“You see that? There’s no hair under here bro, okay?”
“What’s the significance of that?”
“It makes me aerodynamic when I fight. I can take danger.”
A hairless cat is bound to get somebody’s attention. Their sleek, shiny and regal appearance has made turned them into a popular breed of house cat all across the United States. When they aren’t helping Dr. Evil, they make excellent members of the family.
History
Legends recount the Ancient Aztecs breeding hairless counts during their reign over Mesoamerica. But the breed we know today began in Toronto in 1966. They’re ironically not from Egypt, it must be a “French Fries” type of situation. The hairless appearance was due to a genetic mutation, but once breeders grew fond of the look, they began producing it more frequently. This breed became known as “Canadian Hairless”. Once they made their way down to the United States, owners bred them with other types of cats, resulting in the sphynx cats we know today. The International Cat Association officially recognized the breed in 2005. To this day, some registries reject the breed’s recognition because the breed is based on a genetic abnormality that may impact the cat’s lifespan and overall health.
Caring for Sphynx Cats
Sphynx cats are delightful companions to have around the house. They have tons of natural athleticism and love to play, but usually have low exercise needs in general. Like lots of cats, they’re capable of being independent and doing their own thing for hours at a time. However, if you’re going to be leaving your sphynx alone for most of the day, you’d be best served to get them a companion of their own to keep them company. Sphynx cats are social creatures that are more than capable of getting along with any other pets you may have.
Even with being hairless, a consistent grooming routine is pivotal to having your sphinx cat at peak health. Lacking a coat of fur makes it even more important to make sure your cat’s skin is healthy and nurtured. Experts recommend bathing your sphynx cat at a minimum once a week and scrubbing between their wrinkles to remove any amount of built-up oil. Also, exercise caution with sunlight, their thin coats make them more susceptible to sunburn and other skin diseases than other species of cats. On the bright side, the thin coat means your cat won’t shed all over your house as much!
They may not have a thick mane of fur like some of their feline counterparts, but they’re not completely hairless either. Sphynx cats are topped in a coat of extremely fine, suede-like hair. This means they aren’t completely hypoallergenic (as you may assume with their thin-coated appearance), but are still a practical option for owners allergic to animal hair, rather than oil. Sphynx cats have an impressively high metabolism and a vulnerable digestive system. The best measure would be serving small portions of meals throughout the day.
Summary
One look at a hairless cat will prompt some natural curiosity. Not only do they have a fascinating history, but a tremendous future as household pets.
