The Sphynx Cat
The Sphynx cat
has to be the most unusual breed in existence, as,
unlike other
cats, the Sphynx is hairless. The Sphynx is said to be named
so because early
breeders felt that there was a similarity between
their cats and
the Egyptian cat sculptures in the British Museum and the Louvre.
The Sphynx is
also known as the Canadian Hairless Cat. First bred in Canada,
the Sphynx cat
originated from a mutant hairless kitten that was born in a litter of shorthaired
cats in 1966.
Sphynx cats of
today are highly affectionate, sociable and intelligent.
They get along
well with other animals in the household. Sphynx cats have an alert,
affectionate
and inquisitive nature that makes them a truly wonderful pet.
They were described
in TICA 86 Show program as the most loving cat it is
possible to meet.
Sphynx cats come in a variety of colors. The skin and down
can be any recognized
color and pattern, and the eye color should harmonize with the coat.
Caring for your
Sphynx
Sphynx are higher
maintenance than most breeds of furred cats.
Because their
skin still produces oil to condition a coat but has no hair
to absorb it,
Sphynx will get oily and must be bathed about once a week
to prevent skin
infections and a dirty appearance. Some will need bathing
more often, some
a little less. Sphynx also accumulate a black gunky oil in their
ears, unlike
most breeds of cats, and need to have their ears cleaned once a week also.
Bath time is
a great time to also clean the ears and trim their nails. If your
motivation in
getting a Sphynx is to have "less work"
then they are
not the right breed for you.
