Peterbald

The slim, elegant Russian cat with a velvety coat

The Peterbald was created in St Petersburg, Russia, in 1994, by crossing a hairless Donskoy with an Oriental Shorthair. The result is a slim, long-legged cat with an Oriental’s head and a coat that can range from completely bald to a normal short coat, and that can change over a cat’s lifetime.

Like the Sphynx, it needs warmth, skin care and plenty of company.

Peterbald at a glance

Origin: St Petersburg, Russia
Size: Small to medium
Weight: Usually 3 to 5 kg
Lifespan: Often 12 to 15 years
Coat: Hairless, flock, velour, brush or straight: the amount varies
Colours: Almost any colour and pattern

Personality scorecard

Energy: 4 out of 5
Affection: 5 out of 5
Chattiness: 4 out of 5
Grooming needed: 3 out of 5
Good with children: 4 out of 5
Good with other pets: 4 out of 5

Our own rough guide. Every cat is different.

What they look like

A slim, elegant cat with a long, wedge-shaped head, huge ears, almond eyes and a long, whippy tail. Coat types include hairless (“bald”), flock (a very fine down), velour (a short, wiry coat that may wear off), brush (a coarse, wavy coat) and straight (a normal short coat). Skin may feel warm and slightly sticky.

Personality

Affectionate, chatty and people-focused. Peterbalds follow their people, love to be warm and on laps or in beds, and are clever, playful and vocal, like their Oriental ancestors. They do not like being left alone.

Care and grooming

Hairless and velour cats can need regular wiping or bathing to remove skin oils, sun protection, and a warm, draught-free home. They eat well to keep warm, so measure meals. Clean the ears and nail folds, and keep them indoors or in a secure garden.

Health to know about

Skin problems, sunburn, dental disease and, as with Oriental breeds, possible airway and other inherited conditions can occur. Ask breeders about health testing. Hairless cats are not hypoallergenic, so they are not a safe choice for people with cat allergies.