ABOUT SPHYNX
The Sphynx story began in 1966 in Toronto, Canada. A black and
white domestic female by the name of Elizabeth gave birth to a hairless male
kitten, named Prune. A local science student became interested in this
unusual cat, and along with his mother Yania Bawa, a breeder of Siamese,
obtained both Prune & his mother, Elizabeth. Prune was mated back to
Elizabeth and this mating produced more bald kittens.
Appearance of the Sphynx cat:
As has been noted, the Sphynx isn't a completely bald cat but has a fine
layer of peachy fuzz on the skin. Some hair may also be found on the extremities
such as the nose, tail, ears & feet. Sphynx cats have no whiskers. Wrinkles
are a desired trait in the Sphynx. Due to the minimal hair the Sphynx feels
surprisingly warm. The feel of the Sphynx has been compared to that of a
chamois.
The medium sized body is long but with great muscle definition. It has a deep
chest and legs which are in proportion to the body. Hind legs are slightly
longer than the front legs. The have medium sized, oval paws and a long,
tapering tail.
Sphynx cats have huge ears, broad at the base. The head is wedge-shaped with
rounded lines. There is a slight nose stop. The eyes are large and slightly
slanting with the outer corners pointing towards the ears.
Every colour is found in the Sphnyx.
Temperament of the Sphynx cat:
The Sphynx is an extremely outgoing, friendly and loving breed of cat. They
love to climb and be up high, they have boundless amounts of energy & are
always on the go. They have been described as "part cat, part dog, part monkey".
They get along well with people, including children and other pets. Due to
their intelligence, they can be easier to train than other breeds, often
learning tricks & happily walking on a leash. They do require a lot of
company & shouldn't be left alone for long periods of time. If you are out
for long periods of time, consider getting two cats.
Special care:
Sphynx cats produce more ear wax than other cats due to the lack of hair.
Regular cleaning will be required. Also, due to their lack of coat, they can be
prone to oiliness and may need fairly regular bathing. Only ever use a shampoo
designed for cats on your Sphynx. Human shampoos contain harsh chemicals which
are not good for a cat's sensitive skin.
Due to their lack of coat, Sphynx cats should not be outdoor cats. If you
live in a cool climate, make sure your Sphynx is kept warm, especially in the
winter months.
Are Sphynx cats hypoallergenic?
No, the protein which causes
allergies in humans is found in the saliva & sebaceous glands of all cats,
including the Sphynx. Admittedly, due to the lack of hair, there is no shedding,
but they still shed skin & peachy fuzz into the environment.
