The mysterious sphinxes of ancient Egypt come to mind when you hear the name of this cat breed. It was in Egypt that cats were considered sacred animals with the same rights as humans. By calling the breed of hairless cats Sphynxes, people probably wanted to emphasize their special position among cats.
Sphynx cat description and features, origin, pros and cons, nature of the breed, characteristics
Sphynxes are a breed of cats without hair. There are several types of sphinxes:
— Canadian;
- Donskoy;
- Petersburg.
From the names of the breeds it is clear that the Canadian Sphynx appeared in Canada, and the other two breeds - the Don and St. Petersburg Sphynxes - in Russia.
The character of the Sphinx is characterized by energy, intelligence and good nature. Cats are very attached to their owners and do not leave them even a step. They remind me of little curious children. If they are spoiled they can become unbearable.
Diseases of Sphynx cats in the form of hematomas, symptoms, rashes, allergies
Sphynxes, especially naked ones, have sensitive digestion and are prone to various allergic reactions. They need high-quality hypoallergenic food. Acne may occur in a pet due to increased oily skin.
First, black dots appear, which can form abscesses. It is necessary to monitor the hygiene of the skin of sphinxes daily, wiping with special wet wipes for animals or with a damp, clean cloth and decoctions of anti-inflammatory herbs (chamomile, string, oak bark, etc.).
Sphynx cat care and maintenance, price and where to buy
Your pet's eyes, ears, claws, teeth and skin require care. He's like Small child who will never become independent and will always depend on you. The ears are wiped once a week and examined daily. Brush your teeth, wipe your eyes and skin daily. Nails are trimmed once every 2 or 3 weeks.
You can buy a Sphynx at a nursery. The cost of a pet class kitten is about 15 thousand rubles, a brad class kitten will cost about 40 thousand rubles, a show class kitten will cost up to 100 thousand rubles. You can buy an animal in your hands without documents cheaper, but no one will give you any guarantees regarding the health and behavior of the future pet.
The bald Sphynx cat is overgrown with hair, why and what to do
The Don Sphynx can be of three types:
- without wool;
— flock and velor;
- brush.
Naked kittens remain that way. Flock and velor animals are born covered with a thin fluff, which falls out with age. Brush kittens have longer, curlier fur. It can fall out by the age of 2, or it can remain for life.
The hairless Sphynx cat where it came from and how it was bred
The Petersburg Sphynx or Peterbald was first recognized as a breed in St. Petersburg. It was obtained at the end of the last century as a result of crossing the Don Sphynx and an Oriental cat.
The origin story of the Don Sphynx begins with a stray kitten, which was picked up by a resident of Krasnoyarsk on the streets of Rostov-on-Don. The kitten turned out to be a cat whose fur began to fall out with age; treatment did not lead to anything. The cat gave birth to offspring that inherited the mother's hairlessness. Felinologist Elena Nemykina became interested in breeding the breed. And in 1996, a new breed was recognized - the Don Sphynx.
The history of the Canadian Sphynx is more ancient; it began in the sixties of the last century. An ordinary cat gave birth to a hairless kitten. They named him Prune. Numerous offspring were obtained from him, among which were hairless kittens.
Do Sphynx cats stink, are they angry or not, do they need to be washed every day
Healthy Sphynx cats do not stink. If it comes from the animal's body bad smell, she needs to be shown to a veterinarian.
You cannot wash your cat every day; it will develop skin problems. You can do a morning rubdown with a damp towel - this is good for the hygiene and health of the animal.
Sphynxes are good-natured, they are friends not only with their owners, but also with other pets who live with them in the same apartment. Aggression may occur if the animal is in severe pain or fear. But this reaction is typical not only for sphinxes.
Sphynx cat body temperature
The Sphynx's body temperature is the same as that of an ordinary cat, about 38 degrees. The cat's body is hot to the touch due to the lack of fur. Typically, sphinxes do not freeze at room temperatures above 18 degrees, but they prefer to find a warm place to sleep, for example, under the owner’s blanket.
