In their exoticism, bambino cats have bypassed all known purrs. This is a unique breed that combines two rare genes - it is devoid of hair and at the same time has short legs. It is interesting that it was bred quite recently - in 2005 - so many do not even suspect its existence. Meanwhile, the Bambino has already appeared many fans who want to acquire such unusual and at the same time very kind creations. We will tell more about these exotic mustaches and understand the rules for their maintenance at home.
Breed history
This breed appeared in 2005. An American family from Arkansas bought a hairless kitten with short paws of unknown origin. For small growth they decided to name him Bambino - at that time his owners did not even suspect that this name would become a name for a separate breed. When the animal remained short-footed over time, it became obvious that its genetic type had unusual features. It turned out that he is a carrier of sphinx and manchkin genes.
In 2006, the first kittens of a mixed genotype were born, and then the International Cat Association decided to give the new breed experimental status. Until now, the breed has not received official recognition, and in Germany it is not allowed to breed such cats at all. This is due to the fact that crossbreeding is considered unsafe for animals and is condemned by many social activists. Nevertheless, the breed was liked by many cat lovers. Enthusiasts decided to engage in the selection of such cats under the control of geneticists.
Note that a bambino may be called a kitten, obtained no earlier than the third generation after mating the Canadian sphinx and manchkin.By the way, in America, also because of public indignation, the official breeding of such cats has ceased. Minsk is an American equivalent of bambino.
Description
The appearance of the bambino is called not just exotic, but alien - these cats have such an unusual appearance. Because of their long, strong body, they resemble dachshunds to someone. Their back has a rounded shape, and the stomach protrudes slightly, like a balloon. The weight of the babies is small - usually adult cats have a body weight of 2 to 5 kg. Few people noticed that only the lower parts of the paws were shortened at the bambino, while the upper ones usually look. Here are other features of this unique breed:
- oblong and thin tail;
- a small head resembling a wedge, with angular cheekbones and a rather massive chin;
- straight straight nose;
- short forehead with folds like a sphinx;
- ears wide at the base;
- the slanting eyes of a bambino can have different colors that correspond to one or another color.
Up to a year, the bambino has numerous folds throughout the body, which are then smoothed out. In rare animals, the skin is covered with wool, more reminiscent of colorless fluff. The color of the skin of these purrs is allowed any that can be in cats: plain, striped, spotted. By the age of six months, the kitten becomes fully socialized, however, its moral maturation is still ongoing, and talking about the formation of the animal’s personality can only be achieved after reaching the three-year mark.
Character
Unusual can be called not only the appearance of the bambino, but also their character. For all their playfulness, they are completely devoid of cravings for hunting, they are kind animals that can get along with other pets and affectionate with the owners. If parrots, canaries or even rodents live in the house, then a cat of this breed will not offend his little friends, but, on the contrary, will be able to make friends with them.
They are smart enough and able to cope in a tray not only in need - they run up to it, even when they feel sick. Do not forget that the toilet tray for these cats should have not too high sides so that it is convenient to climb on short legs. In addition, their small growth does not allow them to climb too high, which means that the risk of falling from a height is reduced.
No matter how warm the relationship of these animals with all members of the household, they strive to choose the main “individual” among the people living in the apartment, and follow their leader on the heels. True, their human orientation is still not as high as that of the Sphinxes. Bambino do not like loneliness and feel lost when everyone leaves for business, these cats are eternal children who love attention, affection and toys. With their low growth, they are still very active.
If the apartment does not have enough space for running and games, then buy for your pet an entertainment complex with shelves, posts, houses and toys.
Sometimes these alien cats study objects or toys for a long time that other cats are absolutely not interested in. They also have briskness and are able to hide in unexpected places where their brothers usually do not climb. Hide wood sawdust, caps from pens and other small objects so that the baby does not inadvertently eat them.
Even if you live outside the city and have a plot near the house, you should not let the cat walk alone. He is so friendly that he can suffer from other animals, because he simply does not expect to meet aggression - it is better to get a leash for him.
Bambino is smart enough to quickly get used to walking in a civilized manner with his master.
Care Rules
Like sphinxes, bambino need regular bathing. As with any bald cats, their skin glands secrete a special secret that needs to be washed off the body. To do this, get shampoo for hairless cats or baby shampoo. Sometimes you can replace the bath with a wipe with napkins. As the ears are cleaned, the ears of the cats are cleaned, and it is advisable to wipe the eyes every day with ordinary tea leaves or cat lotion.
Many bambinos love to swim, especially if they have been accustomed to this since childhood. They willingly take a bath when the water temperature has a comfortable reading - neither hot nor cold. To prevent the animal from slipping, you can lay a rubber mat in the bathtub, and then your purr will feel more comfortable. Ideally, the water temperature should be +25 degrees.
You need to brush your teeth once or twice a month with a brush and toothpaste. However, specially selected food can cope with this function. If the cat sharpens its claws in the right places, then it is not necessary to cut them, but if it spoils the furniture, then cut them once a month.
