Hairless Cats: Essential Guide 2025 Take Note!

Have you ever wondered why some cats don't have hair? Hairless cats, like the famous Sphynx, not only stand out for their unique appearance but also for their special care needs. In this blog, we explain the origin of these fascinating breeds, their characteristics, what they eat, whether they really need clothing or sunscreen, and how to properly care for them. We also give you key tips for their skin health and recommend products that can contribute to their overall well-being.

Origin of hairless cats

Although hairless cats seem like a recent creation, there are historical records of hairless felines dating back to ancient times. However, the most well-known breed, the Sphynx, formally emerged in the 1960s in Canada, when a kitten was born naturally hairless due to a spontaneous genetic mutation. From then on, selective breeding programs began to stabilize this trait, giving rise to several modern breeds.

Main features

Hairless cats are not completely "bald"; in fact, their skin may have a very fine layer of almost imperceptible hair:

• Wrinkled, soft, velvety skin.

• Highly sensitive to temperature. They need to stay warm, especially in cold climates.

• Although cats don't sweat like humans, their skin can accumulate oils, so they often require regular baths to stay clean.

• Big personalities. They tend to be very affectionate, playful, and attached to their humans.

What breeds of cats are hairless?

Although the Sphynx is the best known, there are several hairless cat breeds recognized by various feline associations. Below, Waggy's shares some of the most notable:

• Sphynx

• Origin: Canada

• Characteristics: Medium-sized, with a muscular body and large ears. It has soft skin and often has visible wrinkles.

• Personality: Very sociable, affectionate, curious, and active. He loves being with people.

• Peterbald

• Origin: Russia

• Characteristics: Slender, elegant, and with an elongated head. It can be completely hairless or have a very fine coat.

• Personality: Intelligent, loyal, calm, and adaptable. Gets along well with children and other pets.

• Donskoy (or Don Sphynx)

• Origin: Russia

• Characteristics: Similar to the Sphynx, but with a different genetic mutation. May be born with fur that sheds over time.

• Personality: Very affectionate, playful, and friendly. Enjoys constant company.

• Elf Cat

• Origin: United States

• Characteristics: A cross between a Sphynx and an American Curl. Its most distinctive feature is its backward-curved ears.

• Personality: Very sociable, loves to interact, and is usually outgoing and fun.

• Bambino

• Origin: United States

• Characteristics: A cross between a Sphynx and a Munchkin. It has short legs, a sturdy body, and is hairless.

• Personality: Affectionate, curious, and full of energy. Despite his short legs, he's agile and playful.

• Ukrainian Levkoy

• Origin: Ukraine

• Characteristics: It has forward-folded ears and a unique facial appearance. Its body is muscular and hairless.

• Personality: Calm, obedient, and social. This breed is uncommon outside of Eastern Europe.

Common health problems and how to prevent them

Although many hairless cat breeds can be healthy with proper care, their lack of fur makes them more prone to certain conditions that are worth being aware of:

• Skin problems (acne, irritations, infections): Bathe them regularly with a mild cat shampoo, use specialized wet wipes between baths, and check for redness or pimples.

• Thermal sensitivity (extreme cold and heat): Keep them in temperature-controlled environments, avoid direct exposure to the sun, and if it's cold, dress them in comfortable cat clothing or use blankets.

• Eye problems: Some hairless breeds lack eyelashes, leaving their eyes more exposed to dust and dryness. You can clean the eye area with a damp gauze pad, and you should always consult a veterinarian if symptoms persist or worsen.

You may be interested in: otitis in cats .

What do hairless cats eat?

Hairless cats have a faster metabolism than cats with fur, as they expend more energy keeping warm. Therefore, their diet should include:

• Focused on a good supply of protein and healthy fats.

• Balanced and adapted to your life stage (kitten, adult or senior).

• Enriched with nutrients that promote skin health, such as omega 3, omega 6, biotin, and zinc.

You may be interested in: what cats eat .

Waggy's Tip: A functional cat treat like Waggy's Bites Tuna and Salmon can be a great addition to support your cat's skin from within as part of a balanced diet and under veterinary supervision.

Ideal temperature for a hairless cat

The ideal room temperature for a hairless cat is 22°C to 26°C.

Temperatures below 20°C can make them feel cold, while temperatures above 28°C can cause excessive oil buildup on the skin. Maintaining a stable temperature at home is key to their well-being.

Do hairless cats require sunscreen?

Yes, hairless cats have exposed skin and are sensitive to UV rays. If they will be in direct sunlight (outdoors or near windows without UV filters), it is recommended to apply a pet-specific sunscreen. Human sunscreen should never be used, as it may contain toxic ingredients.

Do hairless cats need clothes?

In most cases, yes. Hairless cats can't regulate their temperature well in cold environments, so wearing soft, comfortable clothing (without irritating internal seams) can help keep them warm. However, they shouldn't wear it all the time or in hot climates to avoid overheating or irritation.

Conclusion

Hairless cats are affectionate, curious, and require special attention to aspects such as temperature, skin, and nutrition. Whether you're wondering if they need sunscreen, how to feed them, or how to keep their skin healthy, the most important thing is to offer them comprehensive care. At Waggy's, we have functional cat supplements that can help maintain skin health from within, like our Waggy's Tuna and Salmon Bites, rich in key nutrients. Give your hairless (or hairy!) cat the love and nutritional support they deserve.