The article pays attention to the characteristics of this breed, and also presents its characteristics with answers to all frequently asked questions, including...
Hairless Sphynx cats are unique creatures that come from antiquity. A person who sees a hairless cat for the first time is in some shock. After all, we are used to the fact that cats are cute and fluffy lumps from which animals with beautiful fur grow.
At the moment there are three such unique breeds in the world. This:
- Canadian Sphynx
- Don Sphynx
- peter-bold.
But the most famous breed is the Canadian Sphynx. It has been around for about 40 years. But more recently, these cats have become much more popular.
Sphynx cat breed description and origin
Where does the mention of antiquity come from? It is said that the Aztecs had hairless cats. This breed was once called the Mexican Hairless. This breed could be found at the very first cat shows in the world. These exhibitions were held in the United States in the early 20th century. But alas, this breed disappeared in the thirties, leaving no offspring behind.
Of course, one cannot call the Sphynx a purebred Mexican hairless, since the breed still has a number of differences. Mexican cats differed from Sphynx cats in a number of ways:
- long body
- wedge-shaped head
- amber eyes
- very long mustache
Modern sphinxes do not have mustaches by definition.
Mexican hairless cats were covered with hair on their backs and tails in the winter, and the hair disappeared in the summer.
At the moment, the mutations are still unknown. Modern sphinxes are also different from those that once lived before. Now their appearance is more European. These are unique porcelain figurines. And once upon a time, sphinxes looked like funny, wrinkled gnomes throughout their lives.
Many people date the origin of the breed to 1966. In Canada, one cat gave birth to kittens. One of them was without fur. After some time, he was crossed with his mother. Both normal and hairless kittens appeared in the litter again. The owners decided to crossbreed other relatives with the discoverer as long as this was possible. This is how the sphinxes turned out. But, alas, people were unable to understand genetics. Some people tied hairlessness to gender. This opinion is erroneous, since both boys and girls were born naked. Someone noticed the special demands of these unique kittens. Unfortunately, hairless cats died much faster than conventional breeds.
What were the nurseries doing at this time? They also made mistakes in breeding this breed.
There is another story. In 1975, in Wadena, another hairless kitten was born from an ordinary cat. Then a hairless cat was born in the same place. These creatures were sent to a nursery. The cat became the founder of the entire breed.
Another case was recorded in the late 70s. Three hairless kittens were found in Toronto. Two girls and one boy. Unfortunately, the boy was in a very sad state. His eye is leaking and his testicles are too damaged. He needed urgent surgery. Therefore, the kitten could not become the founder. But he distinguished himself in his own way. The kitten was named Bambi. He became the record holder for the number of years lived among all hairless cats. Bambi lived for 19 years.
To support the birth of Sphynxes, people decided to cross them with Devon Rexes. There is some truth to this, because appearance and the type of this breed is very similar to sphinxes. And this decision became significant.
Canadian Sphynx cats
It should be understood that the Canadian Sphynx is not just a hairless cat. This is just the main quality of the breed by which people recognize it. But those who understand the cat family a little more know other main signs of sphinxes, relating to:
- head type
- housing
- character
The Sphynx is a smooth, graceful, and somewhat magical creature. The gracefulness of movement, the front legs are slightly curved, the belly is similar to a pear, the tail is curled into a donut and slightly pressed to the side distinguish the Sphynx from another breed.
The Canadian Sphynx has ears that are wide at the base and simply large. The tips of the ears are rounded. The ears are set neither high nor low. The eye shape resembles a lemon.
Their skin is quite thick and elastic. And there are folds on the head, neck, stomach, and quite a bit on the body.
The hind legs of sphinxes are always longer than the front ones. This is why many people note the originality of their gait.
When stroking a cat, the body resembles suede. There is barely noticeable fluff on the nose, behind the ears, and rarely on the tip of the tail and paws. But even here you should know some nuances. From time to time, sphinxes still have fur. Causes:
- estrus
- pregnancy
- lactation
- poor nutrition
- low temperature in the house.
