Cats
9 Hairless Cat Breeds: Sphynx, Elf, and More
Sep
The following breeds of cats are hairless…
Bambino
Bambinos are a very special breed of hairless cat that was first created in 2005. They are the result of a deliberate cross breeding of a hairless Sphynx and a Munchkin.
The Bambino gets its unique shape from its Munchkin heritage. Bambinos have a long, low body with short legs. Their shape is similar to a dachshund dog.
Bambinos have wrinkled skin and are hairless with a short and thin layer of velvety fuzz. Some will also have hair on the end of their tail, similar to a lion.
Bambinos are very active and love to play with their humans, despite their tiny legs. They are friendly and love to cuddle. Bambinos have kitten-like personalities and don’t get too attached to one human; they’re happy to share their love between all family members.
Donskoy
Donskoys are one of the most unique and interesting cat breeds available. They will often grow fur in the colder months and shed it completely once it gets warm.
The breed originated by a natural gene mutation in Russia in 1987. Unlike many other hairless cat breeds, the Donskoy is not connected to the Sphynx breed.
Donskoys are medium sized, muscular cats with wrinkled skin and large oval-shaped feet.
They are known for their friendly and loving nature, as well as their loyalty to their family.
Dwelf
Dwelf cats are a rare and distinctive hairless breed known for their playful nature and unique appearance. This breed is a result of crossing three other breeds: the Sphynx, the Munchkin and the American Curl. Dwelfs have a small, muscular body with short legs inherited from the Munchkin, and curled ears that resemble those of the American Curl.
The skin of a Dwelf is hairless and wrinkled, giving them a distinctive look, often with a thin layer of downy fuzz. They are known for being highly social and affectionate, making them wonderful companions.
Dwelf cats are also intelligent and curious, often exploring their surroundings with great enthusiasm. They are excellent at adapting to different environments and get along well with other pets and children.
Elf
The Elf cat breed gets its name from its distinctive, outward curling ears which make it look like a pixie or elf.
The Elf was created in the USA in 2007 by cross breeding a hairless Sphynx with an American Curl.
Their skin is wrinkly, particularly around their head and neck. They have a slender body and tail which is pointed. Their head is long and their eyes are big and walnut-shaped.
They are very gentle and love to be around their humans. They are an active breed and particularly enjoy climbing. Providing your Elf with a Cat Scratching Post will keep it happy and also protect your furniture from being climbed instead!
Lykoi
Lykoi cats, often called “werewolf cats,” are a unique breed that stands out for their partially hairless appearance and striking features. Unlike fully hairless breeds, Lykoi cats have a sparse, roan coat that is often patchy, making them look like they are in between shedding and growing a winter coat. This unusual look is due to a natural genetic mutation and is not linked to the Sphynx or other hairless breeds.
The Lykoi breed originated in the United States and was first recognised in the early 2010s. These cats have a slender, muscular build and are known for their playful, energetic personalities.
Despite their wild appearance, Lykoi cats are incredibly affectionate and enjoy being around people. They are highly intelligent and have a strong prey drive, making them excellent hunters and playful companions. Lykoi cats are loyal and tend to form close bonds with their families, thriving in environments where they receive plenty of attention and interaction.
Minskin
Minskin cats are a delightful and rare breed that combines a hairless body with patches of fur, creating a distinctive appearance. Developed in the early 2000s in the United States, the Minskin is the result of crossing the Munchkin and Sphynx breeds, with contributions from Burmese and Devon Rex cats as well. They have a small, compact body with short legs, inherited from the Munchkin, and are covered in a soft, sparse coat with fur primarily on their face, ears, legs and tail.
The Minskin is known for its affectionate and friendly personality. These cats love to be around people and are particularly good at adapting to different environments, making them ideal for families or individuals alike. Minskins are playful and curious, often engaging in interactive games and exploring their surroundings. Despite their small size, they have a lot of energy and enjoy being the center of attention.
Peterbald
The Peterbald is a very energetic and healthy breed.
They were first created in Russia in 1988 by the intentional cross breeding of a hairless Donskoy with a Siamese cat.
Their Donskoy heritage gives them their peach-fuzz skin whilst their Siamese heritage gives them an Oriental appearance. The breed has a small head, a skinny body and big ears that stand out. It is less wrinkled than other breeds of hairless cat.
They typically make a lot of noise and love to ‘talk’ with their humans.
Sphynx
The Sphynx is the most common and famous breed of hairless cat. It was also the first hairless cat breed in existence. It is sometimes called the ‘Canadian hairless’ cat.
It was created when a Canadian domestic cat gave birth to a hairless kitten in 1966. This occurred because of a natural mutation that prevents hair growth. They named the kitten Prune. Many of the other hairless cat breeds came from crossing Sphynxes with other breeds of non-hairless cats.
They have wrinkly skin that comes in different colours and patterns. They are skinny with a big, round stomach. They have long, pointed ears. Their large eyes are often mismatching colours (such as one blue and one green eye).
Their friendly nature makes them easy to handle. They get along well with humans and other pets. They are playful and can be quite clumsy sometimes.
Ukrainian Levkoy
The Ukrainian Levkoy is a newer breed of hairless cat and isn’t officially recognised by many cat associations and groups.
It was created in 2005 by deliberately cross breeding a hairless Sphynx with a Scottish Fold.
The mix of Scottish Fold gives the Ukrainian Levkoy its distinctive and adorable ears. Their ears curl forward without touching their head. They have almond-shaped eyes and a wedge-shaped head. Their body is thin with some wrinkles. They can come in different colours.
They are very friendly without being as needy as other breeds of hairless cat.
