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The modern Sphynx breeding program began in Toronto, Canada, in 1966, when an ordinary short-haired cat gave birth to a hairless male kitten. Since then, breeders have bred the Sphynx back to normal-coated cats and then to hairless cats, and have created a robust breed that has few health or genetic problems.
Sphynxes are not actually hairless; they are covered with a light peach-fuzz coating and sometimes have hair on their brows or heads. Still, the Sphynx can’t tolerate low temperatures because of its lack of a thick protective coat.
Because skin oils build up without hair to absorb them, the Sphynx needs to be bathed and have its ears cleaned on a regular basis. Their exposure to direct sunlight should be limited because their skin burns easily.
Sphynxes are generally outgoing, curious, very affectionate, and sometimes even silly. They love to be the center of attention and have been known to be full of mischief and energy.
In 2002, the Sphynx was accepted for competition in the Championship Class by the Cat Fanciers Association. Since then, the Sphynx has done well for itself, netting one top-25 award the Best Cat in Championship, two in the Best Kitten, and one in the Best Cat in Premiership categories in the 2008-09 show season.
Cat expert and animal communicator JaneA Kelley is the webmaster and chief cat slave for Paws and Effect, a weekly cat advice column by cats, for cats and their people. |
