Sphynx Cat: A Unique Hairless Breed

Did you know that there is a breed of cat that has no fur on its body? That is the sphynx cat, a breed that originated from Canada, known for its wrinkled skin and peach fuzz coat. Sphynx cats are very friendly, active and loving. They also have a special personality, like to play and be close to humans. In this article, we will introduce you to the history, characteristics, care and things to know about sphynx cats.

History of sphynx cats

Sphynx cats are a breed that was developed from a natural genetic mutation, which caused them to have no hair on their body. Sphynx cats were first bred in the 1960s in Canada, when a hairless male kitten named Prune was born to a black and white domestic shorthair cat1. The kitten was mated with his mother, which produced another hairless kitten. Together with a few hairless kittens found later, Prune was the first attempt to create a hairless breed1.

The current American and European sphynx breed is descended from two lines of natural mutations that were found in North America in the 1970s1. These were:

Dermis and Epidermis (1975), barn cats from the Pearson family of Wadena, Minnesota2

Bambi, Punkie and Paloma (1978), stray cats found in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and raised by Shirley Smith3

Characteristics of sphynx cats

The most obvious and striking thing about a sphynx cat’s appearance is the lack of fur. However, these cats are not always completely bald; according to their breed standards, they can have a “peach-fuzz” coating of hair that is no more than 1/8-inch in length4. They typically have some short hair on the bridge of their nose and the backs of their ears. Most do not have whiskers, although they do have the characteristic whisker pads above the mouth1.

Sphynx cats have a wedge-shaped head with prominent cheekbones, large lemon-shaped eyes and very large ears with hair on the inside, but soft down on the outside base1. They have a well-muscled, powerful neck of medium length, a medium length torso, a barrel-chested and full, round abdomen, sometimes called a pot belly, and paw pads that are thicker than other cats, giving the appearance of walking on cushions1. They have a whiplike, tapering tail from body to tip, which may have some fur all over or a puff of fur on the tip, like a lion1. They have a muscular body and a skin that is the color that their fur would be, and all the usual cat markings (solid, point, van, tabby, tortie, etc.) may be found on the sphynx cat’s skin4.

Care of sphynx cats

Because they have no fur, sphynx cats lose body heat more readily than coated cats, making them both warm to the touch and prone to seeking out warm places1. They need to be kept indoors and protected from cold, sunburn and skin infections. They also need regular bathing to remove the oil and dirt that accumulates on their skin, as well as ear cleaning and nail trimming4. Sphynx cats may need more food than other cats to maintain their body temperature and energy level5.

Sphynx cats are very social and affectionate, and they need a lot of attention and interaction from their owners. They do not like to be left alone for long, and they may get along well with other cats, dogs and children. They are very playful and curious, and they enjoy toys, games and puzzles. They are also very intelligent and can learn tricks and commands4.

Things to know about sphynx cats

Sphynx cats are not hypoallergenic, as some people may think. They still produce the protein Fel d 1, which is the main allergen in cat saliva and skin. People who are allergic to cats may still react to sphynx cats, although the reaction may be less severe than with other breeds4.

Sphynx cats are not related to the ancient Egyptian cats, despite their name and appearance. The name sphynx was given to them by a breeder who thought they resembled the Great Sphinx of Giza1. Sphynx cats are also not related to the Russian hairless cat breeds, like Peterbald and Donskoy1.

Sphynx cats are a rare and expensive breed, and they may not be easy to find. If you are interested in adopting a sphynx cat, you should do your research and find a reputable breeder who can provide you with health certificates and guarantees. You should also be prepared to provide your sphynx cat with the proper care, environment and companionship that they need4.

Conclusion

Sphynx cats are a unique and fascinating breed of cat that have no fur on their body. They are very friendly, active and loving, and they make great pets for people who can give them the attention and care they deserve. Sphynx cats have a history that dates back to the 1960s in Canada, and they have a distinctive appearance and personality that sets them apart from other cats. If you are looking for a cat that is different from the rest, sphynx cats may be the perfect choice for you.