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Sphynx Cat
In 1966 a domestic cat gave birth
to a hairless kitten in Toronto, Canada. It was discovered to be
a natural mutation and the Sphynx cat, as we know it today, came
into existence. This cat and a few other naturally hairless cats
have been found worldwide. These have magically been produced by
Mother Nature and are the foundation for this unusual breed. Cat
breeders in Europe and North America have bred the Sphynx to
normal coated cats and then back to hairless for more than
thirty years. The purpose of these selective breedings was to
create a genetically sound cat with a large gene pool and hybrid
vigor. This is a very robust breed with few health or genetic
problems.
The Sphynx is not always totally hairless; there can be
a fine down on the body, which makes the cat feel like a warm
peach. Some light hair is often present on the nose, tail and
toes. The texture of the Sphynx skin has been likened to suede,
a hot water bottle, or a heated chamois. They can be registered
in a wide variety of cat colors. The color is seen in the
pigment of the skin and the few hairs that they do have. One of
the questions most asked is "Don't they get cold?" Well, of
course, if it is too cold for you it will be too cold for a
hairless cat too. However, these cats are smart enough to find a
warm human, dog or cat to curl up with or they will get under
your bed covers.
This is a substantial cat, medium sized and strong, with
adult males being larger than adult females. Sphynx have sturdy
boning and good muscle development and should have a bit of a
belly as if they just finished dinner. They have an open-eyed,
intelligent face and a friendly expression. The Sphynx are
extremely inquisitive and love to be the center of attention.
They perform silly antics for your entertainment and are
sometimes downright clumsy…on purpose it seems. They make great
show cats because of this "look at me" attitude and they are
easy for judges to handle. They prefer human attention but enjoy
the company of dogs and other cats. They have an abundance of
energy and mischief and are always with you, on you or showing
off for you. "Love Mooch" is the perfect term for these amazing
cats.
Because of the lack of hair that would normally absorb
body oils, the Sphynx needs to be bathed periodically. This is
not a difficult task with a cat that has been accustomed to a
bath from kittenhood and it takes no time at all to dry a
Sphynx.
Some people who suffer from cat allergies can tolerate
living with Sphynx cats. However, depending on the type and
severity of the individual's allergic reactions, there are still
people who cannot live with this breed.
The Sphynx was accepted for registration, and
competition, in the Miscellaneous Class by The Cat Fanciers'
Association (CFA) in February 1998. Sphynx lovers feel this is
one of the most rare and unusual breeds in the cat fancy
today…Sphynx are pure enchantment |
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