The Peterbald is a relatively new cat breed from Russia and is known for its unique coat. These cats are long, elegant and tubular and have a long, whip like tail. They may look a little like the Sphynx due to their hairless coat but lack the pot belly of Sphynx. These cats are known to possess a dominant gene for hairlessness, or hair loss or a gene for a diminished coat.
Physical Traits
Area of Origin: Russia
Used for: Companion
Average Life Span: Around 15 years
Color: All colors and patterns
Coat: Hairless, fur, brush, straight, velour
Average Height: Medium-sized
Average Weight: 8-10 pounds
History and Domestication
This breed was created in St. Petersburg, Russia in the latter half of 1944. The Peterbald was a result of mating between a Sphynx named Don Sphynx and an Oriental shorthair. This mating led to birth of four Peterbald kittens which laid the foundation of this breed. The breed was first adopted in Russian Selection Feline Federation in 1966 and subsequently TICA adopted the breed in 1977.
Standard Physical Characteristics
The medium-sized Peterbald looks like an Oriental shorthair but has a more muscular body. Their bodies are elegantly slim and muscular. The long head is narrow and has wedge shaped muzzle. The almond-shaped eyes are large while the wide ears are set-apart. They have long whip like tails and oval paws with webbed feet that allow them to pick up objects with ease. They have five types of coat but the hair-losing gene is present in all. Their coat may vary and some of them may be born bald or have other types of coat such as Flock, Velour, Brush Coat or Straight coat. The coat comes in all colors and markings.
Care, Grooming and Health
Peterbald cats do not have much of a coat and hence do not need a lot of grooming. Those with some coat may require occasional brushing. These cats are not hypo allergic and thus good for allergy sufferers. They do not need to be bathed very frequently.
Due to genetic mutation causing hairlessness inn Peterbalds, these cats are susceptible to feline ectodermic dysplasia which may lead to other health related problems such as poor dentition and reduced ability to lactate.
Living Conditions
Peterbalds are extremely affectionate, athletic and active cats and prefer living in households that can provide them companionship and enough opportunities to play.
Temperament
Peterbalds are affectionate and intelligent cats and will amuse you with their antics. They are active and athletic acts and love to play. Nice and friendly, they will greet your visitors warmly and get along well with other pets in household. They are very vocal and will talk to you. All their time is spent with their people whether it is sitting in their lap or by their chair. They will follow you around the house, from one door to other and expect to be a part of whatever you do even if it just reading a book or drinking coffee.
