The Sphynx cat is famous for its furless outfits. It is an original Canadian breed and didn’t come from overseas.
Hairlessness is a common characteristic in cats. But the Sphynx breed is not fully bald. The furs of their body are too small to be noticed.
The Spyhnxs are like an acrobatic clown because of their energetic and silly attitudes. They never become serious.
This article will inform you everything you need to know about a sphynx cat. So, keep reading.
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Breed specialty:
The International Cat Association defined the breed speciality of every breed. Here is the breed speciality of the Sphynx:
- Its head is wedge-shaped, and its cheekbones are prominent.
- The ears are huge, soft, and pointed. There are hairs inside the ears.
- The eyes are big and floating, and they seem frightened most of the time. Eye colours are Yellow, orange, white, grey, etc. The shape is like a Lemon.
- The coat is very shaggy and seems to have been separated from the body.
- The muscles are well-structured, and the neck is medium in length and powerful.
- It has a flat belly but sometimes looks like a pot. The body is very thin and looks like very weak.
- The paw pads are wide enough than other cats.
- The tail is whiplike and tapering. There are hairs on the tails from the body to the tip.
- Both forelegs and backlegs are straight.
- Its other name is the Canadian hairless cat originated in Canada.
Origin of the Sphynx cat:
The history of the thin cat is not so old and critical. It is an original Canadian breed. It is not the first hairless breed because furless cats are found in Europe earlier.
But the birth history of Sphynx is different. In 1966, there was a cat named Elizabeth gave birth to a hairless kitten in Toronto, Canada.
Its name was Prune. A mother-son team adopted Prune from an experienced breeder and collaborated with them to develop the breed.
In 1975, there were 5 Felines available in Wadena, Minnesota, USA, and Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
They are- Dermis, Epidermis, Bambie, Punkie, and Paloma.
Later the Sphynx were interbred with Siamese and Devon Rex to develop the breed’s health and became familiar to the North Americans.
The appearance of Sphynx cats:
The body shape of Sphynx cat:
Its body is medium-lengthed and masculine, its back side is round, and its belly is full-flat ( sometimes there are exceptions).
In a standing position, the backline remains rising to make the place for the legs. The boning and neck are medium-length, and the neck has a round and archive look.
Head:
A wedged head is medium in size with prominent cheekbones. The muzzle looks squared for a distinctive whisker break.
The skull is round near the ears, which makes a place. The nose is straight and long. Prominent cheekbones create a curve above the whisker break.
Ears:
The ears are very big and different in type. Wide from the base and become thinner (pointer) upright position. The outer bottom of the ear seems to be at the same level as the eyes, not at the top of the head.
Eyes:
Eyes are lemon-shaped, floating, and situated at a particular distance. Sphinx’s eyes have different colours, such as yellow, orange, grey, etc. The eyes are timid-looking maximum the time.
Legs:
The legs are medium-sized with muscles. As usual, the nails are sharp. The back legs are a bit longer than the forelegs. Paws are oval-shaped, with five fingers at the front and four at the back, and toes are well-structured.
Tail:
A whiplike tail maintains coherency with the body length. The tail is flexible and tapered at a fine point.
Coat:
The breed is known for its hairless peach fuzz coat but not 100% hairless. Small is in the legs and head area but too small to be noticed. There are many colours available in coat colours, which is possible in felines such as Black, White, Grey, Brown, Cream, Red, bicolour, pointed, Tortoiseshell, Lilac colouration, Tabby, Calico, and Tuxedo patterns.
Temperament and nature:
The Sphynx is a very smart, calm, social, passionate, cuddly, and energetic breed. It never feels shy to strangers.
Always behave like friends with kids, other pets, and even dogs. They welcome their owner and the guests at the door.
They love to play, but once the playtime is over, they eagerly expect the owner’s lap or rest in the Sun or at their favorite resting place where they can take a nap.
The Sphynx cats don’t like to stay alone all day long. So if you can’t give them enough time, this breed is not for you.
They don’t meow; they chirp as if they’re talking.
There are not suitable for outdoors and should be kept indoors:
As Sphynx cats are hairless so they’re very sensitive and delicate and also prone to be injured and their skin may be burnt by the Sun. they also are not able to tolerate the cold weather.
However, it is an expensive breed and can be stolen. For all these reasons, they are indoor cats.
Caring tips for Sphynx cats:
The Sphynx doesn’t have much fur, so it doesn’t need brushing. But regular baths are highly required for them, at least once a week.
Use medicated shampoo in bathing. Protect them from cold temperatures.
It is highly required that they wear a sweater maximum time in winter.
To save them from Sunburn, invest in cats’ Sunscreen when their skin is exposed.
Use skin oils for their delicate skin, brush their teeth twice a week, trim their nails, and clean their ears because their big ears need a good cleaning.
The Sphynx is a high-maintenance cat. You can do your pet another favor, which is getting cat insurance. Sometimes the treatment may be expensive, so the insurance can help you to take good care of your Sphynx.
Living needs of Sphynx:
The breed needs plenty of toys, food dispensing puzzles, jungle gyms, and long trees for entertainment.
They also have classic cat hobbies such as- they run away with pens, pushing things off surfaces, and can sit anywhere even on important papers and documents.
They need more entertainment than you provide to them and go for self-employment.
