Both Peterbald and Sphynx are known for their affectionate nature, although there are also differences in their characters. They both have unique looks because of their baldness. Read on to learn more about the similarities and differences between these breeds.
Peterbald
The Peterbald is a breed of Russian origin created from experimental breeding. It is named after the city of St. Petersburg in Russia. The popularity of this cat breed in St. Petersburg is what gave this breed its its name.
Peterbalds are long, slim and hairless and resemble Oriental Shorthairs. Their heads are like elongated triangles, accentuated by their large ears and almond-shaped eyes. Their coats range from smooth bald to a short-brushed coat. They are usually born with hair but lose it as they mature, which can take up to two years. One unique feature about them is that they have long front toes with webbing, which allows them to hold and manipulate toys and other items.
The highly intelligent Peterbalds are social-oriented and get along well with anyone in the house, even with other pets such as dogs. They need a lot of stimulation because they are very outgoing and energetic. They are often described dog-like because of their affectionate and playful personality.
Takin care of a Peterbald
The Peterbalds lack hair so they do not require combing or brushing. Excessive shedding is not an issue for these cats but a weekly bath or wipe-down is essential. Oils can build up on their skin and can cause irritation and can become sticky to the touch. What they need the most is temperature control. They get cold very easily so they need to be kept in an warm environment.
Common Health Problems
The main concern for Peterbalds is their sensitivity to hot and cold weather and skin issues. They are indoor cats that should be kept away from prolonged exposure to sunlight and low temperatures. Their delicate skin is easily injured, especially when playing with other cats.
Diet and Nutrition
Like any other cat breeds, Peterbald cats should be fed a high-quality, high-protein diet. They have a faster metabolism than cats with full coats.
Life Expectancy
The life expectancy of a Peterbald is similar to many other cat breeds. With proper care, this cat breed can live anywhere around 12-15 years.
Sphynx
The Sphynx is notable for its unusual, hairless look.
This cat breed is a medium-sized with a unique look, identified by its hairless and wrinkled skin and large triangle-shaped ears. Its head is triangular with wide-set eyes and prominent cheekbones that can be compared to the cats of ancient Egypt. Looking at its skin closely will reveal a very fine, short coat that feels fine suede.
Although the looks of the Sphynx cats may put off some people, their personality is quite the opposite. They are energetic cats and proven, delightful pets. They are fun and love to show off for attention. They are friendly, loving and often cuddly. They can get along well with children and other pets.
Cat Care
The skin of Sphynx produces a lot of sebum that can sometimes clog its pores. It is recommended to use a wet washcloth to remove excess oil. The areas that need to be cleaned with extra care are between the toes and between the pads under the paws because sebums have the tendency to accumulate in those areas.
Cleaning their ears every week is recommended since they produce a lot of earwax. Their skin is also sensitive to sunburn so make sure to keep it away from prolonged exposure to sunlight.
Common Health Problems
Health conditions that are known to affect sphynx cats are Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) and hereditary Myopathy. HCM is a disease that causes the thickening of the heart muscle while the latter is a condition that affects muscle function. They are sometimes prone to skin conditions such as urticaria pigmentosa which causes crusty sores to form on the body.
Diet and Nutrition
Small meals in regular intervals throughout the day is ideal for Sphynx cats because they have a high metabolism and sensitive digestion system.
Life Expectancy
With proper care and nutrition, a Sphynx cat can live up to 9 to 15 years.
Peterbald vs Sphynx
These two hairless cat breeds are quite similar, even when they originate from different places, Canada and Russia. They are both active, social and friendly not just to their humans but also to other pets and make very good pets and companions. Contrasting them, they look different as Peterbalds have longer heads, almond-shaped eyes and smaller ears compared to Sphynx cats. The Peterbald have coat layers while a Sphynx is entirely hairless. The Sphynx cats have more health issues compared to Peterbalds.
Conclusion
Peterbald cats are active and affectionate yet are highly sensitive to hot and cold. Its hairless skin is also susceptible to injury. The Sphynx cats, on the other hand, are loving and playful yet are prone to sunburn and cannot tolerate cold temperatures and also prone to heart issues.
If you are looking for a friendly and loyal type of cat, you can get either Peterbald or Sphynx as they are proven to be good pets and companions.
Image: istockphoto.com / Aleksandra Selivanova