How to care for the Canadian Sphynx? What should you expect from this unique and graceful animal? Let's try to figure it out further.
If you think that due to their uniqueness, sphinxes are very demanding in our time, then you are mistaken.
Nutrition
At this point, the sphinxes will definitely please their owners. These cats are omnivores. Sphynxes are never too spoiled; they will happily eat whatever their owner offers. The reason for this ideal behavior- increased metabolism due to high temperature and lack of wool.
If your Sphynx greedily grabs pieces of food and swallows it, do not think about feeding your pet more often. This is a feature of the breed.
Of course, you should not feed your Sphynx only canned or dry food. What is important here is a combination that provides all the necessary vitamins to the animal. Do not forget that any food should, first of all, be of high quality.
Unusual details from the daily life of sphinxes
When choosing this animal for your home, you must be prepared for the fact that your things will not always look perfect. This is especially true for those things that the Sphynx will love. The reason is simple - these cats sweat and get dirty. A light brown coating is released through their skin. For the Sphynx, this coating is important because it protects the skin. But if you notice that your pet has begun to sweat too often, then you should reconsider its diet.
If the discharge is not too abundant, then the animal’s skin needs to be wiped occasionally. Baby wipes are perfect for this purpose.
Sphynx kittens
This is a cute and playful dinosaur. Looking at the creature for the first time, many people get scared. But literally after a few minutes they sincerely fall in love with this miracle.
Caring for your baby does not require anything special from you.
You must understand that the kitten can be mischievous and naughty in your absence. Therefore, he should be taught from the moment he settles into his new home. As a rule, it takes the sphinx baby 1 day to settle down.
The kittens happily play and run around the house. The kitten noticeably matures when it is 5-6 months old.
If you have lost sight of your playful baby, look up. He will happily jump onto the far cabinet.
When choosing a kitten, remember that the less hair he has now, the more hairless he will be in the future. Babies' eyes open literally on the 3-4th day. The ears are hanging, literally in 3 weeks they will stand up. The Sphynx kitten easily gets along in the house with adults, children, other cats and even dogs.
Don Sphynx cats
The breed first appeared in Rostov-on-Don in 1986.
The character of this breed is no different from the Canadian Sphynx. They are just as kind, cheerful and not picky. These animals simply adore people. But the main thing is that they are in good health. Of course, you should choose an animal not at the bird market.
Don Sphynxes are partially dressed in fur. Therefore, you can choose such a pet.
Features of the structure:
- the average size
- dense bone structure
- muscular body
- long graceful paws
All these features are generally no different from the Canadian Sphynxes. As for the muzzle, here you will notice:
- pronounced cheekbones and eyebrows
- almond-shaped eyes
- bunny ears.
They say that the Sphynx has a very positive effect on the body of its owner. How is this possible? This unique animal has healing energy and a very strong positive biofield. Therefore, some people equate the Don sphinxes with creatures of an alien nature. The view is appropriate and the opportunities are unique.
Don Sphynx kittens
How do Don Sphynx kittens differ from Canadian ones? How not to make a mistake in choosing?
These babies are born with short, bristly fur. By the age of two, it completely disappears. But Canadian Sphynx cats still have fur in some places.
Otherwise, they develop and grow in the same way as Sphynx kittens.
The sale takes place when the babies are 2-3 months old.
By the way, sphinxes do not have eyelashes. Therefore, from a very young age, you should wipe your eyes with a cotton pad every day to prevent mucus from accumulating. Otherwise, conjunctivitis or another eye disease may appear.
It is convenient to buy a Don Sphynx kitten for a family where there are people prone to allergies. But this particular breed is distinguished by its hypoallergenicity. Don Sphynxes will definitely find children with children mutual language. There are situations when a baby chooses only one owner from the family. Now he will give him all his affection, and also trust him with the most intimate things.
