Discover the Rare and Remarkable Peterbald Cat
If you’ve never met a Peterbald before, you're in for something truly special. These elegant, intelligent, and affectionate cats are unlike any other breed in the feline world — and they’re also incredibly rare. As a dedicated Peterbald breeder in North Carolina, I'm here to share everything you need to know about their history, personality, and unique care needs. Whether you're curious or considering adoption, this guide will help you understand what makes the Peterbald so extraordinary.
The Peterbald cat is a rare and captivating breed that originated in St. Petersburg, Russia in the early 1990s. Created through a deliberate cross between a hairless Donskoy cat and an elegant Oriental Shorthair, the goal was to produce a cat with a slender, refined body and the potential for hairlessness or a fine, velvety coat. The result was the Peterbald — a breed that carries a unique hair-losing gene and comes in a range of coat types, from completely bald to lightly coated. Recognized for their almond-shaped eyes, elongated bodies, and large, expressive ears, Peterbalds are often described as alien-like in appearance but deeply affectionate and emotionally intelligent in temperament.
Although the Peterbald is still considered a rare cat breed in the United States, it has gained a loyal following among enthusiasts and ethical breeders who admire its charm and elegance. Because of their gentle, people-oriented nature and hypoallergenic potential, Peterbalds are quickly becoming a favorite among cat lovers seeking a close feline companion. Today, breeders like Piedmont Peterbalds in North Carolina are working diligently to preserve and protect this extraordinary breed by promoting responsible breeding practices, health-focused programs, and breed education. As more people discover the magic of the Peterbald, this once-hidden gem of the cat world is slowly earning the recognition it deserves.
From Bald to Fuzz: The Fabulous Coat Types of the Peterbald
Peterbalds are known for their unique and ever-changing coats — no two are exactly alike! Whether sleek and bald or covered in soft fuzz, each coat type has its own texture, charm, and personality. Let’s explore the fabulous variety of Peterbald coats:
1. Ultra Bald ("Nude")
These Peterbalds are completely hairless — silky smooth from head to tail, with warm, suede-like skin that feels like a peach! You can usually see their beautiful muscle tone and skin folds, which give them a statuesque, elegant look. Ultra bald Peterbalds often have no whiskers or eyebrows, adding to their unique, otherworldly vibe.
2. Chamois
Also called “flocked” or “chamois,” this coat feels like a soft microfiber cloth — velvety and fine. These cats might have a whisper of fuzz across their bodies, sometimes more noticeable on their extremities. They look hairless at first glance but have a delightful, plush touch you’ll love to pet.
3. Velour
Velour Peterbalds have a soft, short, and slightly curly coat — a bit like a fuzzy peach. Their hair usually measures less than 1mm in length and may thin out over time. This coat gives them a baby-soft appearance and a cuddly texture that fans of the breed adore.
4. Brush Coat
Now here’s a wild one! The brush coat Peterbald has wiry, uneven hair that can be straight or curly, often with areas of bald skin mixed in. It’s a quirky, touchable coat that’s completely unique to the breed — no other cat has this kind of texture.
5. Straight Coat
Straight-coated Peterbalds have a full coat of sleek, close-lying hair like a typical Oriental Shorthair. These cats do not carry the hair-loss gene but are still considered part of the breed and can contribute genetically to future litters. They often keep their whiskers and have that signature Peterbald elegance with just a bit more fluff.