Do not forget that the bambino does not have the basic tools for survival on the street, and if he loses his house, he can quickly die.
Among the unfavorable factors for bambino are both cold and other animals, the aggression of which he can hardly answer.
What to feed?
These animals do not have the strongest digestive system, so they need a balanced diet. The plus of the bambino is that they have an accelerated metabolism, therefore they can not freeze even without hair, but the minus is the weak spine, with which it will be difficult for the cat to be overweight. That is why it is important not to overdo it with calories when feeding these purrs.
Taking a kitten, you must first feed him the same way as in his old house, so that he adapts faster. After a few weeks, the cat's menu can be changed, and by the age of three months it should already be transferred to a super-premium food or holistic. If you do not trust the feed of industrial production, then you can make him a diet of natural products, of which you are sure.
Do not forget about counting calories and nutrients so that the cat receives all the necessary vitamins and minerals, but does not get fat.
Usually, the main dish of a natural bambino diet is meat - beef or poultry. It is given raw or scalded. It’s good if the cat gets used to eating meat with vegetables, for this, rub carrots or zucchini on a grater. Porridge can be given bambino, but they should be no more than 20% of the diet. Dairy products will also be useful - not too fatty cottage cheese or kefir, it is also good to give eggs, quail or chicken once a week.
Do not forget to additionally feed the cat with fish oil or vitamins.
Bambino should not be fed the following foods:
- river fish;
- smoked meats, pickles and fried foods;
- pork, sweets;
- milk
- bean.
An interesting fact is that these dwarf cats do not perceive a sweet taste. Because of this, they can gobble up cakes or other confectionery products with an apparent appetite. But this food is very harmful for them, and you can’t give it bambino. From overeating sweets, the animal can be very poisonous or even die. Also, experts do not recommend combining "natural" and dry food - because of this, the animal may have problems with stools, because digestion can not tune into such different types of food at the same time.
Both dry and wet food should be purchased marked “for sphinxes”.
These may be products of Pro Plan, Royal Canin, Hills Science, Acana, Natural & Delicious and others. These foods do not cause allergies, contain fatty acids and proteins, and do not irritate the gastrointestinal tract of these exotics. They do not contain substances for the growth of hair, which naked cats do not need at all. Feeding rates, take those that are indicated on the package.
Breeding
Many countries prohibit hybrid breeding, so the breed has not yet become as widespread as others. However, in Russia such prohibitions do not apply.
During breeding work to improve the breed, Devon Rex and Burmese cats were added to the Canadian Sphynxes and Manchkins. Since the Bambino breed is young, scientists still find it difficult to identify any genetic defects that would be characteristic of these babies. Very often, hybrid animals receive any mutations, but so far the statistics say that representatives of this young breed easily overcome the 10-year threshold; there are those who have reached a greater age.
At the same time, over time, they remain highly active in reproduction, which indicates their good health.
Buying a cat
You can buy such an exotic cat in the kennel - by the announcement you are unlikely to find a real bambino. In Russia there are several nurseries that offer such babies. These are Royal Cat, Lunabella, Baby Moon, Grand Oray and some others.
In the kennel you are guaranteed that the cat received all the necessary vaccinations, grew up in comfortable conditions under the supervision of caring breeders, and, of course, he’s used to people and is not aggressive with them. After all, even the friendliest breed, raised in an inappropriate environment, can become embittered. When buying an animal, you should get its pedigree, see the parents of the baby. The owner of the nursery will always instruct the buyer about the features of the breed: how to properly feed the bambino, how to care for it, and also what are the characteristics of the character of a particular baby ..
When choosing a kitten, make sure that its ears and eyes are clean, peppy and agile, willingly makes contact with a person
Typically, the cost of Bambino kittens is not small and reaches 70 thousand rubles, but in some nurseries you can also find a higher price tag - up to 350 thousand rubles. This breed was bred not so long ago, so the price can change rapidly. As a rule, there is a downward trend, as less rare cats are cheaper.
When your new family member arrives at home, comfortable conditions must be created there. Keep the air temperature between +22 and +27 degrees. If your apartment is cooler now, give the cat a blouse - these are rare animals that have nothing against clothes. Stock up on clothes from the pet store or tie things for your baby yourself.
Everyone who is interested in acquiring a bambino cat needs to be prepared for significant expenses. By themselves, such whiskers are not cheap, and how much money will be spent on proper nutrition for these exotics! In addition, the transportation of kittens from large cities to more remote regions of the country is not cheap. It is not easy to find breeders who will offer you real bambinos; some prefer to buy kittens exclusively abroad.
And yet, if you want to get just such a cat, which apart from its unusual appearance is distinguished by its affectionate and childishly cute character, be sure to realize your dream. You will certainly get a loyal friend in the face of a bambino cat who will be friendly to all family members and animals that have settled with you earlier.
Do not forget to pay attention not only to the health of the kitten, but also to his mood - he really needs the care of the owner.
Watch a video about bambino cats below.