There seem to be no in betweens with this cat because of its appearance people either love it or hate it. One thing not in dispute, though, is that the Sphynx is the most unusual of cats. It is also very intelligent with a playful and affectionate nature. Did you know that the Sphynx must always be protected against sunburn as the coat if not substantial enough to screen out the sun’s harmful rays.
History
In the early 1900s, a cat resembling a modern day Sphynx was exhibited as the new American Hairless cat. Efforts to gain recognition for this breed were not made until hairless cats appeared in Ontario, Canada, in the 1960s. In 1970s, it was granted provisional status by the cat fanciers association (CFA), but progressed no further because the CFA board was concerned that the breed might have genetic problems.
The sphinx is currently accepted in the USA by only two of the associations, the American cat association and the international cat association. Breeders of today’s Sphynx claim that in the cats not being bred there are no genetic flaws, but the cat is rarely seen outside the USA. It has a higher than usual body temperature and needs to eat a little more than average to fuel its metabolism.
Description
The medium length body is very sturdy and rounded, thick through the abdomen, with the appearance of having a full belly, but not fat. The chest is broad and barrel shaped. The head is slightly longer than it is wide with prominent cheekbones and a slight but definite whisker break. The profile has a distinct stop at the bridge of the nose and the nose is covered with velvety fur. The neck is long and slender. The large eyes are deep set and slant up toward the outer edge of the ear. Any eye color is acceptable and it need not conform to the coat color. The ears are very large, wide at the base and open, with no interior hair. They are upright, neither low set nor on top of the head. The legs are long and slender, but not fine boned, and feel firm and muscular. The neat oval paws have long slender toes. The pads are a color in keeping with the coat. The tail is long, hard and tapered, with no kinks.
Despite appearances, the Sphynx is not really hairless. The skin is covered with very short, fine down that is almost imperceptible to both the eye and the hand. It should feel like soft suede. On the points (ears, muzzle, tail and feet) there is short, tightly packed soft hair. Lack of an insulating coat means that the cat feels quite warm when you touch it. Whiskers and eyebrows may be present, either whole or broken, or there may be none. The skin often has a wrinkled appearance, especially in kittens. Because these cats sweat, a most unusual trait, they should be sponged over daily with a damp sponge to remove oils.
Varieties
All Sphynx must conform to the coat description above. They can be any color and pattern, including colorpoint. Because of the invisibility of the hair, the pattern and color seem almost to be tattooed on the skin.
Temperament
The Sphynx exudes quiet contentment. It has a surprising, mystical effect on anyone holding it for the first time, almost as if it casts a spell over the person. Owners claim that it is the most intelligent affectionate of breeds.
Hairless cats were supposedly bred by the Aztec people of central america hundreds of years ago.
The last pair of cats of this Mexican breed was presented to an american couple by Pueblo indians in Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1903. Unfortunately, the male was savaged to death by a pack of dogs and so the breed did not survive. The modern Sphynx breeding program began in 1966 in Toronto, Canada, when an ordinary shorthaired, black and white domestic cat bore a hairless male kitten. An expert breeder bought mother and son developed the breed from there.
The Sphynx is not exactly hairless, its skin is covered with a soft, warm down which feels like the furred skin of a peach. There may be visible fur on the brow, around the toes and at the tip of the tail. Otherwise, it is a well built, sturday cat with a head slightly longer than it is wide, set on a long, slender neck. The large wide open ears are tall and the outer edge is in line with the wedge of the face.
Cheek bones are prominent, and in profile there is a distinct break at the bridge of the nose. It has long, slim legs with elegant yet rounded paws, the toes are long, like little fingers, and a long, finely tapered tail. The skin needs regular and careful cleaning, as the cat perspires and a greasy detritus can build up if neglected, which then has to be scraped or sponged away. The cat is also prone to sking allergies and to developing lumps. However, humans who are normally allergic to cats may find they can tolerate the furless Sphynx.
The breed has been refused recognition by some registering associations on the grounds that its genetic contitution is a malformation. However, it does have official recognition from the international cat association as well as independent clubs in Europe, and there is a flourishing group of Sphynx breeders in Belgium and the Netherlands.
Sphynx cat breed information
coat – a fine body suede
eyes – large, slightly slanted
other features – wrinkled skin at key points, few or no whiskers, big ears, whip like tail
grooming – fairly easy, more sponging and wiping than combing and brushing
temperament – intelligent, very lively and playful
Sphynx Cat pictures
The face of a black tortie tabby shows the high cheek bones, well defined whisker pads, and backward slanting, lemon shaped eyes of the breed
A black and white bi-color Sphynx demonstrates the breed’s long, slender neck, very large ears and very short whiskers. The breed is sometimes referred to as the ET of the cat world.
This little chap is a Harlequin Sphynx. All colors and patterns are now available in the breed. Although it is not currently accepted in Britain, it has a firm following in North America and is gaining popularity in Europe.
This Blue shows the remarkable, sleek bodyline of the breed. The cats are lithe and muscular, with accompanying energy and playfulness.
It is acceptable for a Sphynx to have wrinkled folds of skin around its neck and legs, but it should be smooth elsewhere, like this Brown Tabby.
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