overveiw
The Sphynx seems like a contradiction: a hairless cat? But people who come to know him soon fall under the spell of this
bold but beautiful feline. His warmth, humor and exotic appearance all combine to make him a favorite with cat lovers.
Instead of fur, the Sphynx wears a suede-like coat that makes him warm and soft to the touch. It’s impossible not to
want to cuddle up with him, especially in cold weather. He is a medium-size cat with a wrinkled face and body and
satellite-dish ears. He weighs 6 to 12 pounds, with females being smaller, and comes in almost any color or pattern,
including solid, pointed, tabby and tortoiseshell.
The Sphynx’s uses his toes like fingers to investigate anything that catches his interest. His wrinkled face, big ears
and lemon-shaped eyes give him the expression of a wise and kind alien, and his rounded belly makes him look as if he has
recently eaten a large meal.
Don’t choose the Sphynx solely for his alien looks. You’ll be getting a lot more: a character who is curious, smart and funny.
He loves to be with or on his people, perhaps in an attempt to stay warm. It’s not unusual for him to sleep under the bedcovers,
and he is always seeking out sunny spots in which to lie or other places or objects that give off heat. The Sphynx is a clown
who will do anything for attention, so be prepared to applaud his antics.
You may hear that the Sphynx is hypoallergenic because of his lack of fur, but that is not correct. Allergies are not caused
by a particular coat type but by dander, the dead skin cells that are shed by all cats (and people, for that matter). There is no
scientific evidence that any breed or cross breed is more or less allergenic than any other cat. Some people with allergies react
less severely to particular cats, but no reputable breeder will guarantee that her cats are hypoallergenic.
The Sphynx is well suited to any home with people who will love him and give him the attention and grooming he needs.
Keep him indoors to protect him from cars, diseases spread by other cats and attacks from other animals.
Other Quick Facts
- The Sphynx’s skin is covered with a fine down, much like that of a peach.
- The Sphynx has large ears that can be two or three inches high.
- The friendly Sphynx is easy to handle and enjoys meeting new people.
- The Sphynx can be an excellent show cat and therapy cat as well as family companion.
- The Sphynx is sturdy, medium-boned, athletic and muscular.
- Because the Sphynx does not have fur to absorb body oil, he must be bathed frequently.
Did You Know?
Sphynx may be hairless, but they are not hypoallergenic because they still produce dander, dead skin cells. There is no scientific
evidence that any breed or cross breed is more or less allergenic than any other cat.