 |
 Cat Breeds - There are a variety of different cat breeds. Read about the many domestic cat breeds, including the Maine Coon and Siamese cats. And view the many cat breeds pictures to see how each breed differs dramatically in coat length and overall look.
|
|
|
|
|
Sphynx Cats. Sphynx Cats breed guide, Sphynx Cats description, characteristics and temperament, pictures of Sphynx Cats and more...
|
Sphynx Cats
A Sphynx cats most striking feature is its coat, or
rather its lack of one. The unique look does not end
there. Sphynx cats have wrinkled skin, especially around their head
and neck, and especially large ears.
These, along with large and
expressive lemon-shaped eyes, create the exceptional alien look that
is second to no other cat.
History
Hairless cats have been known for generations and the Aztecs are said
to have kept hairless cats but the Sphynx is the first hairless cat
that has been bred specifically for that trait. The breeding
programme began in 1966 in Ontario, Canada and they are developed
from a hairless mutant.
Description
The main feature of a Sphynx is its lack of a fur coat! The head of
this medium sized cat resembles that of a Rex although there is no
genetic relation.
The nose is short and the nose leather reflects
the colour of the body. The eyes are deep set and the shape of a
lemon; the eye colour should reflect the colour of the body.
The
body is fined boned but muscular and has a barrel chest. The legs
are long and slender and have a bow legged appearance caused by the
barrel chest.
The paws are neat and oval shaped with long toes. The
tail is long and tapering and hard to the touch.
Although they are
called hairless they do have a covering of very fine hair all over
their body but they do not have any whiskers or eyelashes.
Sphynx cats can be any colour or pattern and the eye colour and colour
of paw pads and nose leather should harmonise with the body colour.
The skin is wrinkled on parts of the head, body and legs but should
be taut everywhere else.
Their
skin temperature is higher than that of normal coated cats. They are
extremely warm and soft to touch and have earned the name of the
'suede hot water bottle'. Unusually for a cat the Sphynx sweats over
it's whole body surface and needs to be regularly bathed or sponged
to remove the oily secretions.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Characteristics and Temperament
The Sphynx is an outgoing cat that is very affectionate. They are very
warm and soft to touch and this must one of the most appealing
things about the Sphynx as to many people they are not the most
attractive cats to look at.
They do tend to be something of a
conversation piece. Although they do not appear to suffer unduly
from the cold, central heating is probably appreciated.
Because Sphynx cats are extremely affectionate
they need a lot of human attention. They usually get along fairly
well with other cats and dogs.
Special Requirements
As they have no real hair grooming is not a problem with the Spyhnx.
However, because they sweat it is necessary to sponge them down
regularly to remove the oily residues, otherwise sores can appear in
the skin folds.
|
|
Back
Site written by Gemma Littlemore