Maintaining Healthy Skin Through Their Diet
On the contrary, a lot goes into keeping these cats well-groomed and their skin healthy.
Kirsten Kranz, founder and executive director of Wisconsin-based Specialty Purebred Cat Rescue, says that caring for a Sphynxs skin starts with diet.
You want a high-quality food, because food affects the amount of oil that a Sphynxs skin produces. The better the food, the less oil. If you dont feed them a high-quality diet, oils accumulate more quickly and can lead to not just ongoing skin problems but also issues with ear wax and infections, says Kranz.
Because these kitties have no fur, they tend to leave grease spots on the areas that they frequent. Their skin is oily, and that oil can seep into your couch cushions or bed sheets and leave a stain, Dr. Verrilli says.
The History Of Sphynx
The progenitor of the Sphynx appeared in Toronto, Canada, in 1966, born to a domestic cat with a regular coat. The hairlessness is the result of a natural mutation and wasnt the first example of hairlessness in cats. A pair of hairless cats had been known of in Mexico at the turn of the last century, but they were not related to the modern Sphynx.
The Canadian cat and other hairless cats found throughout the world were bred to cats with normal coats and then back to hairless cats to create a large gene pool. Devon Rex and American Shorthair cats are among the breeds that played a role in the development of the Sphynx.
Benefits Of Adopting A Hairless Cat
Hairless cats are certainly striking. But its their one-of-a-kind personality that truly sets them apart. Sphynx catsthe most high-profile of the hairless breedsare famously social, fun loving, and downright cuddly .;
They love that skin-to-skin contact, says Desiree Bobby, a Sphynx breeder and director of marketing for the Cat Fanciers Association . Once you have a Sphynx, you understand why people are so attached to them. Theyre on you like glue, and the bond is very strong.
However, even Bobby, a devoted hairless cat fan, admits that body heat might play a role in their snuggly nature. They do tend to seek out heat more than other cats, she says. So part of it is probably that youre warm.
In addition to their winning personalities, hairless breeds are also celebrated for being hypoallergenic cats.Unfortunately, this is a common misconception, says Dr. Jennifer Coates, a Colorado-based veterinarian who serves on the advisory board for Cat Life Today.
The major allergen responsible for cat allergies, a protein known as Fel d1, is found in a cats skin, saliva, and urine, explains Coates.Fur can act as a carrier for Fel d1, but even with a hairless cat, the allergen will present on the cat and around the house, she adds. And hairless cats do still have a small amount of fur, which will shed in a normal manner.
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Price Of Sphynx Cats With Limited Registration
Sphynx cats raised as pets are priced from $1000 $1600. Although they are only raised as pets, they cost much more than many fully registered cats of other breeds do.
These Sphynx cats have no breeding rights and are often sterilized from birth to control their reproduction. If you intend to get a Sphynx for the purpose of breeding, please refer to the fully registered ones below.
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They Are Stunning Animals
Not everyone will agree to this since Sphynx cats are hairless, and the thought of a hairless feline is usually not as appealing to some people looking to adopt a furry pal. The Sphynx cat is the example of fascinating morphology of a feline.
If the hairless features of this breed put you off, their runway model cheekbones, big bat-like ears, and the beautiful skin folds will captivate you. You may have noticed that their skin often appears to be wrinkled, and the ripples create a beautiful shape on their body.
They usually do not have any eyelashes or whiskers, which allows you to pay more attention to their highly expressive, almond-shaped eyes, and whisker pads. For this very reason, a majority of non-cat owners and even cat owners find this breed unappealing or referring to it on a more extreme level as ugly.
However, these unique features of a Sphynx are what set them apart from the other cat breeds and distinguish their personality.
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Fun Facts About Sphynx Cats
While a Sphynx cats smooth skin is their most obvious attribute, there is so much to love about the breed. Check out these fascinating tidbits:
The Skinny On Sphynx Cats
Originally called Canadian Hairless, Sphynx cats are the only cat breed to originate in Canada. They are medium-sized, weighing 6 to 12 pounds, with an average lifespan of 8 to 14 years. Energetic and loyal, Sphynx cats are sometimes described as dog-like. Of course, one of the most remarkable aspects of a Sphynx is their smooth, hairless appearance. In reality, they are covered in very fine fur that makes them feel like warm suede.
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Sphynx Kittens For Sale Near Me
You can buy from Alabama , Alaska , Arizona , Arkansas , California , Colorado , Connecticut , Delaware , Florida , Georgia , Hawaii , Idaho , Illinois , Indiana , Iowa , Kansas , Kentucky , Louisiana , Maine , Maryland , Massachusetts , Michigan , Minnesota , Mississippi , Missouri , Montana , Nebraska , Nevada, New Hampshire , New Jersey , New Mexico , New York , North Carolina , North Dakota , Ohio , Oklahoma , Oregon , Pennsylvania , Rhode Island , South Carolina , South Dakota , Tennessee , Texas , Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington , West Virginia , Wisconsin , Wyoming .
