With its excessively large ears, thin whippy tail, and nearly hairless body, the Sphynx is a truly unique breed. In contrast with its extreme appearance, this breed has a pleasant, even temperament. Shpynx admirers regard it as being "part monkey, part dog, part child, and part cat", while others have described it as being "the ugliest creature alive" and "a creature with a hairless body, a snake's head, a rat's tail, and earl like bats' wings." No matter what you think about its physical features, this is a truly lovable cat with an interesting appearance that is sure to strike up conversations wherever it goes.
The hairless trait of the Sphynx is both a blessing and a curse. On the positive side, the Sphynx is much less likely to induce allergic reactions compared to other cat breeds. On the negative side, this breed is extremely vulnerable to harsh weather, and should be provided with protection from the elements. It is obvious that the Sphynx requires no brushing or combing, but it is not a low maintenance cat. It needs to be cleaned with a washcloth or baby wipes regularly in order to remove the oil and dust that accumulates on its skin. Its ears also need to be cleaned occasionally. Despite its alien appearance, the Sphynx is highly sociable and affectionate. It is sweet, loving, and attention-seeking. They prefer the attention of humans, but also enjoy being with dogs and other cats. They can be lively and playful and can be taught to walk on a leash.
This is a rare breed, though it is sometimes available in America, Europe, and Australia.
Common Name(s)
Sphynx, Canadian Hairless Cat, the Moon Cat, the Wrinkled Cat, the Birthday Suit Cat, Chat sans Poils (French name)
Background
Several hairless cats have appeared in history, such as the Mexican Hairless Cat of the early 1900's, but currently, the only pedigree hairless breed is the Sphynx. This breed originated from a hairless male kitten, named Prune, which was born on January 31st, 1966 in Toronto Canada. Prune was the offspring of Elizabeth, a black and white pet of Mrs. Micalwaith. The hairless trait, along with the excessively long and angular body, was caused by a spontaneous mutation due to a recessive gene. The kitten and mother were passed onto Mrs. Yania Bawa, a Siamese breeder, who bred the kitten back to its mother, producing more hairless kittens. The breeding program continued by breeding American Shorthair Females with hairless males.
At first, the Sphynx held some popularity in America, but when it became apparent that rearing kittens was difficult, many cat breed enthusiasts opposed its pedigree status. But in the 1980's it was exported to Holland and France, where new breeding programs began. Later it arrived in Britain, and was given championship status in The International Cat Association (TICA), though it is still not recognized by the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) or the Fédéderation Internationale Féline (FIFe).
Description
The Sphynx is a medium-sized, elongated, muscular cat. The body is well-rounded and fully muscular. The back is slightly arched. The legs are in proportion with the body and well-muscled. The tail length is also proportionate with the body. It is slender, and tapering. The head is medium-sized, angular, and slightly triangular. The eyes are large, lemon-shaped, wide-set, and slightly slanted upward toward the ears, which are very large and wide-set. They live to be 10-15 years old and weigh 6-11 pounds.
The main defining feature of the Sphynx is, of course its coat, or lack there-of. The Sphynx is known as being hairless, but that is not completely true. It is covered in fine down, making it feel like a warm peach or suede fabric. Short, fine hair is sometimes present on the tail, feet, nose, and cheekbones. Wrinkled skin is desirable, but not excessively. The Sphynx is accepted in all color variations, which can be seen in the skin pigmentation and fine hair.
Care and Feeding
The Sphynx eats a lot more than other cats of similar body size, in order to help regulate body temperature.
Housing Your Cat
The Sphynx is not highly active, so it can be perfectly content in a small apartment or large house. Though the Sphynx is vulnerable to the cold and sun, it does not need to be kept exclusively indoors. When it is sunny, it should be provided with shade and when it is cold, it can be protected with a small dog jumper or cut sleeve from a sweatshirt. During extreme weather, it is best to keep this cat indoors.
Maintenance
The Sphynx requires no brushing, but it does require regular washing with a washcloth or baby wipes. Also, since it lacks the fur around its ears to block dust and dirt from entering them, it needs occasional ear cleanings as well.
Social Behaviors
The Sphynx is a social breed that adores humans and enjoys being with dogs and other cats.
Activities
The Sphynx enjoys socializing with others the most, but it can also find pleasure in playing with toys and using a scratching post.
Breeding/Reproduction
The average litter size for this breed is 4 kittens. Females have difficulties rearing kittens.
Common Health Problems
Overall, the Sphynx is a fairly hardy breed, though it is susceptible to weather-induced ailments, such as skin cancer.
Availability
Though this is a rare breed, breeders are easily located on the internet. Typical Sphynx kittens are generally priced at $1000-$1500. However, prices can range as low as $600 for an adult pet quality Sphynx to $3000 for a breeding quality, certified Sphynx.
Author: Ruth Bratcher
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