Peterbald

The Peterbald is known for its remarkable, extremely short-haired coat or even complete hairlessness. This cat is also referred to as a hair-shedding naked cat. The breed originated in Russia, specifically in Saint Petersburg. Part of its name reflects this origin: ‘Peter’ from Saint Petersburg and ‘bald’ meaning hairless. Peterbalds come in many different colours and patterns. They are intelligent and graceful cats, crave attention, and love companionship.

Temperament

The Peterbald originated from a cross between an Oriental Shorthair and a Donskoy Sphynx in the early years of 1994 in Saint Petersburg, Russia.

The Peterbald is an intelligent and graceful cat. It is also highly active and playful. This breed loves companionship and, therefore, benefits from having one or more fellow pets. Ignoring a Peterbald is not an option, as they do not tolerate being overlooked. This adventurous cat gets along well with other cats, children, and even dogs. It has a gentle and loving nature, making it a true cuddle cat.

Physical Characteristics

Colour

The Peterbald can have many different coat colours and patterns. The most common coat types/colours include:

• Bald or Gummy: Kittens are born completely hairless. The skin is slightly sticky and rough.
• Flock: The cat is almost entirely hairless, but there is a very fine layer of fur.
• Velour: A very soft coat type, feeling like a layer of velvet.
• Brush: A thin, sparse coat with hairs longer than 5 millimetres.
• Straight-coated: The most-haired coat type, though still with significantly less fur than most breeds. This coat lacks the gene responsible for hairlessness.

Body, Legs, and Tail

The Peterbald has a small to medium-sized body with a medium-long to long frame. It has medium-heavy bones and firm muscles. Wrinkles are clearly visible on this breed, particularly at the base of the neck and tail, the upper legs, the underside of the body, and the belly. Its legs are proportionate to its body, with the hind legs slightly longer than the front legs. The Peterbald has a long, thin, whip-like tail that tapers to a fine point.

Head, Ears, and Eyes

The Peterbald has a medium-sized head with a slightly triangular shape. Its neck is long and slender, though in males, it may be thicker and more muscular. Extra-large ears are another distinctive feature of the Peterbald, with a broad base that tapers to a point. The eyes are medium-sized and oval-shaped, set at a slight upward slant toward the outer ear base. Their colour depends on the coat colour.

Coat

This breed is known for shedding its hair. Kittens are usually born with fur, though not always. By the time they are around two years old, Peterbalds typically lose most of their coat. However, their colour and pattern remain visible. The wrinkles on their skin are also prominent. Even as they lose their fur, they often retain some hair on the muzzle, at the base of the ears, on the legs, and sometimes on the tail. Despite becoming hairless, the Peterbald remains soft and warm to the touch.

Peterbald Care

Coat types with significant hairlessness require proper care. Weather conditions play a crucial role. In cold or winter months, protecting the Peterbald with a cat vest or jacket is important. Providing a warm spot indoors or allowing it to cuddle with other pets or its owner is also beneficial. In summer, if the cat is exposed to sunlight, sun protection is essential. Applying sunscreen is advised when necessary.