Animal rescued from the cold looks like a hairless cat — you’ll never guess what it really is

Fur provides much-needed insulation from the cold, making it necessary for many animals. Besides, it makes them look different; there are some animals you would not even recognize when they are completely bald.

Rescuers have just brought in a more uncommon creature that resembles a hairless cat. Learn more about this unique species and her unlikely survival by reading on.

Hope for Wildlife, a nonprofit conservation organization in Nova Scotia, adopted the most bizarre animal last month. According to the Canadian Press, a couple in West Arichat discovered the animal in their property, suffering from the cold.

At first sight, the creature looks like a Sphynx cat, but it’s actually a completely hairless raccoon!

When their characteristic mask-like fur pattern is absent, raccoons are very hard to spot. This little creature is a northern raccoon, and it is completely bald due to severe alopecia.

The rescue said that while there have been cases of balding raccoons in the past, this one is unlike any other: “It’s just tufts of fur around the snout, ankles and feet.” Hope Swinimer, director of Hope for Wildlife, alerted the Canadian Press to the gravity of the issue.

The raccoon has been named Rufus in commemoration of the character from the Kim Possible cartoon who is a naked mole rat, even if it is a female.

The rescue said on Facebook that they are still trying to figure out why she is losing her hair, but they believe it could be an autoimmune disorder that is damaging her hair follicles. They found that her skin appeared healthy and ruled out parasites, fungal infections, and mange.

The fact that Rufus survived for such a long time shocked the rescuers because raccoons depend on their fur to stay warm and protect their skin from the elements.

The Facebook post said, “We are amazed that this little lady survived the winter without fur and without getting frostbite or worse!”

They continued by saying that she had a “feisty” personality and that it was “her own doing.” She seemed to be “down and out upon arrival,” though, so it looks like she was saved just in time.

We were in a panic for a few short hours, but then she came out because she was hungry. Swinimer told The Canadian Press, “We’ve noticed a significant change since she first came, and she’s getting really feisty now.”

Given the circumstances, Rufus could have to remain at the shelter indefinitely. Rufus will have all of these things in addition to a special habitat, an outside space with a way to crawl inside for warmth, and additional amenities like hammocks and nesting boxes.

We have never before seen a hairless raccoon! It’s incredible that Rufus has survived so long in the wild, and we’re glad she’s been found and is getting good care.