In 1966 a domestic cat gave birth to a hairless kitten in Toronto Canada. When taken to a vet, it was discovered to be a natural genetic mutation and the Sphynx cat, as we know it today, came into existence. This cat and a few other naturally hairless cats have been found worldwide; produced by Mother Nature, they are the foundation for this unusual breed. Cat breeders in North America and Europe have bred the Sphynx to normal coated cats and back to hairless cats for more than thirty years. The purpose of selective breeding such as this was to create a genetically sound cat with a large gene pool and hybrid vigor. When properly bred, the Sphynx is a very robust breed with few serious health or genetic problems. Sphynx are susceptible to HCM (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy).
Breeders are recommended to screen all their breeding adults for signs of this heart disease on a yearly/biyearly basis. Screening negative means the cat is currently showing no signs of the disease but not a guarantee that this disease wont manifest later in life. Currently, there is no DNA test for HCM in Sphynx Cats. We will not buy ANY Sphynx from a breeder that doesn't screen for HCM.
There are some breeders out there that say, we don't test because it wouldn't make a different. WRONG. A echo-cardiogram is done of the heart each time we "screen" for HCM. They are looking for early signs of the disease when we screen. We do not know if they are showing early signs of the disease or are affected UNTIL WE screen them. A breeder could unknowingly be breeding a cat with a genetic heart problem and selling the kittens to unsuspecting buyers if they do not even screen their cats for the disease. Our cardiologist continues to use those old screenings to monitor the hearts development each year. Please don't buy from a breeder that can't show you proof of HCM screenings.
Sphynx are not always totally hairless and there are different degrees of “hairless-ness.” There can be a fine down on the body which makes the cat feel like a warm peach. Some short hair is usually present on the nose, ears and sometimes on toes and tail. Seasonal and hormonal changes in the cat may also effect hair development. Some Sphynx have broken or a few whiskers while others have none. The texture of Sphynx skin has been compared to a suede hot water bottle or warm chamois, and some cats almost have a buttery feel to the skin. The skin is loose on the body which leads to that extra wrinkling effect you see on the cat. All colors and patterns are possible and may be presented at any stage of maturity. The color and/or pattern of the cat are seen in the pigment of the skin and the few hairs that are present. One of the most often questions asked about Sphynx is, “Don’t they get cold?” If it is too cold for you, then it will probably be too cold for a hairless cat. However, these cats are smart enough to find a warm spot in the house, curled up with a dog or cat or warm human, on top of your computer, or they will be snuggled under your bed covers. If their paws, nose or ears feel cold, you may need to turn up the heat slightly or get them a heated bed.
Sphynx are medium sized substantial cats and not fragile in any way. As with most cats, adult males are larger than females. Females tend to average from 7-10 pounds and males a few pounds heavier (10-14). Sphynx have sturdy boning, good muscle development and a bit of a firm belly as if they just finished a nice dinner (slightly pot belly but not overweight). They have an open-eyed and intelligent expression with extra wrinkling on their head which some see as a worried or inquisitive look. Sphynx are extremely lovable, known to perform silly antics and can be downright clumsy in their attempts to be the center of attention. They have abundant energy and are mischievous, always wanting to be with you, on you or showing off for you. Sphynx seem to prefer human attention but enjoy the company of dogs and all other breeds of cats if properly introduced.
Because of the lack of hair that would normally absorb body oils, Sphynx need periodic bathing, ear and nail cleaning. A bath is usually not too difficult with Sphynx, as most cats have been acclimated from kitten hood with bathing and proper grooming from their breeders. It usually doesn't take a long time and is over quickly. Some of ours love it while some simply tolerate it.
Some people who suffer from cat allergies usually can tolerate living with Sphynx over some other breeds. This is because there is rarely any airborne hair to deal with and the reactive chemical in their saliva is lower than many breeds. Regular bathing also keeps the dander at bay along with washing bedding and not allowing the cat to sleep on your pillow. However depending on the type and severity of the individual’s allergic reactions, there are some who still cannot tolerate any feline dander. Sphynx are not allergy free.
Sphynx also need a good quality diet. Unfortunately, this breed can have sensitive dietary needs. We have had several that could eat out of the trash and suffer no ill effects and a few others get upset stomachs if they sneak a bite of human food. We highly recommend not feeding a cheap diet and it's usually best to stick to what the breeder was feeding or as close to it as possible.
We feed a raw diet here- usually twice a day but due to our work schedules also leave dry down (grain free) for them to eat when we work. Sphynx have high metabolisms so they do seem to eat more than other breeds but should never be fat or unable to move around and play. We don't mean that frequent vomiting or loose stools is normal. If your Sphynx never has solid bowel movements, throws up constantly or is very skinny- a vet trip is in order!
