The Bambino is a mixed breed cat–a cross between the Sphynx and what are known as Munchkin cats. Fans of these felines love them for their playful, energetic, and affectionate personalities.
You may find these cats in shelters and breed specific rescues, so remember to always adopt! Don’t shop if you’re looking to add one of these kitties your home!
The Bambino is a miniature cat–a type of feline sometimes called a dwarf breed. But despite their small size, this is one social and outgoing cat! In fact, you’ll need to be able to lavish them with attention and play time if you’re going to get the best out of the breed. Naturally, due to the cat’s playful nature, they’re great living in a house with kids.
See all Bambino mixed cat breed characteristics below!
Bambino Mixed Cat Breed Pictures
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- Cat Toys
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- Choosing A Veterinarian
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Affectionate with Family
Some cat breeds are typically independent and aloof, even if they’ve been raised by the same person since kittenhood; others bond closely to one person and are indifferent to everyone else; and some shower the whole family with affection. Breed isn’t the only factor that goes into affection levels; cats who were raised inside a home with people around feel more comfortable with humans and bond more easily.
See Cats Less Affectionate with Family -
Amount of Shedding
If you’re going to share your home with a cat, you’ll need to deal with some level of cat hair on your clothes and in your house. However, shedding does vary among the breeds. If you’re a neatnik, you’ll need to either pick a low-shedding breed or relax your standards. This furniture cover can make it easier to clean up cat hair and keep it off your sofa!
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General Health
Due to poor breeding practices, some breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems. This doesn’t mean that every cat of that breed will develop those diseases; it just means that they’re at an increased risk. If you’re looking only for purebred cats or kittens, it’s a good idea to find out which genetic illnesses are common to the breed you’re interested in.
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Potential for Playfulness
Some cats are perpetual kittens—full of energy and mischief—while others are more serious and sedate. Although a playful kitten sounds endearing, consider how many games of chase the mouse-toy you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other animals who can stand in as playmates. A classic wand cat toy like this one is perfect for playful felines!
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Tendency to Vocalize
Some breeds sound off more often than others with meows, yowls, and chattering. When choosing a breed, think about how the cat vocalizes and how often. If constant “conversation” drives you crazy, consider a kitty less likely to chat.
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Kid-Friendly
Being tolerant of children, sturdy enough to handle the heavy-handed pets and hugs they can dish out, and having a nonchalant attitude toward running, screaming youngsters are all traits that make a kid-friendly cat. Our ratings are generalizations, and they’re not a guarantee of how any breed or individual cat will behave; cats from any breed can be good with children based on their past experiences and personality.
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Friendly Toward Strangers
Stranger-friendly cats will greet guests with a curious glance or a playful approach; others are shy or indifferent, perhaps even hiding under furniture or skedaddling to another room. However, no matter what the breed, a cat who was exposed to lots of different types, ages, sizes, and shapes of people as a kitten will respond better to strangers as an adult.
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Easy to Groom
Some breeds require very little in the way of grooming; others require regular brushing to stay clean and healthy. Consider whether you have the time and patience for a cat who needs daily brushing. You should definitely pick up this awesome de-shedding tool for cats of any hair length!
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Intelligence
Some cat breeds are reputed to be smarter than others. But all cats, if deprived the mental stimulation they need, will make their own busy work. Interactive cat toys are a good way to give a cat a brain workout and keep them out of mischief. This scratcher cat toy can keep your smart kitty busy even when you’re not home!
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Pet Friendly
Friendliness toward other household animals and friendliness toward humans are two completely different things. Some cats are more likely than others to be accepting of other pets in the home.
Bambino History
The first litter of Bambino kittens was officially registered in 2005 after Stephanie and Pat Osborne bred the hairless Sphynx with the short-legged Munchkin. The cat’s name translates to “baby” in Italian, which pays homage to their small and kittenish size. As a comparatively new mixed cat breed, the Bambino’s history is still being established.
The Bambino was officially acknowledge as an experimental new breed by the International Cat Association (TICA) in 2006.
These days, you may find Bambinos in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. So make sure to consider adoption if you decide that this is the mixed breed for you!
Bambino Size
The Bambino is a small cat. As is always the case, exact size standards might vary.
