The Sphynx - A Rare, Unusual Cat

Think of strange and unusual cat breeds and the Sphynx is bound to come to mind - even if you don't know the breed's name! The Sphynx is often referred to as the hairless cat. Remember Mr. Bigglesworth, Dr. Evil's cat in the "Austin Powers" movies? The Sphynx is not a truly hairless cat, although it appears to be. The Sphynx's skin is often covered by a very soft "peach fuzz." These cats also are known for their wedge-shaped heads and curious natures. Their skin is warm and soft to the touch, feeling like a very fine leather. The Sphynx may or may not have whiskers.

Because they do not have coats to keep them warm, Sphynx cats tend to be very affectionate, often snuggling up to other animals and people. If you get one of these cats, prepare to make room under the covers at night, as it will probably want to curl up next to you.

Its lack of a coat means no shedding and no need for brushing. However, the Sphynx still requires plenty of loving care and maintenance. Body oils tend to accumulate on their skin, while other cats absorb them in their coats. This means that the Sphynx requires regular bathing. These cats also should have limited exposure to sunlight, as they can develop a sunburn similar to that of a human. They also should not be exposed to cold temperatures because of their lack of a coat for protection. In short, the Sphynx is not an outdoor cat.

A common fallacy about the Sphynx is that is hypoallergenic because of its lack of a coat. It is important to remember that dander, not cat hair, is what triggers allergy symptoms in people who are allergic to cats. Nevertheless, some people with allergies have successfully tolerated Sphynx cats. At the same time, however, others with allergies have reacted even worse to these cats.

The earliest Sphynx cat dates back to 1966, when a hairless kitten was born to a domestic cat in Canada. The hairlessness was found to be the result of a mutation, and the Sphynx cat came into existence. Over the years, however, there have been other breeds of hairless cats, including the now-extinct Mexican Hairless. Breeding over the years has resulted in the Sphynx being a robust breed with few genetic or health problems. The Sphynx is among the rarest cat breeds, and many breeders often have waiting lists for kittens.