Sphynx Cats

A Sphynx cats most striking feature is its coat, or rather its lack of one. The unique look does not end there. Sphynx cats have wrinkled skin, especially around their head and neck, and especially large ears. These, along with large and expressive lemon-shaped eyes, create the exceptional alien look that is second to no other cat.

Description

The head of this medium sized cat resembles that of a Rex although there is no genetic relation. The nose is short and the nose leather reflects the colour of the body. The eyes are deep set and the shape of a lemon; the eye colour should reflect the colour of the body. The body is fined boned but muscular and has a barrel chest. The legs are long and slender and have a bow legged appearance caused by the barrel chest. The paws are neat and oval shaped with long toes. The tail is long and tapering and hard to the touch. Although they are called

hairless they do have a covering of very fine hair all over their body but they do not have any whiskers or eyelashes. Sphynx cats can be any colour or pattern and the eye colour and colour of paw pads and nose leather should harmonize with the body colour. The skin is wrinkled on parts of the head, body and legs but should be taut everywhere else. Their skin temperature is higher than that of normal coated cats. They are extremely warm and soft to touch and have earned the name of the 'suede hot water bottle'. Unusually for a cat the Sphynx sweats over it's whole body surface and needs to be regularly bathed or sponged to remove the oily secretions.

Characteristics and Temperament

The Sphynx is an outgoing cat that is very affectionate. They are very warm and soft to touch and this must one of the most appealing things about the Sphynx as to many people they are not the most attractive cats to look at. They do tend to be something of a conversation piece. Although

they do not appear to suffer unduly from the cold, central heating is probably appreciated. Because Sphynx cats are extremely affectionate they need a lot of human attention. They usually get along fairly well with other cats and dogs.

Special Requirements

As they have no real hair grooming is not a problem with the Spyhnx. However, because they sweat it is necessary to sponge them down regularly to remove the oily residues, otherwise sores can appear in the skin folds.