Sphynx

Weight: 8 - 10 pounds
Life span: 15 - 20 years
CFA rank: 7

Breed History | Background:

This rare breed is easily identified for its seemingly lack of hair.
Regarded as a natural mutation, the origins of the Sphynx date back to 1966 when a domestic cat gave birth to a hairless kitten in Toronto, Canada.
The current American and European versions of this breed are descendants of two lines of natural mutations found in Toronto and Minnesota.
The Sphynx was accepted into the miscellaneous class by the CFA in 1998 and earned championship status in 2002.
Acceptable standards for the Sphynx differ among the major cat breed registries.

Cat Look:

Looks like a feline alien with its nearly hairless body, pixie face, oversized, batty ears, potbelly and wrinkled skin.
What this breed lacks in hair, it makes up with a strong, medium-sized frame, well-developed muscle, beckoning big eyes, and a friendly expression.
Not truly hairless, this breed’s skin feels like warm Chamois leather and is lightly dusted with soft, fine down nearly impossible to see.
Whiskers and eyebrows may be visible or completely absent in this breed.
Its skin comes in different colors with common cat marking patterns, including solid, point, van, tabby and tortoiseshell.

Behavioral concerns:

Extremely friendly, intelligent and outgoing.
Seeks the spotlight and revels in being playfully mischievous. Can be purposely clumsy to get your attention.
Has a high-energy level and very curious.
When sleepy, a Sphynx heads for a warm place, usually under the covers.
Keep this breed indoors or supervise when outside for safety reasons.

Grooming:

Daily sponging is recommended because the skin produces natural oils that can leave oily spots where they lie – like your prized sofa.
Ears need to be cleaned weekly.
At cat shows, it is common to see Sphynx up for contention being toted around inside polar-fleece bags by their breeders to keep them warm.
Limit this breed’s exposure to the sun because its skin can become sunburned.

Suggested Nutritional Needs:

This breed has a high metabolism and needs to eat more than most “hairy” cat breeds to maintain a healthy weight.
Serve quality commercial diet that contains a balance of protein and fats.

Medical conditions seen:

Fun Facts:

Popular nicknamed associated with this breed is “Love Mooch.” Also known as Canadian Hairless.
In the popular Austin Powers movies, Mr. Bigglesworth was played by two Sphynx cats, Ted Nude-gent and Mel Gibskin. Mr. Bigglesworth was Dr. Evil’s adored cat.
Common misconception is that this breed is hypoallergenic due to its lack of coat.

Glossary