Sphynx Cat – Information, images, characteristics of this particular and precious breed
sphynx
It’s a good thing that the Hairless Sphynx likes attention because it attracts it wherever it goes. He demands human attention and will do anything for a laugh.
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Information, images, characteristics and facts of the Sphynx cat breed
Vital Statistics:
Lifespan: 8 to 14 years Length: 13 to 15 inches Weight: 6 to 12 pounds Origin: Canada
More about this breed
History
The Hairless Sphynx is an example of the cat breeds that arise accidentally. A genetic mutation caused the birth of a hairless kitten for Elizabeth, a black and white house cat in Toronto, Canada. Elizabeth’s owner recognized that Prune, as the kitten was called, was unique and set out to try to reproduce it. He, along with other hairless kittens born in the mid to late 1970s, was raised with fluffy cats, including the Devon Rex. The gene for hairlessness is recessive, so while some of the offspring were hairless, others were hairless.
Originally known as Canadian Hairless Cats, according to the International Cat Association, breeders eventually settled on the nickname Sphynx for the unusual breed, a reference to the gigantic limestone sculpture in the Egyptian desert, worn away over millennia by wind erosion. , sand and water. The Sphynx is recognized by the American Cat Fanciers Association, the Cat Fanciers Association, and the International Cat Association, as well as other cat registries. Perhaps the most famous Sphynx in the world is Mr. Bigglesworth, played by Ted NudeGent, in the Austin Powers comedies.
Size
The Sphynx is a medium-sized cat. It usually weighs from 6 to 12 pounds.
Personality
It’s a good thing that the Sphynx likes attention because it attracts it wherever it goes. He demands human attention and will do anything for a laugh. “Look at me!” is his slogan. That makes him easy to handle by vets or anyone else, and it’s not unusual for a Sphynx to be a therapy cat, as he really likes to meet people.
When she’s not getting the attention of her fans, the curious and energetic Sphynx is exploring her surroundings, climbing her cat tree or looking for high places, chasing a bug or just generally getting into mischief. He really likes teaser toys and puzzles that challenge his athleticism and his brain.
This is a very social cat. If you are out during the day, the Sphynx will enjoy having a friend in the form of another Sphynx, another cat, or even a dog. He likes company and, just as important, he likes having someone to snuggle up with to keep warm. He loves to be held and you can expect him to sleep with you, probably under the covers. Think of it as having a living hot water bottle.
Health
Both pedigree cats and mixed breed cats have different incidences of health problems that may be genetic in nature. Sphynxes are generally healthy, although the following diseases have been observed in the breed:
Urticaria pigmentosa, a skin disease that causes crusty sores on the body. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a form of heart disease that is inherited in some cat breeds such as the Maine Coon. Heritability has not been tested in Sphynx.
Careful
Despite their bald body, a Sphynx requires at least as much grooming as furry cats and perhaps even more. Their skin should be kept hydrated with a mild, odorless lotion or oil, and they need weekly baths so they don’t leave greasy stains on your furniture and clothing. Use a mild baby shampoo or moisturizing shampoo and rinse thoroughly, especially between the creases of the wrinkles. If you start bathing your Sphynx kitten when she’s young, she’ll learn to accept and sometimes even enjoy baths. Baby wipes will help keep him clean between baths.
Brushing teeth to prevent periodontal disease. Daily dental hygiene is best, but weekly brushing is better than nothing. Clean the corners of the eyes daily with a soft, damp cloth to remove any discharge. Use a separate area of the cloth for each eye so you don’t risk spreading any infection. Check the ears weekly. If they look dirty, wipe them down with a cotton ball or soft damp cloth dampened with a 50-50 mixture of cider vinegar and warm water. Avoid using cotton swabs, which can damage the inside of the ear.
Keep the litter box spotlessly clean. Like all cats, Sphynxes are very particular about bathroom hygiene.
Although the Sphynx feels warm to the touch, it does not have a fur coat to keep it warm. If you’re cold, he’s probably too. Buy him a nice sweater or two to help him retain warmth.
It’s a good idea to keep a Sphynx as an indoor-only cat to protect it from diseases carried by other cats, attacks by dogs or coyotes, and other dangers cats who go outdoors face, such as being hit by a car. Sphynxes that go outdoors are also at risk of being stolen by someone who would like to have such an unusual cat without paying for it. If your Sphynx has an outdoor enclosure where he can sunbathe, be sure to apply a cat-safe sunscreen to his skin to prevent sunburn.
Coat color and grooming
Bald, wrinkled, and pot-bellied, the Sphynx is sometimes proclaimed ugly, but only by those with a superficial understanding of beauty. Its unusual body shape and the physiological and emotional heat it gives off are what attract people.
Like an apricot, the hard, muscular body of the Sphynx can be smooth or covered with fine, downy down. The nose, toes, ears, and tail may also have a light coating of fur. Embracing him is melting with the warmth of his suede coat. A Sphynx doesn’t have a higher body temperature than other cats, but it appears to be because it doesn’t have fur to insulate.
A broad chest and well-rounded abdomen give you the appearance of having eaten too much at dinner time, but you shouldn’t be overweight. Supporting the body are firm, muscular legs set on oval feet with long, slender toes. The thick pads on the feet make the Sphynx appear to be walking on “cushions of air.” A long, thin, flexible tail is described as whip-like. A Sphynx with a small tuft of hair at the end of its tail is said to have a lion’s tail. Sphynx kittens have many wrinkles, but as they get older, the wrinkles smooth out, although some remain for the cat’s entire life. A Sphynx should not be so wrinkled that it compromises sight or other functions.
The Sphynx’s head is a modified wedge shape, slightly longer than it is wide, with prominent cheekbones, large ears, and large lemon-shaped eyes. Whiskers and eyebrows are sparse or non-existent.
The Sphynx comes in all colors and patterns, including white, black, red, chocolate, lavender, various brindle patterns, tortoiseshell, calico, bicolor, and pointy and mink patterns. The color is seen in the pigment of the skin, as well as any hair the cat has, and can sometimes be difficult to distinguish.
Children and other pets
The active and social Sphynx is a perfect choice for families with children and cat-friendly dogs. He picks up tricks easily and loves the attention he receives from children who treat him with courtesy and respect. Live peacefully with dogs and other cats. Always introduce pets slowly and under controlled circumstances to ensure they learn to get along.