that simply makes the Peterbald even more unique. Why have an ordinary cat when you can enjoy the company of a loving, animated alien.
Peterbalds are full of energy and fun to watch with their crazy antics. If you would like to add this incredible feline to your family, please don’t hesitate.
Peterbald Cat Facts
- In the case of the Peterbald cat, less fur means higher metabolism along with an increased body temperature of 105° F (ordinary cat’s temperature is 100° F). This leads to more food consumption and also allows them to heal faster than those cats with full coats.
- Despite some of the Peterbalds being hairless, that doesn’t make them hypoallergenic. While no cat is 100% hypoallergenic, some cats produce less of the Fel d 1 protein found in their saliva, which is actually what causes human allergies (not skin or pet dander as most believe). Anyway, Peterbalds are not part of this feline group.
- The Peterbald’s coat can change during the first two years of its life. Totally bald kittens may grow a full coat of hair or it might be just in certain spots while those with fur could possibly lose part or even all of it in the future.
- Hairless breeds like the Peterbald require an experienced cat owner because you need to take special care of this unique feline. Since their skin is so temperamental in relation to weather conditions and grooming techniques, the novice cat owner may not realize these are truly high maintenance cats. This also equates to greater costs. If you’re not ready for the responsibilities, please try another cat.
- In 1993, renowned felinologist Olga Mironova of St. Petersburg, Russia bred a Don Sphynx (Donskoy) with an Oriental Shorthair and the result was the beginning of the Peterbald breed. The prize stud of the litter named Nocturne Iz Murino has since passed on his distinctive genetics to every Peterbald cat, both past and present.
- There are currently several different variations of the Peterbald cat. First and most recognized is the total hairless. Next would be a coat that feels like something similar to peach fuzz. Finally, some might have longer coats which could be compared to velvet or maybe even a man’s wiry beard. There is no certainty to what a breeding pair will produce, it’s all about dominant and recessive genes.
Physical Features
- Lifespan: 12 to 15+ years in the ideal environment.
- Weight: Females average between 5 and 7 lbs with males running from 7 to 10 lbs. You’ll need to watch their eating habits as they have a tendency towards becoming overweight because of their higher metabolism.
- Body Type: Medium-sized with a long, lean frame and muscular build
- Eye Color: Green, blue, orange, or gold.
- Coat Color: Available in all colors with solid, bi-color, and pointed patterns.
- Shedding: Low to none.
Personality Traits
- Activity Level: The Peterbald cat is finely tuned athlete with incredibly high energy. Running, jumping, and other acrobatics are commonplace for this kitty. Peterbalds love showing off too!
- Breed Intellect: Peterbald cats are constantly on the move and curious about everything. It’s actually fun and interesting to watch them figure out their problems and create solutions.
- Temperament: Being an extremely outgoing feline, the Peterbald is always very friendly and eager to please their human playmates.
- Attention Needs: These cats are often referred to as “dog-like”. They get deeply attached to their human family and tend to follow them around wherever they go. They can also be very interactive.
- Caring Nature: Peterbalds are known as an affectionate breed. Their loving nature and complete loyalty to their owners is amazing. If they find an inviting warm lap, they will most assuredly take it!
- Vocal Tendency: This breed will talk to their humans in a raspy sort of meow when they’re hungry, crave attention, or just want to speak their mind.
- Kids Compatible: The Peterbald is great with children however, you should supervise younger toddlers who don’t yet understand kitty etiquette.
- Tolerates Pets: Other cats and cat-friendly dogs are highly recommended as playmates, especially if the Peterbald is left alone while you’re away from home for any length of time.
- Stranger-Friendly: Peterbalds are not shy, even with people they don’t know. Feel free to invite all your friends and family over for social hour because this cat will thoroughly enjoy it!
Health and Well-Being
Ideal Living Situation
The Peterbald cat is a fantastic companion that prefers a good deal of participation with their humans. An active family is purr-fect for this dynamic kitty. Those who lead a more quiet and passive lifestyle may want to look for another cat breed such as a Persian or Himalayan.
Possible Health Problems
Peterbalds are healthy in general, however, their skin will need special attention, especially if they’re totally hairless. A bath every week or two is required as the oil on their skin builds up and attracts dirt.
