Why Is Sphynx Cat Expensive
Sphynx are purebred cats and are rare to find. Their market demand is high, leading to a higher Sphynx cat cost over $3,500 but they need a lot of care and attention. It is a fashion to keep them as pets. Apart from this, their appearance is something one does not find everywhere. These are a few reasons they are expensive to buy. You may get a lower price for this cat breed from a Sphynx cat rescue center or from an approved breeder in the range $1,800-$3,000.
Do Sphynx Cats Have Health Problems
Unlike their counterparts with very few health issues, Sphynx cats do have several health issues that potential owners should be aware of. Some are because of their lack of hair others are genetic in nature.
These cats are prone to respiratory issues, especially as kittens, due to their lack of hair. Without hair, they are cold all the time, and this triggers multiple health issues. There are fewer of these as they age, and their fuzz-like hair grows in. But helping these cats stay warm is essential in assisting them in warding off this issue.
This cat is also notorious for having a sensitive digestive system. Owners of this cat must be cautious about the foods they feed their Sphynx. Many brands have developed food specific to this cat, so that should help avoid digestive problems.
Other medical issues that can occur in this cat are hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a form of heart disease, and hereditary myopathy, which harms muscle functions. Due to their lack of hair, the breed is also prone to sunburns when exposed to too much direct sunlight.
While not a medical problem, Sphynx cats can sometimes have an odor or a layer of oil on their skin. It has nothing to do with grooming or medical issues. All cats are known for their attention to grooming, and a Sphynx is no exception. But for some reason, some Sphynx cats can have quite the aroma.
Be On The Lookout For Skin And Health Conditions
Hairless cats and kittens are prone to developing dermatological issues, which is why routine bathing and grooming is so important for these breeds.
- Issue: Plugged hair follicles, infections and skin conditions
- Recommendations: Work with your vet on oral or topical treatment options
Many hairless cats will develop seborrhea, comedones, , and recurrent bacterial and yeast infections, notes Dr. Varble. Comedones are dilated, plugged hair follicles. These usually look like dark pimples and are seen commonly on the cats chin and body. Sometimes they can be severe and occur over the entire body.
Your veterinarian can help decide if diagnostic tests and treatment are necessary for these conditions. You should also speak to your veterinarian about special shampoos, topical or oral medications, and even dietary needs for your hairless cat.
In addition to skin conditions such as pimples and rashes, some hairless cat breeds are predisposed to certain health issues. Dr. Varble says Sphynx cats are prone to heart disease and muscular dystrophy.
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Sphynx Cat Coat Varieties
Celebrating cats since 1906, the Cat Fanciers Association is the premier governing body for cat shows around the United States. In their guide to the Sphynx breed, it is stated that all colors and patterns, in any combination, found in felines is acceptable in the Sphynx.
As far as judging the Sphynx breed goes, however, the CFA does not give points for color as it would with many other cat breeds opting instead to award points in competition based on the quality, conformation, and texture of the skin.
This means that while Sphynx cats can be found in every coat color and pattern you can imagine, breeders will, rarely if ever, attempt to produce cats of a specific color in this breed.
How Much Is A Black Sphynx Cat Kitten Prices And Other Expenses
In general, Sphynx cats are expensive breeds. When it comes to black Sphynx cats, those with a normal pedigree normally cost around $1,500 to $3,000.
Breeders that offer superior bloodlines often price them at $3,500 to $6,000 per kitten. For rare colors, the price can go as high as $10,000.
If you dont want to break your bank account, adopting a black Sphynx is a better option. Most rescues charge between $75 and $600 depending on their age and health condition.
For the initial expenses that come after purchasing or adopting a black Sphynx, refer to the table below:
| Type of Expense | |
| Total Initial Cost | $237 |
The best thing you can do before your cat arrives is to prepare the budget for some essential items that you will need for feeding, grooming, and keeping your black Sphynx cat in high spirits.
For more practical deals, you can check your local pet store or use online coupons.
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How Long Do Peterbald Cats Live
The life expectancy of a Peterbald is similar to many other cat breeds. With proper care, these cats can live anywhere from 12-15 years. Make sure to get your cat regular checkups and feed them the appropriate diet for their specific needs. Unlike other pure breeds, these cats do not seem to have any breed-specific health issues.
And while this is not a health issue like heart problems or diabetes, Peterbalds like a warmer environment. If they are too cold, they are quite unhappy, and they will let you know all about it. If they are too cold, this could open them up to colds and other illnesses of that nature.
The life expectancy of a Sphynx is a bit different than their Peterbald friends. Sphynx Cats can be expected to live 8-14 years. They have other genetic and health issues that can shorten their life spans.
