Get

In Your Inbox

Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Peterbald Cat Breed: Info, Pictures, Temperament & More

Peterbald Cat on black background

When folks think about the quintessential hairless cat breed, their minds will probably go right to the Sphynx. But there are many other types of hairless cat breeds out there—like the Peterbald cat. This unusual cat has many distinct features, including huge ears and webbed toes. What they’re truly known for, though, is their friendly, affectionate, and almost dog-like personality.

Breed Overview

Height:

8–10 inches

Weight:

7–14 pounds

Lifespan:

12–15 years

Colors:

Varied

Suitable for:

Families with small children, families with other pets, seniors, apartment dwellers

Temperament:

Friendly, affectionate, playful, intelligent

If you are seeking a lovable, loyal, and lively kitty to add to your household, the Peterbald cat may be purr-fect for you. Here’s everything that you need to know about this fantastic breed.

Peterbald Characteristics

Energy
+
A high-energy cat needs a lot of physical and mental stimulation to keep healthy and happy, while a low-energy cat needs minimal physical activity, but still needs mental stimulation. When choosing a cat, It’s important to ensure their energy levels match your lifestyle.
Trainability
+
Cats that are easy-to-train are more willing and skilled at quickly learning prompts and actions with minimal training. Harder-to-train cats are usually more stubborn or aloof and require a bit more patience and practice.
Health
+
Certain cat breeds are more prone to various genetic health problems, and some more than others. This doesn’t mean that every cat in those breeds will have these issues, but they do have an increased risk, so it’s important to understand and prepare for any additional needs they may require.
Lifespan
+
Due to their size or potential genetic health issues of a specific breed, some cats have shorter lifespans than others. Proper nutrition, exercise, mental stimulation, and hygiene also play an important role in your cat’s lifespan and quality of life.
Sociability
+
Some cat breeds are more social than others, both towards humans and other cats and animals. Cats that are more social have a tendency to rub up on strangers for scratches or jump on laps for cuddles, while cats that are less social shy away, hide, are more cautious, and even potentially aggressive. No matter the breed or gender, it’s important to socialize your cat and expose them to many different situations.

divider 2 cats

Peterbald Kittens

Ginger Peterbald cat up close
Image Credit: Seregraff, Shutterstock

First developed in 1994 by a Russian cat breeder who crossed a Sphynx with an Oriental Shorthair, the Peterbald is the ultimate family-friendly cat. However, despite their rapid rise in popularity, the Peterbald remains a relatively rare purebred cat.

Due to the rarity of the Peterbald, this cat will often come with a steep price tag. But before you go and scoop up the first adorable little Peterbald kitten you see being sold at an affordable price, it’s critical to know where your new cat came from. The sad fact is that, just like puppy mills, kitten mills exist and sell purebred kittens at reasonable prices but with little regard for their health or happiness.

A kitten mill is a large-scale cat breeding facility where purebred felines live in tight, unsanitary conditions. Cats will be bred until they’re no longer able to reproduce. If this happens, they are typically killed or given away.

Kitten mills are in operation throughout the United States and sell kittens to pet stores or on internet classifieds. There are several red flags to keep an eye out for that could signify a kitten mill.

These include:

  • Kittens and cats living in cramped cages, typically in their own filth
  • Cats not having access to clean food or water
  • Injured or deformed cats and kittens
  • An overpowering smell of ammonia and other chemicals
  • Cats with matted fur
  • The breeder always has kittens for sale
  • No vet or vaccine records are available for any of the cats
  • No references from past buyers

Do not do business with this operation if you notice any of the signs above being displayed. Even though the affordable price tag of the Peterbald kitten can seem initially appealing, it will cost you tons of money and heartache later.

divider 2 cats

Temperament & Intelligence of the Peterbald

What the Peterbald lacks in fur, they more than make up for in personality! Much like a dog, the Peterbald is a loyal, loving, and intelligent breed. They love spending quality time with their human pride and will constantly follow you around. While charming, this intense loyalty can also equate to separation anxiety if your Peterbald is left by themselves for long stretches of time. This is why this breed is not recommended for people who work long hours or are away for long periods.

