Sphynx
Despite being almost entirely hairless, the Sphynx cat still needs plenty of grooming.
About the Sphynx
The term “velcro lap cat” has been used to describe the desire of the Sphynx to be on their owner all the time. The Sphynx is sweet-tempered, lively, intelligent and above all happy to be handled.
Sphynx love to greet every new person visiting the home, and will get along well with dogs and other pets. Sphynx are highly active and will entertain themselves for hours, many even fetching toys. These cats are loyal and dedicated to their owners.
Source: key facts and characteristics sourced from World Cat Congress (WCC)
Breed specifics
- Size category
- Medium
- Avg life expectancy
- 15–20 years
Affectionate / Even-tempered / Lively / Intelligent / Sociable / Quiet
Key facts
Origins of the breed
Hairless cats have appeared from time to time and in different parts of the world. The most notable is probably the Mexican Hairless, which is believed to date back to pre-Columbian times and which was recorded at the beginning of the 20th century in Frances Simpson’s well-known book “The Book Of The Cat”.
Other examples have also been found in different areas, particularly in Russia, which has developed the Don Sphynx and the Peterbald. The Sphynx, as we know it, dates back to the 1960’s, when a hairless kitten was born to a domestic cat in Ontario, Canada. Attempts to breed more hairless cats from this kitten were partially successful.
Health Condition
Sphynx cats’ main feature is the absence of a fur coat. And even though they are not entirely hairless, their fine, downy hair expose their delicate skin to harmful ultraviolet light and make skin injury much more likely. Sphynx skin may be prone to yeast infections and obviously they are susceptible to cold and to sunburn if they go outside. We advise you to buy from a responsible breeder and to seek counsels from your veterinarian.