Most Bambinos weigh in at five to nine pounds and most female Bambinos are between four and seven pounds. That said, many may be smaller or larger than average.
Bambino Personality
When it comes to summing up the Bambino’s personality, the first thing you’ll want to take note of is just how playful and even a little mischievous the mixed breed is. This is a cat who will happily spend as much time as possible playing with toys and exploring every nook and cranny of their environment.
It’s advised to make sure your home is big enough to satisfy the cat’s playful instincts. Interactive toys should be left out and rotated on a regular basis, while at least one cat tree will be required to add variety to play sessions.
Balancing out the Bambino’s personality, the mixed breed’s playful side is complimented by their affectionate nature–this is a kitty who very easily forms bonds with the humans in their life and loves to follow up a frantic playtime with a calm and leisurely snuggle session on the couch or bed.
Bambino Health
Bambinos are generally considered to be healthy cats; although, it’s important to schedule regular wellness visits with your cat’s vet. While most Bambinos are healthy, they can become prone to some of the same conditions that the Sphynx and Munchkin breeds also face.
Some of the more common health problems Bambinos suffer from include:
- Pectus Excavatum
- Skin conditions
Bambino Care
As with all cats, it’s important to keep up your Bambino’s regular veterinary checkups to detect any health concerns early. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your cat healthy.
Along with scheduling yearly wellness vet visits, it is strongly recommended that you add a scratching post to your living environment. This can help promote healthy scratching and keep the cat’s nails in good condition.
The Bambino’s ears should also be examined regularly for signs of dirt building up or possible infection. Talk with your vet about starting a regular teeth brushing regimen that will suit your Bambino, as well.
As with any breed that has high energy levels, the Bambino will need enough living space to be able to run around and play, including either a cat tree or safe furniture that they can climb up and down.
Bambino Coat Color And Grooming
The hairless Bambino usually comes in a light cream or darker black color. Due to the mixed breed’s lack of fur, the Bambino is often considered to be a hypoallergenic cat and can be a good fit for someone who suffers from cat allergies.
When it comes to grooming, the main maintenance requirement when caring for a Bambino is to make sure to bathe the cat regularly. This is because the hairless mixed breed doesn’t posses the fur that usually absorbs the oils a cat’s skin makes. Speak to your vet about the precise frequency of cat baths, and which products are safe and suitable for your feline.
When it comes to climate, the Bambino is generally an adaptable cat, although due to their hairless nature you should consider using sunscreen in summer and adding a cat vest in winter if it gets exceptionally cold. The Bambino definitely does better living as an indoors cat.
Children And Other Pets
The Bambino is a great fit if you have children, especially young ones. The mixed breed has a playful and loving nature that will see them forming close bonds with the kids in their life. Just be sure that early socialization takes place and boundaries are properly set on both sides, and supervise early interactions between kids and cats.
When it comes to other household pets, the Bambino is usually okay living alongside other domestic animals. Although you’ll want to supervise early interactions between the new cat and existing pets.
Ultimately, early socialization really pays off with this mixed breed. Make sure to reward your Bambino for good behavior when you bring them home to your family!
Bambino Rescue Groups
It may be hard to find a breed specific rescue for Bambino cats because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try Sphynx or Munchkin cat breed specific rescues, as they sometimes care for breed mixes. You may also try shelters and rescues that cater to all types of cats, including Bambinos, as well as your local shelter. Here are some nonprofit rescues you can try:
You can also try CatTime’s adoption page that lets you search for adoptable cats by breed and zip code!
Bambino Mixed Cat Breed Pictures
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Bambino Mixed Cat Breed Pictures
(Picture Credit: peterpancake/Getty Images)
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Bambino Mixed Cat Breed Pictures
(Picture Credit: Tracy Morgan Animal Photography Dorling Kindersley/Getty Images)
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Bambino Mixed Cat Breed Pictures
(Picture Credit: MARIADELUNA/Getty Images)
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Bambino Mixed Cat Breed Pictures
(Picture Credit: Tracy Morgan Animal Photography Dorling Kindersley/Getty Images)
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Bambino Mixed Cat Breed Pictures
(Picture Credit: peterpancake/Getty Images)
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Bambino Mixed Cat Breed Pictures
(Picture Credit: Tracy Morgan/Getty Images)