Along with being super affectionate, the Peterbald is also extremely intelligent, outgoing, and energetic. While they love cuddling up on the couch with you, your cat also needs a moderate amount of mental and physical stimulation each and every day.

Are These Cats Good for Families? 👪

Yes! The Peterbald is the ideal family companion. Due to their extremely patient and outgoing nature, they are great with small children. Just be careful to keep a watchful eye on your tots and Peterbald during playtime so nobody gets hurt.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?

Most definitely! The Peterbald is great for multi-cat households and even gets along well with dogs.

Peterbald Sphynx Cat
Image Credit: Seregraff, Shutterstock

divider 2 cats

Things to Know When Owning a Peterbald

If you’re considering adding a Peterbald cat to your home, it’s important to educate yourself on everything you need to do to keep your kitty happy and healthy. From food and exercise to grooming and training, here is everything you need to know about owning a Peterbald.

Food & Diet Requirements

As with any cat breed, the Peterbald is susceptible to weight-related health issues, such as obesity. This is why it is important to feed your cat a high-quality, high-protein diet. However, because of their lack of hair, Peterbald cats will metabolize their food faster than cats with full coats. This means that your Peterbald will have a voracious appetite. Always keep a full bowl of fresh, clean water available to your cat at all times.

Exercise 🐈

Peterbald cats need a moderate amount of daily exercise to keep them fit. Cat toys designed to encourage your cat to move and pounce are great for Peterbald purebreds. These include laser toys and fishing pole toys.

In addition to physical exercise, your Peterbald will need plenty of mental stimulation to keep from getting bored and lonely. Offer your furry friend tons of affection throughout the day by cuddling and petting them.

Peterbald on the sofa
Image Credit: Natalia Belotelova, Shutterstock

Training 🧶

The Peterbald is a super-smart cat and is able to be taught tricks. From giving you a high five to fetching their toy mouse, your Peterbald can effortlessly learn fun tricks. Positive reinforcement training methods, such as clicker training, work best for the Peterbald. Don’t forget to reward them for all of their hard work with high-value kitty treats!

Grooming ✂️

Despite being a hairless cat, your Peterbald definitely needs skin care. For instance, if you ever take your cat outside with you into the backyard, be sure to apply a small amount of cat-friendly sunscreen on their sensitive skin. Your Peterbald will also need to wear sweaters or coats during the colder months to keep them warm and cozy.

Gently bathe your Peterbald in warm water once per week to remove dirt, debris, and excess oils from their skin to prevent itchiness and irritation.

Health and Conditions 🏥

Minor Conditions
  • Sunburn
  • Temperature sensitivity
Serious Conditions
  • Feline ectodermal dysplasia
  • Dental issues

While the Peterbald is a generally healthy cat, they do have some special needs because of their lack of fur, and they are susceptible to sunburn and temperature sensitivity.

To keep your Peterbald in tip-top shape, feed them a high-quality diet and take them to the vet for their routine wellness visits.

divider 2 cats

Male vs. Female

While male Peterbalds will be a tad larger than females, they often have the same personalities and intelligence.

divider 2 cats

3 Little-Known Facts About the Peterbald

1. They Have Five Different Coat Variations

Although you may assume that all Peterbald cats are beautiful and bald, this breed actually has five very different coat variations, including bald, flock (which is 90% hairless), velour (70% hairless), brush, and straight (a normal short coat with whiskers).


2. The Peterbald Loves Attention

The Peterbald is the diva of the feline kingdom and adores attention. If you’re not giving them enough, they’ll definitely let you know!


3. The Peterbald Is a Relatively New Purebred Breed

The Peterbald has only been around since 1994.

Peterbald
Image Credit: Evgeny Haritonov, Shutterstock

divider 2 cats

Final Thoughts

If you’re on the hunt for an awesome cat with a dog-like personality, the Peterbald could be perfect for you. Not only are they highly affectionate and extremely smart, but they will also thrive in a multi-pet household or a family with young kids.

This breed needs constant attention and is not recommended for people who are gone for long periods of time. Due to their lack of fur, Peterbald cats also have special grooming and skincare needs.

If you want to add an amazing kitty to your family, consider getting a Peterbald today!