Breeders are recommended to screen all their breeding adults for signs of this heart disease on a yearly/biyearly basis. Screening negative means the cat is currently showing no signs of the disease but not a guarantee that this disease wont manifest later in life. Currently, there is no DNA test for HCM in Sphynx Cats. We will not buy ANY Sphynx from a breeder that doesn't screen for HCM.
There are some breeders out there that say, we don't test because it wouldn't make a different. WRONG. A echo-cardiogram is done of the heart each time we "screen" for HCM. They are looking for early signs of the disease when we screen. We do not know if they are showing early signs of the disease or are affected UNTIL WE screen them. A breeder could unknowingly be breeding a cat with a genetic heart problem and selling the kittens to unsuspecting buyers if they do not even screen their cats for the disease. Our cardiologist continues to use those old screenings to monitor the hearts development each year. Please don't buy from a breeder that can't show you proof of HCM screenings.
Sphynx are not always totally hairless and there are different degrees of “hairless-ness.” There can be a fine down on the body which makes the cat feel like a warm peach. Some short hair is usually present on the nose, ears and sometimes on toes and tail. Seasonal and hormonal changes in the cat may also effect hair development. Some Sphynx have broken or a few whiskers while others have none. The texture of Sphynx skin has been compared to a suede hot water bottle or warm chamois, and some cats almost have a buttery feel to the skin. The skin is loose on the body which leads to that extra wrinkling effect you see on the cat. All colors and patterns are possible and may be presented at any stage of maturity. The color and/or pattern of the cat are seen in the pigment of the skin and the few hairs that are present. One of the most often questions asked about Sphynx is, “Don’t they get cold?” If it is too cold for you, then it will probably be too cold for a hairless cat. However, these cats are smart enough to find a warm spot in the house, curled up with a dog or cat or warm human, on top of your computer, or they will be snuggled under your bed covers. If their paws, nose or ears feel cold, you may need to turn up the heat slightly or get them a heated bed.
Sphynx are medium sized substantial cats and not fragile in any way. As with most cats, adult males are larger than females. Females tend to average from 7-10 pounds and males a few pounds heavier (10-14). Sphynx have sturdy boning, good muscle development and a bit of a firm belly as if they just finished a nice dinner (slightly pot belly but not overweight). They have an open-eyed and intelligent expression with extra wrinkling on their head which some see as a worried or inquisitive look. Sphynx are extremely lovable, known to perform silly antics and can be downright clumsy in their attempts to be the center of attention. They have abundant energy and are mischievous, always wanting to be with you, on you or showing off for you. Sphynx seem to prefer human attention but enjoy the company of dogs and all other breeds of cats if properly introduced.
Because of the lack of hair that would normally absorb body oils, Sphynx need periodic bathing, ear and nail cleaning. A bath is usually not too difficult with Sphynx, as most cats have been acclimated from kitten hood with bathing and proper grooming from their breeders. It usually doesn't take a long time and is over quickly. Some of ours love it while some simply tolerate it.
Some people who suffer from cat allergies usually can tolerate living with Sphynx over some other breeds. This is because there is rarely any airborne hair to deal with and the reactive chemical in their saliva is lower than many breeds. Regular bathing also keeps the dander at bay along with washing bedding and not allowing the cat to sleep on your pillow. However depending on the type and severity of the individual’s allergic reactions, there are some who still cannot tolerate any feline dander. Sphynx are not allergy free.
Sphynx also need a good quality diet. Unfortunately, this breed can have sensitive dietary needs. We have had several that could eat out of the trash and suffer no ill effects and a few others get upset stomachs if they sneak a bite of human food. We highly recommend not feeding a cheap diet and it's usually best to stick to what the breeder was feeding or as close to it as possible.
We feed a raw diet here- usually twice a day but due to our work schedules also leave dry down (grain free) for them to eat when we work. Sphynx have high metabolisms so they do seem to eat more than other breeds but should never be fat or unable to move around and play. We don't mean that frequent vomiting or loose stools is normal. If your Sphynx never has solid bowel movements, throws up constantly or is very skinny- a vet trip is in order!
Update: 8/3/2016 © 2016 - 2013 by Mighty Bare Sphynx • All rights reserved. Text, photos, graphics, videos and HTML code are protected by US and International Copyright Laws, and may not be copied, reprinted, published, translated, hosted, or otherwise distributed by any means without explicit permission.