Sphynx History
The Sphynx cat, as we know it today, came into existence in 1966 when a domestic shorthair cat Elizabeth gave birth to a hairless kitten in Toronto, Canada. The kitten named Prune was discovered to be a natural mutation produced by Mother Nature.
Cat breeders in Europe and North America have bred the Sphynx to normal coated cats such as the Devon Rex and then back to hairless for more than thirty years. The purpose of these selective breeding was to create a genetically sound cat with a large gene pool and hybrid vigor.
Appearance
Sphynx have long, fine legs that are well-muscled. Their front feet are like hands with long fingers. The body is medium to long, showing a broad chest. The tail should be long and tapering and the head slightly longer than it is wide. Ears are large and wide at the base and held quite high. There is a slight stop to the nose and the eyes are shaped like a lemon. Sphynx have a very distinctive muzzle. Kittens are covered with wrinkles on their face and body, retaining some into adulthood. The Sphynx is not always totally hairless; there can be a fine down on the body, which makes the cat feel like a chamois or suede. Some light hair is often present on the nose, tail and toes. Sphynx have a wide variety of colors. The color is seen in the pigment of the skin and in the few hairs that they do have.
One of the questions most asked is, "Do they get cold" (which I found out at a recent cat show)". The answer is, of course they do; if it is too cold for you it will be too cold for them too. The Sphynx is smart enough though to find a warm human to curl up with, and they love to get under your bed covers. To help keep them warm, I like to dress them in a baby shirt or sweater.
General Temperament
The Sphynx are loving, smart, inquisitive and truly love human companionship. They will do anything to win your affection and can even be demanding at times. They are very loving and if given the opportunity will give plenty of hugs and kisses. Beards are a particular favorite to rub their head against. They can be silly and clumsy possibly due to their lack of whiskers?
General Care
Many people think this is a easy breed to take care of because of their lack of fur but because of this the fur that would normally absorb body oils doesn't. Thus the Sphynx becomes very oily especially on their underside and will need to be bathed often (once a week). Baby wipes are very handy between baths to help clean the oils that collect in their nail beds and ears which is often mistaken for ear mites.
Due to their lack of hair, they are sensitive to excess sunlight and extremes in temperature. Therefore, they must be kept as indoor cats. They are generally very warm to the touch which is due to their higher metabolism and have hearty appetites that require high quality food with wholesome ingredients.
Some people who suffer from cat allergies can tolerate living with Sphynx cats. However, depending on the cause and severity of a person’s allergy, there are still some who cannot live with this breed.
Toxix Plants
As a responsible cat owner it is an assett to know the dangers that could harm your cat; one of those dangers are plants.
There are many outdoor and household plants that can be toxic to your cat I would encourage any cat owner or if you are soon to be a cat owner to educate yourself on the many toxic plants.
It might surprise you the plants that are toxic. Just see Simone's face!!
For a descriptive list and information please visit the following site.
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