Weather conditions affect their skin as well. They will need sunscreen applied when going outside and definitely put on a sweater to keep them warm if venturing out on cold fall or winter days.
Annual Vaccinations
There are four core vaccines and one non-core option available for all cats.
The first essential vaccine would be Rabies which is a fatal disease if exposed to it.
The second inoculation (FVRCP) is a combination of the remaining three core vaccines in one. This covers Feline Herpesvirus 1 or FHV-1 which is an upper respiratory infection, Feline Calicivirus or FCV which attacks the upper respiratory tract, and the final is Feline Panleukopenia Virus or FPV (also known as Feline Distemper) which is life threatening and extremely dangerous for young cats and kittens.
You can get the optional non-core vaccine Feline Leukemia Virus or FeLV. This is considered a core vaccine for every kitten. Make an appointment with your local vet to discuss and schedule all these vaccinations.
Grooming Routine
When caring for cats, there are four specific areas which need regular attention.
Weekly brushing is the minimum required to keep their fur healthy and shiny. This also helps distribute natural body oils, remove dead hair, and eliminate matted fur.
When the nails are getting a little too sharp and ripping furniture or carpet, it’s time to trim them. Be sure not to trim off too much of each nail as this can cause pain.
Cats are prone to periodontal disease and gingivitus so brushing their teeth with veterinarian-approved toothpaste once or twice a week should suffice. You can also give them dental treats to clean their teeth in between brushing.
Finally, you’ll want to address the ears. While cats have a built-in mechanism for cleansing their inner ear canals, the visible portion of their ears should occasionally be very gently swabbed to remove foreign matter.
Please consult a veterinarian for the proper procedures when grooming your cat.
Feeding Advice
Cats are known as obligate carnivores or strict meat eaters. Their diets should primarily consist of high protein and a few fats.
While carbohydrates are not usually a part of feline nutrition, scientists have concluded they are able to be used for energy in small amounts. On the other hand, if a cat is continuously fed too many carbs, diabetes can actually develop later in their life.
When choosing a wet or dry food, you need to read the caloric information labels to ensure your cat is being fed the appropriate nutrient levels.
Normally, wet foods should contain around 70% to 80% moisture as cats from past feral generations obtained most of their liquids from the animals they killed and ate.
Proteins are ideal when they’re between 10% and 20% in grain-free wet food. Seafood varieties are typically the highest in protein.
Two of the best dry food formulas on the market would be Natural Balance Limited Ingredients Diet with High Protein and Orijen Biologically Appropriate Cat Food. These specially made dry food products include healthy amounts of prepared raw meats, some needed fats, and minimal carbohydrates.
Exercise Tips
You should plan to play with your cat at least 15 minutes everyday, although, more is encouraged with certain active breeds.
Feather toys and laser pointers are a great choice to keep them moving. This helps relieve their boredom and reduces the chance for depression as well.
For a really cheap play session, simply buy a ball of string. Cut off a ten foot section at a time and drag it around the house behind you. Your kitties will love attacking the end of the string! Big fun for a small price.
Catnip is another way to offer an edible distraction in their lives. Don’t worry, the effects typically wear off in about 15 minutes or so.
One of the best items you can acquire for exercise would be a cat tree or cat condo. This is basically a jungle gym for cats which provides a place for climbing, relaxing, and sharpening their claws instead of using your furniture.
There are a couple other alternatives including an exercise wheel, which can be somewhat expensive, and a simple body harness with a leash for outdoor walks. Your cat may or may not like this option but, you can give it a try.
Peterbald Cat Price
The Peterbald cat price can range from $800 to $1800 depending highly on appearance.
There are five various features… hairless, velveteen, and short-haired coats. Their cost averages between $1100 and $1500 for the most part with pet-only, sterilized kittens on the low end and show quality pedigrees being the most expensive.
While uncommon, you may be able to find a Peterbald up for adoption however, they will likely be a mixed breed of some type. Service fees typically run around $30 to $175 depending on where you live.
Registered Peterbald Breeders
Sleekats Cattery – Massachusetts
Purrsia Cattery – Nevada
Eseda Peterbald Cattery – New York
Levkoys of New York – New York
Celestial Blue Peterbald Cattery – Pennsylvania
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