Hey Cat lovers and welcome back to another article whether you have a sphinx or have been thinking about getting one there’s a lot to learn about this unique feline not only are these darling cats interesting but they also make wonderful additions to any home and to address the elephant in the room yes their lack of fur makes them look rather odd compared to other breeds but that doesn’t mean they aren’t cute. They’re also adored for their loving social and affectionate personalities in fact there’s a lot you may not know about this wonderful cat breed but before we dive in as always don’t forget to click that like button so that cats can continue to rule the internet all right here are 10 interesting facts about sphinx cats .
- Their Hairlessness is a Genetic Mutation
- They’re not Entirely Hairless
- Sphinx cats Originated in Canada
- They Require Special Care
- They Aren’t Actually Hypoallergenic
- Sphinx cats have a high Body Temperature
- They can be Expensive
- They were Named after a Famous statue in Egypt
- Sphinx cats are Affectionate
- They are Popular
Facts about sphinx cats
Their Hairlessness is a Genetic Mutation
If you’ve ever wondered why Sphinx cats are hairless it’s due to a naturally occurring genetic mutation according to Science Focus it’s due to a mutation in the gene that is responsible for providing hairs with their keratin protein as they emerge from the follicle. The hair is formed but it has a weaker structure and becomes easily damaged and dislodged this genetic mutation occurs naturally and cats with this mutation were specifically bred to produce the darling cat breed we know and love today .
Since they are considered a hairless breed Sphinx cats require a little extra TLC to stay warm cat sweaters and shirts along with central heat can keep your Sphinx warm in the colder months. Sphinx cats make wonderful pets for those in humid or warmer climates since they thrive in warmer temperatures. When looking for a sweater or shirt for your Sphinx prioritize comfort and a loose fit that won’t make them feel restricted also remember that it is usually not recommended to dress a cat however this breed’s unique needs makes them an exception to the rule .
They’re not Entirely Hairless
Although this may sound contradictory to the last fact this breed isn’t completely bald actually Sphinx cats have a layer of fuzz instead of hair making them not entirely hairless .I know I know some of you didn’t see that one coming did you if you ever pet a spin cat you’ll be able to feel the layer of fuzz on their skin .Some even describe their skin as feeling like suede this fuzz helps slightly insulate them so they’re not completely vulnerable to sudden temperature changes .
Since they do have less hair than other breeds these cats need regular bads to keep their skin happy and healthy fur on other animals help separate oils secreted by the skin and protect against dirt .Since Sphinx cats have less hair they need free frequent bads to prevent oily sweaty and dirty skin similar to us. So if you’re looking for a low-maintenance cat breed the Sphinx may not be the best fit for you .
Sphinx cats Originated in Canada
The history of the Sphinx breed dates back to the 1960s in Toronto Canada in fact this breed was originally called Canadian hairless it turns out that this breed was a total accident of nature according to ASPCA pet health insurance it all began when a domestic short hair gave birth to a hairless kitten.
The kitten named prune was adopted by a loving motherson Duo that partnered with experienced breeders to help develop the Sphinx breed the breeding paid off by the mid1 1970s Sphinx cats soared in popularity across the globe increasing the demand for this unique breed in the decades since the Sphinx breed has been crossed with both Siamese and Devon Rex breeds to keep the breed playful affectionate charming and healthy. Today Sphinx cats are loved and adored for their hairless bodies and loving nature so to everyone wondering at home yes something else other than maple syrup came out of Canada .
They Require Special Care
As mentioned earlier Sphinx cats need regular bads and grooming to keep their skin happy and healthy without it they can develop an oily or waxy film on their skin that can rub off on your clothing or Furniture .Spinx cats also need their ears regularly clean since they don’t have hair to Wick away dirt or wax just because this breed doesn’t have any hair doesn’t mean that they’re cleaner than other cats but just to be clear Sphinx cats aren’t dirty they just need extra pampering according to pet MD Sphinx cats should be on diets that are free of or contain little processed ingredients.
This is because diet plays a big role in your Sphinx’s skin just like Diet plays a big role in our hair skin and Nails the higher quality food you feed your Sphinx the less oil they’re likely to produce without high quality food their skin will produce more oil keep your Sphinx happy and healthy with good quality food food .Omega fatty acids like fish oil supplements are wonderful to add to your Sphinx’s diet to preserve skin Health but always remember to first ask your veterinarian which diet is best for your feline friend.
