Sphynx Cat Breed

The Sphynx breed was started in 1960s by crossing domestic hairless cats, resulted from natural mutation, with Devon Rex in the Netherlands. The Sphynx's wrinkled skin is covered with almost invisible down. Whiskers and eyebrows may be absent. Sphynx comes in many colors and patterns. These cats are very healthy and do not have any genetic diseases. They are very patient with children and get along wonderfully with other pets.

The Sphynx is said to be hairless. However, its wrinkled skin—with a texture as soft and pliable as suede or chamois leather—has a covering of short, fine down. In some specimens, the down may be almost imperceptible. The degrees of coverage vary: but more down, rather than less, is preferable.

There also should be short, tightly packed soft hair at the extremeties—the ears, feet, muzzle, and testicles. A tiny tassel of hair may appear at the end of the tail. Whiskers and eyebrows—either whole or incomplete—may also be present. The skin can have any recognized coat color or pattern: the color of the eyes should complement that of the coat.

Despite the lack of a thick, insulating fur, the Sphynx is warm to the touch. The unprotected creature has a system that compensates by producing body temperatures that are much higher than those of other breeds. As a result, the Sphynx has sometimes been called "the suede hot-water bottle".

Unlike other breeds, the Sphynx sweats and, with no thick coat to absorb natural oils, it must be bathed or sponged often.

Photo Credit: SwissCat