12 Hairless Cat Breeds That will Amaze You

Hairless cat breeds aren’t the most popular among cat owners because of their unique appearance. However, although hairless, they still deserve unconditional love and care. That’s why we decided to dedicate this article to these stunning cat breeds.

You would be surprised to learn that there aren’t just a few hairless cat breeds. There’s a dozen. Let’s learn more about each breed and why they would make excellent pets.

Hairless cats, like the Sphynx and Ukrainian Levkoy, among many others, stand out with their distinctive look, making them a popular choice for cat lovers. They don’t shed, making them even more charming.

From well-known breeds to lesser-known ones, these hairless felines bring a unique touch to pet ownership. Additionally, have you heard of the health benefits of owning a cat? With that in mind, let’s look closely at some of the best hairless cat breeds.

1. Dwelf

Let’s start with the Dwelf, a tiny cat with a unique look—it’s a mix of Munchkin, American Curl, and Sphynx breeds. Standing only 6 to 7 inches tall and weighing 4 to 9 pounds, the Dwelf is hairless, has short legs, and cute curled ears.

The downside? The Dwelf’s special look comes from some mutations, which can lead to health issues, especially bone-related diseases. Despite that, these little guys get easily attached to their families and act like playful dogs, bringing a lively energy to the home.

If you decide to buy or adopt one, learn how to prevent boredom in indoor cats, as they need regular mental and physical stimulation.

2. Kohana

Now, let’s meet Kohana, a special kind from Hawaii that’s a mutation of the Sphynx breed. Unlike most hairless cats, they weigh between 6 to 12 pounds, bringing a touch of the tropical islands to your home.

But here’s the best part—they’re not just cute; they’re also calm and friendly. That’s why they’re a hit with families, especially those with kids and other pets.

So, if you’re looking for a laid-back and lovable feline friend, Kohana cats might be the perfect choice! Lastly, consider adopting a senior cat, as you’ll be saving a life!

Standing at 7 to 8 inches and weighing 4 to 6 pounds, they have a special look—some hair on their nose, ears, legs, and tail, but a mostly bare belly.

These little guys aren’t just lovely; they’re also full of life. Affectionate, intelligent, and playful, they will exhibit all strange cat behaviors like kneading, headbutting, starring, etc.

4. Ukrainian Levkoy

Typically, cats get along with other pets, including the Ukranian Levkoy.

This clever and playful breed, emerging in the early 2000s from a mix of Donskoy and Scottish Fold, has a hairless body and ears that fold inward.

Standing at 7 to 10 inches and weighing 8 to 12 pounds, Ukrainian Levkoy cats aren’t just eye-catching but also known for their friendly and intelligent nature. Their medium energy level adds a perfect balance to their playful demeanor.

5. Oriental Shorthair

Let’s talk about Oriental Shorthair cats, known for their eye-catching coat patterns and colors. While most aren’t completely hairless, some may have a hairless gene, giving them a nearly hairless look.

These felines have a sleek physique—long and muscular, with a slender body, tail, and neck. They gracefully move around the home, showcasing intelligence and affection.

But here’s the catch—like most affectionate cat breeds, they need attentive owners who understand their needs.

6. Donskoy

Meet the Donskoy cat—a strong and smart buddy who can be completely hairless or have some hair with bald spots. They’re good-looking but easy to train. Just don’t forget to crate-train your cat, as it’s highly beneficial.

Also known as the Russian hairless, Don hairless, or Don sphynx, some Donskoy cats grow a bit of fur in winter, shedding it when it warms up.

With a height of 10 to 12 inches and weighing 7 to 15 pounds, these felines aren’t just beautiful. They’re playful, curious, and smart, adding a lively vibe to your home. Just don’t forget to crate train while they’re still young.

The Lykoi is a friendly and affectionate cat with a werewolf-like look. They get along well with humans and other pets, making them a great choice for families.

However, before getting a cat, ensure you’re ready for a long-term commitment. Explore whether fostering or owning a cat is right for you.

Some Lykoi cats have a black-gray coat, while others don’t have hair at all, with sparse hair on their faces, ears, legs, and feet. Standing 8 to 10 inches tall and weighing 4 to 7 pounds, they’re not just unique in appearance but also playful and loving.

