This breed of cat originated in 1993, and was the result of a cross between a very oriental-looking brown mackerel tabby Don Hairless male and a tortoise Oriental female. These oriental type felines are very graceful and appear to be completely hairless, although they are not technically. Their skin is wrinkled, thin and delicate, like “chamois,” and it moves easily, with a fine down coat along the extremities. Whiskers and eyebrows are broken off near the surface of the skin and the ears are very large. The body is elongated and muscular; the head long and wedge-shaped, with high cheekbones and a flat skull. The tail is long, straight and whippy. Up to one inch of tail may be covered with a soft, dense and wavy coat. The paws are oval; the toes long and agile. Young Peterbalds generally have wavy coats on their feet and may have fine coats on the extremities until the age of two years.
These cats are highly intelligent and very friendly. They make wonderful companions and get along well with children and other pets. Unlike their oriental cousins, the Siamese, these cats are quiet for the most part and very placid in nature. They sometimes meow, but not very often and not very loudly. They develop strong bonds with their owners, but welcome visitors and new additions to a household as well. They are not too active or inquisitive, and prefer to find their niche in a home. They are not explorers who will open cupboards and bags and make toys out of pens and other objects.
Although in appearance these cats may seem frail, they are sturdy and have few health problems.
Do YOU own such a cat? Please share your experiences.