Peterbald
Cat Facts
A Russian cat breeder, Olga Mironova from St Petersburg created the Peterbald cat in 1993. Ms Mironova crossed a tortoiseshell Oriental Shorthair cat (female) named Radma von Jagerhof to a handsome Don Sphynx cat called Afinogen Myth. This union produced 4 kittens which were to become the foundation cats of this new cat breed.
There are a number of hairless cat breeds out there. But to find out more about the different breeds you may want to visit the chapter on hairless cats. The overall look is described as a graceful and elegant cat with a long body, long legs and long neck - a svelte and sturdy-looking cat. Body: Their torsos are described as long, graceful and medium sized. The muscles are firm and well developed and the bones are medium fine. Legs: Their legs are long and slender, fine boned with firm muscles. The back legs are slightly longer than the front legs. The paws are medium sized, oval in shape with prominent toes and webbing between the toes. Tail: The tail is well balanced with the body length and is long, strong and whippy. Head: The Peterbald has a wedge-shaped head (or inverted triangle shape), with a flat forehead and high cheek bones. The muzzle is straight and strong and blunt and the chin is strong and should not protrude. Eyes: The eyes are medium sized and described as almond or Oriental in shape and set at a slant. Any eye color is accepted and there is no association between eye color and skin/coat color. Ears: The ears are large and pointed, wide at the base and slightly flared. The first Peterbald imported into the USA from Russia was a direct descendant of one of these kittens and established the breed in the United States. The breed was recognized by the World Cat Federation (WCF) in 1996, The International Cat Association in 1997 (TICA) and the American Cat Fanciers Association (ACFA) in 2008. The Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) has not as yet accepted this cat breed.
Cat Information
Would they suit a home with Children and other Pets? They get on well with other cats and dogs and make ideal pets for children. Children need to be reminded that cats do not tolerate rough play or tail and ear pulling! Personality and Temperament Some people say they have inherited their temperament from both the Oriental and Don Sphynx. They are lively, sociable and gregarious and love lots of attention. These little darlings do not enjoy solitude. This cat has a wonderful even temperament. Affectionate, gentle and loyal cats that adore their humans. They are highly intelligent cats that are trainable and respond to voice commands. They can be quite vocal and loud.
Indoor or Outdoor Cats The Peterbald is an indoor cat. As they are prone to extreme heat and cold, it is preferable to keep them indoors. To prevent boredom, create an indoor adventure zone for your companion. It should include cat gyms, cat toys, scratching towers and if possible an indoor garden full of non-toxic plants. Cat Grooming and Cat Care Whilst it is a hairless cat (or has minimal hair), it is not a low maintenance cat breed! Their skins, like human skin, sweats and as result, daily sponging is recommended. A monthly bath is suggested. Nail clipping every 4- 6 weeks and weekly dental hygiene is also needed. Cat Health Concerns This is a healthy cat. It goes without saying that due to the lack of hair their skins need special care. Protect their skin from sunburn and extreme cold and drafts. They may be prone to gum disease and tooth decay so regular dental check-ups are advised. Do consider cat insurance for your cat.
Hypoallergenic Cats They are not hypoallergenic cats. Allergic reactions to cats are caused by the protein Fel D1 found in the saliva, hair and dander, which is the old skin that cats shed. Cat Diet and Nutrition These cats need a well balanced diet and the best cat food you can afford. Their are special commercial diets for hairless cats which you may want to consider. It is also advisable that their calorie intake increases in winter to keep their body temperature above normal. The Average Weight 3.5 - 7.0 kg (7.7 - 15.4 lbs) Life Expectancy This is a new cat breed, but having a look at the Oriental and Don Sphynx, we can safely assume that a well cared for cat will have a life expectancy of about 12 - 15 years.
Related Cat Pages: Peterbald Cats - a photo gallery of elegant Kittens and Cats Don Sphynx Cat - a cat breed profile Hairless Cat - facts and care about hairless cats Hypoallegenic Cats - why do cats cause allergic reactions in some humans?
Cat Photos Courtesy of : © Photographer Theresa Fouche (Top) La Maska She's-a-Phantom Seal TabbyPoint Peterbald female Owner/Breeder: Mariette Burger of La Maska (Middle) La Maska La Bling Enigma, Owner/Breeder: Mariette Burger of La Maska (Bottom) La Maska She's-a-Phantom Seal TabbyPoint Peterbald female Owner/Breeder: Mariette Burger of La Maska
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