Characteristics, History, Care Tips, and Helpful Information for Pet Owners
Because of their graceful appearance and behavior, which resembled the legendary sphinx from ancient Egypt (even though the cat is written with a “y” rather than an I), feline sphynxes were given this name. Although they appear magnificent, they are actually silly and lively pals that occasionally act more like dogs than cats. Their genuine roots are in Canada, despite the fact that they appear to have been the pharoahs’ pets.
Due to their absence of fur or hair, which is rare for most animals, sphynxes are distinctive among pets. These non-furry cats like to lounge around in sunspots whenever they can for warmth. They make excellent cuddle buddies and prefer to spend the nights curled up with their owners in bed.
Breed Overview
- WEIGHT: 6 to 12 pounds
- LENGTH: 13 to 15 inches, head to tail
- COAT: Hairless
- COAT COLOR: White, black, red, chocolate, lavender, tabby, tortoiseshell, calico, pointed, and mink
- EYE COLOR: Varies
- LIFE EXPECTANCY: 8 to 14 years
Characteristics of the Sphynx Cat
| Affection Level | High |
| Friendliness | High |
| Kid-Friendly | Medium |
| Pet-Friendly | High |
| Exercise Needs | Low |
| Playfulness | High |
| Energy Level | High |
| Intelligence | High |
| Tendency to Vocalize | High |
| Amount of Shedding | Low |
The Past of the Sphynx Cat
Despite the fact that the Aztecs have a long history of producing hairless cats, the modern sphynx cat is really a Canadian breed that was developed in Toronto in 1966 as a result of an unintentional genetic mutation that resulted in hairlessness. Some breeders grew fond to hairless cats and decided to breed only those that consistently produced hairless kittens.
The breed, once known as the Canadian hairless, arrived in America where breeders created the hairless sphynx cats by mating cats with the recently found hairless gene. Sphynx cats continue to be popular as pets in North America and are rising in popularity in western Europe.
The sphynx breed was recognized by The International Cat Association in 2005, the Cat Fanciers Association in 2002, and other independent cat clubs in Europe, despite the fact that the standards for the breed vary greatly among organizations.
Some purebred feline registries do not recognize the sphynx cat because it is thought that the breed’s lack of hair is a genetic aberration that could be harmful to an individual cat’s health and longevity.
Sphynx Cat Care
Sphynx cats are loyal to their owners and are commonly seen wagging their tails and following them about or cuddling with them. Sphynx cats would almost never desire to be cuddled, yet they are also excellent athletes and active companions. Sphynx cats are among the most active cats, but they don’t typically need much exercise.
While some cats enjoy spending hours by themselves, others might enjoy having a companion. If you spend the majority of the day away from home, get two sphynx cats. You can feel easy knowing that if you have a dog or another pet at home, they will be happy because sphynxes get along with other animals as well.
Sphynx cats like to play, jump, and, with training, they might even pick up fetching. Sphynx cats are gregarious, intelligent creatures who respond well to positive reinforcement training.
Even though they appear to have no hair, sphynxes require upkeep. Because they lack fur to absorb their bodily oils, sphynx cats’ skin needs frequent grooming to maintain a healthy balance of oil and prevent skin problems and oil stains on furniture. Give your sphynx cat a bath at least once every week to get rid of oil buildup.
Dry cat food maintains healthy gums and keeps teeth clean, but you should provide enough water for your sphynx to drink after meals to prevent dehydration.
Contrary to what the general public believes, sphynx cats are not totally hypoallergenic. Despite having what could seem to be a hairless coat, these cats actually have a very fine, suede-like fur. Doctors may still suggest acquiring a sphynx cat for cat enthusiasts seeking for a breed that has less allergens in its fur than others.
Common Health Problems
As you should with any pet, always ask your breeder for a health guarantee for your sphynx kitten. Sphynx cats, when carefully bred, often have a happy outlook on life.
Because they lack hair to protect their skin from UV rays, sphynx cats are more vulnerable to sun exposure. It is better to keep them out of the sun as much as possible. Just like people, these cats can get a sunburn if they spend too much time in the sun. Because of this, sphynxes should be kept as indoor pets or adequately observed when outdoors.
In addition to skin conditions, they may also be susceptible to the following illnesses:
- The heart muscle thickens due to a common heart ailment termed hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
- Gum diseases like inherited myopathy, a widespread muscle wasting, are caused by periodontal disease.
Sphynx cats require frequent grooming to prevent problems with their skin and gums. Regular bathing and dental care can significantly lower the risk of health problems in sphynx cats.
Food intake and diet
Sphynx cats have potbellies, which show that they like to eat. Everything you put in front of them will be devoured. You should still monitor their food carefully, though.
Sphynx cats perform best with little meals spread out throughout the day due to their quick metabolism and sensitive digestive systems. This way of feeding cats also prevents them from losing interest in their meals. Between each of their various creases and folds, you must clean. Tougher cat chews can also be purchased at your local specialty pet store to promote healthy gums.
A raw food diet is popular among owners of sphynx cats and is praised for its many health benefits. According to experts, cats should consume premium kibble or wet canned food that is high in protein, low in carbohydrates, and moderate in fat.
Pros
- Sphynx are a loyal, playful, and loving breed.
- Most sphynxes get along nicely with other dogs and cats.
- For people who dislike cat fur or cats that shed, this hairless breed is perfect.
Cons
- It lacks hair and is delicate to the light and the cold.
- They are not hypoallergenic since allergens are still released into the body through the skin and saliva.
- This breed is prone to cardiomyopathy, as well as skin and dental problems.
Where to Find Sphynx Cats for Sale or Adoption
You might be possible to find a purebred sphynx cat from a local breeder, but if you’d like to adopt through a rescue organization, look into:
- Pet adoption on CatFoodSite
Breeds of Cats Not Listed Here and More Research
If you’re curious, look into these comparable cat breeds:
- Bengali Siamese Devon Coon, Maine
If not, look through the profiles of every cat breed we provide.
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