Sphynx Cats

The Sphynx or ‘hairless cat’ originated in Toronto Canada in 1966. It was a mutation born to two domestic parents, named Prune.  Since then it has been bred with other cats having little or  no hair to try and produce a pure blood line.

Most Sphynx are not hairless but have a fine down that is almost imperceptible to the eye. If a female is unspayed she will grow little patches of hair on her ears, feet and tail. Sphynx cats are the color they would normally be if they had fur. A Sphynx metabolism is much higher than a normal cat because they use more energy to  maintain their body heat. They should never be an outside cat due to environmental factors such as cold or sunburn.  They require very little car in terms of brushing but do need a weekly bath. Sphynx cats sweat and have no hair to absorb the oils on their skin.  Their ears and nails must also be cleaned.  Pet owners who are allergic to cat hair find that symptoms are less present with a hairless cat, but if you are allergic to dander, allergies will persist.

Many owners of Sphynx cats say they are curious and intelligent.  They love to snuggle under a blanket with you. Some people use them for a hot water bottle as their body temperature is around 107 degrees Farenheit.  From personal experience my cat loves to lay on me under the blanket. I get so hot that I have to kick her out. Electric blanket? Definitely don’t need one!

My Sphynx is now  2 years old. Her name is Cheops after an Egyptian king (yes I know she is a girl but it was a cool name)  There was only one breeder here in Wisconsin so choices were very slim.  I received her from a breeder in Florida who sent her on a plane trip. I remember driving 2 hours just to go and pick her up.  Since the first time I saw her little face peek out of the cage I’ve adored her.  She can be alot of trouble, almost more then my 3 yr old! She  has gotten out of the house a few times and like any pet owner I sat and worried until she made her way home. She isn’t spayed so you could imagine the concern.  When she’s looking for a male cat the whole neighborhood knows! I have never heard a cat so loud. At times I’ve looked out the back door just to see three male cats sitting and waiting.  Lets just say she leaves the red light burning bright.

(all photos are courtesy of the author ~ Cheops)