Bambino Cat: Personality & Cat Breed Characteristics

the Sphynx cat and the Munchkin cat. The Bambino carries the recessive hairless gene of the Sphynx and the Munchkin's dominant short-legged gene, creating quite a unique kitty.

 

 

Bambino means "baby" in Italian, but this cat originated in North America when Stephanie and Pat Osborne registered the first litter in 2005. The dwarf breed was designated an "Experimental New Breed" by The International Cat Association (TICA) the following year. Despite the quasi-registration of the experimental breed with TICA, the Bambino's development has been controversial. Some believe the cats have an increased chance of health problems due to breeding two cats with mutated genes.

 

 

We believe that mixing two breeds with inherited conditions to make another could not be said to be in the interests of the animals involved. Breeding such cats is entirely for the benefit of owners with no genuine consideration for the welfare of the cat

- International Cat Care

Like the Munchkin, the Bambino is known for being rambunctious and playful. Despite their squatty legs, Munchkins loves to run around the house like a little ferret. The Bambino is the same! They are highly energetic and love exploring every spot in the house, often finding strange places to squeeze into or climb on top of. Keep your Bambino occupied with toys, toys, and more toys. They can spend hours chasing after toys, jumping for ribbons, and speeding throughout the house.

 

 

Characteristics (Physical)

There's no denying that the Bambino has a unique appearance. The first thing you will notice about the Bambino is its hairless body. The next, its short legs! But there's more to the Bambino than its mutations!

 

 

Size

The Bambino is a dwarf breed, meaning they are quite small and mixed breed. Most stand around eight inches high. Some may even be smaller!

 

 

Weight Range

Adult Bambino cats (both male and female) typically weigh between five and nine pounds.

 

 

Head

This breed has a similar head to the Sphynx, including its facial features and ears. They have a distinct head shape with sharp cheekbones, a prominent whisker pad, and a strong chin.

 

 

Eye Color

This feline has large eyes that are often described as lemon-shaped. No color is specified since there are few breed standards for this newly created kitty. Still, you will usually see blue, curious eyes.

 

 

Ears

The Bambino has large ears that face forward and appear quite alert. Due to the little tufts on the top, they are sometimes described as lynx-tipped.

 

 

Legs & Paws

You might have noticed that the Bambino has very stubby, chubby, short legs! The bone in the breed's upper legs is short, meaning plenty of waddling. But that doesn't stop these cats from getting around—far from it!

 

 

Coat

Bambinos are a hairless breed, of course! They have wrinkled, loose skin that's either genuinely hairless or covered in peach fuzz. The tip of their ears, part of their face, and tail will often have a bit more noticeable fur. Their lack of hair allows you to see this cat's skin color, usually pink with some black.

 

 

Bambino Cat Lifespan

Despite the controversy, Bambinos can live up to 15 years with proper care and regular vet visits.

 

 

Health Problems

Bambinos often carry hereditary diseases from both the Sphynx and Munchkin. Regular veterinary checkups are crucial for keeping this kitty healthy!

 

 

Heart Disease

The most common heart disease in cats is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. This is when the cat's heart muscles thicken, making it harder for the organ to pump blood. If you notice your Bambino being lethargic or struggling to breathe, immediately bring them to the vet.

 

 

Melanoma

Due to their lack of fur protection, Bambinos can quickly get sunburns and melanoma. Regular bathing can help avoid common skin problems like acne and oily skin.

 

 

Lordosis

Some Bambinos may have an overly curved spine. This spinal curve can be corrected, depending on severity. Always visit your vet if your cat has an abnormal posture.

 

 

Pectus Excavatum

This is a malformation of the thorax (chest cavity). It gives your cat's body a "bowed" appearance. This condition is present at both. Pectus excavatum is more common in male cats.

 

 

Acne

The Bambino, much like the Sphynx, is prone to dirt buildup on their Bambino hairless cat. This can lead to acne. Check for blackheads when you bathe your cat. You can scrub your Bambino's skin lightly with a mild, vet-approved antibacterial soap.

 

 

Breed Care

Although Bambinos do not have fur to brush, they require plenty of grooming and care due to their exposed skin. Bambinos absorb their skin's oils without hair, meaning they need regular baths to maintain clean skin. However, bathing can also cause skin issues if you don't completely wash off shampoo or pat thoroughly dry them.

 

 

While washing your Bambino, always check their ears for canal blockages. Since they lack hair, dirt can accumulate inside this short-legged feline's ears. Use a soft cloth or an approved wet wipe to remove anything you see gently. You can also check their eyes for dust. When trimming their nails, check for any debris between their toes.

 

 

Temperature

The Bambino is strictly an indoor cat. Their lack of fur makes them very vulnerable to hot and cold. Since they can easily overheat and get sunburns, limit their exposure to the sun whenever possible. When it's cold, provide your hairless kitty with blankets and warm clothing. Just remember to wash their clothes since the Bambino's skin can get oily and sweaty.

 

 

Nutrition

Bambinos are quite tiny cats, being a dwarf cat and all. So, they might not need as much food or cat treats as the average feline. Check the product's label to see how much food is suggested for its weight each day. Contact your veterinarian for more information on feeding a Bambino a proper diet. Always look for cat food with quality ingredients. The first ingredient should always be protein, like turkey, salmon, or chicken. Avoid brands where the first ingredient is something like "chicken meal."

 

 

Avoid food brands with excessive amounts of carbohydrates, like corn and wheat. Cats don't need these in their diets, so they are "fillers." A healthy alternative is wet food, which is low in carbohydrates and it contains over 70% water. This is a great way to give your cat the liquids they need and ensure they don't become dehydrated.  Also, keep an eye out for cat treats made with quality ingredients.

 

 

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Children & Other Pets

The Bambino is a sweet soul who loves everyone they meet. This means that your Bambino will get along with other pets. This includes other cats, dogs, and even small animals. Remember to introduce your cats carefully, letting them get to know each other without rushing to teach them.

 

 

Always watch your dog's interaction with your Bambino. Even the most well-mannered dogs might be too much to handle for the Bambino. Since both are active and playful, they will enjoy racing around the house and goofing off together. But if your dog gets too rough, step in immediately.

 

 

Same with children miniature cats. Kids love playing with cats, watching them race down the hall after toys for hours. But always watch younger kids when they interact with the Bambino. It's a tiny kitty that shouldn't have its ears or tail pulled.

 

 

More About

The Bambino cat might be tiny — but it comes with a hefty Bambino cat price tag. They are often up to $3,000! This is also due to their rarity. You might need to travel pretty far to find one of these unique kitties. Many bambino breeders will often have a long waitlist as well. Make sure you are only adopting from trusted breeders who can guarantee the health of their litters.

 

 

When you finally find a Bambino cat breed, never let this kitty go! It's a social kitty that has endless affection and energy. You will love snuggling with your Bambino kittens while watching a movie and watching them race down the hall with their stubby legs. This is a mischievous kitty with a lot of love to give.

 

 

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