The Skinderlop (also known as the Skinderlop Sphynx), a modern but rare breed of cat, is a cross between a Scottish Fold and a Sphynx cat. Distinguished by their almost hairless bodies and alienesque facial features, these unique cats were developed to have the look of a Sphynx with the folded ears of a Scottish Fold. If you’re curious about the Skinderlop and want to know more, look no further.
Breed Overview
Height:
8–10 inches
Weight:
5–9 pounds
Lifespan:
Around 12 years
Colors:
Hairless except for very fine, downy hairs, skin color pink or peach with (often) grey or tan patches
Suitable for:
Any loving home
Temperament:
Intelligent, active, funny, mischievous, sociable, affectionate, sometimes vocal
Though they may look unusual, the Skinderlop is a cat with plenty of love to share with the right people. They were not only developed to have a certain look, but also to blend the wonderful character traits of the two parent breeds, the Sphynx and the Scottish Fold—high intelligence, friendliness, an affectionate nature, and a touch of mischief and humor.
Skinderlop Characteristics
Energy
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A high-energy cat needs a lot of physical and mental stimulation to keep healthy and happy, while a low-energy cat needs minimal physical activity, but still needs mental stimulation. When choosing a cat, It’s important to ensure their energy levels match your lifestyle.
Trainability
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Cats that are easy-to-train are more willing and skilled at quickly learning prompts and actions with minimal training. Harder-to-train cats are usually more stubborn or aloof and require a bit more patience and practice.
Health
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Certain cat breeds are more prone to various genetic health problems, and some more than others. This doesn’t mean that every cat in those breeds will have these issues, but they do have an increased risk, so it’s important to understand and prepare for any additional needs they may require.
Lifespan
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Due to their size or potential genetic health issues of a specific breed, some cats have shorter lifespans than others. Proper nutrition, exercise, mental stimulation, and hygiene also play an important role in your cat’s lifespan and quality of life.
Sociability
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Some cat breeds are more social than others, both towards humans and other cats and animals. Cats that are more social have a tendency to rub up on strangers for scratches or jump on laps for cuddles, while cats that are less social shy away, hide, are more cautious, and even potentially aggressive. No matter the breed or gender, it’s important to socialize your cat and expose them to many different situations.
Skinderlop kittens are not easy to find. In 2020, the cattery owners who first bred Skinderlop Sphynxes in 2009 decided to discontinue their Skinderlop breeding program. One of the catteries also announced that its breeding adults would be spayed and sent to new homes.
We came across a US exotic animal breeder that advertises Skinderlops along with other mixes like Dwelf cats and Bambino cats, though we didn’t see any Skinderlops currently for sale. The price listed for Skinderlops is $1,500 to $2,000.
We would always encourage looking for kittens or adult cats to adopt as an alternative to buying from a breeder, but you’re highly unlikely to find Skinderlops up for adoption. You may have a better chance of finding a Sphynx, Scottish Fold, or a mix of one of these breeds with another breed for adoption, so consider having a look around to see what rescue organizations have to offer.
The parent breeds of Skinderlop: Left – Scottish Fold (t_watanabe, Pixabay) | Right – Sphynx (Sviatoslav_Shevchenko, Shutterstock)
Temperament & Intelligence of the Skinderlop
Are These Cats Good for Families? 👪
Yes! Every cat has their own personality so we can only generalize, but Skinderlops are typically friendly, affectionate, and extraverted cats that love nothing more than a warm lap to make themselves at home on.
Don’t be fooled by their cuddliness, though. Skinderlops have moderate to high energy levels and will need daily playtime and plenty of jumping and climbing spots, like cat trees, shelves, and windowsills.
They are also highly intelligent, can be taught tricks, and need mental stimulation in the form of interactive toys like puzzle feeders and games like fetch and chase. Skinderlops make good companions for sensible children who know how to be gentle with them.
Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?
Yes, if they’ve been socialized with them. Bringing a new cat home and immediately introducing them to resident pets in the hopes that they’ll quickly get used to each other is a big mistake. Cats should be introduced gradually to their new housemates by keeping them separate at first and letting them get used to each other’s scent.
If you have a dog, you’ll need to consider their personality and how likely they’re to get along with a cat. For example, if your dog has a strong prey drive and has never interacted with cats or has a history of aggression toward other animals, this is unlikely to be a good match.
The Skinderlop’s dietary requirements are the same as those of other cats. Getting a high-quality commercial formula is the best way to make sure your Skinderlop eats a balanced, nutritious diet with all the protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals they need. A good diet helps control excess oil production in hairless cats.
The formula should also be chosen based on your cat’s age and health condition. There are formulas for kittens, adult cats, senior cats, and cats with medical issues (obesity, allergies, joint problems, skin issues, sensitive stomach, etc.). You may need a prescription from your vet for certain formulas if your cat has a health issue.
