SPHYNX CATS
Find information about the origin and qualities of the SPHYNX Cat. You will see the beautiful coloring of this kind and lovely animal plus learn about its care requirements.
Depending on the source it seems the origin of Sphynx cats started in 1975 in Wadena Minnesota when a farm cat bore two hairless kittens in two succeeding litters. The ancestry
of many of today’s Sphynx cats can be traced to one of these cats. A few years’ later three hairless strays were rescued from the streets of Toronto. Two female Sphynx cats were sent to a breeder in the Netherlands who crossed them with a Devon Rex. Hairless off springs resulted implying that the recessive gene may have some dominance over the Devon Rex gene. The descendants of these Sphynx cats became the foundation for the Sphynx Cats in Europe.
Sphynx cats are the most successful hairless cat that is covered in short, silky, “peach fuzz “down. The wrinkled, chamois soft skin is covered with nearly imperceptible down. They have short, soft densely packed hair that is some times found on the ears, muzzle, feet, tail, and scrotum. Each empty hair follicle has an oil producing gland so the Sphynx cats need daily rubbing down with a chamois. Sphynx cats whiskers and eyebrows may be broken or absent.
Lacking the insulating protection of a coat the Sphynx cats are vulnerable to both heat and cold. Sun and extreme temperatures can be hazardous for Sphynx cats so indoor living is vital for its survival. Some Sphynx cats enjoy the extra warmth of a sweater in the winter.
Sphynx cats have a barrel chest and are muscular with a medium long body. Oversize ears give the breed a bat like appearance. They have large round eyes giving the face a startled expression. Sphynx cats have a whip like, tapered tail that often ends in a surprising puff of hair.
The all but hairless Sphynx cats may look bizarre but all sources indicate that they are easy going with a disposition that quickly wins over many detractors. Sphynx cats are vary loving and affectionate. They are amiable and a patient companion to dogs, other pets and children.