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The Sphynx CatControversial Modern Breed, Nearly Naked Cat that's Loved or Hated.
The almost hairless Sphynx cat is often considered ugly and unnatural, but it does not cause allergic responses in those sensitive to cat fur.
The Sphynx cat is a recent Canadian discovery, and has also been called the Canadian Hairless Cat. Many people think that this almost hairless cat is an ugly and unacceptable mutation, but it has its followers, for a variety of reasons. Origin of the Sphynx CatIn 1966 a black and white cat in Toronto gave birth to a mutant hairless male kitten which was given the name of Prune. A young science student heard of this strange new kitten, and told his mother, who bred Siamese cats. They acquired the naked kitten and its mother and began a breeding programme. Development of the BreedWhen the kitten became adult it was mated back to its mother and produced more hairless cats. A serious breeding programme began, using American Shorthair females and hairless males. The new cat was named the ‘Sphinx’, which was later changed to ‘Sphynx’. Championship Status was obtained in 1971. But difficulties in rearing the kittens led to a decline in interest and some opposition to the breed. However, a few cats were later imported into Europe, where the breed found new supporters. Breeding programmes began in both Holland and the UK, and interest in grew. Even today it remains a rare breed, but its future now seems reasonably secure. Appearance of the SphynxThe most obvious feature of the breed is its almost hairless body. The suede-like skin is hot to the touch, and looks like velvet…the feel of the cat has been compared to a ‘suede hot water bottle’. The shape of the body is slender and elongated, since the recessive gene which causes the hairlessness also appears to modify the body shape. It has a long, pointed tail, and a wedge-shaped head with very large ears and no whiskers. Overall, the look of the Sphynx has been compared to ‘ET’, the extra terrestrial in Steven Spielberg’s 1982 film. Any colours are possible and accepted. PersonalityThe Sphynx is described as being sensitive and loving, and is usually sociable and affectionate. These cats cannot stand the cold, and must be indoor cats. Despite all the criticism of the Sphynx, it has one definite advantage – those who are allergic to cat hair usually find that they can tolerate being with a Sphynx. So in that respect the breed is an absolute boon for allergic cat lovers! SourceCat World, Desmond Morris, Ebury Press1996 Other Articles of InterestHistory of the Tiffany (or Chantilly) Cat
The copyright of the article The Sphynx Cat in Cat Breeds is owned by Helen Krasner. Permission to republish The Sphynx Cat in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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