They Aren’t Actually Hypoallergenic
Since Sphinx cats are generally hairless they’re often considered to be hypoallergenic because of it this is false when people have a cat allergy they’re allergic to a specific protein called Fel D1 which is present in a cat’s skin and saliva all cats have this protein including the Sphinx .This is why no cat is truly hypoallergenic but some breeds are less likely to trigger allergies than others with the Sphinx being one of them since Sphinx have such little hair they don’t shed this protein.
So while Sphinx cats are not hypoallergenic in the way most would think they are a good option for those that are specifically allergic to cat hair .some people do possess allergies to cat dander if this is the case Sphinx cats are also a good option because this breed produces less dander than other cats but if you are an allergy sufferer looking for a cat be sure to expose yourself to this breed before adopting one the more you expose yourself the easier. It will be to determine if your allergies can handle this particular breed remember that adoption is for life so it’s important to make sure that your cat and you are an ideal match.
Sphinx cats have a high Body Temperature
Believe It or Not Sphinx cats have a higher average body temperature than other breeds it’s believed that this is due to their lack of hair a regular cat’s body temperature rests between 99.5 and 102.5 de F .While a sphinx cat’s average body temperature is about 4° higher so it looks like mother nature tried to compensate for this breed’s baldness .
Despite their elevated body temperature a sphinx cat will seek out hot spots in your home this can be near the heater in your bed or by the fireplace while they are gener cuddly they also love to snuggle for warmth.Their tendency to get cold easily is one of the reasons Sphinx cats are so loved and adored by many after all aren’t cat snuggles always the goal .
They can be Expensive
On average Sphinx cats retail anywhere from $1,500 to $6,000 Sphinx cats are an uncommon and unique breed that requires careful and attentive breeding making them costly options. The demand for Sphinx cats outweighs the supply leading them to be wildly expensive compared to other breeds their exact cost depends on pedigree and lineage .
If you’re looking for a more affordable option we recommend you keep checking rescues and shelters adopting a cat is not only affordable but very rewarding too although sphin cats may not frequently show up at shelters it does still happen from time to time to widen your search you can also check reputable pet search websites some sites such as Petfinder have a feature where you can be alerted when a specific breed is posted .
They were Named after a Famous statue in Egypt
Early breeders thought that the Sphinx breed resembled the famous Sphinx statue in Egypt promoting its name however Sphinx cats are not Egyptian despite popular belief note that the Sphinx cat is spelled with a Y instead of an i as mentioned earlier .They originated in Canada plus since they’re a fairly recent cat they have no time to ancient Egypt but we all know that they would have been worshiped there all the same yes cats were woried in ancient Egyptian times.
They were believed to be magical creatures and we couldn’t agree more they were thought to bring good luck and prosperity to their owners and were treated like royalty although the Sphinx missed out on this part of History you can make up for it by treating them like royalty today .
Sphinx cats are Affectionate
According to the Journal of Veterinary behaviors Sphinx cats were considered the most affectionate cat breed given their funny charismatic loving and intelligent Natures. It’s no surprise that these cats are considered the most affectionate beyond their unique and stunning looks Sphinx cats have personality plus.
If you’re looking for a perfect addition to any home a sphinx cat is perfect for you they are incredibly rewarding for their owners as they provide a strong sense of ownership they have unique and individual needs that add to their Charisma with their strong personalities and the interesting facts that make up their history .Sphinx cats make Incredible Pets that love and adore their owners Snak cats also make amazing family pets for their ability to get along with other animals and children .
They are Popular
Sphinx cats have become popular especially in the United States in 2020 the Sphinx even ranked 10th place for the most popular cat breeds in the United States according to the cat fanciers Association considering that the Sphinx has remained on the cfa’s top 10 most popular breed chart for several years don’t be surprised if this breed remains on the list this year.
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The Sphinx is also the most popular hairless cat breed yes other hairless cat breeds exist but since the Sphinx is not only the most popular but also the most well-known we declare this breed the hairless King .The Sphinx is intensely affectionate loving and quirky making them great best friends after all their love language is snuggling and what more could you ask for so if you’re looking for a visually striking cat that loves to cuddle and play then a sphinx might just be the right option for you. so which of these facts did you find the most interesting let us know .
