The Peterbald, unique for its varied coat and aristocratic demeanor.
The Peterbald, an Elegant Russian Breed
The Peterbald is a unique cat breed, originating from Russia, known for the diversity of its coat, which can range from completely hairless (naked) to a very short and fine velour coat, including a "brush" coat (short, wavy hairs) or "flock" coat (very short and soft to the touch). Its silhouette is elegant and slender, with a long, wedge-shaped head, large ears, and almond-shaped eyes.
This feline is appreciated for its exceptionally affectionate, sociable, intelligent, and active temperament. It is very attached to its family, curious, and loves to interact, making it an excellent family companion.
Our Feline Specialist's Advice
By the CatName.com team, published on October 15, 2025.
My personal tip : Grooming for the Peterbald depends on its coat texture. Naked cats require regular baths to remove skin oils and protection from sun and cold. Peterbalds with a fine coat only need occasional wiping. This is a very intelligent and active cat that needs a lot of mental and physical stimulation. Offer interactive toys, cat puzzles, and regular play sessions. The Peterbald is very social and does not tolerate loneliness. Make sure it receives plenty of attention and affection, as it thrives in a loving home.
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Identifying the Peterbald: Characteristics of its Coat and Silhouette
The soft skin and slender silhouette of the Peterbald are distinctive marks.
The Peterbald is a medium-sized cat, elegant and muscular, with a distinctive appearance.
Size: Medium-sized cat, with an elegant, slender, and muscular body.
Coat: Highly variable:
Naked: Completely hairless, soft and elastic skin.
Flock/Velour: Very short and fine coat, almost imperceptible, soft to the touch like a peach.
Brush: Short, fine, and often wavy coat, may lose hair with age.
Straight Coat: Normal, non-curly, non-shaven coat (not desired for shows).
All colors and patterns are accepted.
Head: Long and narrow, wedge-shaped (triangular), with a straight profile and a strong chin.
Eyes: Large, almond-shaped, oblique, green or blue in color.
Ears: Very large, broad at the base, pointed, well-spaced, and swiveling.
Tail: Very long, thin, carried elegantly.
Dimensions and Key Information (Peterbald)
Characteristic
Male
Female
Average
Size (at shoulder)
25 – 35 cm
20 – 30 cm
20 – 35 cm
Weight
3.5 – 5 kg
2.5 – 4 kg
2.5 – 5 kg
Life Expectancy
12 – 15 years
12 – 15 years
12 – 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 Peterbald is a medium-sized cat, and its growth is completed around 1 year of age.
Behavior: Affectionate, Intelligent, and Highly Social
The Peterbald is a striking cat breed known for its unique appearance, which ranges from complete hairlessness to a very short velvety coat, as well as various Rex textures. Originating from Russia, it possesses a slender and elegant silhouette, with large ears and expressive eyes. The Peterbald is a cat with a remarkably affectionate, intelligent, and extremely sociable temperament, who loves human company and constantly seeks interaction.
Deeply attached to their owners, Peterbalds are devoted companions who love to participate in all family activities. They are often compared to "velcro cats" for their constant need for closeness and affection, enjoying snuggling and sleeping under covers. Their keen intelligence drives them to quickly learn tricks and enjoy interactive games. Their hairless or very short-haired appearance links them to the Sphynx, with whom they share this search for warmth and affection, as well as soft-to-the-touch skin. For similar elegance but a more classic coat, the Oriental also offers great communicativeness.
The Peterbald gets along wonderfully with respectful children and other pets, thanks to its adaptable and open nature. It is relatively vocal, using a variety of soft meows to communicate. If you are drawn to a cat with a unique look that is intelligent and deeply affectionate, the Peterbald is an excellent choice. For other breeds with particular coats and interactive temperaments, the Devon Rex, the Cornish Rex, and the LaPerm are also fascinating options that offer a blend of curiosity and affection in varied formats.
Origin and History
The history of the Peterbald began in 1994 in St. Petersburg, Russia. Olga Mironova, a renowned Russian felinologist, crossed a male Don Sphynx (which carries the hairless gene) with a female Oriental Shorthair. The goal was to create a new breed combining the elegant appearance of the Oriental with the hairless gene.
The result was a unique breed with different coat textures, ranging from naked to velour. The Peterbald was officially recognized by TICA in 1997 and by FIFe in 2006. It continues to fascinate cat lovers with its distinctive appearance and affectionate character, although it requires special care due to the absence of a coat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Peterbald
What is unique about the Peterbald's coat?
The Peterbald exhibits a wide variety of coat textures, ranging from completely hairless (naked), to a "flock" coat (peach skin), "velour" (very short and soft), or "brush" (short and wavy hairs). All colors and patterns are possible.
What is the temperament of the Peterbald?
It is a very affectionate, sociable, intelligent, active, and vocal cat. It is very attached to its family, loves to interact, and is an excellent companion for children and other pets.
Is the Peterbald hypoallergenic?
While no cat is entirely hypoallergenic, naked or very fine-coated Peterbalds are often better tolerated by allergy sufferers because they produce fewer allergens or release them less into the environment.
What are the specific needs of a hairless Peterbald?
Naked Peterbalds need sun protection to prevent sunburn and sufficient warmth in winter. They require regular baths to clean their skin of natural oils. Their metabolism is also higher, requiring a richer diet.
How long can a Peterbald live?
The average life expectancy of a Peterbald typically ranges between 12 and 15 years, with proper care and a balanced diet.
