Hairless cat Medium size 3-5 kg

Peterbald

A warm, attention-seeking cat that wants to be with you constantly - the skin and coat need regular care.

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Find out how this breed matches your household

Quick overview

Medium
Size
3-5 kg, 20-25 cm
High
Activity
Busy and mischievous
Low
Alone-time tolerance
Very people-dependent, dislikes being alone
Easy
Handling
Clever and eager to engage
Moderate
Coat care
Skin needs wiping or bathing
Good
Fit with kids
Lively with older kids
Good
Other pets
Sociable with other pets
Moderate
Health burden
Skin and dental care needed

The Peterbald typically weighs 3-5 kg, stands 20-25 cm, and lives 12-15 years.

Consider this breed if…

you want a devoted, velcro cat that shadows you everywhere,
someone is home much of the day or a companion pet is present,
you can wipe or bathe the skin regularly and keep it warm,
you like an active, clever cat that engages constantly.

Do not consider this breed if…

the home is empty long days with no company,
you want an independent, aloof cat,
you cannot keep up with skin cleaning and warmth needs,
you want a low-attention, low-maintenance pet.

A typical day with a Peterbald

  1. 7:00 · Morning
    Wakes you for food and cuddles
  2. 10:00 · Midmorning
    Follows you around, seeks warm laps
  3. 13:00 · Noon
    Naps tucked in a blanket
  4. 16:00 · Afternoon
    Active interactive play
  5. 19:00 · Evening
    Glued to your lap; a skin wipe-down
  6. 22:00 · Night
    Sleeps under the covers with you

Temperament and training

Sociability Very high
Tolerance of handling High
Playfulness High
Vocality Moderate
Independence Very low
Hunting drive Moderate
Common owner mistakes
Leaving a deeply bonded cat alone all day · Neglecting regular skin cleaning, causing oily buildup · Letting a skin-sensitive cat get too cold or sunburned

Family and environment

Kids Good
Affectionate with gentle, older children.
Other cats Good
Enjoys feline company when you are out.
Dogs Good
Fine with cat-friendly dogs.
Apartment Ideal
Warm indoor life suits it best.
Seniors Great fit
Loving lap cat; needs skin upkeep.
First cat Conditional
Rewarding but high-maintenance skin and social needs.
Busy household Poor fit
Struggles with long empty days.
Health data provided by RealVetCost
Overall health burden Moderate

Detailed health data - inheritance, prevalence, course, and typical treatment costs - lives in a separate expert database. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice - confirm any decision with your vet.

View the full health profile
Top health concerns
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) Thickening of the heart muscle; genetic screening exists for some lines
Dental disease Plaque and gum inflammation; routine dental care helps
Skin and allergy issues Skin sensitivity and irritation; bare-skinned cats need regular bathing
Luxating patella Kneecap that slips out of place, sometimes needing surgery

Similar breeds - by reason

Not visually similar - similar in what they mean for you.

Best-known hairless cat, similar care
Sphynx
A warm, attention-loving hairless cat that craves constant company - the bare skin needs regular bathing and care.
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Fine-coated and equally people-focused
Devon Rex
A mischievous, people-obsessed pixie of a cat with a soft wavy coat - endlessly playful but really dislikes being left alone.
View profile →
Active, affectionate, low-coat cat
Cornish Rex
A playful, warm-seeking cat with a soft wavy coat and low shedding - very people-focused and not fond of being left alone.
View profile →

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Peterbald cost in the US?
This is an uncommon breed with few breeders, so expect a waitlist; kittens commonly run $1,700-$3,000. Over a 12-15 year life, food, litter, skin care and routine vet care typically add $12,000-$20,000 or more, and a heart condition like HCM can add thousands.
Do Peterbald cats need baths?
The more hairless ones do need regular skin cleaning - wiping or occasional bathing - because without a full coat, skin oils build up. Coats vary from bald to a fine fuzz, so needs differ by individual.
Are Peterbalds good for people with allergies?
No cat is truly hypoallergenic, and Peterbalds still produce the Fel d 1 allergen in saliva and skin oils. Some allergy sufferers tolerate them better, but you should spend time with one before committing.
Can a Peterbald be left alone during the day?
An adult manages an ordinary workday, but this is an intensely people-focused breed that does badly with long daily solitude. If you are out for long hours, a companion pet is strongly advised.