Caring for a Peterbald Cat

The Peterbald has been described as “aggressively affectionate,” for they are demanding, active and vocal. They will spend all day with their owner if allowed to do so: They will sit with them while they drink their coffee and “help” them do chores or work on the computer. At the end of the day, they will crawl into bed with their human. Similarly, a Peterbald is the type of lap cat that will spend all day there if permitted to do so.

How much does a Peterbald cat cost? $1,700 to $3,000

How much attention does a Peterbald need?

Peterbalds have coats that range from virtually hairless to a normal short hair coat with most of them tending towards hairlessness. Its grooming needs will therefore depend on the type of coat it has. For example, a hairless Peterbald will need the same kind of care a Sphynx gets; it will need to be bathed once a week to keep its skin from getting too oily. Also, like the Sphynx, it will need to be protected from temperature extremes and too much exposure to the sun. Peterbalds are also active cats that love to play. They enjoy climbing and should have a cat tree, so they don’t try climbing the drapes or screen door.

peterbald cat in sweater

Does a Peterbald have specific dietary needs?

Like the Sphynx, the Peterbald has a faster metabolism than most other cats. It should be given several small meals of wet food throughout the day.

What are the most common health issues of the breed?

Peterbalds are extremely rare. So far, the only genetic disorder they might be susceptible to is Feline Ectodermal Dysplasia that causes deformed teeth and problems lactating. Hairless Peterbalds are vulnerable to sunburns and also have an increased chance of developing skin cancer.

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