The Bambino, a hairless, short-legged cat, affectionate and playful.
The Bambino, the Short-Legged "Baby" Cat
The Bambino is a unique cat breed resulting from the cross between the Sphynx and the Munchkin, created to combine the genes for dwarfism and hairlessness. This small-sized cat is recognizable by its hairless body or fine downy coat, its short but strong legs, large upright ears, and big expressive eyes.
Its name, meaning "baby" in Italian, refers to its kitten-like appearance and its affectionate, joyful, and playful temperament, which it retains throughout its life.
Our Feline Specialist's Advice
By the CatName.com team, published on November 11, 2025.
My personal tip : Due to its lack of fur, the Bambino is sensitive to temperature changes and sunburn, so it should primarily be an indoor cat and may require clothing in winter. Its wrinkled skin needs regular bathing with mild soap to prevent oil buildup. It is a very energetic and playful cat that needs plenty of mental and physical stimulation. Offer interactive toys, suitable cat trees, and climbing opportunities. Very social, it does not tolerate loneliness and will thrive in a home where it receives plenty of attention and affection, getting along well with children and other pets.
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Identifying the Bambino : Characteristics of its Size and Hairless Appearance
The small size and wrinkled skin of the Bambino are its most distinctive features.
The Bambino is a small-sized cat, with a compact and muscular body, maintaining a kitten-like appearance.
Size: Small-sized cat, often considered a dwarf or miniature cat. Its legs are short but strong, with hind legs sometimes slightly longer than the front, giving it a unique waddle.
Coat: Primarily hairless or bald, with loose, wrinkled skin. Some may have a fine, soft peach-fuzz-like down or suede-like texture. All skin colors and patterns are accepted, with or without markings.
Head: Medium, with a rounded triangular shape, a slightly domed forehead, prominent cheekbones, and a well-defined muzzle.
Eyes: Large, round or lemon-shaped, wide-set, with vivid and expressive colors (all colors are accepted).
Ears: Large, broad at the base, upright, and pointed (sometimes with lynx-like tufts of hair), wide-set and very alert.
Tail: Long and thin, proportional to the body, possibly ending with a tuft of hair.
Dimensions and Key Information (Bambino)
Characteristic
Male
Female
Average
Size (at shoulder)
16 – 20 cm
16 – 20 cm
16 – 20 cm
Weight
2.5 – 4 kg
2 – 4 kg
2 – 4 kg
Life Expectancy
9 – 15 years
9 – 15 years
9 – 15 years
Diet
Strict carnivore
Strict carnivore
High-quality kibble and wet food
Litter Size (kittens)
-
Variable
Generally 3-6
These figures indicate that the Bambino is a small-sized cat, with a robust constitution despite its unique morphology, and its growth is completed around 1 year of age.
Behavior and Personality : The Affectionate and Playful Companion
The Bambino is a cat with a gentle, affectionate, joyful, playful, intelligent, and sociable temperament. It is very loyal to its family and loves to be the center of attention, seeking human companionship. It is known for its boundless energy, mischievousness, and curiosity, which drives it to explore its environment.
Despite its short legs, it is surprisingly agile and enjoys climbing and jumping like any other cat. It gets along well with children and other pets and does not tolerate loneliness, appreciating a stable and loving environment.
Origin and History
The history of the Bambino is relatively short, with this breed having been created in 2005 in the United States by Stephanie and Pat Osborne. It is the result of a deliberate cross between the Sphynx, for its hairless gene, and the Munchkin, for its short legs.
The Bambino was registered as an experimental breed by TICA (The International Cat Association) in 2006. However, its creation is controversial, and it is not recognized by most major international feline federations (such as FIFe or LOOF), which consider that the development of breeds with dwarfism poses ethical and animal welfare concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Bambino
What makes the Bambino cat unique?
The Bambino is unique due to its combination of characteristics: a hairless body or with fine down, and short legs, inherited from the Sphynx and Munchkin. It is also known for its kitten-like appearance and affectionate temperament.
Is the Bambino cat a good family pet?
Yes, the Bambino is an excellent family companion. It is very affectionate, playful, sociable, and gets along well with children and other pets, provided it receives plenty of attention.
Does the Bambino need a lot of grooming?
The Bambino requires special care due to its lack of fur. It needs regular bathing to remove oil buildup on its skin and protection from sun and cold.
Is the Bambino a hypoallergenic breed?
No, the Bambino is not considered a hypoallergenic breed. Although it is hairless, it produces allergens (Fel d 1) in its saliva and on its skin. However, it produces less dander, which may be better tolerated by some people with mild allergies.
What is the life expectancy of a Bambino cat?
The average life expectancy of a Bambino cat is generally between 9 and 15 years, or even more, especially if it receives good care and a balanced diet.