Exercise 🐈
The Skinderlop has moderate exercise needs, and you can keep them happy with daily interactive play, like chasing a teaser wand or playing fetch, and by providing plenty of climbing spots. Cat trees are perfect for this, as you can place them by a window and let your Skinderlop take a break from jumping and climbing to watch the world go by.
Training 🧶
Both the Sphynx and the Scottish Fold are smart breeds that learn quickly, so there’s no reason why a Skinderlop wouldn’t be similar in terms of training.
Litter training is one of the most important aspects of housebreaking a cat, and you can teach this by gently encouraging the use of the litter box and rewarding your Skinderlop with treats and praise when they do use it.
Avoid punishing your cat for “accidents” and simply redirect them to the box as soon as you see this happen, and they should soon get the idea. Most cats learn to use a litter box fairly quickly, as they’re fastidious animals that appreciate a clean and private spot to do their business.
Though Skinderlops don’t need to be brushed due to a lack of hair, they still typically need to be bathed weekly (speak to your vet to ascertain how often would be appropriate, as you don’t want to dry out the skin by overbathing) because their skin gets oily quickly.
Oil buildup is a common problem in hairless cats, and you can keep it under control with a gentle, cat-friendly, and natural shampoo. Under no circumstances should you use human shampoo on a cat, hairless or not—this can irritate the skin and make it dry, itchy, and sore.
Health and Conditions 🏥
Sunburn is one of the risks associated with hairless cats, so be very careful during summer if your Skinderlop enjoys lounging in sunny spots in your yard. Other conditions that may affect these cats include bacterial skin infections and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (a heart condition).
Sphynx cats, one of the Skinderlop parent breeds, are known for being rather food-motivated, so obesity is another possibility if you don’t properly manage your Skinderlop’s weight with a healthy diet and sufficient exercise.
Minor Conditions
Minor tummy upset
Oily skin (can be controlled with regular bathing)
Serious Conditions
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Skin conditions
Obesity
Sunburn
Male vs Female
The main differences between male and female cats are connected to behaviors when they’re not spayed or neutered. Female cats in heat may become excessively clingy and vocal and might rub up against inanimate objects or even you in some cases. Unneutered males are more likely to roam and may spray urine around the house.
As for personality, gender isn’t a good determiner, because every cat is unique. However, some experts claim that male cats in general are cuddlier and more sociable, and females are more independent and less needy. However, these are just generalizations and do not guarantee anything.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Skinderlop
1. The Skinderlop Is a Modern Breed
The first ever Skinderlops surfaced in 2009 when the owners of two catteries (Scheherazadectz Cattery and Lecrislin Cattery) joined forces to develop this new breed. The breeding program was discontinued in 2020.
2. Cats with Folded Ears Have Been Around for a Long Time
Cats with folded ears were first reported in 1796 when an English sailor returned from China with one. The Scottish Fold, however, was first bred in Scotland in 1961.
3. Skinderlops Are Not Completely Hairless
At first glance, it looks like Skinderlops and other hairless cats are completely hairless, but this isn’t the case. They actually have a layer of very fine, soft, downy hair. However, the Skinderlop does not have whiskers or eyelashes.
The reason for the discontinuation of the Skinderlop breeding program isn’t made clear, though, it seems, some breeders still produce them (at a very high price). They’re very rare, though, and we didn’t find any Skinderlop kittens or cats for sale or adoption at all.
That said, it might be worth looking into other Sphynx crosses for adoption if you’ve really got a thing for them, as these will be easier to find. Check out rescue organizations online or social media rescue and rehoming groups to get an idea of your options.
Kit Copson is a freelance writer and dedicated animal lover with a strong interest in animal welfare. She has parented numerous furry creatures over the years and is currently a proud cat mom of two—one very chilled (unless hungry) Siamese and a skittish but adorable Domestic Shorthair—and dog mom of one—an adopted Bichon Poodle cross. When not writing about or spending time with animals, Kit can be found doodling in her sketchpad, reading, or more often than not, drinking tea.
The Skinderlop is a unique and rare hybrid between the hairless Sphynx and the charming Scottish Fold. This mix combines the Sphynx’s distinct lack of fur with the Scottish Fold’s signature folded ears, resulting in an exotic and affectionate companion. Skinderlops are known for their playful nature, intelligence, and strong bond with their owners. Due to their hairlessness, they need regular skin care, including baths and moisturizing. Their sensitive skin also makes them prone to sunburn and temperature changes. Overall, the Skinderlop makes an excellent pet for those ready to provide a bit of extra care!
2 Responses
The Skinderlop is a unique and rare hybrid between the hairless Sphynx and the charming Scottish Fold. This mix combines the Sphynx’s distinct lack of fur with the Scottish Fold’s signature folded ears, resulting in an exotic and affectionate companion. Skinderlops are known for their playful nature, intelligence, and strong bond with their owners. Due to their hairlessness, they need regular skin care, including baths and moisturizing. Their sensitive skin also makes them prone to sunburn and temperature changes. Overall, the Skinderlop makes an excellent pet for those ready to provide a bit of extra care!
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