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If you are looking for a small and cute family cat, you might want to check out the Bambino cat. It’s friendly, loving, and brimming with playful energy.
What’s the nature of the breed?
The Bambino cat is an extremely energetic, lively, and playful cat. They might be small in stature, but boy do they ever have a whole lot of energy.
These cats are always on the move, they are rambunctious, and they love to cause trouble. They really enjoy playing with favorite cat toys, running around the house, jumping from one piece of furniture to another, and so much more.
Check out more details about the nature of Bambino Cat in the short video below:
It’s not a cat you want to leave alone or leave to its own devices, because it will probably get into trouble. Anything that it can open up to see what is on the other side, it will open up.
The Bambino cat is also a very loving and affectionate cat that loves being with people. It does not want to be alone, nor should you leave it alone for too long. It enjoys playing with children and even does alright with dogs too. The Bambino cat enjoys a lot of attention and they have no problems curling up and snuggling in your lap.
Origin and history of the breed
The Bambino cat has not been around for very long. In fact, it is one of the newest cat breeds in the world right now. In 2005, Stephanie and Pat Osborne of the HolyMoly Cattery in the US decided to cross breed a Sphinx cat with a Munchkin.
The result was a short and stubby cat with short legs and no hair. It’s a very interesting looking cat, more or less like a shrunken Sphinx cat. This is an experimental breed, but it has actually been recognized by The International Cat Association.
Physical standards of the breed
Health and possible diseases
The Bambino cat is generally quite a healthy cat, one that is not prone to too many feline-related diseased. It’s actually one of the more robust cat breeds out there.
However, in its older age, the Bambino cat is prone to developing hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which is a genetic heart condition that comes from the Sphinx side of the family. Other than that, the Bambino cat is not prone to any specific illnesses or diseases.
Grooming
The Bambino cat may not have any hair, but this does not mean that it does not require grooming. Whereas cats with lots of hair require brushing, the Bambino cat requires regular bathing with warm water and specialized soap.
Because they have no hair, their skin is prone to drying out and becoming itchy, as there is nothing to hold oils in place.
This is why regular and soothing baths to spread around those oils is required, but of course, you won’t need a brush for them. You will also want to take good care of their claws, just as with any other cat.
You will also need to use a cotton ball soaked in a warm water and cider vinegar mixture to clean out their ears, and use a warm and damp cloth to wipe their eyes clean on occasion.
Other than that, there are no special grooming requirements for the Bambino cat.
Height and size
The Bambino cat is one of the smaller cats. They have a stalky and broad body, but are not overly long, and they do have a bit of muscle.
They feature that classic Sphinx face with large lemon shaped eyes and massive pointed ears. They have really short legs, which causes them to have this waddling motion when they walk.
In terms of height, your large male Bambino cats will top out at around 8 inches in height at the shoulders, with females smaller topping out at around 7 inches at the shoulders.
Weight
The Bambino cat is one of the smaller and lighter domestic cat breeds, with males generally weighing no more than 9 pounds, and females weighing around 6 or 7 pounds at most. It’s not a very large cat breed at all.
Activeness
The Bambino cat is a very active cat, more so than most other domestic cat breeds. It might have short legs, but it is surprisingly quick and agile in spite of this.
The Bambino cat is an active and playful cat that always wants to play with toys, with their owners, and get in all kinds of trouble. This is not a cat that likes to sit still or be left alone to its own devices.
It’s like a little kid that always wants to play.
Hypoallergenic
What is interesting to note is that even though the Bambino cat is hairless, it is technically not hypoallergenic.
In fact, no cats are 100% hypoallergenic, as in large, it is their saliva which causes allergic reactions.
With that said, due to having no hair and minimal dander, for allergy sufferers, there are worse cats to have than the Bambino cat.
Lifespan
The Bambino cat’s lifespan is quite varied and it does depend on their health and how you take care of them. The lifespan for this cat is between 9 and 15 years, but most usually will not live past 11 or 12, and as you can see, they are not the longest-lived cats out there.
Caring Difficulty
The Bambino cat is fairly difficult to care for in the sense that you do have to give it regular baths to maintain skin health, plus they need a good diet, as well as claw, eye, and ear care.
Moreover, they need a lot of attention, interaction, and play. It’s not a cat you can leave alone and they are not very independent.
Where to get a Bambino Cat
At this point, seeing as there are not many breeders out there, because this is a new cat breed from the US, you will most likely have to go to a reputable breeder in the US.
Other than the States, finding a breeder is going to be very hard. Remember that this cat breed is barely 15 years old.
How much does a Bambino Cat cost?
Your average Bambino cat is going to run you anywhere between $1,500 and $3,000, depending on the breeder, the cat’s parents, and other things, such as the pedigree.
This is a rare and fairly expensive cat, but we would consider it a good investment.
Choosing the right type of Bambino Cat
There is honestly not too much to think about here, as all Bambino cats have similar coloration and an occasional pattern, and most have that same active personality.
You will want to make sure that you are going to a reputable breeder than can assure you about the kitten’s health.
Responsibilities to consider in the care of a Bambino Cat
What do they require?
The Bambino cat requires baths to maintain skin health, claw car, ear and eye care, and a whole lot of toys, as well as good food.
Do they need a certain level of care and attention?
Yes, the Bambino cat needs a lot of attention, care, and play. They do not want to be alone, they want to follow you around the house, and they always want to play.
If you leave them alone for too long, they will probably cause trouble.
Characteristics of Bambino Cat
Behavior
As we said before, the Bambino cat is very active and playful, and they always want to play. If they are not playing, they are exploring, being curious, and adventurous.
They have no problems being picked up, petted, and sitting in a lap snuggling with their owners. They can be vocal, but are usually pretty reserved and easy going.
Pattern
The Bambino cat is supposed to have the color and pattern of a Sphinx cat, which is to say that they have no hair, and just feature their baby soft skin. There can be some differences in skin color. They have no fur.
Affectionate
Yes, the Bambino cat is highly affectionate and absolutely loves its owners, and it does not mind meeting new people. It tends to form pretty close bonds with its owners, and will quickly befriend new people, and even does OK with kids and dogs.
They like being petted and enjoy a good snuggle too.
Dog/child-friendly
The Bambino cat is fairly good with dogs and kids. As long as the kids and dogs are respectful, and better yet, if they want to play with the Bambino cat, it will be fine.
Intelligence
The Bambino cat is known for being moderately intelligent, which, when combined with its curiosity, can get it into trouble. It is not beyond opening up some doors and cupboards, as it likes to know what is on the other side. However, it is not big into learning tricks.
Energy
The Bambino cat is a high-energy cat. It’s surprising how fast those stubby legs can carry it. It has a ton of energy and rarely sits still for a long time doing nothing.
Maintenance
The Bambino cat is somewhat hard to maintain, as being hairless actually does come with some work. Plus, they also require a lot of care and affection too.
Types of Bambino Cats
At this point, there is only one type of Bambino cat.
Conclusion
The Bambino cat makes for a great family cat as it is gentle and affectionate, but be aware that it does need a lot of care and attention, and should rarely be left alone.