Choosing A Sphynx Breeder
You want your Sphynx to be happy and healthy so you can enjoy your time with him, so do your homework before you bring him home. For more information on the history, personality and looks of the Sphynx, or to find breeders, visit the websites of the Cat Fanciers Association, Cats Center Stage, the Fanciers Breeder Referral List, The International Cat Association and American Cat Fanciers Association.;
A reputable breeder will abide by a code of ethics that prohibits sales to pet stores and wholesalers and outlines the breeders responsibilities to their cats and to buyers. Choose a breeder who has performed the health certifications necessary to screen out genetic health problems to the extent that is possible, as well as one who raises kittens in the home. Kittens who are isolated can become fearful and skittish and may be difficult to socialize later in life.
Lots of reputable breeders have websites, so how can you tell whos good and whos not? Red flags include kittens always being available, multiple litters on the premises, having your choice of any kitten, and the ability to pay online with a credit card. Those things are convenient, but they are almost never associated with reputable breeders.
Be patient. Depending on what you are looking for, you may have to wait six months or more for the right kitten to be available. Many breeders wont release kittens to new homes until they are between 12 and 16 weeks of age.
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The Basics Of Sphynx Grooming
If you want a Sphynx because you think you wont have to spend any time grooming him, you should probably reconsider. His body becomes oily and must be bathed anywhere from weekly to monthly to prevent clogged pores, not to mention oily spots on your furniture or clothing. Your Sphynx kitten will already have had some baths by the time you get him, but that doesnt necessarily mean he will like being bathed. Make it a happy time, though, and he will probably come to love the attention.
Like any cat, the Sphynx also needs regular nail trimming, eye and ear cleaning, and dental care. Their claws can develop a waxy buildup that needs to be cleaned off regularly. Its also necessary to wipe their eyes free of mucus that can build up. The ears, too, can have a waxy buildup that requires regular cleaning with cotton and a gentle ear cleaning solution recommended by your veterinarian. Brush the teeth with a pet toothpaste for good overall health and fresh breath.;
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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Keeping Sphynx Cats Clean
While diet does help control a Sphynx cats overall greasiness, they will occasionally need baths to remove accumulated dirt and grime. Choose gentle cat shampoos; that are soap-free and made with natural ingredients like coconut oil, like Earthbath Oatmeal and Aloe dog and cat shampoo.
Kranz adds that bathing a Sphynx is a bit like bathing an infant with claws. She says, I oftentimes use wet washclothsone with a bit of shampoo and another with just water. That way they dont have to be fully immersed.
When youre done bathing a Sphynx, its important to dry them off quickly with a soft, warm towel to prevent their skin from getting chapped. You also dont want to bathe a Sphynx too often because that will dry out their skin.
As Kranz noted, Sphynx cats are prone to ear infections, so owners must be diligent about keeping ears clean and removing excess wax. They should also pay close attention to their kittys paws, as grime can accumulate between toes and cause infections.
I clean my cats paws at least once or twice a week, says Dr. Verrilli. Unlike regular domestic shorthairs, theres a lot of active work that goes into keeping Sphynx cats clean.
You Want An Unusual Looking Cat
You shouldnt buy a cat just based in its looks but there is something quite endearing about the appearance of a Sphynx.
This gorgeous no coat kitty needs a caring home so make sure you are prepared to give it an excellent one.
Sphynx Cats can be quite expensive. You may need to save up to afford one!
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History Of The Cat Breed
The contemporary breed of Sphynx cat, also known as the Canadian Sphynx, is distinct from the Russian hairless cat breeds, like Peterbald and Donskoy.
Although hairless cats have been reported throughout history, breeders in Europe have been developing the Sphynx breed since the early 1960s. Two different sets of hairless felines discovered in North America in the 1970s provided the foundation cats for what was shaped into the existing Sphynx breed.
The current American and European Sphynx breed is descended from two lines of natural mutations:
- Dermis and Epidermis barn cats from the Pearson family of Wadena, Minnesota
- Bambi, Punkie and Paloma stray cats found in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and raised by Shirley Smith
They Do Not Like To Be Alone
Unlike most cats that will not mind if you go out on a date and leave them behind, Sphynx cats want your attention all the time. Even if you have been planning for that isolated hot shower after a sweaty routine at the gym, you will find your Sphynx clinging to the edge of the tub.
So, if you think you can have a few minutes alone in your bathroom Think again! You may also notice their unblinking, piercing eyes responding to you, I dont think so. The amazing part is that they can even open doors.