Related Reads:


Featured Image Credit: Seregraff, Shutterstock

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Catster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Bramble Cat Breed: Info, Pictures, Care & More

No primary feline registry recognizes the Bramble Cat, making it unique among pets. It’s not unusual, nor is it a mark against the...

Bramble Cat Breed

British Shorthair Cat Breed: Info, Pictures, Temperament & More

The British Shorthair is the purebred version of the standard British domestic cat or “generic” British cat breed. They have a lovely, calm...

Blue British Shorthair Cat laying on a white background

6 Hairless Cat Breeds: Vet-Approved Info (With Pictures)

Hairless cats are unique, interesting, and fiercely lovable. Many people mistakenly think that hairless cats are a breed of their own, but there...

mink hairless cat

Blue Point Ragdoll Cat Breed Info: Pictures, Temperament & Traits

The Blue Point Ragdoll cat, while a relatively new breed of pedigree cat, is gaining massive popularity because of her eye-catching looks and...

ragdoll cat sitting on a climbing frame

More related

Bengal kitten playing

10 Most Vocal Cat Breeds (With Info & Pictures)

A dog’s bark may be louder than a cat’s meow, but our kitty friends can still muster up some serious sounds if they...

Ginger Peterbald cat up close

22 Most Expensive Cat Breeds in The World (Info, Pictures & Prices)

Cats are some of the most popular companion animals on the planet. People welcome cats of all shapes and stripes into their lives...

egyptian mau

Egyptian Mau Cat Breed: Info, Pictures, Temperament & More

You’ll notice the Egyptian Mau right away because of their stunning silvery coats and gorgeous eyes. You might wonder just what this cat...

black sam sawet with yellow eyes

Sam Sawet Cat Breed Info: Pictures, Temperament & Traits

When cat lovers think of Thailand, they probably jump straight to the Siamese. But few know about the Sam Sawet, a non-colorpoint cousin...

Keep reading

Are Succulents Toxic to Cats? Vet-Approved Facts & Safety Guide

Many cat owners love to fill their homes with succulent plants, but are any of these plants poisonous to your cat? Succulents are easy to look after, look great as houseplants, and are adaptable to a range of conditions. The...

Catster_Are Succulents Toxic to Cats

Can Cats Eat Soup? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

Soup is a great meal to have for lunch or dinner. It is filling and comforting to eat on chilly days, and there are so many ways to prepare it. It really can be the perfect meal. However, you may...

Can Cats Eat soup

Can Cats Eat Rhubarb? Vet-Reviewed Risks & Alternatives

Summer is just around the corner. Do you dream of your garden overflowing with rhubarb plants with the intention of creating tasty desserts and jams this summer? There’s not much not to like about this tasty perennial vegetable, but if...

Can Cats Eat Rhubarb

6 Best Cat Foods for Outdoor Cats in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

People love to joke that cats domesticated us and not the other way around, owing to their exceptionally independent nature. In fact, even though we have been companions for over 4,000 years, research shows that about 50% of these small...

hungry Nebelung cat with kibbles in front

When to Switch From Kitten Food to Cat Food? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

Cats, like people, have different nutritional and dietary requirements at different stages of life. Kittens have seemingly boundless energy, and they need to consume the nutrients to match this. When they cross into adulthood, they will be burning off a...

little kitten sitting by a bowl of milk

Will My Cat Get Diarrhea After Changing Food? Vet-Approved Nutritional Transition Facts & Advice

There are many reasons you might decide to change your cat’s food. Maybe your vet recommends a special diet to address your kitty’s health, or your pet store has stopped carrying your cat’s favorite food. Unfortunately, you can’t suddenly stop...

siamese cat eating food from bowl at home

Why Does My Cat Wink at Me? 3 Vet-Verified Reasons for This Behavior

If you are like most cat owners, you are regularly surprised by your cat’s behavior. Cats are rarely predictable, at least until they get old and set in their ways. One quirky thing that some cats seem to do is...

A photo of a lazy Cat winking at the camera

Can Cats Eat Frogs? Vet-Reviewed Safety Facts

If you have a rambunctious feline with a strong prey drive, you have likely come across them playing with something strange or unsavory. Cats are incredible hunters, and they will hunt almost anything smaller than themselves. In many climates, that...

Can Cats Eat Frogs