ABOUT THE SPHYNX

HISTORY:

The sphynx developed when in 1966 a coated cat gave birth to a hairless cat.  This natural mutation occurred in Canada and although previous mutations have happened in the past this was the true start of this breed.  Through the years the standard has changed very little and this breed is now recognized in both CFA and TICA  as well as other cat organizations throughout the world.  For a in depth article on how this breed developed through the years ..Blake Gibson of Bemisu Cattery in Texas has a most interesting article on his website--History Of The Sphynx  .  

The Sphynx is not truely "hairless" they have a very fine down on the body-some part whether it is the ears tail some or paws...but the standards of the cat organizations allow for a certain amount  on different extremities.  

The Sphynx is NOT hypoallergenic as some would have you believe.  It is best to know if you have allergies to dander ALL CATS HAVE DANDER....and you could be allergic to this breed as well.  Some persons who have allergies can tolorate this breed better some aren't bothered by this breed but some people have more of a severe allergy to this breed than other breeds...SO if you are allergic to cats but want to see about this particular breed PLEASE PLEASE visit a cattery a couple of times, take home an item of clothing from where the animal has contact so not to have you AND the cat suffer and become heartbroken because you can't keep the cat. 

This breed is a hearty breed however there are health issues that are important and occur in ALL breeds.  As a REPRETABLE BREEDER it is our responsibility to make sure we are breeding for HEALTH as well as a Quality cat.  Make sure if you are buying a pet you ask especially about HCM screening and ASK to see the actual report that was done.  Testing should be done yearly BEFORE the cats are bred and done each year after.  If a breeder doesn't want to show you credible papers, or if they don't want to answer any questions you have then RUN....because you may be asking for more than what you bargained for.

CARE:                   

BATHS:  The Sphynx despite the lack of hair is not a "maintenance free" cat.  They require frequent bathing ---some weekly while others you can bath once every two weeks.  It is not really difficult because they dry quickly and they are used to baths by the time they are ready to go to their new homes....most of them enjoy bath time --but there are still some that just tolerate.  

EARS & NAILS:  The ears need cleaned weekly at least sometimes a few times a week due to the lack of hair; just like a person,the dirt and oil build up a lot quicker..(I call it gunk).  There are ear cleaners that you can purchase at your vets office or at a local pet store that will tend to keep the ears cleaner a little longer.  The skin folds between the nails require frequent cleaning as the "gunk" builds up here as well.  You can use baby wipes with lanolin or a pet wipe to wipe this area between baths.  It doesn't take long and if done on a routine basis will only take a few minutes, and if the cat is used to it you really don't have much of a problem.  You can do this while trimming the nails.   Here is a  link page from a site I have on my links page on how to trim the cats nails and why declawing is BAD!!!!! It has pictures that will help you if you are not sure...If you still fill unsure please ask your vet to show you.  http://www.sniksnak.com/cathealth/declaw.html    On my links page there are a few other web pages that are interesting and would suggest.  Also a page to where you can buy the covers for the claws if you can't seem to get your cat to stop clawing stuff up. 

The summer months are times when all cats love to sit in the window and relax.  Because of the lack of hair it is important that you apply a light sunblock to the body and ears of this breed.  They sell sun block for animals -please see my links page for more information.