8. Elf

If Dobby from Harry Potter is your favorite, you might love the Elf cat. This hairless beauty is a recent breed, born from mixing a Sphynx with an American Curl. The result? A playful cat with cool curved ears that requires regular feline exercise.

They have soft skin with a peach fuzz feel, and some even sport light patches of hair on their ears, noses, paws, or tails.

Standing 8 to 10 inches tall and weighing 10 to 15 pounds, Elf cats aren’t just unique in looks. They’re smart and affectionate, bringing a medium energy level to your home.

9. Devon Rex

Meet the Devon Rex, a cat with a unique coat—patches of fur in some areas. Their delicate coat needs minimal grooming. These cats have big eyes, butterfly ears, and a playful, affectionate personality.

Weighing 6 to 9 pounds, they’re a charming and low-maintenance addition to any home. If you want a unique and loving furry friend, the Devon Rex is the one for you!

Enter the Bambino, a cute mix of Sphynx and Munchkin breeds, resulting in a cat with short legs and pointy ears.

Named after “baby” or “child” in Italian, the Bambino is a pint-sized hairless cat. Some might have a bit of fur on their face, ears, legs, and tail, while others go fully hairless.

These little ones, weighing 5 to 9 pounds and measuring 7 to 8 inches tall, aren’t just adorable but also friendly. In fact, most cats have a social nature, which is something most people don’t know about them.

11. Peterbald

The Peterbald is a mix of Sphynx and Oriental Shorthair. Weighing 7 to 14 pounds, this Russian cat can have no hair or a felt-like coating.

Beyond appearance, they’re affectionate, smart, loyal, and outgoing, adding a medium energy level to your home. Just learn how to read cat body language, and you’ll become best friends in no time.

12. Sphynx

Let’s wrap up with the most famous hairless cat breed: the Sphynx. Breaking the typical cat stereotype, they’re social and chatty. In fact, they’re one of the most affectionate cat breeds.

Weighing 6 to 12 pounds and standing 8 to 10 inches tall, they need regular heart check-ups. Originating in Canada in the 1960s, they’re hairless, with some having a bit of fuzz on the face, legs, and tail.

Are Hairless Cats Hypoallergenic?

If you’re looking for hypoallergenic cat breeds, consider hairless ones, like the Sphynx. They’re usually seen as less likely to cause allergies because they produce less dander that triggers reactions, but remember that no cat is totally allergy-proof. People with cat allergies usually react to proteins in cat saliva, urine, and skin more than just fur.

Unfortunately, even hairless cats can still cause allergies for some people. Therefore, if you plan on getting one to help with allergies, we suggest spending time with a hairless cat first to see how you react.

Why Are Sphynx Cats Bald?

Sphynx cats lack fur because of a natural genetic mutation. Unlike other breeds with a full coat of fur, they have a gene that causes a reduction in hair follicles, resulting in sparse or no hair. However, they aren’t fully hairless; they have a fine layer of peach-fuzz-like hair covering their bodies.

Although hairless, these felines still have barbed tongues to keep themselves in pristine condition.

Do Sphynx Cats Smell?

Sphynx cats don’t inherently have a bad smell. On the contrary, they’re known for their cleanliness. However, because they lack a fur coat, the oils produced by their skin may accumulate more visibly than on a furry cat, like the Norwegian forest. Regular bathing can help keep their skin clean and free from oil buildup.

Are Hairless Cats Expensive?

Yes, exotic cat breeds like the Sphynx can be more expensive than other cat breeds. The cost of a Sphynx cat depends on the cat’s pedigree, lineage, and the reputation of the breeder. Additionally, hairless cat breeds often require special care, and responsible breeders invest time and resources to ensure the health and well-being of the cats.

Final Tips

Closing out this article with some care tips for potential hairless cat owners.

First, instead of brushing fur, give them regular baths to manage skin oil. Furthermore, watch out for dry skin, prevent sunburn, and be aware of potential flea allergies and ear mites. While you won’t be picking fleas from fur, having flea treatments on hand is wise.

These basics ensure your hairless cat stays happy and healthy.