Prices for Sphynx kittens
Let us remind you again. You should not buy an animal at a poultry market or from other people. The fact is that you will not be given any guarantee about your health status. On average, the cost ranges from 10 thousand to 15 thousand rubles. Rarely will you find a Sphynx kitten for 30 or 50 thousand rubles. The reason for this inflated cost lies in the champion parents. That's why their kittens are worth their weight in gold. If you take your baby to a nursery, you will be provided with not only everything necessary documents and pedigree, but will also receive the necessary vaccinations in advance. After all, this is a future member of your family. Therefore, if he feels good, then happiness and joy will reign in the house.
Sphynx cats are perhaps the most unusual representatives of the domestic cat kingdom. They seem to be some kind of alien creatures. There are many misconceptions about them that need to be addressed.
Sphynxes - Egyptian cats
In mythology, the sphinx is a monster with the body of a lion and the face and breasts of a woman. The most famous statue is the Great Sphinx. According to the definition of Titus Flavius, a Roman scientist and writer, egyptian sphinx- a symbol of strength and intelligence: the lion’s body denotes strength, human face- mind. The sphinx needs both strength and intelligence to guard pyramids and temples full of treasures. Contrary to the associative opinion that sphinx cats came from Egypt, the first mention of them appeared among the Aztecs. They were called Mexican hairless cats.
An interesting fact: for most of the year they were indeed bald, but with the onset of cold weather they grew overgrown with fur, which they then “shed” during the warming period. There were also references to hairless cats - participants in cat shows of the 20s, but the last pair of animals, unfortunately, did not leave offspring. In the 1930s, hairless cats were reported from France, Morocco and the United States. French professor-biologist E. Letard registered hairless kittens born from a pair of Siamese cats and described a mutation caused by the h gene.
All sphinxes are equally hairless
The first modern hairless kitten was born to a Canadian cat in 1966. The breeders became interested in the original cat and did everything possible to continue the breed. And in the late 80s the first naked cat was born in Rostov-on-Don, becoming the founder of the Don sphinx family.
At the same time, St. Petersburg felinologists developed the Peterbald breed, independently of their Rostov colleagues. All three varieties have not only external, but also emotional differences. The Canadian Sphynxes are considered the calmest and friendliest, distinguished by their rounded ears and smooth lines. The Don Sphynx has a more elongated and sharply defined muzzle, while Peterbalds are distinguished by the greatest sophistication, huge ears and elongated proportions.
In addition, each breed has acceptable coat options - from completely bald “rubber” cats without mustaches and eyebrows to those covered with hair. different lengths fully or partially. It's funny that at first they tried to treat the first-born Sphynx cubs for lichen, until they realized that the lack of hair is normal feature their bodies.
The Sphynx differs from a fluffy cat only in appearance
The body temperature of adult Sphynx dogs can reach 39 degrees. They love to sleep under a blanket next to their owner - they warm themselves. This same feature is responsible for the rapid flow colds and excellent appetite - the Sphynx's metabolism is much faster than that of cats of other breeds. If the room in which the sphinx lives is too well heated, and the temperature in it exceeds 20-25 degrees, brown, waxy sweat appears on the animal’s body. However, the latter can be easily wiped off with a damp cloth.
The skin of sphinxes is quite dense, which simplifies the injection procedure during treatment. It will be quite easy to give an injection to a “naked” animal. Due to the specific features skin, sphinxes are shown short-term sunbathing, but in no case leave your pet for a long time under the scorching midday rays - the skin of these cats burns faster than that of a person. Most Sphynx cats love to bathe, but you should choose detergents from the gentle children's category.
Sphinxes are exotic, which means they have character
Despite their frightening appearance for most, sphinxes are distinguished by their friendly character and high degree socialization. This is an animal that is directly contraindicated from being alone for a long time. Many breeders notice “canine” character traits in their pets - incredible loyalty, sociability and trainability.
The Sphinx is one of the few cats that will respond and come running when they hear their name, not because you are holding a piece of sausage in your hands, but simply because you called. In addition, these cats are similar to humans - they have natural toes on their paws, and sphinxes prefer to sleep under a blanket, with their heads on a pillow. The Sphinx puts itself on the same level as its owner, preferring equal relationships rather than the royal behavior inherent in cats.
