The Cute Sphynx Cat: A Unique And Completely Naked Cat

The breed of Sphynx cats is extraordinary and unique because they lack something that comes to mind when we hear the word cat; "fur". His unconventional appearance earns the Sphynx a fair share of fans – and a few are less impressed with the breed's nudity. But no matter what you think of its head-turning appearance, this cute Sphynx cat makes intelligent, endearing, and devoted pets. The Sphynx is an affectionate and friendly breed that needs your attention and affection.

As a relatively uncommon breed, these hairless cats often cost more. So if you're looking to buy a Sphynx cat, be prepared to get your hands on the wallet. Indeed, a Sphynx kitten from a reputable breeder may cost more than you expect.

 

  At A Glance To The Cute Sphynx Cat

   Life expectancy: 8 to 14 years

  Hair: bare (no hair)

  Size: Medium (10 to 14 inches)

  Weight: 7 to 11 lb

  Dress: none

   Character traits: calm and affectionate

  Origin: Canada

 

Story of Cute Sphynx Cat

Due to the lack of hair, one would think that cat breeders made different crosses to give birth to the Sphynx. It turns out that hairless cats have always existed. Indeed, pre-Columbian engravings attest to their presence. The existence of a naked cat was also found in Mexico at the beginning of the 19th century.

  In 1966, in Ontario, Canada, a domestic shorthair cat gave birth to a litter of hairless kittens. Two cats recognized as being genetically exceptional were brought back by doctor Hugo Hernandez to the Netherlands. He made a cross with a Devon Rex, whose hair is very short and fine, to create a naked breed.

  The result of this breeding was originally referred to as the Canadian Hairless Cat but was later changed to the Sphynx due to its resemblance to Egyptian hieroglyph cats. Unfortunately, cats from these early breeding efforts were prone to health problems due to their scant gene pool, and despite attempts to revive the line, the line died out in the early 1980s.

   Today's hairless kitten results from two natural and spontaneous mutations of short-haired cats. The first occurred in 1975 when a couple of Minnesota farm owners discovered that a female cat had given birth to a hairless kitten – a cat they named Epidermis. The following year, Epidermis was joined by an equally bald sister named Dermis. Both were sold to a breeder in Oregon who crossed the kittens to develop the Sphynx line.

   In 1978, a Toronto Siamese breeder found three hairless kittens, Bambi, Punkie, and Paloma, wandering the streets of his neighborhood. These kittens were crossed with Devon Rexes, and the breed is finally off to a good start! Breeders continued to develop the Sphynx until the cats became the strong breed we know today.

 

  Appearance

The cute Sphynx cat, although considered a "naked cat", is not necessarily hairless. These felines are covered in a fine down that is difficult to see but immediately apparent (i.e., very soft) to the touch. A Sphynx may also have a few sparse whiskers and eyebrows, giving it even more personality.

Sphynx skin is often pigmented or patterned, much like the coat of a traditional domestic cat. And like furry felines, Sphynxes come in various colors and patterns. From black-colored Sphynx cats to light-colored ones to tortoiseshell patterned kittens, there is no shortage of diversity.

The Sphynx is considered a medium-sized cat; females can weigh up to 7 lb, while larger males can weigh up to 11 lb. If the main physical characteristic of the Sphynx is its apparent lack of hair, this breed has other distinctive traits once the nudity has passed. Notable features include his piercing lemon-shaped eyes, long finger-like toes, large bat-like ears, and large rounded belly. Despite this round belly, Sphynx cats are incredibly active and athletic animals with muscular bodies.

Another characteristic of the Sphynx is the presence of many visible wrinkles. Of course, these cats are no more wrinkled than the others, but the lack of thick fur highlights this universal feline trait. 

Head

Medium in size, the head of the Sphynx is longer than it is wide. It is triangular, with pronounced rounded contours, prominent cheekbones, and a very marked pinch. This forms a clear distinction between the nose and the rest of the head. In profile, the top of the skull and the forehead are flat, extending into a concave curve, palpable at the base of the nose, and ending in a straight muzzle.

