Sphynx Cats: What's Hair Got To Do With It?
I love the Sphynx cat with it's small, wrinkly face, enormous eyes, lack of whiskers, and huge ears. Because the are an unusual cat breed, they get plenty of attention at cat shows. Its fine coat makes them look bald so they are also one of the "hairless" cats you hear about.
Here I'll cover the history of the Sphynx, other interesting facts, photos, videos, links to breeders, and valuable information on how to care for these little guys.
Ugly Or Adorable? You Tell Me.
What Do You Think Of These Hairless Cats?
On the following scale, how do you rate these hairless cats? Come back to see what other people think. Thanks!
Pictures: Who Needs Hair When You Look This Cute?
Great Photos From Flickr
Please vote for your favorite pictures. It's okay to vote for more than 1. And, you can add a picture from Flickr or take a copy of this list. Enjoy!
A Brief History Of A Hairless Breed
The Breed Is Not Very Old
Surprisingly, Cat Fanciers Association is the only cat organization that recognizes the popular Sphynx cat breed. Other breed associations are concerned that this unique cat breed will have genetic health problems in the future and do not want to encourage breeders to continue developing the breed.Unique History
According to Wikipedia, the the Sphynx breed was actually developed first in the 1960s. This first line of Sphynx vanished completely.
In the 1970s the Sphynx breed was discovered again and this time was more successful. This second line of cats came from a stray longhair cat. Her kittens were out-crossed to Devon Rex cats. The kittens from this cross had the traditional Sphynx coat and physical characteristics.
According to Cat Fanciers Association, in 1966 in Toronto, Canada, a natural mutation occurred -- a hairless kitten -- was born, which is the one we currently know as a Sphynx cat.
According to this latest history, cat breeders bred this line to normal coat then back again to hairless. This was to ensure the health of the breed. They feel the breed is now very robust with few health issues.
What Is A Sphnyx Cat Like?
Watach This Short Video To Find Out
In this short video, you will learn what a sphynx cat is like, about their personality, their needs, and whether you are the right type of person to have one. It is a short video around 2 minutes.
#1
ideal Companion: Sphynx 1 point
Characteristics Of A Sphynx Cat
What These Guys Look Like
CoatAlthough the Sphynx does not have a coat of hair, this breed's light coat of fuzz still comes in a wide range of colors. In fact, these cats come in every color and pattern.
Body
The Sphynx body is powerful body and extremely muscular. The breed weighs in at 8 to 15 pounds.
Temperment
A Sphynx enjoys spending time with her family. She likes to be cuddled and doesn't do well when left alone for long periods of time. If you need to be away from home often, and still want a Sphnyx, you may want to add a second Sphynx (or another cat) to the household so that the cats can keep each other company.
Sphynx are fascinating cats. Besides their extraordinary appearance, these wonderful cats are fun-loving and a little mischievous. With their monkey-like agility and playfulness, you'll enjoy spending time with them. Have plenty of toys when you can't be with them and they'll play by themselves for a time. Just remember, if you're gone too much, they really need a playmate they can play with and cuddle.
What's This Little Girl Saying?
Caption Contest
What's This Little Girl Saying?
Vote for your favorite Caption. Have a better one? Add it, refresh the page, then vote for it! Come back to see new entries and vote again.
#1
Let me get this straight. You're saying I'm NEVER gonna have hair?!
6 points
#2
I'm a what???
4 points
#3
What's hair?
2 points
#4
Whoa. Would you look at that!
2 points
#5
You looking at me? I'm the cutest one here!
2 points
#6
Are you sure the heater's on?
1 point
#7
What's hair got to do with anything?
1 point
#8
Say what?
0 points
Keeping The Sphynx Coat Of Fuzz Groomed
Daily Grooming Is Needed
Mom Does Some Grooming
You would think a virtually hairless cat would need no grooming, however, the Sphynx actually needs to be groomed once a day.
Just as other cats with hair, the hairless Sphynx produce a lot of oil from their hair follicles. However, since there is no hair to absorb the oil, the Sphynx's skin grows quite greasy. So, once a day, you'll need to wipe her body down with a soft cloth to remove the oil.
You can bathe your Sphynx cat too. And, if you start them young enough, they'll enjoy it. Just look at the 2 videos below. This little Sphynx LOVES taking a bath!
A Sphynx Cat Get A Bath - PART 1
A Sphynx Cat Get's A Bath - PART 2
More About The Sphynx Cat's Coat
Is There Hair Or Not?
Sphynx cats are not always totally hairless. They can have a fine fuzz or down. There is also sometimes a little hair found on the nose, tail and toes as well. The texture is that of suede.All color and patterns are possible on a Sphynx. That's why you'll see in the pictures shown here some spots and colored skin. These colors or patterns -- from tabby to calico -- can show up during any age, not just at birth.
To see the complete listing of the different patterns they can have and Cat Fancier's Breed Standard for the Sphynx click Sphynx Breed Standard.
Cat Jewelry on Amazon
How Do You Keep These Babies Warm?
