Sphynxes are medium-sized cats weighing between 3 and 6 kilograms. These pets love attention from the owner and family members, so they love to follow their loved ones. Sphinxes require attention, so they will do everything to make the owner communicate. Such a craving for human communication has led to the use of cats of this breed in therapy.

Сфинкс

Photo of the sphinx | dreamtime.com

Brief description of the breed

If the sphinx does not have enough attention, then he will do everything to correct the situation. Unfortunately, most often this will be expressed in bad behavior. Such pets love various logic games and toys. Thus, sphinxes belong to a group of very social cats. Sphynxes are also not averse to being stroked and caressed, they will be happy to sleep in the same bed with the owner.

If you are a very busy person or your job involves traveling, then it is better to choose another cat breed, which is less attached to the owner and not so demanding on communication. Otherwise, the pet will be in a constant state of stress and depression, which, of course, will inevitably lead to bad behavior of the animal, and may also affect its health.

If you leave a cat alone for the whole day, then another pet will become a rescue option for the Sphynx, not even necessarily of the same breed. These animals love company, so they can get along with other pets. It should be understood that such a pet should also show interest in other animals. In other words, it is necessary to measure the character of two pets. For example, in no case should a Caucasian shepherd dog and a sphinx be left alone; friendship between these animals is unlikely to be struck up.

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basic information

Breed name: Sphinx
Country of origin: Canada
The time of the birth of the breed: 1966
The weight: 3 - 6 kg
EMS code:
SPH
Life Expectancy: 14 - 16 years old
Kitten price: 100 – 1500 $
Most popular nicknames: list of nicknames for sphinxes

 

Assessment of breed characteristics

Adaptability
(A definition that means how easily a cat can adapt to changes in life)
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Shedding level
(Level and frequency of hair loss in the animal)
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Tenderness level
(The level and amount of tenderness and affection that the cat gives in return for attention to itself)
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Social need
(The required number of contacts of a cat with other animals, as well as people)
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Grooming
(The number of bathing, brushing, and the number of professional grooming sessions required for the cat)
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Friendliness in an unfamiliar environment
(Features of the cat's behavior in a society with strangers or in an unfamiliar environment)
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Health issues
(Potential health status of a cat)
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Intelligence
(The ability of a cat to think and solve emerging difficulties)
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Friendliness to children
(A factor that determines how friendly a cat is to children, whether she likes to play with them and tolerate some childish pranks)
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Game activity
(The concept is determined by its very name, and, as a rule, is found in almost all cats)
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Dog friendly
(The cat's tendency to get along with dog)
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Sphinx photo:

кошка сфинкс окрасы

https://moyhoroshiy.ru/novosti/sfinksy-so-vsekh-ugolkov-zemnogo-shara-obnazhilisi-radi-spaseniia-planety

History of the Sphinx

Unlike many ancient cat breeds, the history of the Sphynx is completely known, there are no dark spots in it. Hairless sphinxes are a prime example of a cat breed that arose by chance. A genetic mutation led to the birth of a hairless kitten, who was given the nickname "Elizabeth". A hairless black and white cat was born in Toronto. The owner of such a strange kitten found the appearance of the pet not just unusual, but very attractive, so she set out to breed more of the same kittens.

Active attempts at selection of bald cats began in the seventies of the last century. Cause of birth kittens without hair was a recessive gene. Therefore, in one litter, both bald and kittens with hair were born. At that time, many believed that such experiments would negatively affect animals, because a genetic mutation, in any case, is an aberration. However, no other abnormalities other than the absence of hair appeared.

Initially, bald cats began to be called the Canadian hairless cat, as a result they settled on a more original name, which was assigned to the breed - the sphinx. This name comes from the fact that many Egyptian cat sculptures resemble the modern sphinx. The breed has subsequently been recognized by the American Cat Fanciers Association and the International Cat Owners Association.

