Sphynx
The Sphynx is characterized first of all by its lack of fur! However, this cat is not completely furless: it is covered with a fine down, described as “a peach skin”. This cat has no whiskers or eyelashes. Its head resembles that of the Devon Rex. The eyes are deep, lemon-colored. The skeleton of the body is light but this cat is muscular and has a barrel chest. The long limbs are slender and appear curved because of the domed chest. The tail is long, tapered, and firm to the touch. Under the fingers, this cat feels warm; it is nicknamed “the leather hot water bottle”. The skin is wrinkled on part of the head, body, and limbs but should be tight everywhere else. The skin pigmentation is clearly visible in a Sphynx. All skin colors are tolerated.
- A very active cat and attentive to everything
- A sociable cat and close to humans
- A very extroverted cat
- A fine and elegant cat
- Weekly grooming is sufficient
- Hypoallergenic breed
- Indoor cat
- May need time to adapt before living with children
Origin
Furless cats have been known for a very long time: the Aztecs would have already had them. The Sphynx is the first naked cat that was bred specifically for this trait. The breeding program started in 1966 in Ontario (Canada), when a domestic cat gave birth to a furless male kitten. However, the majority of Sphynx born today are descended from three furless kittens discovered in Toronto in 1978.
Country of origin
Canada
Other names
Canadian furless cat
Personality
The Sphynx is an enterprising, mischievous cat that is close to people and loves attention. This cat often greets its owner when he comes home and is very talkative. Very intelligent, playful, and cuddly, the Sphynx is also a champion of purring. It likes to sleep with its owner, under the covers. Its body temperature is 1 to 2°C above average and this cat has a voracious appetite to compensate for its energy expenditure. Poorly protected against the outside elements, this cat cannot stay outside if it is cold. It also does not like to sit on a cold surface and appreciates central heating! Exposed to the sun, the light skin of the Sphynx may require sun protection.
Health
The Sphynx is prone to skin problems, especially the development of erythema and fungal infections. Precautions should be taken to protect the Sphynx from sunburn. Like all cats, the Sphynx must be regularly vaccinated and must undergo an annual veterinary health check.
Nutrition
Each cat is unique. When it comes to nutrition, they express individual preferences and have specific needs, but the cat remains a carnivore. A cat’s diet should contain at least 41 different specific nutrients; the proportion of these nutrients varies depending on the cat’s age, lifestyle, and overall health. It’s obvious that a very active, a growing kitten needs a different nutritional balance than an older, quieter cat. It is also important to ensure that the cat is fed a quantity of food that will maintain its body condition at an ideal level. Finally, individual preferences should be taken into account when choosing kibble or wet food.
Grooming
Extreme care must be taken to keep the skin of the Sphynx clean and supple. It should be bathed or sponge-rubbed weekly to remove excess sebum. The ears should also be cleaned regularly to prevent infections.
Cat breeds best suited for children
This cat breed is not known for being one of the most child-friendly. All cats are different, however, and can sometimes live with children if they have been properly trained.