Share Your Experience With Other Owners Or Would Be Owners
Sphynx cats have only a light coat of fuzz all over their bodies so this lack of a thick coat of hair leaves these cats vulnerable to drafts and cold temperatures. When you bathe your Sphnyx, whether with a warm damp cloth or a full-on bath, you need to keep them warm.
If you own a Sphnyx, how do you keep them warm? Please share your experience in keeping these great cats warm, then vote on the ones you think (maybe know) are best. Come back for more ideas. Thank you!
How Do You Keep Your Sphynx Warm?
#1
Mine sleep in my bed with me at night.
3 points
#2
A self-heating cat bed
2 points
Recognize These Body Parts?
Sphynx Cats Close Up
Click to see a close-up. Please vote for your favorite pictures. It's okay to vote for more than 1. And, you can add a picture from Flickr or take a copy of this list. Enjoy!
Excepts From A Dog's Diary
Excerpts From A Dog's Diary:
8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00pm - Lunch! My favorite thing!
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 pm - Milk bones! My favorite thing!
7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!
Now, contrast this with the cat's diary below.
Excerpts From A Cat's Diary
Excerpts from a Cat's Diary:
Day 983 of my captivity. My captors continue to taunt me with biza rre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.
Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a "good little hunter" I am. Bastards!
There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of "allergies." I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage.
Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs.
I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.
The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicate with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now . . .
Quite a contrast to the dog's diary above.
Funny Cat Books For Your Library
Great Reads
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After you review these cat lenses, please vote for your favorites. If you know some that are missing, please add them and vote. Come back and vote often.
#1
Cats Just Wanna Have Fun
Here you'll find funny pictures, videos and stories of cats doing nutty things as well as valuable information on caring for your cat, including behav...10 points
#2
Cat Trees: The Ultimate Furniture For Pampered Cats
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#3
I Love Sphynx Cats
The Intelligent and Affectionate Sphynx3 points
Sphynx Cat With Personality
My sphynx cat is in love with hair! If you were bald wouldn't you want hair too??
Runtime: 0:34
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10 Comments:
Cat Magazines For Cat Lovers
#1
Cat Fanciers' Association: Online Magazine for the Cat Owner
An online magazine for the pedigreed cat owner - offers an informative insight into the world of pedigreed cats - with breed profiles, cat show schedu...2 points
#2
Cats and Kittens Magazine
The magazine of the best about cats. Useful information on feline care, health, development and environments. ... Cat Breeds %u2022 Cat Breeders ...1 point
#3
Cat Fancy: Magazines
'Cat Fancy' is the best mass market cat magazine in print. ... Cat Fancy is a wonderful cat magazine with great infomation on health issues,new produc...1 point
#4
ShowCatsOnline.com: The Online Magazine Devoted To Pedigreed Cats
General cat care articles, humor, breeder listings, show information, general cat fancy articles. (many articles require membership to view)1 point
#5
Your Cat magazine
Your Cat magazine for caring cat owners, covering health and behaviour issues, general care advice, breed information, and other practical issues.1 point
How To Make Money Writing About Your Cat -- Or Anything Else
Share Your Cat Stories, Advice Or Opinions And Get PAID!
Sphnyx Cats Are Helpful
I Think I See Your Problem
What's This Bad Boy Saying?
Caption Contest
What's This Bad Boy Saying?
Vote for your favorite Caption. Have a better one? Add it, refresh the page, then vote for it! Come back to see new entries and vote again.
#1
You talking to me? I'm the only one here.
3 points
#2
Get out of my face!
3 points
#3
Turn on the heater or I'll have to break something.
3 points
#4
Grrrrrrrr...
3 points
#5
I think I have gas.
1 point
How To Toilet Train Your Sphynx
The Perfect Cat To Toilet Train
How To Toilet Train Your Sphynx
Your Sphynx Cat is the perfect cat to toilet train. They are curious and playful -- they will think it's a game. Also, you don't have to worry about their hair getting in the way!Train My Cat is a well researched ebook that gives you specific instructions on how to train your cat to use the human toilet. Just think, no More Mess! No More Bad Odors! No More Germs! And, no more scooping or buying litter again!
Training your cat will ...
Save Time.
Save Money.
No more odors.
No More mess!
For more information on how to train your cat to use the toilet click Train My Sphynx
Dharma The Cat
A Buddhist Cat And The Life Lessons Learned
Written by David Lourie, the book is clever and filled with life lessons. The wonderful humor and wit is so much fun. It is also thought-provoking with a great blending of philosophy and spirituality with humor. A wonderful gift for you or a friend.
To get a free download of 13 pages of this wonderful ebook and/or to learn more about Dharma and her pals, click Fun With Dharma.
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#1
Common Skin Problems
3 most common skin conditions in cats.1 point
#2
Five Most Common Cat Ailments
The common ailments that affect cats and how to spot the symptoms.1 point
#3
Spay Or Neuter Your Cat
It's the responsible thing to do.1 point
#4
Weight Management For Your Feline
What to do when your cat is overweight.1 point