Pet Wiki

Dwelf

Dwelfs are friendly, outgoing little cats that attach closely to their people, a little like a small dog.

SizeSmall
Weight1.8 to 4.1 kg (4 to 9 lb)12
Height15 to 18 cm (6 to 7 in)1
Lifespan12 to 15 years12
CoatHairless or peach-fuzz skin
OriginUnited States; a recent designer cross of the Munchkin, American Curl and Sphynx.12
Last checked2026-09-30
CrossbreedShort profile
very affectionate and people-loving
playful and clever
non-shedding
12

Personality what they are like

Dwelfs are friendly, outgoing little cats that attach closely to their people, a little like a small dog. They are curious, playful and quick-witted, and once settled in a home they are very cuddly, though they may need time to adjust to change.12

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Dwelf. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • BathSkin oils build up without fur to absorb themevery 2 weeks
  • Ear checkClean waxy ears gentlyevery week
  • Nail trimevery 3 weeks
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
  • Litter scoopevery day
  • Litter changeevery week
  • PlayDaily playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 11every year

Coat and looks how to spot one

hairless or peach-fuzz skin

A small, short-legged cat with hairless or finely fuzzed skin, soft wrinkles and ears whose tips curl backwards. Whiskers and eyebrows are short or absent. Its compact size and curled ears keep a kitten-like, elfin look into adulthood.21

Coloursnatural skin tones from light pink to blackmay show darker markings on face and body12

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Moderate. Short daily play sessions with a variety of toys and low climbing spots suit their build; Catster suggests around 10-15 minutes of dedicated exercise a day.12

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

No brushing, but the bare skin collects oil, so a weekly bath is part of the routine, along with regular ear cleaning and wiping between skin folds. Protect the skin from sun.12

Home where they are happiest

Indoor cat only, in a warm home; a sweater helps in cold months and strong sun should be avoided.12

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A complete, good-quality cat food with enough energy for a hairless cat that burns calories staying warm.1

Company who they like around

Needs plenty of company and does not suit homes where it would be alone for long hours.12

The story where it all began

The Dwelf is a very new designer cat, produced in the United States by combining three breeds: the short-legged Munchkin, the curl-eared American Curl and the hairless Sphynx. Its name joins 'dwarf' and 'elf', describing its size and pointed, curled ears.21

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    The name blends 'dwarf' and 'elf'.2

  2. 2

    It is one of the few cats combining three breed traits in one: short legs, curled ears and hairlessness.1

  3. 3

    Even as an adult it keeps a kitten-like look.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The name 'Dwelf' blends the words 'dwarf' and 'elf,' pointing to the cat's low stature and distinctive ear shape. [unitedpetclub.com](https://www.unitedpetclub.com/en-ZA/animals/cat/dwelf)3

Name ideas for your new friend

PipNyxZiggyMochiFizzWillowBiscuitTinyGizmoPebbleSunnyCoco

A day in the life told by a Dwelf

Morning comes and I'm already at the door, waiting for my human. They pick me up and I nuzzle their chin – perfect. I follow them around, chattering about my dreams. Breakfast time, I sit on the counter, supervising. After, I chase a crinkle ball across the floor, skidding on the tile. Midday nap on a soft blanket, curled into a warm ball. When my human works, I sit on the desk, tapping the keyboard. Evening, we play with a wand toy – I jump and twist, showing off. Bedtime, I burrow under the covers, purring against their side.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Tuna Catnip Biscuits

A vet-approved recipe from PDSA that uses simple ingredients to create a tasty, crunchy treat your cat will love.

You need

  • 145g tuna chunks in spring water
  • 120g plain flour
  • 1 tablespoon dried catnip
  • 1 egg

How

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan).
  2. Drain the tuna and mix it with the flour, catnip and egg in a bowl until a dough forms.
  3. Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
  4. Use a small cookie cutter to cut out biscuit shapes.
  5. Place the biscuits on a greased baking tray and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.
  6. Allow to cool completely before serving.

How much: One biscuit equals 10% of your cat's recommended daily calories. Reduce their main meal by 10% on treat days.

Recipe from PDSA

Salmon Cat Biscuits

A simple, vet-approved recipe from PDSA that uses salmon to create a high-protein treat your cat will find irresistible.

You need

  • 170g skinless and boneless salmon (one tin)
  • 1 egg
  • 120g plain flour

How

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan).
  2. Drain the salmon and mix it with the egg and flour in a bowl until a dough forms.
  3. Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
  4. Use a small cookie cutter to cut out biscuit shapes.
  5. Place the biscuits on a greased baking tray and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.
  6. Allow to cool completely before serving.

How much: One biscuit equals 10% of your cat's recommended daily calories. Reduce their main meal by 10% on treat days.

Recipe from PDSA

Tasty Tuna Crackers

Cats love tuna, and these simple crackers are a crunchy, protein-packed reward.

You need

  • 6 oz. undrained tuna
  • 1 c. cornmeal
  • 1 c. flour
  • 1/3 c. water

How

  1. Mix all ingredients together.
  2. Roll the mixture into 1/4-inch thick pieces.
  3. Place on a greased cookie sheet and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
  4. Allow to cool completely before serving.

How much: Treats should make up no more than 10% of your cat's daily caloric intake. Offer one or two small crackers per day.

Recipe from ASPCA Pet Insurance

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Dwelf, and at what times?

Feeding schedules vary by age and metabolism. Ask your vet for a routine that suits your Dwelf's needs. Pet Wiki's starting plan is to feed a complete, good-quality cat food.

What should a Dwelf eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a complete, good-quality cat food that provides enough energy for a hairless cat. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, onions, garlic, and xylitol, as listed by the ASPCA.14

Does a Dwelf need baths?

Yes, Dwelfs need regular baths because their skin collects oil. A weekly bath is recommended, though Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests every two weeks.12 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Dwelf need brushing?

Dwelfs have no fur, so brushing is not needed. Their bare skin just needs gentle cleaning during baths.12

How do I trim a Dwelf's claws, and how often?

Trim your Dwelf's claws every two to three weeks using proper cat nail clippers. Pet Wiki's starting plan is every 21 days. Ask your vet or a groomer to show you the safe technique.5 Pet Wiki plan

How much play does a Dwelf need?

Dwelfs need about 10 to 15 minutes of dedicated play each day. They enjoy a variety of toys and low climbing spots. Pet Wiki suggests daily play sessions.12 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Dwelf's teeth and ears?

Clean your Dwelf's ears weekly to remove wax, and brush their teeth daily if possible. Pet Wiki's starting plan includes ear checks every week and teeth cleaning every two days. Use vet-recommended products.12 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Dwelf live?

Dwelfs typically live between 12 and 15 years.12

Is a Dwelf good with children and other pets?

Dwelfs are friendly and outgoing, so they often get along well with children and other pets when properly introduced. They form close bonds with their family.12

Can a Dwelf be left alone?

Dwelfs need plenty of company and do not suit homes where they would be alone for long hours. They attach closely to their people and may become stressed if left alone too much.12

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

You might also like

BambinoSphynxMunchkinAmerican Curl

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. Catster: Dwelf Cat catster.comused for origin, weight, height, lifespan, colours, temperament, care
  2. PetGuide: Dwelf petguide.comused for origin, coat, colours, temperament, care, history, fun facts
  3. unitedpetclub.com unitedpetclub.com
  4. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  5. ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.