Sphynx Cat The Hairless
For cat lovers who can’t tolerate cat hair the sphynx cat might be an alternative. To many people they look funny and some think they are ugly but they are unusual in more than just appearance. With just a fuzz where most cats have fur, this ‘hairless’ cat is thought to be product of a recessive gene that has shown up occasionally in normal haired litters. In the mid 1960s some hairless cats were born in Canada and the line was not continued due to thoughts they were carrying a lethal gene. The next decade brought a change of heart when
hairless kittens showed up on a Minnesota farm in a litter then some
Rex cats used to widen the gene pool and the breed grew. In 1998 the
breed was accepted by the CFA for registration and in 2000 registered
120 sphynx to make it 33rd on the list of breeds.
The lack of hair isn’t the only thing making the sphynx cat unique. Their large ears combined with expressive large eyes give an appearance of a wedged shape head. Because of their lack of a real fur coat these are indoor cats. Where it’s comfortable for us it will be comfortable for them. Their skin texture is slightly different than other cats also, feeling like chamois. They feel warmer than other cats as there is no hair insulation. Without having hair to brush the cat does have some maintenance needed. A bath or ‘grooming’ with a wet washcloth keeps the skin clean and prevents dander from building up from dirt and skin secretions. When taught as kittens they can accept bathing and ear cleaning as a normal part of life. This makes it much easier on the cat and the owner! The pads on their feet are thicker than some breeds and as a medium sized cat they are hard muscled. The hairless trait is recessive so often it’s when those recessive traits match in ‘normal’ cats that the hairless cats are born. Because it’s recessive, those expressing the lack of hair will throw hairless litters. The personality of the sphynx is normally devoted and loyal. They can be mischievous and affectionate. You can find purebred sphynx breeders through the many websites dedicated to purebred cats including American Cat Fancier’s Association, The International Cat Association and Cat Fancier’s Federation as well as the International Sphynx Breeders and Fanciers Association at www.sphynx.org online. The sphynx does take a
little more time and care than many cats but a loving cat that enjoys
being with people makes it worth it! Whether as a purebred show cat or
just a pet many breeders have a waiting list as the breed still is not
common. With demand being more than supply it might be a wait but for
the right cat that’s a small price to pay.
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