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Sphynx Cats: What's Hair Got To Do With It?

Updated on February 24, 2012

Learn about these hairless cats here

I love the Sphynx cat with it's small, wrinkly face, enormous eyes, lack of whiskers, and huge ears. Because the are an unusual cat breed, they get plenty of attention at cat shows. Its fine coat makes them look bald so they are also one of the "hairless" cats you hear about.

Here I'll cover the history of the Sphynx, other interesting facts, photos, videos, links to breeders, and valuable information on how to care for these little guys.

Sphynx Cats - Ugly Or Adorable? You Tell Me. - What Do You Think Of These Hairless Cats?

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What Do You Think Of These Hairless Cats?

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Sphynx Cats - A Brief History Of A Hairless Breed

The Breed Is Not Very Old

Surprisingly, Cat Fanciers Association is the only cat organization that recognizes the popular Sphynx cat breed. Other breed associations are concerned that this unique cat breed will have genetic health problems in the future and do not want to encourage breeders to continue developing the breed.

Unique History

According to Wikipedia, the the Sphynx breed was actually developed first in the 1960s. This first line of Sphynx vanished completely.

In the 1970s the Sphynx breed was discovered again and this time was more successful. This second line of cats came from a stray longhair cat. Her kittens were out-crossed to Devon Rex cats. The kittens from this cross had the traditional Sphynx coat and physical characteristics.

According to Cat Fanciers Association, in 1966 in Toronto, Canada, a natural mutation occurred -- a hairless kitten -- was born, which is the one we currently know as a Sphynx cat.

According to this latest history, cat breeders bred this line to normal coat then back again to hairless. This was to ensure the health of the breed. They feel the breed is now very robust with few health issues.

Sphynx Cat Characteristics

What These Guys Look Like

Coat

Although the Sphynx does not have a coat of hair, this breed's light coat of fuzz still comes in a wide range of colors. In fact, these cats come in every color and pattern.

Body

The Sphynx body is powerful body and extremely muscular. The breed weighs in at 8 to 15 pounds.

Temperament

A Sphynx enjoys spending time with her family. She likes to be cuddled and doesn't do well when left alone for long periods of time. If you need to be away from home often, and still want a Sphnyx, you may want to add a second Sphynx (or another cat) to the household so that the cats can keep each other company.

Sphynx are fascinating cats. Besides their extraordinary appearance, these wonderful cats are fun-loving and a little mischievous. With their monkey-like agility and playfulness, you'll enjoy spending time with them. Have plenty of toys when you can't be with them and they'll play by themselves for a time. Just remember, if you're gone too much, they really need a playmate they can play with and cuddle.

Keeping The Sphynx Coat Of Fuzz Groomed

Daily Grooming Is Needed

Mom Does Some Grooming

You would think a virtually hairless cat would need no grooming, however, the Sphynx actually needs to be groomed once a day.

Just as other cats with hair, the hairless Sphynx produce a lot of oil from their hair follicles. However, since there is no hair to absorb the oil, the Sphynx's skin grows quite greasy. So, once a day, you'll need to wipe her body down with a soft cloth to remove the oil.

You can bathe your Sphynx cat too. And, if you start them young enough, they'll enjoy it. Just look at the 2 videos below. This little Sphynx LOVES taking a bath!

A Sphynx Cat Get A Bath - PART 1

In The Bath - PART 1

A Sphynx Cat Gets A Bath - PART 2

In The Bath - PART 2

More About The Sphynx Cat's Coat

Is There Hair Or Not?

Sphynx cats are not always totally hairless. They can have a fine fuzz or down. There is also sometimes a little hair found on the nose, tail and toes as well. The texture is that of suede.

All color and patterns are possible on a Sphynx. That's why you'll see in the pictures shown here some spots and colored skin. These colors or patterns -- from tabby to calico -- can show up during any age, not just at birth.

To see the complete listing of the different patterns they can have and Cat Fancier's Breed Standard for the Sphynx click Sphynx Breed Standard.

Excepts From A Dog's Diary

Excerpts From A Dog's Diary:

8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!

9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!

9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!

10:30am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!

12:00pm - Lunch! My favorite thing!

1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!

3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!

5:00 pm - Milk bones! My favorite thing!

7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!

8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!

11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

Now, contrast this with the cat's diary below.