On the other hand, if you are not home most of the time, you can have a pair so that they can give each other company.
If you consider getting only one Sphynx cat, you should really read the following articles:
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What You Need To Know About Sphynx Health
All cats have the potential to develop genetic health problems, just as all people have the potential to inherit a particular disease. Any breeder who claims that her breed has no health or genetic problems is either lying or is not knowledgeable about the breed. Run, dont walk, from any breeder who does not offer a health guarantee on kittens, who tells you that the breed is 100 percent healthy and has no known problems, or who tells you that her kittens are isolated from the main part of the household for health reasons.
The Sphynx is generally healthy, but he may develop certain conditions, including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and a neurological disease called hereditary myopathy. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most common form of heart disease in cats and causes thickening of the heart muscle. An echocardiogram can confirm whether a cat has HCM. Avoid breeders who claim to have HCM-free lines. No one can guarantee that their cats will never develop HCM.
Hereditary myopathy affects muscle function. It eventually causes death when the cat is no longer able to swallow. Fortunately, the condition is rare and breeders are working hard to eradicate it from the breed.
The Sphynx can also be prone to some skin conditions, such as urticaria pigmentosa and cutaneous mastocytosis, as well as to periodontal disease. Teach him to let you brush his teeth with a vet-approved pet toothpaste for good overall health and fresh breath.
You Are Not House Proud
Even when a Sphynx is bathed on a regular basis, it can still leave oily sphynx-shaped imprints wherever it snoozes.
You can attempt to cover your chairs and sofas but you cant possibly cover every inch of your home. Anything white will not remain white for long.
If you love cats, you have to accept a little mess and scratched furniture it goes with the territory.
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You Want An Indoor Cat
Sphynx cats are really best kept as house cats. They cant go out in the cold and they are at risk of sunburn in summer. If you like a cat to have the freedom to come and go, a Sphynx wont really suit you.
But if you want to turn your home into the perfect environment for an indoor cat, a Sphynx will love you for it.
Sphynx Cats Really Dont Like To Be Alone
Unlike my ginger tabby, who is a typical feline mix of cuddly aloofness, Skinny Mini and Fly border on being creepy little stalkers. You want personal space? Alone time with your significant other? Impossible with Sphynx cats in the house. They are all up in your business all of the time. Ill often be taking a shower, minding my own business, and turn around to find Fly perched on the edge of the tub, her large unblinking eyes boring into mine. You wanted five minutes alone in the bathroom? she seems to be asking. I dont think so.
Dont get me wrong I love that they follow me around and solicit my attention constantly. Im home alone a lot as my husband works long hours, and my cats give me something to focus on and take care of. They are always up for playing or warming my lap, and its impossible to feel lonely with them here. Sphynx cats dont like being left alone for long periods of time, so it can be a good idea to have a pair of them if youre not home much. And even though Skinny Mini is a lot less needy since I adopted Fly, she still loves to sleep tucked in the crook of my arm every single night.
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Hairless Cat Adoption: Important Tips For Bringing Home A Baldy
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Cats are known for being enigmas. But even by feline standards, hairless cat breeds carry a certain mystique. Sleek, slinky, and noticeably naked, theyve enjoyed a cult fanbase ever since the infamous Mr. Bigglesworth glared his way through the Austin Powers franchise.;
If youre interested in hairless cat adoption, theres a lot to consider. From disposition to grooming to medical needs, heres what you should know about these not-so-furry friends.;
Sphynx Cats Are Stunning Creatures But Not Everyone Will Agree With Me
Sphynx cats allow us to appreciate fascinating feline morphology without all that fur getting in the way. I knew I liked the unique appearance of Sphynx cats before getting one, but I didnt know Id be so completely captivated by a Sphynx cats big bat ears, runway model cheekbones and delightful skin folds. I love how Flys legs look like shes wearing sagging pantyhose, and how when Skinny Mini quivers her tail it sends a ripple of wrinkles up her back. I cant get enough of stroking their soft, warm skin and kissing their adorable pot bellies. Sphynx cats often dont have whiskers or eyelashes, which draws even more attention to their expressive, almond-shaped eyes and chubby whisker pads.
Unfortunately, I also realize now that a lot of people find this breed ugly and unappealing. I dont know how many times Ive shown someone a photo of my girls only to be met with a grimace and a comment along the lines of, Ugh! They are so strange looking! Why would you want a cat like that? I certainly find this type of remark insulting, and always hope that the same person doesnt show me a picture of their kid just after.
I understand that Sphnyx cats are;not everyones cup of tea, but as my mother used to tell me, If you dont have anything nice to say, dont say anything at all.
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