Glossary

Hairless cat

A cat bred for a coat that is absent or very short and fine, so the skin shows; the Sphynx is the best-known example.

Also called: naked cat, Sphynx-type cat, bald cat

A hairless cat has little or no visible fur. Most are not bald; the skin is covered with a soft down that feels like suede or warm peach skin. The Sphynx is the best-known, and other breeds with hairless forms include the Donskoy, Peterbald, Ukrainian Levkoy, and the dwarf Bambino. Hairlessness is caused by gene changes that appear in some cats at random and then are kept by breeders. The Sphynx gene is recessive, while the Donskoy carries a dominant one.

Without fur to absorb oil, a hairless cat's skin can get greasy and may need regular wiping or a bath on a vet's or breeder's advice. The skin can burn in strong sun and feel cold, so keep the cat indoors, warm and away from direct sunlight. Hairless cats often also have little or no whiskers, and ears can collect wax.

Hairless cats are sometimes marketed as good for allergy sufferers. That is not reliable, because the main allergen is in saliva and skin secretions, not only in fur, and no cat breed is hypoallergenic. Allergic people should spend time with the cat before adopting. Ask your vet about skin care, diet and the health checks recommended for the breed.

Last reviewed November 7, 2026

In the index now

Related terms

Rex coat A curly or wavy coat caused by an inherited mutation, seen in breeds such as the Cornish Rex, Devon Rex, Selkirk Rex and LaPerm. Pedigree A cat whose parents, grandparents and earlier ancestors are recorded by a registry, showing it belongs to a recognised breed. Breed standard The written description of the ideal cat of a breed, covering head, body, coat, colour and temperament, used by judges and breeders. Cat registry An organisation that records cats' ancestry, issues pedigree certificates, defines breed standards and licenses cat shows. Folded ears Ears that bend forward and down because of a gene that also affects cartilage throughout the body, as in the Scottish Fold.

Related guides

Living with cat allergies What causes cat allergy, why no breed is allergen free, how to reduce exposure at home, and when to see a doctor. Keeping a cat warm in cold weather How to keep indoor and outdoor cats warm in winter, the winter hazards to watch for, and the signs of cold stress that need a vet.