Sphynx

The Sphynx, although slightly 'odd' in appearance, has earned itself a great amount of respect in the feline hobbyist world. It's gentle, yet highly interactive nature with both humans and other animals has led to it being the fastest growing breed of cat in popularity. The Sphynx, as first appeared in Ontario, Canada, 1966 is more typically known as a hairless breed, although does have a fine layer of hair described by some as like touching a peach.

Although cats generally do have hair, the Sphynx is not an act of human manipulation. Much like albinos, a hairless variety of many animals will occur naturally in so many thousands born. The Sphynx is exactly this, but by breeding this to other's, it is possible to create more of the same variety.

Despite popular belief, the Sphynx is perfectly adept to all variations in climate. It does not suffer from any problems that any other breed of cat normally would. Having no hair, does however present one problem, which is hygiene. Cat's with hair are able to clean themselves with ease, but the Sphynx is unable to do this. It is therefore advisable to bathe them on a regular basis, using a specialist cat shampoo. Oil of evening primrose has been recommended by Sphynx breeders.

Due to its higher temperature and metabolism, this cat has a voracious appetite and should be fed slightly more than usual.

For allergy suffering humans, the Sphynx is known to reduce the amount of suffering caused. This however, is not due to the fact it has no hair. Rather, it is more likely to be because the Sphynx is regularly bathed, therefore washing away the allergens it naturally produces from it's skin.

Facts

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