The Sphynx
Detailed information about the Sphynx cat includes origin, hairlessness trait, skin texture, size, eyes, personality attributes, how they get along with dogs and other breeds of cats, how to tell if they are cold, and whether or not people with allergies can be around them. Watch our Featured Video: Cats 101-Sphynx.
Sphynx Cat Information
The unique, beautiful, mystical appearance of the Sphynx makes even the least curious about cats-look twice.
Origin of the Sphynx
A hairless kitten was born in Toronto Canada, to a domestic cat,in 1966 by a natural genetic mutation which is now known as the Sphynx cat. Breeders in Europe and North America have used selective breeding to create a genetically sound cat by breeding the cats with normal coats and then breed them with hairless cats to create a large gene pool and induce hybrid vigor. If bred properly the Sphynx has few health issues or genetic problems.
Sphynx Hairlessness
These cats may have different degrees of hairlessness but usually have a downy peach fuzz type of hair which makes them appear hairless. Sometimes, they will have short hair by the nose, ears, toes, and tail. Season and hormones can effect hair growth.
Sphynx Skin
The skin is loose on the body which causes a wrinkly appearance but is soft and said to have a buttery feel and has been compared to the feel of warm chamois. Colors and patterns may appear in the pigment of the skin which can easily be seen through the faint veil of fur that is present. Due to the lack of hair to absorb body oils, they will need regular bathing to remove the excess body oils and feline dander. Ear and nail cleaning should be done at the same time. Most Sphynx are bathed regularly from the breeders so are accustomed to baths which makes it much easier for you to bathe them.
Do Sphynx Get Cold?
Obviously a hairless cat would get cold faster than a cat with a thick coat of fur. A good rule of thumb is if you are cold, most likely your Sphynx cat is cold. The Sphynx body temperature is naturally 4 degrees higher than normal cats with hair.
Eyes
Sphynx eyes have eyes that appear large, slant slightly upward, with an intelligent and mysterious look to them but can also seem worried or inquisitive due to the wrinkling of the skin on their forehead and around the eyes..
Sphynx Size
Sphynx cats are usually medium sized cats with sturdy bones, good muscle development, have a firm belly and are not considered fragile. Males are generally larger than the females.
Personality Attributes of the Sphynx
Contrary to their aloof appearance the Sphynx are usually very lovable cats prone to acting silly to attract attention, have lots of energy and tend to be mischievous. They desire your attention, "want to be with you, on you, or showing off for you".
How Sphynx Get Along With Other Dogs and Breeds of Cats
The Sphynx obviously prefers human attention but will usually get along well with dogs and other breeds of cats.
Can People Who Are Allergic to Cats Be Around a Sphynx or Have One as a Pet?
This really depends on each cat allergic person individually and how severe the allergy is. There have been many people who suffer from cat allergies who have been able to tolerate living with a Sphynx because their is no airborne hair and the reactive chemical in their saliva is lower than most breeds.
Competition Class
Sphynx were accepted for competition Champion Class by The Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) in February of 2002 (CFA, 1)
See Featured video below.
Origin of the Sphynx
A hairless kitten was born in Toronto Canada, to a domestic cat,in 1966 by a natural genetic mutation which is now known as the Sphynx cat. Breeders in Europe and North America have used selective breeding to create a genetically sound cat by breeding the cats with normal coats and then breed them with hairless cats to create a large gene pool and induce hybrid vigor. If bred properly the Sphynx has few health issues or genetic problems.
Sphynx Hairlessness
These cats may have different degrees of hairlessness but usually have a downy peach fuzz type of hair which makes them appear hairless. Sometimes, they will have short hair by the nose, ears, toes, and tail. Season and hormones can effect hair growth.
Sphynx Skin
The skin is loose on the body which causes a wrinkly appearance but is soft and said to have a buttery feel and has been compared to the feel of warm chamois. Colors and patterns may appear in the pigment of the skin which can easily be seen through the faint veil of fur that is present. Due to the lack of hair to absorb body oils, they will need regular bathing to remove the excess body oils and feline dander. Ear and nail cleaning should be done at the same time. Most Sphynx are bathed regularly from the breeders so are accustomed to baths which makes it much easier for you to bathe them.
Do Sphynx Get Cold?
Obviously a hairless cat would get cold faster than a cat with a thick coat of fur. A good rule of thumb is if you are cold, most likely your Sphynx cat is cold. The Sphynx body temperature is naturally 4 degrees higher than normal cats with hair.
Eyes
Sphynx eyes have eyes that appear large, slant slightly upward, with an intelligent and mysterious look to them but can also seem worried or inquisitive due to the wrinkling of the skin on their forehead and around the eyes..
Sphynx Size
Sphynx cats are usually medium sized cats with sturdy bones, good muscle development, have a firm belly and are not considered fragile. Males are generally larger than the females.
Personality Attributes of the Sphynx
Contrary to their aloof appearance the Sphynx are usually very lovable cats prone to acting silly to attract attention, have lots of energy and tend to be mischievous. They desire your attention, "want to be with you, on you, or showing off for you".
How Sphynx Get Along With Other Dogs and Breeds of Cats
The Sphynx obviously prefers human attention but will usually get along well with dogs and other breeds of cats.
Can People Who Are Allergic to Cats Be Around a Sphynx or Have One as a Pet?
This really depends on each cat allergic person individually and how severe the allergy is. There have been many people who suffer from cat allergies who have been able to tolerate living with a Sphynx because their is no airborne hair and the reactive chemical in their saliva is lower than most breeds.
Competition Class
Sphynx were accepted for competition Champion Class by The Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) in February of 2002 (CFA, 1)
See Featured video below.
Featured Video: Cats 101-Sphynx
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References:
1. CFA. (Retrieved on Dec. 29, 2016 from About the Sphynx. The Cat Fanciers Association. http://cfa.org/Breeds/BreedsSthruT/Sphynx.aspx)
1. CFA. (Retrieved on Dec. 29, 2016 from About the Sphynx. The Cat Fanciers Association. http://cfa.org/Breeds/BreedsSthruT/Sphynx.aspx)