Bambino Cats 101 : Fun Facts & Myths

In today's video, we are going to talk about some interesting facts and myths about the Bambino Cat.Show more

The Bambino is a controversial experimental new cat breed that is a cross between a hairless Sphynx and the short-legged Munchkin. The breed is so new that not too much is known about them as yet, but their development has been courted by a lot of controversies.

Fans of these felines love them for their playful, energetic, and affectionate personalities.

You may find these cats in shelters and breed-specific rescues, so remember to always adopt! Don’t shop if you’re looking to add one of these kitties to your home!

The Bambino is a miniature cat, a type of feline sometimes called a dwarf breed. But despite their small size, this is one social and outgoing cat. In fact, you’ll need to be able to lavish them with attention and playtime if you’re going to get the best out of the breed. Naturally, due to the cat’s playful nature, they’re great living in a house with kids.

Here are some of the interesting facts about the Bambino Cat, which will give you some further insight into its characteristics and temperament.

1. Bambino Cat's History.

The first litter of Bambino kittens was officially registered in 2005 after Stephanie and Pat Osborne bred the hairless Sphynx with the short-legged Munchkin. The cat's name translates to "baby" in Italian, which pays homage to their small and kittenish size. As a comparatively new mixed cat breed, the Bambino's history is still being established.

The Bambino was officially acknowledged as an experimental new breed by the International Cat Association in 2006.

2. Bambino Cat's Personality.

When it comes to summing up the Bambino's personality, the first thing you'll want to take note of is just how playful and even a little mischievous the mixed breed is. This is a cat who will happily spend as much time as possible playing with toys and exploring every nook and cranny of their environment.

It's advised to make sure your home is big enough to satisfy the cat's playful instincts. Interactive toys should be left out and rotated on a regular basis, while at least one cat tree will be required to add variety to play sessions.

Balancing out the Bambino's personality, the mixed breed's playful side is complimented by their affectionate nature. This is a kitty who very easily forms bonds with the humans in their lives, and loves to follow up a frantic playtime with a calm and leisurely snuggle session on the couch or bed.

3. Bambino Cat's Attributes.

As you have probably already guessed, a Bambino cat’s most distinctive features are its short stature and hairless body. Although, it is worth mentioning that many hairless cats are indeed not completely bald. Instead, these kitties actually have very short, peach fuzz-like hair that covers their body. To the touch, this fuzz oftentimes feels like suede.

Due to the fact that these cats are seemingly hairless, people often ask, “Are Bambino cats hypoallergenic?” Contrary to what many may believe, even when “hairless,” Bambinos is not a hypoallergenic cat. However, Bambinos produce less dander than hairier cat breeds, which means that some individuals with mild cat allergies can tolerate being around these felines.

These wrinkly cats are rather small and, on average, weigh between five to nine pounds. That being said, it’s not unusual for some to weigh more or less than the average. The typical lifespan for this breed is anywhere from 9-15 years.

4. Bambino Cat's Common Health Issues.

When a health issue does arise in a Bambino, it oftentimes is a condition that has been passed down from the Sphynx or Munchkins cat. The top conditions that are prevalent among this mixed breed are,

Skin conditions.

With a lack of hair and overly oily skin, most hairless cat breeds have an increased chance of developing bacterial skin conditions or infections.

Lordosis.

This is a condition that can occur in any cat, but it has been shown to be more prevalent in the short-legged Munchkin. It involves the spine excessively curving inwards, and this puts pressure on some of the vital organs. It can be fatal in some cases.

Pectus Excavatum.

This is another condition that has been shown to be more prevalent in Munchkins, and it is where the breastbone caves in. Cats with this problem can have a guarded prognosis as it can severely impact their quality of life. It can cause a variety of issues including respiratory problems, loss of appetite, and weight loss.

That being said, there is much evidence that the common health problems of both the Sphynx and Munchkin have been inherited.