Sphynx (cat)
July 11th, 2008The Sphynx is distinguished by its relative hairlessness, though actually it is covered by a soft down. This is not the fabled Mexican Hairless Cat; the breed’s origins are actually Canadian, from a black and white mixed-breed cat named Elizabeth who produced hairless kittens.
True show Sphynx have very little hair (on the bridge of their noses and the backs of the ears), but pet Sphynx may have more. Expect to pay more money for one with almost no hair. They are available in a wide variety of colors and patterns.
“Hair-free” doesn’t mean “maintenance-free”.Even fully hairless Sphynx still produce natural oils to maintain a “coat” and thus must be bathed regularly (oily cats may leave grease stains on the furniture or develop blocked pores). Because of the size and lack of hair in the ears, owners must clean the ears regularly to avoid wax buildup.
The Sphynx is also not necessarily an appropriate choice for an allergic household. They are not hypoallergenic, despite the lack of hair. They still produce the allergy-causing dander and saliva.
The Sphynx is an affectionate, happy companion cat. They are sociable, alert, and very curious and enjoy the company of humans and other pets. Their skin feels like warm,soft suede to the touch.
In 1966 a domestic cat gave birth to a hairless kitten in Toronto, Canada. It was discovered to be a natural mutation and the Sphynx cat, as we know it today, came into existence. This cat and a few other naturally Hairless Cats have been found worldwide. These have magically been produced by Mother Nature and are the foundation for this unusual breed. Cat breeders in Europe and North America have bred the Sphynx to normal coated cats and then back to hairless for more than thirty years. The purpose of these selective breedings was to create a genetically sound cat with a large gene pool and hybrid vigor. This is a very robust breed with few health or genetic problems.
The Sphynx is not always totally hairless; there can be a fine down on the body, which makes thecat feel like a warm peach. Some light hair is often present on the nose, tail and toes. The texture of the Sphynx skin has been compared to a suede covered hot water bottle or a heated chamois. All colors and patterns are possible and may be presented at any stage of maturity. The color is seen in the pigment of the skin and the few hairs that they do have. One of the questions most asked is “Don’t they get cold?” Well, of course, if it is too cold for you it will be too cold for a Hairless Cats too. However, these cats are smart enough to find a warm human, dog or cat to curl up with or they will get under your bed covers.
This is a substantial cat, medium sized and strong, with adult males being larger than adult females. Sphynx have sturdy boning and good muscle development and should have a bit of a belly as if they just finished dinner. They have an open-eyed, intelligent face and a friendly expression.
The Sphynx are extremely inquisitive and love to be the center of attention. They perform silly antics for your entertainment and are sometimes downright clumsy.. .on purpose it seems. They make great show cats because of this ”look at me” attitude and they are easy for judges to handle. They prefer human attention but enjoy the company of dogs and other cats. They have an abundance of energy and mischief and are always with you, on you or showing off for you. “Love Mooch” is the perfect term for these amazing cats.
Because of the lack of hair that would normally absorb body oils, the Sphynx needs periodic bathing and ear cleaning. This is not a difficult task with a cat that has been acclimated from kittenhood with bathing and grooming proper for the Sphynx.
Some people who suffer from cat allergies can tolerate living with Sphynx cats. However, depending on the type and severity of the individual’s allergic reactions, there are still people who cannot live with this breed.
The Sphynx was accepted for competition in the Championship Class by The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) in February of 2002. Sphynx lovers feel this is one of the most rare and unusual breeds in the cat fancy today…Sphynx are pure enchantment.
Sphynx are rare and most breeders have a waiting list for their kittens.
Pricing on Sphynx usually depends on type, applicable markings and bloodlines distinguished by Grand Champion (GC), National, National Breed and/or Regional winning parentage (NW, BW, RW) or of Distinguished Merit parentage (DM). The DM title is achieved by the dam (mother) having produced five CFA grand champion/premier (alter) or DM offspring, or sire (father) having produced fifteen CFA grand champion/premier or DM offspring. Usually breeders make kittens available between twelve and sixteen weeks of age. After twelve weeks, kittens have had their basic inoculations and developed the physical and social stability needed for a new environment, showing, or being transported by air. Keeping such a rare treasure indoors, neutering or spaying and providing acceptable surfaces (e.g. scratching posts) for the natural behavior of scratching (CFA disapproves of declawing or tendonectomy surgery) are essential elements for maintaining a healthy, long and joyful life.
