Peterbald vs Sphynx: Key Differences (With Pictures)

Peterbald and Sphynx cats look similar, but they are different breeds with unique origins. While they’re practically hairless, the Peterbald’s head is a little longer, and experts describe them as having a mustache because they typically retain whiskers, while the Sphynx will have shortened, broken, or completely absent whiskers.

While the Peterbald looks hairless, some individuals possess a variable coat type available in five variations caused by a dominant hair-loss gene, while the Sphynx has a genetically sparse coat resulting from a recessive mutation. Peterbald cats currently have fewer documented breed-specific inherited disorders than their Sphynx counterparts.

Visual Differences

At a Glance

Peterbald Overview

The Peterbald is a Russian breed named after St. Petersburg, where they originate. They were developed in the 1990s and are a mix of the Don Sphynx and the Oriental Shorthair. They have a thin but muscular build, almond eyes, a wedge-shaped muzzle, large ears, and a long, thin tail they will sometimes use to grab objects. The coat can change over the first few years, causing them to gain or lose hair depending on coat type and genetics. It was accepted in 2009 by the American Cat Fanciers Association for champion class competition.

Appearance

Grooming and Care

You will need to brush your cat’s teeth with cat-safe toothpaste, trim the nails regularly, and bathe them as needed, typically every week or two, to remove the oils that build up on the skin. These oils can cause an unpleasant odor, and they make the skin sticky, which will attract and hold dirt. You must also monitor the temperature since Peterbald cats get cold quickly.

Health and Care

Unlike many cat breeds, the Peterbald has no known predisposition to breed-specific hereditary diseases. As with any cat, periodontal disease and obesity are significant concerns, but there is no higher risk of inherited orthopedic or cardiac disease at this time.

Suitable for:

The Peterbald makes a great family pet or companion for a single owner. They are a vocal breed and like to follow family members around. If they get chilly, they will sit on your lap and try to snuggle up, and they enjoy the company of other cats and cat-friendly dogs and will snuggle up to them as well.

• See Also: How Much Does a Peterbald Cat Cost?

Sphynx Overview

Despite their name, the Sphynx has nothing to do with Egypt and is a Canadian breed of cat originating from naturally occurring hairless mutations observed in the 1960s and 1970s. The current American and European Sphynx lines descend from cats found in Ontario, Canada, and Minnesota, USA.

The Sphynx is an extroverted breed that enjoys being around people. Many owners describe them as having doglike characteristics because they like to follow you around and run to the door when you get home.

Appearance

The Sphynx has a bald, wrinkled, barrel-chested body and a strong, muscular build. Most Sphynx cats aren’t completely hairless and usually have a very soft, fine fuzz on their skin.

They come in many colors and patterns, including black, red, white, chocolate, and lavender, as well as tabby, tortoiseshell, calico, and bicolor. Some Sphynx cats also show pointed or mink-like coloring. Because their color shows directly on the skin instead of fur, lighting can sometimes make it hard to tell their true color.

Grooming and Care

The Sphynx cat usually lacks normal fur and may have sparse or broken whiskers. Because there is no hair, the oils stay on the skin, making the cat sticky to the touch. These oils attract and hold dirt, which will rub off on your furniture and floors. If left on too long, the cat can begin to smell bad, and the oils can lead to skin infections or secondary yeast overgrowth.

Veterinarians recommend bathing your Sphynx every 1–2 weeks, depending on oil production. Hairless cats seem to enjoy the warm water much more than other cats, and they get used to it quickly if you are vigilant with weekly baths.

The Sphynx will get cold quickly, and many people put them in clothes to help keep them warm. They will often stay near a heater or furnace during the cold season. You must also trim the nails occasionally and brush their teeth with cat-safe toothpaste.

Health Concerns

Suitable for:

The Sphynx cat is suitable for families living in a warm climate who have a lot of attention to give. Their search for warmth will cause them to spend a lot of time on your lap or burrowed under the blankets in your bed.

It can also put them in situations where they get burned if they get too close to a heater, so it’s important never to leave them unsupervised when heaters are running.  However, they're an energetic breed that loves to play games and is very affectionate.

Which Breed is Right for You?

Which breed is right for you will depend somewhat on your commitment to supervising your pet. The Sphynx will need near-constant supervision and attention. It’s better suited to large families where someone is always home. You must also prevent sunlight from burning their skin.

The Peterbald is generally a much healthier cat, and if you get any coat besides the bald, you can allow minimal amounts of sunlight into your home. They are more independent and less likely to injure themselves. Peterbalds will still come to you for warmth and will spend a significant amount of time on your lap.

They’re a vocal breed that will call you from another room. If you are a first-time cat owner, we recommend the Peterbald over the  Sphynx. We hope you have enjoyed comparing these two strange and unique breeds and have found the answers you were looking for.

• See also: Mexican Hairless Cat Breed: Info, Pictures, Care, & Facts

Featured Image Credit: Left - Seregraff, Shutterstock | Right - Alexander Piragis, Shutterstock