Sphynx cat

• Sphynx Cat Size: Medium to large, up to 35cm shoulder height
• Classification: Hairless cat
• Color: All colors
• Body care: You have to be careful that she doesn’t get too cold. You can also protect her from the sun by using a special sunscreen.
• Character: Affectionate, loving, self-confident, intelligent
• Sphynx Cat Origin: Canada
• Weight: Up to 4kg (male), up to 7kg (female)
• Eyes: Large, lemon-shaped eyes, angled towards the outer edge of the ear.
• Life expectancy: 10 to 16 years
• Nutrition: Species-appropriate food with a high meat content.

Sphynx Cat origin and history

The Sphynx cat originally came about through a mutation of a kitten from a normal house cat – but its special appearance immediately captivated breeders around the world. Apparently, the early Aztecs kept hairless cats, and researchers also believe they can see possible ancestors of the Sphynx cat in some portraits from the early 20th century. But it was only when the hairless kitten was born in 1966 that it became official: not every cat has fur! Just a few years later, in 1971, the Sphynx was recognized as a cat breed. To this day, it is bred all over the world, but in Germany there are very strict regulations: since cruel breeding is prohibited here, a bred Sphynx must meet certain criteria.

If, for example, the whiskers are missing, it is assumed in Germany that the cat has been cruelly bred, since these are an essential sensory organ of the animal, of which it is only deprived through breeding.

Character

The Sphynx cat is one of the most loving cat breeds there is! It likes to focus on one person and can then become extremely affectionate. At the same time, however, it is also very intelligent and likes to be challenged by challenging toys. It loves warmth: Therefore, if possible, you should offer it a sunny windowsill or something similar where it can let the sun shine on its belly. Loneliness is not good for the social kitten! In general, keeping it alone is not recommended, unless it is an extremely intolerant cat or it is chronically ill. So if you are getting a cat or are thinking about getting one, it is best to get two of the cuddly cats at once.

The Sphynx cat requires very little care, you just have to make sure that it doesn’t get cold. Therefore, it should always be able to stay in well-heated indoor rooms. If it is in the sun for a long time, you can protect its skin with a special sun cream. A heat lamp also helps, especially in winter. Cold drafts or heavily air-conditioned rooms are not for the Sphynx cat: it can quickly become ill here!

Important: Due to their lack of fur, hairless cats lose body heat more quickly, which they compensate for by consuming more energy. This is why they need a little more food than their fluffy counterparts.

The appearance of the Sphynx cat

Apart from being hairless, the Sphynx has a few other visual characteristics that make it a very graceful cat. It is delicate and graceful. Sphynx legs are medium-length, and its hind legs are a little longer than its front legs. Its strong chin, square-pointed head and large, lemon-shaped eyes may make its look seem a little stern at first. Its ears are large and pointed. It does not necessarily have to be one color: some species have dark, large spots all over their bodies or are otherwise patterned. The variety of eye colors also gives breeders some leeway, so every Sphynx cat looks a little different. Incidentally, wrinkles are desirable for the Sphynx – especially between the ears and on the neck.

Are there any breed-specific diseases in the Sphynx cat?

Although these cats may seem sick to some, they are simply furless and very robust cats . There is actually no reliable information that suggests that these cats are more likely to have a hereditary disease. There are only two things to watch out for: they must not get cold or lie in the sun for too long, even if they may like to do this.

How do you care ?

Since Sphynx cats have no fur, or at most a light down, they obviously do not need to be brushed. However, they must be protected from hypothermia or sunburn. In winter, you can help the cats by giving them a warm place directly on the radiator (with a hammock) or in front of the stove. You can also get the cats used to wearing a thin sweater. This does need training, but is not a problem for Sphynx cats, as they are very people-oriented and intelligent . Of course, the cats also protect themselves: they eat more than cats with fur to compensate for the heat loss through their skin.