The Sphynx is difficult to care for
Thanks to their enviable metabolism, Sphynx cats have an excellent appetite and a complete lack of pickiness. But there are also pitfalls here - unlike the usual breeds of cats, the Sphynx rarely leaves the bowl half empty, so you need to feed it in portions and very carefully to prevent overeating.
Particular attention should be paid to the animal's ears - increased secretion provokes plaque accumulation faster than in an ordinary cat. Some veterinarians, not knowing the specifics of the breed, begin to treat the cat for ear mite, so be careful and warn your doctor about the characteristics of your pet that you know. Otherwise, the Sphynx is much easier to care for and maintain than long-haired cats. It does not leave wool on clothes and is highly clean.
Weak immunity and health
Elongated proportions, curved front legs and lack of hair create the impression of a gentle and defenseless creature, including against viruses and infections. Add here the stereotype about good health mongrel cats and the weaknesses of purebred cats, and get the myth that with a Sphynx you will not leave the veterinarian's office. In fact, the immunity of the sphinx is in no way inferior to the immunity of the yard Vaska, and even vice versa. Fever helps the body quickly cope with viruses and infections. Even if the Sphynx has a cold, he will recover fairly quickly. Don’t be afraid to give your pet physical activity - playing with a fishing rod, balls and in cat complexes will strengthen the body and help maintain the health of the Sphynx.
Sphynx is a hypoallergenic cat
Many allergy sufferers who dream of having a pet at home opt for Sphynx cats, arguing that they have no fur. In fact, the main cause of cat allergies is not fur, but an allergenic protein found in saliva, sebaceous gland secretions and particles of the animal's epidermis. Symptoms may be reduced because the Sphynx grooms herself less often and does not leave allergens along with her fur throughout the apartment, but this does not mean that the reaction will be completely absent.
If you decide to get a bald pet and are convinced that the reaction to it is not as intense as to fluffy cats, remember a few simple rules. First, intact males produce more allergen than castrated males. Secondly, dark cats produce significantly more allergens than light cats. And thirdly, cats produce more allergens than cats. In fact, no breed of cat is confirmed to be hypoallergenic, so you need to select a pet individually.
Hairless cats are unique animals. They are often turned on by creative individuals, as well as lovers of spiritual practices. Because of their unusual appearance and character traits, they give the impression that they are endowed with mystical properties. Their body lines resemble a figurine, and their magical gaze can lead one to believe that they are alien creatures.
Origin story
It’s not for nothing that sphinxes have such a name - they in ancient documents a hairless cat breed was mentioned. The Egyptians deified them and decorated ancient writings and temple walls with their images. Breeders, noticing the amazing similarity of hairless animals with Egyptian designs, gave the breed this name.
The first appearance of such an exotic animal was recorded in America at the beginning of the twentieth century, after which they disappeared. And only in 1966 in Canada this kind was resumed with the birth of a hairless kitten from an ordinary cat. This species did not receive recognition because the kittens got sick and died.
In 1975, in Minnesota, an ordinary gray cat gave birth to a hairless cat, and a year later she also gave birth to a hairless cat. They are the founders of the elite breed, but the official recognition of sphinxes occurred only in the 90s.
In 1987, a hairless cat was born in Rostov-on-Don, which gave birth to kittens with a recessive gene. This is how it appeared Don Sphynx breed. In 1994, in St. Petersburg, as a result of crossing the Don Sphynx and a short-haired Oriental cat, a very common breed appeared - the Petersburg.
Description of the Sphynx breed
The Sphynx cat breed is distinguished by well-developed muscles, which are covered with bald, delicate skin. The small head has huge locator ears and slightly slanted eyes. The animal's body temperature is so high that many owners prefer to take their pet to bed, using it as a heating pad. Adults they can reach 30–40 cm in height and weigh about 5 kg. The color of these animals can be different: white, purple, tortoiseshell, cream, blue, chocolate, black.
