Peterbald cat breed: facts, temperament and care
A slim, long-eared, nearly hairless Russian cat of Oriental build, a cross of the Don Sphynx and Oriental Shorthair, with coats from bald to straight.
Also known as Peterbald cat, Peterbald Sphynx, Petersburg Sphynx, Peterbald hairless, PBD
Quick facts
| Origin | St. Petersburg, Russia |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium |
| Typical weight | About 5.5-10 lb (2.5-4.5 kg); males are heavier, and sources vary |
| Coat length | Hairless |
| Coat | Bald, flock, velour, brush or straight; some born with hair lose it over time |
| Colours and patterns | All colours and markings |
Recognition
| How common | Rare |
|---|
Temperament and care (1 low, 5 high)
| Affection | 5 |
|---|---|
| Energy | 4 |
| Playfulness | 4 |
| Talkativeness | 3 |
| Grooming needed | 3 |
| Shedding | 1 |
| Good with children | 4 |
| Good with other pets | 5 |
| Happy alone | 1 |
| Trainability | 5 |
| Suits a small home | 4 |
Allergies and health
| Allergies | No breed is hypoallergenic. Hairless and thin-coated cats shed little hair, but cat allergen comes mainly from skin and saliva, so reactions can still happen. |
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Best suited to
| Suits | A home with someone present for most of the day that wants an affectionate, clever, sociable cat and will keep it warm and out of the sun. |
|---|---|
| Less suited to | A cold house, a household away all day, or anyone who does not want to look after the skin of a thin-coated cat. |
Registries that recognise it
- TICA
- WCF
- ACFA
Health conditions to watch
- Sunburn and skin problems
- Dental problems
About the Peterbald
The Peterbald comes from St. Petersburg, Russia, where in 1994 a breeder paired a Don Sphynx male named Afinogen Myth with an Oriental Shorthair female named Radma von Jagerhov. The aim was a slim, elegant hairless cat with Oriental lines. The Russian federation SFF accepted it in 1996, TICA in 1997 and the WCF in 2003. TICA allows the brush coat to compete for championship, and the American Cat Fanciers Association accepted the breed for championship from 2009.
The body is long and muscular, the head is a long wedge with large ears set wide, and the tail is whip-like. The feet are webbed. Coats range from bald through flock (a faint fuzz), velour and brush (wiry and kinky) to a normal straight coat. A kitten born with hair, other than a straight coat, may lose it over time. All colours and markings are accepted.
Temperament and living with one
Peterbalds are known as affectionate, intelligent and people-centred. They are curious and energetic and follow their owners around, often sleeping close to them for warmth. The voice is of moderate volume.
They generally get along with children and with other cats and pets, and many are happy with a companion in the house. They are clever and enjoy puzzle toys and climbing. They do not like being on their own for long, so a home where someone is present suits them. Expect a cat that wants warmth, a lap and a blanket.
Care: coat, food and play
Skin care takes the place of brushing. A bald or flock coat leaves the skin to collect oil and dirt, so many owners wipe the cat or bathe it on a schedule that your vet or breeder recommends, using products made for cats. Straight-coated cats need only a brush. Clean the ears, which can get waxy.
Keep the home warm and the cat out of direct sun, and keep it indoors, since thin-coated skin can burn. Feed a complete diet in measured meals, because the breed is lean and active. Offer climbing space, a heated or soft bed, and play every day.
Health
The breed is young, and good health data is scarce. Cats with little hair are prone to sunburn, cold and skin problems. The coat gene may also be linked to dental problems in some hairless breeds. The Netherlands bans the breeding of hairless cats on welfare grounds, and the British GCCF does not recognise hairless breeds, so rules differ by place. Ask the breeder what health checks the parents have had, and ask your vet about skin and dental care.
Is it right for you?
Choose a Peterbald if you want a lively, loving cat that wants to be near you and you can offer warmth and skin care. It is a poor match for a cold home or long empty days. For other hairless cats, see the Sphynx and the Donskoy; for a similar look with a coat, the Oriental Shorthair.
Profile last reviewed November 7, 2026