| The Sphynx Cat |
| Description At first sight, the Sphynx causes extreme reactions. Its appearance is quite extraordinary, seeming completely hairless at first sight. Not a true hairless cat, it is covered by a peach-like �fuzz� that can not be seen or felt by most people. The points may have soft, short, dense hair and a tiny puff of hair may grace the tip of the tail. The Sphynx is a medium, muscular sized cat; it is not fined boned or delicate. The head and torso should have good wrinkling. They have a barrel like chest, and round abdomen. They have long toes, and a long tapering tail � almost rat like. Their head is longer then it is wider, with wrinkles and large lemon shaped eyes giving them a concerned or worried expression. History There are many different references to the origins of the Sphynx. Below are a few documented hairless births: In 1975 in Wadena, Minnesota, a stray short haired cat by the name of Jezabelle gave birth to a hairless kitten named Epidermis (a female). The following year, Jezabelle gave birth to another hairless kitten female, Dermis. These two were sent to Kim Mueske at Stardust Cattery and may be found in many pedigrees today. In 1966, in Toronto Canada, a domestic cat, by the name of Elizabeth, produced a hairless kitten named Prune. In1978, three hairless kittens were rescued from the streets of Toronto. These kittens may be the foundations of the American Sphynx, and maybe for some of the European Sphynx. In 1980, Shirley Smith of Toronto obtained two hairless female kittens that were born from a domestic mother. Interestingly enough, it was reported they were sired by two different males; if so, each sire would have had to carry the same recessive gene. The Sphynx was given champion status in the 1980�s. Personality The Sphynx is a highly active, vocal and intelligent cats with a passionate need to explore everything in reach. They are extremely patient and willing to put up with almost anything. Sphynx NEED to be the centre of attention. The crave affection from their human and love nothing more then to sit on your lap, or curl up under the doona for a nap. They are peaceful animals that make sweet, loving pets. |
| Colours & Patterns Sphynx come in all colours and patterns. Determining a Sphynx�s colour and pattern can be a challenge. Since the skin is flesh coloured, breeders must use the colours of the fuzz, the eyes and the foot pads to find their answer. Care & Grooming Although Sphynx are hairless, they do require some considerable amount of grooming. They require a bath once a week in the colder months, and twice a week in the hotter months. This is because they still have hair follicles, but no furr to absorb the oils. There ears and nails need to be cleaned at bath time as well. You will need to clip their nails every fornight as they can scratch themselves if their nails are sharp. When the weather is cooler, you will need to put a jumper on your Sphynx. They don't mind wearing clothes at all. As a general rule - if you are cold, so are they. |