Although its large ears certainly stand out, the Sphynx is most recognizable for its baldness. These medium-sized, muscular cats aren't truly hairless, though. Some have more hair than others, and all have a fine, almost imperceptible coating of peach fuzz-like down. Many also have some hair on their ears, nose, toes, and/or tail. Their skin feels like warm chamois, sometimes even a bit buttery; it hangs loosely on their body, wrinkling easily and dramatically. Even without a visible coat, these cats come in most colors and patterns.
Sphynx cats have particularly high metabolisms that encourage them to eat quite a bit. Their fast metabolisms and active lifestyles keep them at low risk for becoming overweight, despite their large appetites.
These robust cats are extroverted, energetic, and animated. They thrive on attention and try to capture it with clownish behavior and some degree of begging when necessary. The Sphynx breed is a highly adaptable one and these cats do well in all different sorts of home environments, including with children and other pets. They may, however, pester more mellow cats and dogs.
These cats are sometimes said to be hypoallergenic because of their relative hairlessness. However, people have an allergic response to a cat's dander, or dead skin cells, and not to their hair. These cats, like all other mammals, shed dander.
Sphynx cats are incredibly devoted, eagerly following their humans around and wagging their tails much like dogs. But it's not all flattery, because it's not just affection they're after-they want attention. These cats need frequent interaction, and they can become lonely or depressed when they feel isolated or ignored. If they are to be left alone a lot, the ideal solution is to have another Sphynx around for a playmate and to cuddle up with. A pair tends to bond strongly and stick together. Otherwise, another active cat or dog will do.
This is an unusually adaptable, friendly, and extroverted cat breed. They don't mind commotion, and even enjoy taking part in it. Sphynx cats won't hesitate to greet newcomers as soon as the front door opens. They'll immediately set out to show these unfamiliar humans what they can do.
These cats operate at two speeds: top and stop. They are gifted acrobats with plenty of energy to burn and a playfully mischievous streak. When they decide playtime is over, they immediately head for a lap, a patch of sun beaming through a window, or another warm place to snuggle up. When in relaxation mode, they are quite loving and happily purr as they are petted.
Sphynx cats have particularly high metabolisms that encourage them to eat quite a bit. Their fast metabolisms and active lifestyles keep them at low risk for becoming overweight, despite their large appetites. They naturally have a slight potbelly appearance that is not necessarily a sign of excess body weight. Any cat can become overweight or obese, though, which is a significant health concern. Adult females should typically weigh 7 to 9 pounds and full-grown males should generally average 8 to 10 pounds.
There is a genetic predisposition in this breed to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the most common cause of feline heart disease. Hereditary myopathy, a fatal condition inhibiting muscle function, is also a hereditary but rare concern in Sphynx cats.
These cats may develop various skin problems, especially when grooming isn't performed adequately to control oil buildup. Sphynx cats are also prone to urticaria pigmentosa and other types of cutaneous mastocytosis, conditions that cause skin lesions and itchiness.
These cats don't have much trouble amusing themselves, always being eager to jump, climb, run, and perform other feats of physicality. Still, they require a good deal of attention and interaction. They love to play fetch or games that simulate hunting, and they always appreciate a tall cat tree to scale and puzzle toys to challenge their sharp intellect.
Because they don't have a thick coat to hold in body heat, Sphynx cats tend to get cold a little more easily than other cats. This is one reason they're eager to curl up in a lap, in their human's bed, or on top of an appliance that gives off heat. They should have access to warm places.
These cats are likely to get into all sorts of trouble outdoors, where many potentially fatal dangers lurk. For this reason, they should be kept inside. In addition, Sphynx cats are especially sensitive to the sun's rays and develop sunburn easily, strengthening the case for keeping these cats in the house. If they do go outside, a feline sunblock should be applied over their body.
Sphynx cats might not have much in the way of hair, but they still require grooming. In fact, these cats are a bit higher maintenance than most other breeds. Without fur to absorb the oils naturally produced by their skin, these cats can become quite oily, and this oil can easily rub off on furniture, human hands, and other surfaces in the home. When left unchecked, it may also produce a sticky film over their body.
A quick rubdown with a damp sponge removes excess oil. Some Sphynx cats need this care daily, while less oily individuals may only need it every few days. A full bath once every one to four weeks is also necessary to keep pores unclogged and overall oiliness to a minimum. Breeders introduce Sphynx kittens to bathing from an early age, and owners should continue frequent bathing from the time of acquisition so the cat becomes accepting of the practice.
Sphynx ears produce a good deal of wax and they tend to accumulate dust, dirt, and debris quickly. Their ears should be cleaned frequently with cotton balls and a gentle cleanser formulated for feline ears. Foul ear odor, redness, swelling, or discharge point to an ear infection and warrant a visit to the veterinarian's office. Their teeth should be brushed daily to protect them from periodontal disease, which these cats are genetically prone to developing.
There have been a few known hairless cats around the world over the past century or so, but as a breed, the Sphynx is relatively new. The first Sphynx was born to a pair of domestic shorthair cats in Toronto, Canada in 1966, the result of a spontaneous natural genetic mutation, which occurs with some regularity among felines.
A breeder named Ryadh Bawa acquired the parents of that first Sphynx and started developing the breed. The Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) soon granted New Breed and Color status. However, it was revoked in 1971 when infertility problems in the bloodline came to light. By 1980, this bloodline was completely abandoned and does not figure in to today's breed.
Today's Sphynx truly began in Minnesota in 1975, when Milt and Ethelyn Pearson's farm cat gave birth to a hairless kitten. A year later, this kitten, named Epidermis, had a hairless sibling named Dermis. Oregon-based breeder Kim Mueske acquired these kittens and used them as the foundation for the Sphynx breed. The Sphynx has since been intermittently bred with Rexes, American Shorthairs, and other furrier breeds to keep the gene pool healthy.
Thanks to their exotic looks, these cats have become enormously popular, so much so that most breeders have waiting lists for Sphynx kittens. In 2002, the CFA recognized the Sphynx breed for Championship status.