There are currently three types of Sphynx breed:
- Canadian;
- Don;
- Petersburg
They have external differences.
Canadian Sphynx is a medium-sized animal with highly wrinkled skin, which is covered with soft down. The cat is distinguished by huge ears and large slanted eyes.
Don Sphynx- the largest in size, with large ears with rounded tips, small eyes set obliquely, elastic skin with folds on the neck, head, groin and armpits.
the most elegant, characterized by thin and long limbs, large pointed ears, excess "suede" skin and almond-shaped green or blue eyes.
Canadian cats are covered with a very thin layer of fur that resembles a fuzzy peach skin. Among the St. Petersburg and Don representatives you can find both hairy and hairless individuals.
Character
At first glance, Sphynx cats evoke an ambiguous feeling. However, one has only to touch the animal’s velvet cover and look into its expressive huge eyes, and the heart of its future owner will be struck on the spot. Such cats have very affectionate and flexible nature, which affects a person with a manifestation of intellectual activity, which is why they are easy to train and expose simple methods education.
Sphynx cats are absolutely non-aggressive, despite the fact that they are extremely cautious. Thanks to their friendliness, these animals never take offense at their owners and never take revenge on them. They love children very much, allowing them to do anything: carry themselves upside down or draw on their bodies.
The cheerfulness and playfulness of Sphynx cats greatly appeals to young family members. And thanks to their increased intelligence, pets often play hide and seek with children and win against them. Fearlessness and courage are characteristic features of hairless cats. They love to bathe, so when the owner rubs their skin between the folds or pours water on them from the shower, it gives them real pleasure.
Sphynx cats prefer to sleep in a warm and enclosed space, so they choose a place to sleep at night on the bed, next to their owner, laying their head directly on the pillow. Many owners buy for animals separate warm house, in which they sleep with pleasure. In winter, cats of this breed should be insulated special clothing, because during the cold period they freeze very much.
The Sphynx cat becomes very attached to one of the family members. He tries to be close to his pet all the time and has a very hard time with his absence, especially if it is long-term. To relieve him of stress, it is recommended to get another animal. Thanks to their innate sociability, sphinxes easily find a common language with any animal.
Nutritional Features
Sphynx cats are not too picky about feeding. They can eat green peas and fresh tomatoes. By nature, these are real gluttons and owners should adhere to certain rules. IN otherwise symptoms of obesity or disorder digestive system will appear pretty soon. Cats should be fed 3-4 times a day, giving Special attention food rich in vitamins. Every day an animal needs 200 grams of protein, and half as much carbohydrates.
If the owner feeds his pet with ready-made food, then for these purposes it is worth purchasing high-quality dry or canned premium products. Fish products should be limited in the Sphynx diet or given boiled once a week. The following products are strictly prohibited for these animals:
- potato.
Sphinxes benefit greatly from rice and buckwheat porridge, especially with the addition of a spoon vegetable oil. The menu is based on dairy products, but sweet, fatty and fried foods should be excluded.
- raw or boiled lamb and beef;
- raw minced chicken giblets.
Cottage cheese is a welcome dairy product, but milk itself should be given only to kittens, gradually reducing its presence in the diet until it disappears completely. Milk is contraindicated for adult animals. The diet should also include fresh vegetables and fruits.
Features of care
The physiological characteristics of Sphynx cats require additional care for the folds and ears, and all other parts of the body also require careful care.
Ears
Body skin
Every day, the skin of the animal’s body should be wiped with a damp cloth, straightening out all the folds. Since the Sphynx cat does not have hair, its body can secrete wax-like protection. Such discharge often indicates that there are problems in the body's metabolic process. Animals should be bathed as they become dirty, especially since they enjoy this procedure. Conduct water procedures should be three hours after eating.
Eyes
Cats' eyes also need to be looked after every day because they do not have eyelashes to protect them from dirt and debris. Palpebral fissures should be rinsed with purified water, carefully examining the area around the eye. If redness or swelling is detected, accompanied by purulent discharge, then the help of a specialist is necessary.