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The character of the sphinx

Sphinxes are distinguished by their suspicion of everything unfamiliar. They are agile and extremely active, and can play for hours on end. Many cats of this breed love to play locks or just chase a toy or their owner. Their lively nature often becomes the subject of fun for the whole family. One of the distinguishing features of this breed is not only the absence of hair, but also a characteristic posture while sitting, reminiscent of the famous giant sculpture of the Sphinx in Egypt.

Cats of this breed are not very fond of being carried in their arms or caressed too actively, although they adore tenderness. But they really like to sit on the lap of the owner or other family members. For this they are often called "Velcro". Sphynxes are characterized by a craving to climb on various pieces of furniture or household appliances, for example, on a computer, refrigerator or mezzanine. The curiosity of sphinxes can become potentially dangerous to their health. That is why it is not recommended to leave the animal unattended for a long time in a room where there are electrical appliances, heaters, etc. turned on.

 

Maintenance and care

Despite the fact that sphinxes are a hairless breed cats. Yet they require as much attention (in terms of care) as other breeds, and maybe even more. The skin of these pets should be sufficiently moisturized and tender. This can be easily achieved with the help of special lotions and oils, which can be purchased in specialized stores, or better, from a veterinarian.

Sphynxes are bathed on average 2 times a month using a special moisturizing shampoo and conditioner for this breed. You can also use regular baby shampoo. If you teach a kitten to bathe from childhood, then the pet will take baths with pleasure and without whims. It is recommended to use baby wipes between baths.

Do not forget about the need for regular brushing of teeth, which will help to avoid periodontal disease. Such a hygienic procedure must be carried out at least once a week. Every day you need to wipe the corners of the pet's eyes. For this, it is necessary to use a corner of soft tissue (a separate tissue for each eye). Weekly procedures also include monitoring the condition of the ears and treating them with a special solution prescribed by a veterinarian. Naturally, it is necessary to keep the cat tray and dishes in perfect cleanliness.

Despite the fact that the skin of the Sphynx is warm to the touch, yet the lack of wool is a sign that these cats are not able to keep warm. Therefore, think in advance about purchasing clothes for your pet or sew them yourself. This requirement is relevant in the cold season.

Sphinxes are best protected from communicating with random animals. In this way, you will prevent the possible occurrence of diseases transmitted from animal to animal. At the same time, outdoor walks are a must! In the summer, while walking outside, it is useful to apply a special sunscreen or lotion to your pet's body. The fact is that sphinxes are prone to sunburn due to the lack of body hair.

Bald, wrinkled, belly-faced Sphynxes are often referred to as freaks. But this can only be said by a person who does not understand anything about cat beauty. It is his unusual body and appearance that are the main elements that attract the attention of admirers of sphinxes. The body of these cats to the touch is somewhat reminiscent of an apricot or peach. In order for the pet to be healthy and beautiful, it is necessary to strictly follow the above recommendations.

Health and disease

Purebred sphinxes, as well as sphinxes bred by crossing mixed breeds, may have certain health problems. Urticaria - this disease affects the skin of the animal and causes ulcers on the body. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a type of heart disease that is hereditary. It is also characteristic of other breeds, for example, for maine coon.

 

Some interesting facts

  • sphinxes refers to cat breeds that appeared purely by chance due to a genetic mutation.
  • The special shape of the pads on the paws of the sphinx causes the visual effect of "air cushions".
  • Although sphinxes are considered to be bald cats, there are hairs on the tip of their graceful tail. Because of this, the tail of sphinxes is often compared to the tail of lions.
  • Canadian Sphynx kittens have a large number of wrinkles. In the process of growing up, they tend to smooth out, but still, in many animals, some wrinkles remain for life.
  • Despite the fact that the wrinkled body of sphinxes is the norm, nevertheless, the number of wrinkles should not go beyond the reasonable limits and disturb the animal's vision or cause other inconveniences.
  • Sphinxes are distinguished by an elongated wedge-shaped head, large ears and lemon-shaped eyes.
  • Sphynxes can have a wide variety of colors: white, two-tone, black, red, chocolate.
  • Sphynx is an ideal choice for families with children or pets.
  • Cats of this breed easily learn to perform even complex tricks.

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