Many people today choose to own pets as part of their household, and sometimes those people choose to own cats. Owning cats comes with all kinds of advantages, including companionship, playfulness, and love. But if you’re considering adding an exotic cat breed to your family, such as the hairless cat, there are some things you should know first. Here are ten reasons why the hairless cat makes a great pet!
1. These Cats are (mostly) Hypoallergenic
If you or anyone in your family suffers from allergies, you might want to consider getting one of these cute little guys. Many people are allergic to hair, and cats have hair… lots of it. The idea of having an adorable cat running around that doesn’t trigger your allergies? A dream come true! Even better: Allergies aren’t just limited to human skin.
2. They Stay Cool in Hot Climates
Because they don’t have an outer layer of fur, hairless cats stay cool in hot climates. This means that they’re very comfortable in areas where air conditioning is often necessary.
3. They’re Great if You Want to Showcase Your Style
Most hairless cat breeds feature unique markings and a distinct personality, making them fun to own as both companions and show cats. They’re Playful: All hairless cats love to play, but because they lack fur, you’ll have more options for toys than traditional felines. Your furry kitty will thank you!
4. Hairless Cars are Easy to Groom
Many breeds of hairless cats don’t need to be groomed, though you may have to clean their ears and trim their nails. As for coat maintenance, that’s about it—the hair is gone. This makes them ideal pets for busy owners. Who doesn’t want to save on time? Plus, they are a great choice if you don’t enjoy petting soft fur or if you have allergies that make it difficult to play with fuzzy animals in close quarters.
5. They Bond Well with Other Pets
Their coat (or lack thereof) allows them to bond with other pets, making them perfect for families with multiple animals. If you’re thinking about adding a hairless cat to your household, be sure to get it spayed or neutered and have all necessary shots in place; vaccinations are especially important for hairless cats, who can develop health issues without proper preventative care.
6. They Come in Many Colors and Patterns
Most hairless cats have short hair, but they are also available in long-haired varieties. Many have unusual coat patterns such as mottled, marble, and brindle. As well, some hairless breeds come in blue, including Tiffany Blue Himalayans and American Curls; black, such as American Shorthairs; calico and tortoiseshell, such as Tonkinese; and many other colors. The combination of pattern and color can be quite stunning!
7. No Shedding!
With little to no hair, you’ll have fewer things to clean up. These cats come in three main varieties: Sphynx, Peterbald, and Don Sphynx (the last two are from Russia). All of these cats are hypoallergenic, which means you’ll be good for people with cat allergies. Their skin is sensitive but super soft; petting these kitties is like petting velvet.
8. Temperaments of Hairless Cat is Fun, Friendly, and Affectionate
Unlike other hairless animals (yes, there are others), hairless cats have almost no defense against predators because they have no fur and cannot hide. Instead of running away from threats, they’re more likely to be friendly and come toward you. Just remember that because of their lack of fur, it’s easier for them to get cold so make sure you have a comfortable heating source ready for your new little buddy.
9. They’re Kitten-Like All Year Long
Many people are surprised to learn that Sphynx cats remain kitten-like even after they’ve reached adulthood. Their skin will never grow fur, meaning you’ll be cuddling with a fuzzy, warm creature all year long! For people who prefer small-to-medium-sized animals but aren’t necessarily fans of grooming, hairless cats make excellent companions.
10. Hairless Cat may Live in Any Climate!
One of our favorite things about owning hairless cats is that they can live in any climate. They’re not as sensitive to temperature changes as other breeds, which means that you can travel with them year-round and enjoy adventures from coast to coast. They Have Less Dander!: Not only do hairless cats have less dander than their furry friends, but they also spend less time scratching!
Summing Up:
There are a few things to consider before you take home one of these adorable little guys. Since they don’t have fur, they’re more susceptible to sunburn and need to be protected from harsh rays. Sunscreen can also be applied directly to their skin as needed. Also, keep in mind that hairless cats will require grooming. Simply brush them every few days and bath them every so often when they get especially dirty or smelly (about once per month