Cats are typically fuzzy, soft little creatures that enjoy a good snuggle (once in a while, on their terms)! The cats below are still very cute and friendly, though they lack one of the characteristics common to most cats: fur. There are several breeds of cat that differ in the level of hairlessness they sport. Some are completely bald while others resemble fuzzy little peaches. Here they are, in all their naked glory:
The Sphynx
The Sphynx cat, otherwise known as a Canadian Hairless, is a rare breed of cat known for its absence of fur coat. The first known Sphynx was born in 1966, and although it appears hairless, actually has a coat similar in feel to chamois leather.
Sphynxes are known for their extroverted behaviour and display a high level of energy, intelligence, curiosity, and affection for their owners.
The Ukrainian Levkoy
Hailing from the Ukraine is the Levkoy Cat. These are a mix between cats with folded ears (probably a Scottish Fold) and a Sphynx. The result is a naked kitty with drooping ears. It is thought that their name was taken from the Levkoy plant which has leaves that resemble the Levkoy’s oddly folded ears.
The Elf Cat
Cat breeders Kristen Leedom and Karen Nelson were the brilliant minds that came up with the Elf Cat – a hybrid consisting of the American Curl and the Sphynx. These adorable kitties have ears that curl back into “points” much like their elvin affiliates.
The Bambino
If you’re looking for a naked kitty with short, stumpy legs… then look no further! This is the Bambino, a result of a cross between a Munchkin Cat and a Sphynx.
The Donskoy
The Donskoy has a number of aliases including the Russian Hairless, Don Hairless, and Don Sphynx. While this breed is typically confused with the Sphynx, it differs in its genetic makeup. The Donskoy’s hairlessness gene is dominant (which makes for easier breeding) whereas the Sphynx’s is recessive.
The Peterbald
In 1994, Russia graced the world with the creation of the Peterbald – a hybrid between a Russian Hairless (Donskoy) and an Oriental Shorthair female. They have a narrow, long head, webbed feet and a long rat-like tail. Adorable, basically.
