It's my friend's birthday on 20th May and his girlfriend wants to get him a cat but an unusual one like the furless ones or something.

She has £200 to spend so if anyone knows any for sale please let me know.

Thank you

Looks like you've really done your research regarding breed types, temperaments, care needs, etc. :|

You should never get an animal as a surprise present. Why do you want an 'unusual' one? No respectable breeder would let you have one if you approached them with a spiel like your OP. If the bloke wants a cat, why not get a rescue one? (as in he should get it, not anyone else).

I've asked for this to be moved here as you really need to do some research on what type of 'hairless' cat you'd like and to make sure you know how to care for one.

I'm no cat experts (but there are plenty of them here) but I would assume that an 'unusual' hairless cat is going to cost lots, lots more to maintain than many other cats and no cat is cheap!!

Anyhow feel free to ask as many questions as you like on here, and please persuade your friend to take her boyfriend with her to get the cat.

I don't know their situation but I hope this has been more thought out than the original post makes out because only recently on here we've had someone wanting to rehome her dog as it wasn't the type she wanted... her hubby bought it her as a present.

Me again... a bit of info for you: http://cats.lovetoknow.com/Hairless_Cats

Is your friend aware that these cats must be kept as house cats only being allowed out supervised due to having no fur to protect them?
She should also be aware that they get greasy and smelly due to having no hair so need more regular bathing, which in turn dries out their skin so they need moisturiser to be applied to their skin regularly.

If she wants a hairless because her or her boyfriend are allergic to cats - it states in the link that they are not a solution for cat allergies.

They are, apparently closer to their human companions as a rule, but they need a lot of time, money and energy putting into them. She should be aware of this :)

All I know about Sphinx cats is that they have very particular care needs. They have to have their skin washed with a special shampoo, they mustn't be let out in the sun, obviously they mustn't be allowed to get cold. There is no way a breeder will sell one unless they are convinced that the buyer has taken the responsibility seriously.

Edit - snap!

Has the boyfriend actually said he wants a cat? Does he have any idea what specific needs the Sphynx or Peterbald breeds require? has he or his girlfriend researched the subject before deciding to buy one? Is he prepared to make sure the cat remains an indoor cat throughout its lifetime (most responsible breeders insist on this and anyway, this kind of cat is not designed for outdoor living, it feels the cold easily and would be vulnerable to attack from dogs, has no road sense and would probably be stolen the first time it stepped outside).

Has he also considered that owning a cat is not simply a case of buying one and feeding it - there are a mountain of other costs that continue throughout life- litter, vet care, injections, collars, breeding, cat carrier, insurance - the list goes on. Does his lifestyle suit owning a cat?

If he )or his girlfriend) have researched the subject, they will already know that £200 is unlikely to buy either of these breeds- not from a reputable breeder, at any rate - and if it does, I would be VERY WARY of buying it.

If he seriously wants a cat, he ought to be involved in the decision making, rather than being presented with one as a fait accompli and then feeling obliged to keep it. No good getting one just because it is unusual- a designer fad- better to get one because he really wants one and can give it a long and loving home. There are plenty of rescue cats and kittens desperate for new homes - suggest the girlfriend saves her £200 and if the boyfriend really wants a cat, get a rescue - put the £200 towards its upkeep afterwards.

Looks like you've really done your research regarding breed types, temperaments, care needs, etc. :|

It's not me buying it so that's why I've not done my research!
She mentioned a couple breeds he was looking in to but I couldn't remember and can't get hold of her.

Sorry if I offended anyone!! He was looking into it a while ago but decided to wait a little while. He is aware of the implications of owning a hairless cat and the costs. They're not going into it blind.

Anyway, I don't see why I'm justifying me on here when I 'm just trying to help a friend! :rant:

Thank you to those of you who were being nice and helpful.

She's found what he wants now.
Thank you.

Smashing News.

On that note I'll close this.