Bambino cat
Breed at a glance
- Weight
- 8 to 12 pounds and males from 12 to 16 pound
About the Bambino cat
The Bambino is a hybrid cat breed resulting from the cross between a Sphynx and a Munchkin. This unique breed combines the characteristics of both parent breeds.
Elf
The Elf or Elf Sphynx is a nearly hairless variety with ears that curl backward. The gene responsible for hairlessness in the Sphynx (and thus in the Elf) produces skin that is not completely hairless; two types of hair formation occur: a few patches of light hairs particularly around the nose, tail, and toes; and a fine downy all-over covering. Care issues are as with Sphynx cats . As of 2022 , [ update ] this in-development variety is not recognized by major breed registries and cat-fancier organizations such as The International Cat Association (TICA) or the Cat Fanciers'' Association (CFA). Some breeders have published draft breed standards for the Elf, based on those for the foundation breeds, but these documents are not entirely consistent with each other. Breeders are seeking TICA recognition as a preliminary new breed. The Elf has been included in the Australian National Cats (ANCats) breed list as experimental.
Dwelf
The Dwelf is a dwarf cat cross of Sphynx , Munchkin , and American Curl stock, and has the defining traits of all three breeds: hairlessness, shortened legs, and curled ears. The breed is of US origin and was recognized by the now-defunct Dwarf Cat Association (or Designer Cat Association). Later, it became recognized by the Rare and Exotic Feline Registry.
Overview
The following is a list of experimental cat breeds and crossbreeds that do not have the recognition of any major national or international cat registries , such as The International Cat Association (TICA) in the US, Europe, and Australasia; the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) in the UK, the Fédération Internationale Féline (FiFE) in continental Europe, the Cat Fanciers'' Association (CFA) in North America, or the more recent World Cat Federation based in Germany. Such a breed may be recognized by one of the smaller cat registries. Smaller registries include the Rare and Exotic Feline Registry (REFR), and others. This list only includes breeds recognized by at least one extant, national or international, multi-breed registry . Breeders of some minority breeds actively seek major recognition for them, but have yet to receive it. For example, in regions where the formal cat fancy is in its infancy, naturally occurring native varieties – landraces – can be classified as minority breeds when attempts at selective breeding have begun to produce a formal natural breed with consistent traits, as is ongoing with the Aegean and Van cats . Other minority breeds are bred for private reasons and inadvertently attract an informal following. Minority breeds may be recognized by some registries, or none at all; recognition can be refused for a variety of reasons (including over-similarity to an existing breed, medical problems being statistically linked to the breed, and others). Some may have "preliminary" status in one or more registries, with experimental conformation standards already in place, but turn out to be non-viable over the longer term. Discrepancies between breed names can often cause confusion; occasionally the name adopted by one registry is used elsewhere for an entirely different breed; for example, the breed known in Australia as " Burmilla Longhair" is analogous to the " Asian Semi-longhair " in Britain (also called the "Tiffanie"), but Australia already has a quite different breed known as the "Australian Tiffanie" and both are different from the American "Tiffany" (also known as the Chantilly-Tiffany ). Such conflicts are decreasing due to better communication between registries, largely facilitated by the Internet and by the World Cat Congress .
Aegean
The Aegean is a cat of Greek origin that has been developed since the 1990s by the Feline Federation of Greece, using cats from the Cyclades . The name comes from the fact that the cats were originally found around the Aegean Sea . They are considered a national treasure of Greece. Aegean cats are a landrace , and are one of the oldest distinct populations of the domestic cat. They have an affinity for fishing and water, and are numerous in Greek fishing ports. It is a medium-sized, muscular cat with a lighter European or Continental type body, medium-sized round paws, and green almond-shaped eyes. The coat is always two or three colors, one of which is always white. The breed is mostly free from common feline diseases.