Adopting A Cat From Sphynx Rescue Or A Shelter
A breeder is not your only option for acquiring a Sphynx. Adult Sphynx may be available from rescue groups. Its unlikely that you will find a Sphynx in a shelter, but it doesnt hurt to look. Sometimes pedigreed cats end up at the shelter after losing their home to an owners death, divorce or change in economic situation. Check the listings on Petfinder, Adopt-a-Pet.com the Fanciers Breeder Referral List, and ask breeders if they know of a Sphynx who is in need of a new home.
Make sure you have a good contract with the seller, shelter or rescue group that spells out responsibilities on both sides. In states with pet lemon laws, be sure you and the person you get the cat from both understand your rights and recourses.
Kitten or adult, take your Sphynx to your veterinarian soon after adoption. Your veterinarian will be able to spot problems, and will work with you to set up a preventive regimen that will help you avoid many health issues.
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Portraits Of Sphynx Cats Explore What Cats Look Like Under All That Fluff
Want to see what cats look like without their fluffy coats of fur? Look no further than the Sphynx cat, which was developed specifically to look naked by breeders in Europe starting in the 1960s. Photographer Alicia Rius recently shot a series titled Sphynxes that explores the strange appearance of these cats. Although the Sphynx looks hairless, it actually has a very fine layer of down. Its skin features many of the same patterns as cats with full coats of fur . Things breeders desire in the Sphynx include: a wedge shaped head, prominent cheekbones, large eyes, huge ears, a muscular body, and a whiplike tail.
Sphynxes fascinates me in many ways, Rius tells us. Im drawn by their alien look. Theres something disturbing yet admirable that keeps me astonished.
This breed shows what a true cat is. Without fluffy and fancy coats, everything is raw, exposed, vulnerable. This body of work is an exploration of the beauty of Sphynxes within their oddity.
Each of the photographs in Rius project were shot on location with natural light. Here are some of the images she has captured so far:
You can find more photos from this series over on Rius website.
Image credits: Photographs by Alicia Rius and used with permission
Sphynx Cat Personality 18 Facts You Must Know
Have you ever come across the E.T. of the cat world? Well, you are going to learn a lot about this special creature today!
Yes, the hairless Sphynx cat is known as E.T or more specifically the naked aliens of the cat world, and this is for the obvious fact that Sphynx cats are the odd one out of the several breeds that are usually defined by their beautiful and shiny, long or short fur coats.
Although Sphynx cats may seem to be moody and unfriendly, they are actually quite intelligent, inquisitive and unusually people-oriented.
Without stalling further, here are 18 things that you should know about a Sphynx cats personality:
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Peterbald Vs Sphynx Cats Differences And Similarities
Peterbald cats and Sphynx cats are both very different from their fellow felines considering they are mostly hairless. Despite this similarity, the breeds do have a few differences. So, what are the key differences between a Peterbald vs Sphynx cat?
Peterbald cats have longer heads, almond-shaped eyes, and lower ears compared to Sphynx cats. Sphynx cats have broken or no whiskers while Peterbald cats have a mustache. Peterbald cats have 5 coat layers while a Sphynx is entirely hairless. Peterbald cats possess a dominant hair gene while a Sphynx cat has a recessive gene.
Lets take a look at these two unique breeds, how they are similar, and how they are different.
Black Sphynx Cat Temperament And Behavior: Are Black Sphynx Cats Good House Pets
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Many will assume that Sphynx cats are unfriendly due to how they look but then again, looks can be deceiving.
A black Sphynx cat can make a great house pet due to its sociable and loving personality. Most of the time, they love to cuddle and be around their owners.
As a family cat, black Sphynx cats are very easygoing and gentle with kids. They will have no trouble interacting with dogs and other cats.
Because of their loving nature, they will most likely sleep on your lap or snuggle with you in bed.
On the flip side, their clinginess causes them to be dependent on their owners. They would demand your attention all the time and it might cause them stress if you arent around.
You need to return the love and affection you give them otherwise, it can cause some distress to your black Sphynx.
To solve this, you may want to have another cat that requires less attention or better yet, two black Sphynx cats.
In this way, they can get the interaction they need without your presence in the house. In the long run, they can even become best friends.
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Are Black Sphynx Cats Rare
As a color variation, black Sphynx cats are quite common like other solid colors including white, red, and brown.
The rarer Sphynx colors are the diluted ones such as blue and lavender. Patterned Sphynx cats such as calico, tabby, tortoiseshell, pointed, and mink are also uncommon.
You can easily find a black Sphynx cat at your local breeder since they do not require selective breeding methods to be produced.
In general, Sphynx is a rare cat breed. There is a high demand for these cats but a very limited supply. As a result of this rarity, breeders often sell them at a higher price than common domestic breeds.
They Are Curious By Nature
Sphynx cats are known to live by their curiosity. Since they are quick learners, they tend to understand every situation by exploring it.
