Cats without fur: Breeds and special features in keeping and care
There are many different breeds of cats. Traditionally, a distinction is made between short-haired, semi-long-haired and long-haired breeds. However, as is well known, there are also some cats without fur. Despite their barely existent coat, these cats are regarded as shorthaired cats.
In the following, we will introduce you to the best-known hairless cat breeds. In addition, you will learn which special features should be considered when keeping cats without fur.
Cats without fur are not completely hairless
Strictly speaking, it is not quite correct to call cats without fur naked cats. Even supposedly hairless cat breeds usually actually do have some hair. However, their coat is limited to a slight down on the skin, which is only visible on closer inspection.
Known cat breeds without fur
There are several breeds that belong to the category of cats without fur. These include the Sphynx cat as well as the Don Sphynx and the Peterbald. In addition, there are, for example, the Ukrainian Levkoy, the short-legged Bambino and the Elf cat. However, these cats without fur have only been bred since recent times, and, accordingly, are usually not yet recognised by larger breeding associations.
The Sphynx cat
The Sphynx cat originates from Canada, where it has been recognised as an independent breed since 1971. It reaches a weight of 3.5 to 7 kilos and has a muscular build. The skin of the almost hairless Sphynx cat can be plain light, dark, or also spotted.
The Sphynx cat is considered intelligent and affectionate. If you decide to keep one of these furless cats, you should definitely plan enough time to give the four-legged friend the necessary attention.
The Peterbald
The Peterbald is a cat breed originating from Russia. Their weight ranges between two and five kilos. Unlike the Sphynx cat, the Peterbald is not always hairless. In addition to cats without fur, there are several other varieties, some of which even have a normal coat.
The Peterbald is an active and agile breed, which should be taken into account when purchasing a cat. In addition, they are considered to be affectionate, friendly and communicative.
The Don Sphynx
The Don Sphynx is another Russian cat without fur. The medium-sized four-legged cat reaches a weight of 3.5 to 6 kilos. Like the Peterbald, the Don Sphynx not only exists without fur, but also in variants with hair.
The breed is characterised by their cuddly and affectionate nature and accordingly requires a lot of attention. Apart from that, the Don Sphynx is an active and active four-legged friend.
Health problems in cats without coat
Apart from their sensitivity to cold and sun, cats without fur are usually quite healthy and not prone to certain cat diseases. However, due to the relatively small gene pool, inbreeding problems may occur. However, this also affects other cat breeds and is therefore not exclusively a problem in cats without fur.
As long as the hairless four-legged friends come from a reputable breeder and good husbandry conditions are taken care of, there is normally nothing to prevent a healthy and happy cat life. However, inbreeding and poor housing conditions can result in an increased susceptibility to disease and allergies and, of course, significantly reduce the life expectancy of hairless cats.
Criticism of breeding cats without fur
The breeding of cats without fur is viewed critically by many people. These hairless animals often have no or only weakly developed hairs. As their hair is an important sensory organ, the breeding of cats without hair is considered as torture breeding in Germany and is therefore not allowed.
Cats without fur are not suitable as outdoor cats
Due to their almost complete hairlessness, cats without fur are quite sensitive compared to their conspecifics. When it is cold, they freeze easily and in summer they quickly get sunburnt.
If you own a cat without fur, it is therefore not recommended to allow the four-legged friend outdoor access. Occasional trips into the garden under supervision are fine. Apart from that, cats without fur should always be kept indoors.
Species-appropriate nutrition for cats without fur
In terms of their nutritional needs, cats without fur are basically no different from their hairy counterparts. As with all cats, they are carnivores, so a high proportion of animal protein in their food is particularly important.
However, they do need a little more energy in relation to their body weight to maintain their body temperature. This circumstance must be taken into account in the amount of food for the hairless four-legged friends.
Our range offers you everything you need to feed your cat without fur. In addition to grain-free wet and dry food, we also offer healthy cat snacks and natural food supplements to support the well-being of your hairless cat.
Carefully selected ingredients and gentle manufacturing processes ensure the high quality and excellent digestibility of our cat food. You can therefore be sure that you are always providing your cat, with or without fur, with the best possible care with I Love My Cat products and thus making a valuable contribution to a healthy and vital feline life.
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Cats without fur - our conclusion
Naked cats are certainly not to the liking of every cat lover, and some of the concerns about their breeding are quite justified. Basically, however, cats without fur are not so different from their fellow felines with a normal coat.
They are more conspicuous because of their unusual appearance and they are more sensitive because of the lack of a protective coat. Apart from that, cats without fur are quite normal cats that build up a very close bond with their owners and are characterised by their gentle nature.
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