Tooth and claw
To clean puppies' teeth, you need to use a gauze swab, which is soaked in plantain infusion and wrapped around your finger. For adults It is recommended to purchase a special toothpaste and toothbrush. You can also use hard food products that are designed to clean the tooth surface.
Sphinx claws require more than just a sharpener. They should be trimmed periodically. The first time this procedure should be carried out by a veterinarian.
Thus, Sphynx cats are very affectionate animals that are not capable of aggression. They become very attached to their owner and have a hard time being separated from him. They love children and often play with them. With careful care, they can live up to 20 years.
Sphinx photo | Dreamstime.com
basic information
Estimation of breed characteristics
Adaptability A definition that refers to how easily a cat can adapt to changes in life. |
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Shedding level Level and frequency of hair loss in an animal. |
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Level of tenderness The level and amount of tenderness and affection that a cat gives in return for attention to itself. |
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Social need The required amount of contact between a cat and other animals, as well as people. |
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Grooming Number of baths, brushing, and required amount professional grooming sessions required by the cat. |
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Friendliness in an unfamiliar environment Peculiarities of cat behavior in society with strangers or in an unfamiliar environment. |
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Health issues The cat's potential health status. |
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Intelligence A cat's ability to think and solve emerging difficulties. |
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Child Friendly A factor that determines how friendly a cat is to children, whether it likes to play with them and tolerate some children's pranks. |
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Gaming activity The concept is defined by its very name, and, as a rule, occurs in almost all cats. |
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Dog Friendly The tendency of a cat to find a common language with a dog. |
Brief description of the breed
Sphynxes are medium-sized cats weighing from 3 to 6 kilograms. These pets love attention from their owner and family members, so they love to follow loved ones. Sphinxes require attention, so they will do everything to force the owner to communicate. This craving for human communication has become the reason for the use of cats of this breed in therapy.If the Sphinx does not have enough attention, he will do everything to correct the situation. Unfortunately, this will most often result in bad behavior. These pets love various logic games and toys. Thus, sphinxes belong to the group very social cats. Sphinxes are also not averse to being stroked and caressed; they will happily sleep in the same bed with their owner.
If you are a very busy person or your work involves traveling, then it is better to choose another one that is less attached to the owner and is not so demanding on communication. Otherwise, the pet will be in a constant state of stress and depression, which, of course, will inevitably lead to bad behavior animal, and may also affect its health.
If you leave your cat alone for the whole day, then another pet, not necessarily even of the same breed, will be a rescue option for the Sphynx. These animals love company, so they will be able to get along with other pets. It should be understood that such a pet must also show interest in other animals. In other words, it is necessary to compare the character of two pets. For example, under no circumstances should you leave a Caucasian Shepherd Dog and a Sphynx alone; friendship is unlikely to develop between these animals.
Photo of the Sphinx:
Pictures of dog breeds | Dreamstime.com
History of the Sphinx
Unlike many ancient cat breeds, the history of the Sphynx is completely known, there is no dark spots. Hairless sphinxes are shining example a cat breed that arose by chance. A genetic mutation led to the birth of a hairless kitten, who was given the nickname "Elizabeth". A hairless black and white cat was born in Toronto. The owner of such a strange kitten found the pet’s appearance not just unusual, but very attractive, so she set out to breed more kittens like her.
Active attempts to select hairless cats began in the seventies of the last century. The reason for the birth of kittens without hair was a recessive gene. Therefore, both hairless and furry kittens were born in the same litter. At that time, many believed that such experiments would negatively affect animals, because a genetic mutation, be that as it may, is a deviation. However, no other abnormalities other than the absence of hair appeared.
Initially, hairless cats began to be called Canadian hairless cats, but eventually they settled on a more original name, which was assigned to the breed - Sphynx. This name comes from the fact that many Egyptian cat sculptures resemble the modern Sphynx. The breed was subsequently recognized by the American Cat Fanciers Association and the International Cat Owners Association.