Their curiosity can put them into potentially dangerous situations, which is why it is a good idea to keep your Sphynx close to you even if you have decided to take them out for a walk.
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They Are Loveable Adorable And The Most Exotic Cats Youll Ever Own
The 14 points above must be enough to convince you that the Sphynx cat is an adorable creature. Once you bring one home, you will feel that your life is so much fuller since the Sphynx cats do not give you time to wander in your loneliness.
They will win you over with their affectionate dispositions, exotic looks, and playful personalities!
How To Care For A Hairless Cat
Hairless cats have been popular for decades. This in part to their friendly, sociable, almost dog-like at times demeanor. However, whichever breed of hairless cat your have your heart set on, there are things you should know about their care before you launch headlong into hairless cat ownership. A life without fur can require more upkeep than one might initially think.
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Similarities Between Peterbald And Sphynx Cats
The most significant thing both of these breeds are known for is their lack of hair. Not every Peterbald cat begins its life hairless. But they do have a hair loss gene, and eventually, they lose the bulk of their hair. They will still have a very thin layer of hair on their body, but its difficult to see. The hair they start with at birth is not the hair they will have as adults.
Their coat can be in one of the five standard lengths, varying from hairless to a short coat with normal whiskers. They can even have their version of a mustache. Sphynx cats are born without natural hair and remain that way throughout their lives. Like Peterbalds, they look hairless, but they too are covered with a thin layer of hair. The fur of a Sphynx can be likened to peach fuzz.
Both are also lovingly called a dog-like breed. They greet their owners when they arrive home, are very friendly to strangers, and highly intelligent. They exhibit the outgoing qualities attributed to dogs rather than the aloof qualities attributed to cats.
Are Sphynx Cats Cuddly
Hairless cats, the Sphynx, in particular, are affectionate and playful. They are consistently named as one of the most loving breeds of cats out there. The word good depends on the level of effort that you want to take part in because due to the lack of fur they need more frequent care than a typical cat.
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Are Peterbalds And Sphynx Cats Related
You might assume that Peterbalds and Sphynx cats are related. Aside from the fact that two of these breeds share a similar name, they sure do look like theyre related from a distance anyway! Baldness is a pretty noticeable trait in an otherwise furry animal like a cat.
But they are not the same and they’re not any more related than any other two cat breeds. How do we know?
Well, we know that the baldness in the Sphynx cat is caused by a recessive gene, and we suspect that the baldness in the Don Sphynx, and by extension the Peterbald, is caused by a dominant gene, or possibly more than one gene.
We dont know for sure, but research is ongoing on this topic. The reason I say we suspect that the hairlessness in the Peterbald is caused by a dominant gene, is because careful breeders have come to expect certain results from their breeding programs. The patterns that breeders have noted, lead us to believe that it only takes one gene to get a bald or funky-haired Peterbald.
For example, if you breed two Peterbald cats , you can still end up with normal-coated kittens roughly 25% of the time. That means that its likely that the parents each only have one gene that causes them to have altered coats or no coats at all. Theyre passing normal-coat genes on, too.
Sphynx Cats Have Big Personalities
Social is not a word some people would associate with cats, but in the case of the Sphynx, it is a very apt descriptor.
Dr. Ariana Verrilli, a veterinary oncologist at Upstate Veterinary Specialties in Latham, New York, owns three hairless cats and reports that they are attention-seeking machines.
My hairless cats run to the door to greet me when I get home. I cant sit down without having at least one of them on my lap… At night, they want to be under the covers. She adds, If youre looking for a cat thats going to sit in the window and sleep on the bed but is overall kind of aloof, dont get a Sphynx.
Sphynx cats are also generally known to be very vocal. If they want something, theyll let you know, says Dr. Verrilli. One of my cats will sit outside closed doors and scream if she wants to be let in.
While many cat owners welcome Sphynxes outgoing personalities, some people are just not up to the breeds social demands. My youngest Sphynx kitty was a rescue. Someone dropped her off at the vet clinic where I was working and said she was too much for him to handle, Dr. Verrilli notes. I believe it. Shes crazy, but I love that about her.
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Sphynx Cat Personality Traits
The hairless Sphynx cat is playful and affectionate. Theyre very affectionate and loving, Hill says. They want to be held and treated like a baby. Its part of their charm.
The Sphynx cat loves people of all ages, including children, and theyre good with other animals, including dogs. Unlike some cats who like to tuck themselves in a closet for hours, the Sphynx likes to be with you when youre home.
Theyre very co-dependent, says Shauntay Burris, breed committee chair at TICA and Sphynx breeder at Scantily Clad Sphynx. Theyre also an energetic breed until 3-4 years old, and then theyre lazy.
The Sphynx breed is also highly intelligent. Ive had more than one family call me and say their Sphynx has learned how to use the toilet, Hill says.