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Peterbald
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Introduction
A relatively new breed from Russia, the Peterbald is an elegant feline distinguished by its lack of fur. Its alien-like looks have been frequently attributed to but have not diminished its unique appeal. It is a wonderful addition to families as it is a very affectionate pet. First-time owners will also find this kitty a suitable companion at home.
History
The Peterbald is said to have emerged only in 1993, after a Donskoy or Don Sphynx cat was crossed with an Oriental Shorthair. The resulting kittens were hairless, which were born in St Petersburg, Russia, were then named Peterbalds.
As more people bred the Peterbald cats with the Donskoy, Siamese, and Oriental Shorthairs, a new feline bloodline arose. The new breed combined the qualities of its parent breeds—the baldness of the Don Sphynx and the elegance of the Oriental. As such, the Russian Selectional Feline Federation (SFF) acknowledged the Peterbald in 1995. The TICA followed suit in 1997. Then, in 2003, the World Cat Federation (WCF) also recognised the new breed.
Today’s Peterbald cats have more Oriental traits than Donskoy. In later years, the brush-coated types were also recognised by TICA.
Appearance and Grooming
The Russian Peterbald, on average, weighs 3-4.5 kg and has a very slim and graceful frame. Its head is narrow and long, which adds to its lean look. Its large, bat-like ears and almond-shape eyes are some of the traits it has gotten from its Oriental parent breed. Its muzzle is wedge-shaped, and its tail is whip-like.
This kitty’s body may be lean but it is muscular, with agile oval paws. It is also distinctively “naked”—it lacks fur and thus has a hairless appearance. However, not all Peterbald kittens are fur-less. In fact, there are about 5 coat varieties of this cat. The ones with no hair, called ultra-bald, are born so and remain this way throughout its lifetime.
There is the Flock or Chamois-coated ones, which only have 10% hair, mostly found on its extremities. Then there’s the velour variants (70% hairless), which still look bald from a certain distance. There also are the brush-coated ones and the straight coats. The brush-coated ones have fur that can reach 5mm in length. However, such cats may lose some of its hair as they mature. The straight coats tend to keep the same kind of coat throughout its life though.
As for coat colours, it can be any of a wide variety of hues and patterns. Grooming involves weekly baths as this breed has no fur that can absorb its skin’s oils. This lack of hair also makes this cat attract dirt more easily than the average feline.
The average body temperature of the Peterbald cat is higher (105 degrees Fahrenheit) than average (100 degrees Fahrenheit or a little below).
Temperament and Intelligence
The Peterbald is renowned for its dog-like affection and loyalty. It is said to be more than willing to follow your every step being an inquisitive feline. It is also energetic, albeit quiet. But when it is especially happy, it will purr its pleasure loudly. As a very social feline, it gets along well with children and other pets. As such, it is a suitable pet for families, as well as first-time cat owners.
This kitty is intelligent and may learn to operate knobs on its own. As such, it needs to be sufficiently stimulated physically and mentally to keep it happy.
Nutrition and Feeding
The Peterbald cat should be provided a nutritious diet that fulfils its daily requirements. It should be consistently given the same food following the same feeding times. If there are changes to its diet, those must be done gradually to prevent digestive problems.
The serving portions should depend on this breed’s weight, age, and activity level. It is known to have higher metabolism and may need to eat a bit more. Its meals must include at least 25% protein and just 5% carbohydrates.
Health and Exercise
The Peterbald has an average lifespan of 12 - 15 years. She is a new breed, hence it is not yet established whether this feline has breed-specific issues. One of the curious facts about the Peterbald is that she is sensitive to direct sunlight and weather changes due to her unique coat, which can be hairless or has a peachlike texture. Due this unique condition, the Peterbald’s skin must be applied with sunscreen to protect it from the sun’s rays. Also, the skin should not be exposed to cold weather without insulation, so let her wear a winter coat or a jumper if it’s chilly.
The Peterbald is an extremely active and playful cat. She is a curious cat that likes to investigate everything and enjoys following her humans from room to room. She constantly craves for affection and loves to curl up on her owner's lap. This feline doesn't like being left alone for hours.
The Peterbald tends to eat much more than other cat breeds because of her exceptionally fast metabolism. Nonetheless, this is hardly a problem since she is highly energetic. Her exercise needs are easily satisfied by her athletic nature as she often jumps and climbs. This feline absolutely enjoys playing for hours. She can entertain herself with smart toys or climb high places. She also likes to play interactive games with her owner.
Cost of Ownership
Peterbald Cats come with a hefty price tag that can range from £750–£1,600. As they are rare felines, only a few people breed Peterbald Cats, causing them to become expensive.
It is recommended that you feed your pet with high-quality cat food, which may cost between £20–£55 a month. Purchase a cat bed, carrier, cat toys, and other basic necessities that your cat needs to fit right into your home. Set aside £50–£400 for all these items.
Another important part of cat care is getting your Peterbald kitten vaccinated against infectious diseases. You may need to dole out £40–100 for vaccine shots.
Parasites are disease-carrying insects that can make your pet sick. Preventatives are a good option to protect your cat from this risk. Buying tick and flea treatments cost around £50–£60 whilst £60–£120 for heartworm treatments.
Take your Peterbald Cat to the vet for regular examinations to ensure that she is disease-free. You will be charged £30–£60 for each check-up session.
Signing up for a pet insurance will help offset your vet expenses. If you go for a time-limited coverage, the monthly recurring bill for it can run up to £6–£15. A lifetime package has a monthly cost of over £10.
Peterbald Breed Highlights
- This unusual-looking cat is a very affectionate and loyal pet that gets along with children and other pets.
- Its lack of fur requires weekly baths to keep it clean.
- It likes to follow its humans around.
- The Peterbald is a relatively healthy breed. Hereditary health issues are still undetermined.
- Its hairless body is sensitive to temperature and require sunscreen when going outdoors.
- This feline is suitable for first-time owners.
Are you sure the Peterbald is the best breed for you? Take the Pet Breed Selector Quiz to find your perfect breed match.
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Disclaimer:
The information, including measurements, prices and other estimates, on this page is provided for general reference purposes only.
The information, including measurements, prices and other estimates, on this page is provided for general reference purposes only.
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