The Sphynx is a hairless cat with typical characteristics not only in its appearance, but also in its behavior, needs, and maintenance. Are you interested in acquiring a Sphynx cat care? Keep reading to find valuable information before taking the plunge!
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A little history of the Egyptian cat
The Sphynx is a breed of cat that was discovered in Canada in 1966. It was named Sphynx because it resembled a sphinx when sitting.
It must be said that hairless cat breeds are born from genetic mutations and the Sphynx is no exception.
In the 1970s and 1980s, breeders in Canada and the United States attempted to breed hairless cats and successfully crossed them with the Devon Rex, giving rise to the ancestors of the Sphynx cats and the modern Don Sphynx. The breed was recognized in the United States in 1979 and in the United Kingdom in 2006.
How to care for a sphynx cat?
The Sphynx cat is also commonly called the Egyptian cat; however, the correct way to name it is in one of the first two ways.
Cats of this breed are usually very friendly and affectionate. They have a character that makes them very attached to their human, demanding love and attention insistently. However, they are very energetic and playful cats.
Despite being a curious cat, it is very intelligent and easy to train. The Sphynx is tender and sociable and loves being with its humans.
Physical characteristics
They usually have a lot of subcutaneous fat to protect their body, especially the lower abdomen is fatty, and they also have many wrinkles spread throughout their body. In cat shows, the more wrinkles you have, the better your rating will be.
Although considered a hairless cat, it has very short hair on the ears, legs, testicles, and speculum around the nose and tail, and also has a beard and eyebrows. Due to the slight amount of downy hair, the body feels like suede.
The Sphynx weighs around 3 to 5 kg in weight and is classified as a medium-sized cat. The body type it has, although it appears slender and delicate, has a muscular physique hidden within.
The Sphynx cat is characterized by having a rounded, wedge-shaped head, wide, large ears, large, slightly raised eyes, and a tail that tapers towards the tip like a whip.
Why do sphynx cats have no hair?
An Egyptian cat is one of the cat breeds classified as hairless. In reality, this is not entirely true, as the skin of these felines is covered by a fine layer of tiny hair that resembles a peach.
The unusual almost hairless appearance is attractive, but special care must be taken with skin diseases because there is a shortage of hair, but we will talk about this a little later.
Sphynx cats do not need brushing, but they do not have a thick coat that can protect their skin from the sun and other environmental factors. Care must be taken to avoid diseases such as dermatitis.
Diseases that Sphynx cats are prone to
Sphynx cats are said to be prone to ear damage, skin diseases, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Let’s dig a little deeper into these.
Ear scabies
A type of mite called ear mite is a disease that affects the ears of cats. If you notice that your Sphynx cat’s ears are itchy, it most likely has mange and should be treated immediately.
Scratching your ear can have the opposite effect, as it can cause scratches.
Skin disease
Symptoms of skin diseases range from skin sores to large amounts of dandruff. To keep the skin clean, wipe it with a damp towel frequently and check by touch for any remaining moisture.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
A disease that causes the heart muscle to thicken. As it progresses, you may find it difficult to walk or have trouble breathing and it could be a condition for your Egyptian cat.
Important:
Cats tend to hide their illnesses and in many cases, it is too late for the owners to find out. Don’t neglect regular check-ups to ensure their cat is in good health.
If you notice any abnormalities in your cat, consult your veterinarian immediately and follow all of their care instructions. Remember that they are very delicate animals and deserve the best care.
Absence of hair and care of the Sphynx cat
Normally, the sebum secreted by the Egyptian cat’s skin is absorbed by the little hair they have, but since it is soft hair, on its own it cannot absorb enough sebum like any other cat.
When sebum builds up on the skin, it becomes one of the main causes of disease development. Sebum and dirt are especially prone to build up between the wrinkles of this cat breed.
How to bathe a sphynx cat?
To properly care for a hairless cat like the Egyptian, it is necessary for the cat to take regular baths or for the owner to perform massages with a wet towel to remove dirt.
In addition, the Sphynx is a cat sensitive to temperature changes and weak in the cold, so it is always important to pay attention to the ambient temperature in which it is located; even when they live indoors to maintain a correct body temperature.
If the fur is too short and sparse, it is easy to get injuries, so check your Sphynx’s body every day. You should also be careful about overexposure to UV rays and take into account all the recommendations made to you when you buy one of these cats.
Are hairless cats suitable for allergy sufferers?
Yes and no. Unfortunately, this question cannot be answered with a simple yes or no. Some people are less or not at all allergic to Sphynx cats. However, very often the problem is that an allergic reaction from humans affects not only the cat’s fur but also the dandruff that is produced.
As a result, cat dander allergy may be even more common in Sphynx cats for some people.
What indoor temperature is best for Sphynx cats?
Sphynx cats have very short hair and are sensitive to heat and cold, so make sure to keep the room temperature under control every day to avoid health problems in your pet.
Install a hygrometer and thermometer and check the temperature several times a day to keep the room at a suitable temperature. You will adjust the temperature with air conditioning in summer and winter and give preference to the health of the cats to avoid complications in their respiratory tract.
They are sensitive to the cold in winter, so try to spend as much time as possible with them and make sure the room temperature is right for them.
How long does an Egyptian cat live?
The Sphynx has a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of all cats is 15 years, so it is a bit short compared to the average. To keep them healthy for a long time, it is important to give them good food and love every day. An Egyptian kitten that is born in a cattery should have the best conditions from which it comes, so the best quality of life is expected.
Price and how to get a sphynx cat
Although the number of Sphynxes is gradually increasing worldwide, it remains one of the rare cat breeds in Mexico.
They are rarely sold in pet stores, but you can find breeders dedicated to selling specimens in certified breeding centers. The sale price of Sphynx kittens usually ranges between 15 and 25 thousand pesos. Although there are much more expensive specimens depending on the origin of the litter and the type of mutation they have and that gives them their specific characteristics so peculiar during breeding.