When people hear the term “hairless cat breeds,” they tend to think that the cat is completely bald. This is not true, as this type of cat actually has a fine layer of fur covering its body.

Although these cats have less hair than other types of cats, it does not mean that it is a hypoallergenic cat breed. People are allergic to a protein that is present in a cat’s saliva and not in the actual fur.

One of the best known hairless cats is the Sphynx. In Toronto in 1963 a litter of kittens was discovered that had been born without hair. A breeding program with these kittens was started but was discontinued in the late 1970s. In 1978 the last breeding pair was sent to Holland but they did not produce any litters. The kittens that were born hairless due to natural mutations were crossed with the Devon Rex, a nearly hairless cat. This established a new interest in the Sphynx and today this different breed of cat is recognized by cat lovers all over the world.

Another one of these strange looking cats is the Peterbald cat breed which has the elegant look of the Siamese but without the fur. The fur of this cat is divided into two groups: bald and shaggy. A kitten that falls into the bald category is born without hair, whiskers, or eyebrows and remains so throughout its life.

These cats require special care and attention. Ideally, they should be kept as indoor cats. If allowed outside, pet-safe sunscreen should be applied to prevent sunburn.

In the cold winter months you have to protect them from the cold. This can be done by providing fur-lined baskets and tunnels or by dressing the cat in a soft coat.

This is a breed of cat that really requires a bath. As there is no hair to absorb the oils from the skin, the skin will be greasy to the touch and breeders recommend a bath twice a week to keep the skin in good condition. When bathing these types of cats, use only a veterinary-grade product (never human shampoo!) and make sure there are no drafts. Pat the cat dry with a soft towel.

Before choosing such a cat, think about the extra care and grooming it requires. You have to be able to compromise for your hairless cat to be happy and healthy.