Foldex
The Foldex cat, also known as the Exotic Fold, is a cat breed developed in the Canadian province of Quebec by crossbreeding a Scottish Fold and an Exotic Shorthair . Foldexes are medium-sized cats with a rounded face, short legs, and sometimes folded ears; while the latter are intended to be the defining feature of the breed, only about 50% of them exhibit it. The eyes are rounded, the ears small, and the body stout like that of Scottish Fold, with a short face between those of the two originating breeds. The coat may be of any length, colour, and pattern. The variety is recognized as a breed in its own right by one cat registry , the Canadian Cat Association (CCA), [ non-primary source needed ] but not by any of the major international ones. Foldexes have genetic predispositions to multiple medical disorders, primarily inherited from the Scottish Fold, and their breeding has been banned in some countries as a result. In 1995, a Foldex was first exhibited in a cat show by breed Betty-Ann Yaxley in Quebec . It was originally produced by crossbreeding a Scottish Fold with an Exotic Shorthair , resulting in a cat with a comparatively round head, shortened nose, and (ideally) folded ears. Further breeding and promotion by Jeanne Barrette resulted in the Canadian Cat Association (CCA) accepting the nascent breed in its Experimental category in November 1998. It was promoted to the CCA''s New Breed category in August 2006, and granted Championship status in 2010. The Foldex is known for its signature small, folded ears with round tips. However, only half of all Foldex inherit this trait. Those with non-folded ears are referred to as "straights" (versus "foldeds"); their ears grow straight in their adult stage as in most other cat breeds. Folded kittens'' ears begin to show a visible fold between 21 and 28 days old. The Foldex''s body stature is medium-built with strong muscles, short legs and a short neck. Their ears may resemble those of the Scottish Fold breed, but they only have one crease which folds forward and downwards, while Scottish Folds have multiple creases that result in their ears laying flat. Their coats have variety of colour, patterns, and lengths; the CCA standard permits any coat colour and pattern, and any length, since it also permits outcrossing to Exotic Longhair . The Foldex breed has a round face with wide-open eyes. Their nose is longer than an Exotic, but shorter than a Scottish Fold. Foldex cats are genetically predisposed to a risk of feline polycystic kidney disease (PKD), which can cause renal failure. This predisposition is inherited from the Exotic ancestry, being a trait of Persian and related breeds. A Foldex cat can be pre-screened for the genetics that cause PKD. Foldexes are also be genetically predisposed to health conditions inherited from the Scottish Fold, including
Safari
The Safari is a felid hybrid developed by crossing Geoffroy''s cat ( Leopardus geoffroyi ), a wild South American species, with domestic cats.
Bambino
The Bambino is a dwarf cat cross between the Munchkin and Sphynx breeds; it has the short legs of the former and the lack of fur of the latter. It is recognised by the Rare and Exotic Feline Registry. In 2005, two cat breeders, Stephanie and Pat Osborne, started the Bambino breed at their Holy Moly Cattery in Arkansas , which later went defunct. They likely named it Bambino ( Italian for "baby") because of its properties. One year later, The International Cat Association (TICA) recognized the Bambino as an experimental breed of cat. It is technically legal to own a Bambino, but owning and breeding of it is discouraged and considered unethical due to health problems. In 2019, the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority ordered a couple to stop breeding the Bambino due to welfare concerns, which include painful limited mobility as a result of dwarfism. The Bambino has also been given the name "XL Bully Cat" due to its similarities to the American Bully (XL Bully Dog).
Bramble
The Bramble is a large wire-haired cat breed with a spotted coat pattern. It was derived from crossing the Bengal with brush-coated Peterbalds . It originates from the US and is recognized by the Rare and Exotic Feline Registry.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key characteristics of the Bambino cat?
The Bambino cat is a cross between a Munchkin and a Sphynx. They are known for their short legs, sleek coat, and large ears. Bambinos are often described as playful, curious, and affectionate. Their size varies, but they generally weigh between 6-12 pounds and have a lifespan of 12-15 years.
Is the Bambino cat a good family cat?
Bambinos are generally suitable for families with older children who can handle them gently. However, their small size and delicate nature may make them more fragile than other breeds. With proper care and attention, Bambinos can make loving and loyal companions for families who are willing to provide the necessary attention and care.
What health problems do Bambino cats have?
As a hybrid breed, Bambinos can be prone to health issues common in both Munchkin and Sphynx breeds, such as patellar luxation, heart problems, and skin conditions. Regular veterinary check-ups and a healthy lifestyle can help minimize the risk of these health issues. More research is needed to fully understand the health implications of the Bambino breed.
How much does a Bambino cat kitten cost?
The cost of a Bambino kitten can vary depending on factors such as location, breeder reputation, and bloodline. On average, a Bambino kitten can cost between $800-$1,500. However, prices may be higher or lower depending on the specific breeder and the kitten's characteristics.