It may not look the part but this is the latest pet fad. Animal lovers are shelling out up to £3,000 for a bald Sphynx kitten!

But it's not all hairbrained - the great appeal when it comes to bald pets is that those who are typically afflicted by allergies towards furry friends can find comfort in these hairless varieties.

Pam Williams, secretary of the Sphynx Cat Association, stated: "They're a bit like Marmite - you either love them or hate them

"Since they have been officially recognised as a breed in 2005, they have become more and more popular. They have a brilliant temperament and are almost more like a dog than a cat. They play fetch and are extremely loyal.

"During summer, owners need to be very aware of the sun and ideally, use suncream to protect them as they burn very quickly."