Sphinx character
Sphinxes are distinguished by their suspicion of everything unfamiliar. They are lively and extremely active, and can entertain themselves for hours on end. Many cats of this breed love to play fetch or simply chase a toy or their owner. Their lively nature is often a source of fun for the whole family. One of the distinctive features of this breed is not only the absence of hair, but also a characteristic sitting position, reminiscent of the famous giant sculpture of the Sphinx in Egypt.
Cats of this breed do not really like to be carried in arms or caressed too actively, although they adore tenderness. But they really love to sit on the lap of their owner or other family members. For this they are often called “Velcro”. Sphinxes are characterized by a desire to climb various items furniture or household appliances, for example, on a computer, refrigerator or mezzanine. The curiosity of Sphynx cats can become potentially dangerous to their health. This is why it is not recommended for long time leave the animal unattended in a room where there are electrical appliances, heaters, etc. turned on.
Despite the fact that Sphynxes are a hairless cat breed. Still, they require as much attention (in terms of care) as other breeds, and maybe even more. The skin of these pets should be sufficiently moisturized and soft. This can be easily achieved with the help of special lotions and oils, which can be purchased in specialized stores, or better yet, from a veterinarian.
Sphynxes are bathed on average 2 times a month using a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner special for this breed. You can also use regular baby shampoo. If you teach a kitten to bathe from childhood, then the pet will take baths with pleasure and without whims. It is recommended to use baby wipes between baths.
Don't forget about the need for regular teeth cleaning, which will help avoid periodontal disease. This hygiene procedure must be carried out at least once a week. Every day you need to wipe the corners of your pet's eyes. To do this you need to use the corner soft fabric(separate fabric for each eye). Weekly procedures also include monitoring the condition of the ears and treating them with a special solution prescribed by a veterinarian. Naturally, it is necessary to keep the cat's litter box and dishes perfectly clean.
Despite the fact that the Sphynx's skin is warm to the touch, the absence of fur is a sign that these cats are not able to retain heat. Therefore, worry about purchasing clothes for your pet in advance or sew them yourself. This requirement is relevant in the cold season.
It is better to protect sphinxes from communicating with random animals. This way you will prevent possible occurrences diseases transmitted from animal to animal. At the same time, walks on fresh air- required! In the summer, while walking outside, it would be a good idea to apply a special sunscreen or lotion. The fact is that sphinxes are prone to sunburn due to lack of body hair.
Bald, wrinkled, pot-bellied Sphynxes are often called freaks. But this can only be said by a person who does not understand anything about cat beauty. It is his unusual body and appearance that are the main elements that attract the attention of sphinx admirers. The body of these cats is somewhat reminiscent of an apricot or peach to the touch. In order for your pet to be healthy and beautiful, you must strictly follow the recommendations mentioned.
Feeding
Health and illness
Purebred Sphynxes, as well as Sphynxes bred from mixed breeds, may have certain health problems. Hives - This disease affects the animal's skin and causes ulcers on the body. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is one of the types of heart diseases that is hereditary. It is also typical for other breeds, for example.
Some interesting facts
- Sphynxes are one of the cat breeds that appeared purely by chance due to a genetic mutation.
- The special shape of the pads on the sphinx's paws causes visual effect"air cushions".
- Although Sphynxes are generally considered hairless cats, they still have hair at the tip of their graceful tail. Because of this, the tail of sphinxes is often compared to the tail of lions.
- Sphynx kittens have a large number of wrinkles As they grow older, they usually smooth out, but many animals still have some wrinkles throughout their lives.
- Despite the fact that the wrinkled body of sphinxes is the norm, the number of wrinkles should not go beyond what is reasonable and impair the animal’s vision or cause other inconvenience.
- Sphynxes are distinguished by their elongated wedge-shaped head, large ears and lemon-shaped eyes.
- Sphynxes can have a wide variety of colors: white, two-color, black, red, chocolate.
- The Sphynx is an ideal choice for families with children or pets.
- Cats of this breed easily learn to perform even complex tricks.