The snout of the Sphynx is quite short, rounded in shape, and well developed. The muzzle is delimited by a significant pinch, clearly detaching it from the skull. While the whiskers are absent, the dough pieces are distinctly rounded. The chin is firm and defined.

Lemon-shaped, the eyes of the Sphynx are large, wide-openn and expressive. 

One of the striking specificities of this cat breed is the ears: very large and placed very low, they are wide at the base. They even seem oversized compared to the head, especially in kittens. In addition, the ears of the Sphynx are rounded at their tip.

 

Body

Medium in size, the neck is well muscled, arched, and clears the head well from the shoulders.

 The body of the Sphynx is of semi-cobby format and stays firm. His musculature is visible under the bare skin of the cat and round. The chest, called the barrel, is wide and deep. The abdomen is round, as if the cat had just eaten, this feature does not mean that the cat is obese.

The hips and croup are rounded.

The legs, of medium length, have a fine boning but a firm and well-defined musculature. The absence of hair accentuates their length and finesse. The front legs are slightly arched.

 Oval, the feet of the Sphynx carry long and thin fingers with well-defined phalanges. The pads are thicker than in other breeds of cats, which gives the impression that the Sphynx walks on air cushions.

  Its tail looks like a rat's tail. Indeed, it is long, slightly thick at the base, and whip-shaped. The tail is also bare, except for the tip, which may accommodate a small tuft of hair. 

Dress and texture

 The skin of the cute Sphynx cat can go from total nudity to a "peach skin" covered with a fine down. The skin is very wrinkled in kittens. Adult cats should keep as many folds as possible, especially on the head.

In the Sphynx, the skin is much thicker than that of other breeds. Indeed, under the skin, the layer of fat is thicker to retain body heat best. The skin is rich in sebum and collagen. Even though the skin is thick, the veins of the Sphynx are easily visible and distinguishable.

The Sphynx is a hairless cat; whiskers and eyebrows are rare or absent. The color of its skin corresponds to that which the hairs would have if they were present. A Sphynx with a light “coat” has light pink skin, while an individual whose hair would have been dark has dark gray skin.

All dresses and patterns are possible. A Sphynx cat may show spots or have slightly darker skin on the extremities if he is a colorpoint type.

Best Products for Cute Sphynx Cat

 

  Character traits and behavior of Cute Sphynx cat

These magnificent felines are curious, outgoing, intelligent, and do not hesitate to communicate their needs. Sphynxes are noisy, so expect to hear her meows and have lots of conversation as your pet follows you from room to room.

 Sphynx cats are born entertainers who clown around for your attention (and petting). These social and playful cats love to be loved and will spend hours glued to your side. On cold mornings (or even less cold days), they won't turn down an opportunity to snuggle up with you under warm blankets. If you want to make your Sphynx happy while you work, just put an indoor cat house near you. Your kitty will gladly rest in her cat condo. The Sphynx has a rather funny particularity; rather than lying on its knees, he also likes to perch on its guardian’s shoulder!

Their needy nature isn't for every pet parent, but those who adore the Sphynx will be rewarded with top-notch companionship that's hard to find elsewhere. These cats are loyal and devoted pets that will love you endlessly.

As with us humans, each cat has his personality. The character and behavior of a cat depend essentially on its environment and life experiences.

The Sphynx is both a cat, a dog, and a human. This cat breed can be called a cat-dog because his behavior and character are comparable to that of a dog. He is a very interactive breed, attached to his master and constantly searching for his company. Indeed, the cute Sphynx cat will tend to follow its master around the house to reassure himself and feel safe. Playful, this cat gladly brings back his favorite toy to spend a friendly moment with his master. Like a real cat-dog, he appreciates the company of humans, including children.

These cats are equally curious and are incredibly agile, with dexter finger-like toes that they use for tapping, pushing, and opening doors.

The cute Sphynx cat easily adapts to his environment and the way of life of his guardian. Unlike other cats, change (modification of habits, moving, vacation, etc.) is more easily manageable in the Sphynx.