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The Scratching Post
Peterbald
The Peterbald has a very unique appearance. Though very similar to the Sphynx, they have no connection and should not be confused. The Peterbald appears to be hairless, but in fact, most are covered with short, fine down, and vary in their degree of hairlessness. The Peterbald is a small to medium cat with wrinkles over most of its body. The head is shaped like a triangle, with extra large, oversized, pointed ears that are broad at the base and set low on the head. The eyes are medium in size and oval. The neck is long and slender. The body is long, muscular with fine to medium boning. The legs are long and the feet are oval with long, prominent toes. The tail is long, straight and whippy.
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Temperament
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The Peterbald are generally trusting in nature and will approach people with curiosity and playfulness. They are active, loving, frisky and get along with friends and strangers. They also get along with cat-friendly dogs and most children. Never cool or aloof, this breed is very people oriented. They love to wrap their long paws around you and give you chin licks and forehead presses. This highly active breed will follow you around from room to room and will jump in your lap if you should decide to sit down. Peterbalds are a vocal breed but their voices are softer and do not have that Siamese rasp. Like the Siamese, they can be a bit demanding but are usually quieter than their Oriental relatives.
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Height, Weight
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Male Weight: 8-10 lbs. ; Female Weight: 6-8 lbs.
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Health Problems
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They are a very strong and healthy cat.
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Living Conditions
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It is recommended that you keep your Peterbald indoors at all times. Nearly hairless cats do not possess the same protection as other cats against sharp objects and temperature fluctuations. This breed will sweat when they are hot, will sunburn and will tan.
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Exercise
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Though this breed enjoys socializing, they are able to entertain themselves by playing with their toys and utilizing a scratching post.
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Life Expectancy
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About 10-12 years
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Grooming
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Although the Peterbald is virtually hairless, regular washing with a wash cloth or with baby wipes is necessary to remove the oily secretions from their bodies. Since they have no fur around the ears to block dust and dirt from entering them, their ears need occasional cleaning as well.
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Origin
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The Peterbald is the newest hairless breed. They descend from the Russian Donskoy breed with the Oriental and Siamese cats. The first in the breed was known as the Don Sphynx, but it was discovered that his cat was totally different from the Sphynx, so the name was changed to the Don Hairless. In 1993, an oriental looking brown mackerel tabby Don Hairless male, was mated to a tortie Oriental female. These oriental type hairless cats were called Peterbalds. The Peterbald is currently recognized by the TICA.
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