Excerpts From A Sphynx Cat's Diary

Excerpts from a Cat's Diary:

Day 983 of my captivity. My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.

Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a "good little hunter" I am. Bastards!

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of "allergies." I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.

The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicate with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now . . .

Quite a contrast to the dog's diary above.

Funny Cat Books For Your Library - Great Reads

Sphynx Cat With Personality

Sphynx Cat With Personality

How To Toilet Train Your Sphynx

The Perfect Cat To Toilet Train

How To Toilet Train Your Sphynx

Your Sphynx Cat is the perfect cat to toilet train. They are curious and playful -- they will think it's a game. Also, you don't have to worry about their hair getting in the way!

Train My Cat is a well researched ebook that gives you specific instructions on how to train your cat to use the human toilet. Just think, no More Mess! No More Bad Odors! No More Germs! And, no more scooping or buying litter again!

Training your cat will ...

Save Time.

Save Money.

No more odors.

No More mess!

For more information on how to train your cat to use the toilet click Train My Sphynx

Pamper Your Sphynx Cat(s) with a cat tree

All cats need a cat tree and a cat bed. You'll find a wide variety of cat trees, condos, beds, perches, and other pet furniture on at Cat Trees: The Ultimate Cat Furniture For The Pampered Cat Save your cat from having to sleep on a radiator!

I Wish I had Some Place Soft To Sleep!

Find Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Programs Available in Your Area

Find Them Here

Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Programs

ASPCA has a special link for you to find low-cost spay/neuter programs in your community. Simply go toLow-Cost Spay Neuter Programs and enter in your zip code and you'll get a list of the programs in your area.

Sphynx Cat On Crack - Funny, Funny Video

Sphynx Cat On Crack

Veterinary Secrets Revealed

A Complete Pet Health Care Guide

Veterinary Secrets Revealed

An incredible cat care resource not available in bookstores or pet stores! Learn how to keep your pet healthy, extend his life, and save money at vet visits.

Included in the course:

* Quick Start Guide

* Veterinary Secrets Revealed Printed Pet Health Manual

* 5 CD Full Audio Version

* Video Presentation on CDROM

* At-Home Pet Health Exam Video on DVD

* And more ...

For more information, click Veterinary Secrets

Sometimes you're a cat.

sometimes you're the litter box.

Sphynx Cats books - Read about sphynx cats

Here are some good books about Sphynx Cats. Please add any that you think are missing and vote on your favorites.

Calvin and Hobbes At Their Best - Incredible Caroons Filled With Lessons On Life

Calvin and Hobbes

Here is a list of my favorite Calvin and Hobbes books. Bill Watteron's cartoon are so spectacular because they ring so true. The cartoons are not only well drawn and funny they're filled with life lessons we can all learn from. If I've missed your favorite, please add it! Purrs & bear hugs, Frankie

If you love Tigers too, check out my Calvin and Hobbes site. To go there right now, click Funniest Calvin-and-Hobbes

If you love Tigers too, check out my new Calvin and Hobbes site. To go there right now, click Funniest Calvin-and-Hobbes

Even Popular Cat Magazines - Magazines From Amazon

Funny Sphynx Cat Video

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Sphynx Cats: What's Hair Got To Do With It?

Crazy Cat Pictures And More...

If you like this site, you should see my other cat site. Just click Cats Just Wanna Have Fun

Here's an example of what you'll see:


The Hip Hop Cat OR Puff Kitty

How To Squidoo And Change The World

I Share My Secrets To Creating Lenses


I've been asked by a number of people how to create a lens, how to get pictures and info for it, and how to promote it. So, I've decided to create a lens to do just that -- Do you want to: Show people how to build their business? Bathe their cat? Promote your business or website? Make a movie? Write a book? Sell your product? Whatever you want Squidoo can do.

Check it out. I add to it several times a week as I discover new ideas; confirm old ones; find good examples; or find new techniques or resources. To get to it click, How To Squidoo And Change The World

Copyright

This work is covered by copyright and can not be reprinted

in any matter (physical or digital) without prior written consent.

Copyright 2008-2012 Frankie Kangas All rights reserved.

Please let me know what you like; what you don't like; what you'd like to see more of. Please take a moment and go back to the top of the page and give me some purrs (stars) by clicking on the right hand 5 stars above.

Thanks! Purrs, Frankie

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