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Sphynx |
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Sphynx |
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The gene for hairlessness has appeared all over the world, but the first formal breeding programme began in Canada in 1966 when a Domestic Shorthair produced a hairless kitten; it took a while for a name to be fixed on, but one name, Canadian Sphynx was shortened to Sphynx and this became the official name. Today’s Sphynx cats are based on a hairless kitten born to a farm cat in Oregon, in the Western USA and the breed was formally recognised in the mid 1970s.
The Sphynx breeding programme was developed with the introduction of hairless cats that appeared in otherwise normal litters and with the Devon Rex, which can sometimes be quite sparsely coated, to develop breed type. Strictly speaking the Sphynx is not entirely hairless; although there are no eyebrows or whiskers the mature cat develops a fine downy coat, more evident on some areas of the body than others. The texture of the skin is like chamois leather, quite unlike normal skin and with a distinctly warm feel. Kittens have very wrinkled skin and the adults retain wrinkle, particularly around the head, which acts as insulation. The skin needs a good deal of care; certainly protection from extremes of temperature and sunlight. Regular bathing is necessary to keep the skin in good condition; their nails and ears also require attention. Without fur to regulate their body temperature Sphynx need to be kept warm and will seek out cosy places. Evidently tumble dryers have a particular appeal so doors must be kept closed. They have voracious appetites to generate the energy needed to maintain their body temperature. Affectionate and people-oriented they are playful and love snuggling up to owners or under the bedclothes. With their enthusiastic purr they are known as "the purring hot-water bottle". Any colour pattern is acceptable in the Sphynx and a typical pose is one front paw lifted with the head tilted up in a quizzical gaze. Quite distinct from other cats in more ways than their hairlessness, the Sphynx has an enthusiastic following. Although Sphynx have no particular health problems, it makes good sense to insure your cats. Many breeders sell their kittens with six weeks free insurance cover. More and more owners are now insuring their pets as advances in veterinary medicine, plus the soaring costs of drugs can mean astronomical bills. Sphynx Breed Clubs & Rescue Sphynx Breeders Cycada Located on Cambridgeshire/Lincolnshire borders. Visit website to check kitten availability. Also breeding Devon Rex and LaPerm Contact the Breed Clubs who will have lists of Breeders and may have Kitten Lists. |
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