Sphynx retain a good sense of humor even if you provide them with a Positive Reinforcement Training system, and you’ll have to be happy with their characteristics.
They need hot weather, warm spots, and beds to snuggle up in and can’t stay with those families who keep the doors and windows all year round.
The Sphynx cats are considerable for physical and mental stimulation. They need a lot of water as their hairless body requires a lot of bathing, toys, and scratching posts, they also chase ping pong balls and bat and also feather toys.
Cat trees, jungle gyms, and sunny windows are their favorites. They also need a warm environment such as a warm house and bed during the Winter season.
Skin oils are also essential for their delicate and sensitive skin.
And lastly, they also need an owner who can give lots of love and time to them.
General Health and problems:
Heart disease:
Usually, the Sphynx is a healthy breed, but accidents may occur anytime. Hypertrophic Cardio Myopathy (HCM) is a common heart disease among cats as their advance age.
HCM means the thickening of the heart walls obstructing the heart’s functioning and can be detected by echocardiogram.
The problem can be cured with a healthy diet and proper medication.
Sunburn:
As the breed is almost hairless so they can get a Sunburn easily. It can be treated with steroids and antibiotics. If the problem is severe, then you should take them to the hospital.
Dental diseases:
A very irritating problem. When the plaques build up and make a layer on the tartar, it causes the burning of the gum.
So, don’t take it lightly because the problem can separate the gums from the teeth. Regular brushing and antibiotic gels can keep the gums healthy.
Cats suffer from dental infections when their teeth aren’t brushed properly and it is a big problem. Due to food residue, the teeth get infected. You should move the food residue to keep your pet’s teeth healthy.
Ear infections:
The Sphynx has a tendency for ear infections. Most infections can be cured medically and a complete cleaning process.
Parasites:
Worms can make a place in your vet’s stomach and nose. So, give them regular medicine to prevent worm problems.
Weight management:
This is a big problem in all cats and Sphynx cats have a big appetite. So, you have to be continuous to keep them fit and slim.
Vaccine-preventable diseases:
Proper vaccination is a must for all cats. Sphynx cats are prone to bacterial and viral infections such as Panleukopenia, Rabies, Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV). A Core Vaccination is the best solution to prevent those diseases.
Besides, other diseases can disturb the happy and active life of your Sphynx. Those are-
Neonatal Isoerythrolysis (NI)/ Hemolytic Icterus. When a newborn kitten suckles Colostrum (first milk) with type B blood or vice versa.
Urticaria Pigmentosa:
It’s one kind of skin disease that causes itching on the skin.
Food and nutritional tips for Sphynx cat:
The Sphynx’s pot bellies prove that they’re very food lovers. Normally, they eat anything you give them, but you should care about their food and nutrition.
All cats are carnivorous and need 41 different types of nutrition. Sphynx has a high metabolism, and their digestive system is also very sensitive.
So giving food at regular intervals is an ideal way to keep them healthy and slim. All-kibble diet, an all-canned diet, or a mixture of the two- you can choose any one.
Like all kitties, your pet also needs a high protein, low Carbodydreate, and moderated fats. Some cats like raw and some like wet foods.
So serve them according to their choice to prevent disinterest in foods.
7 Fun facts about Sphynx cat:
- The name `Sphynx` came from Egypt. These Sphynx are also hairless and bothering the Sun, heated air sandy winds for 7 thousand years. So, The breed was named according to the name.
- The Sphynx is a unique character because their baldness rises from a recessive gene.
- There is a Russian kitty, named Donskoys similar to the Sphynx breed.
- A Sphynx Kitty is 4 degrees warmer than other kitties.
- The most affectionate cats- ranked by The Journal of Veterinary Behaviour.
- They’re music lovers. Some Superstars like Lady Gaga, Steven Tylor, and Demi Lovato have Sphynx as their pets.
- They chirp as if talking to you.
8 Necessary Facts you need to know about a sphynx Cat :
- Ideal pets for experienced owners.
- Very sociable and highly active.
- Need a good arrangement for playing.
- Very lean, talkative, and elegant cat.
- Require good care.
- Not a family cat and can be left alone for a few hours.
- Very much talkative and indoor cat.
- Don’t like crowded environments and loves to be calm.
Breed Overview :
I have told you a lot about the Sphynx breed. They are a hairless cat breed and they have large ears and eyes with Alien-like looks.
They’re very intelligent, playful, active, adventurous, and affectionate. They also are big eaters and can’t tolerate cold weather.
They don’t demand much exercise and hate to be alone for long hours. A very friendly breed with all ages and other pets.
Finding a Sphynx cat:
There are some reputable websites where you can find your desirable Sphynx cats such as Petfinder and adopt-a-pet.com.
Besides, you can go the pet shows and contact reputed breeders. Remember that purebred Sphynx cats are not available in shelters except for any accident that occurs.
You only find mix bred cats there. If you have made up your mind to have a mixed-breed cat search for the shelter list on cat associations’ websites.
Name suggestions:
I am suggesting some beautiful names for your sphynx cat. Those are
Giza, Aswan, Cairo, Horus, and Thoth. Celebrity names- Vin Diesel, Patrick Stewart, Bruce Willis, Seth Godin.
Cons of Sphynx cats:
- A very much sensitive and delicate, and high-maintenance breed.
- They’re prone to heart disease, teeth, and gum problems.
- They have a big appetite.
