 Sphynx
Cat Breed Profile
Photos
and Breed Profile Courtesy of
OzSphynx
Sphynx
History
There
have been many occurrences of hairless cats throughout history. The modern day
Sphynx started in Toronto, Canada in 1966 with the birth of a hairless cat.
During the 1970's several more hairless cats were born. After this time, the
breed was developed principally in Europe.
Sphynx Suitability
Sphynx are suitable for active households as they crave
human attention. Sphynx are very active and love to the centre of attention,
they are not suited to people wanting a quiet docile cat.
Due to their unique characteristics they do require special
maintenance including a weekly routine of bathing, trimming nails and cleaning
ears.
Sphynx also may require extra heating during the colder
months. This can usually be achieved through the use of heat mat (depending on
your temperature extremes).
Sphynx Appearance
Sphynx cats and kittens are not totally hairless as they
have a peach fuzz over much of their body. Their coat is often described as a
warm chamois. For this reason many owners describe them as their living hot
water bottle.
Sphynx have normal cat proportions. However as they lack
fur their ears are more pronounced and their tail is often described as a rats
tail.
Sphynx Colours
They come in all the usual colour varieties including,
tortoiseshell, chocolate, black, blue, lilac, chocolate etc.
Sphynx Temperament
They have a friendly disposition and are very sociable with
other people and pets. Sphynx are very intelligent and can be taught to walk
on a lead and respond to voice commands. They are often described as the most
intelligent and affectionate of all cat breeds.
Are Sphynx hypoallergenic?
It is often a misconception that Sphynx are hypoallergenic
because of their lack of hair. It all depends on whether the person is
allergic to the hair or the cat’s saliva. Sphynx maybe suitable for people who
are allergic to cats hair. However, if the person is allergic to the saliva
then a Sphynx is likely to produce the same reaction.
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