The Sphynx or naked cat, differently from what people commonly believe (both for the name which translated means Sphinx, and because it closely resembles the famous cats venerated by the ancient Egyptians and reproduced on figurines and various objects, whose real name is 'Mau cat ' and actually has a fur coat), does not have Egyptian origins, but rather Canadian ones.
In fact, the first specimens were identified in Canada, born from a spontaneous mutation, and which were then selected and spread throughout America and Europe. This concerns the Canadian Sphynx, which is the most widespread sphynx, then there is another line which is the Don Sphynx, which has its origins in Russia, always developed from spontaneous mutation then selected.
The Canadian Sphynx is characterized by evident, sharp and slender musculature, with a slightly pronounced belly (giving it a pear-shaped appearance), the Don Sphynx differs above all in its more plump and tubular build and shorter legs and other differences in the shape of eyes and ears, but the most important difference between the two lies in the DNA as the gene for the absence of hair in the Canadian is recessive while in the Don it is dominant (i.e. in the case in which a Canadian mated with a cat with fur, both kittens with and without hair could be born, while in the Don cats are always born without hair, obviously from the point of view of maintaining the bloodlines in breeding these crosses are avoided).
The texture of the skin of the naked cat can be a little different from specimen to specimen, 3 main types are identified
- peach effect: characterized by a light fuzz that makes it similar to a peach or suede to the touch.
- rubber effect: the skin is free of fluff and actually feels like rubber to the touch.
- wax effect: the skin feels waxy to the touch and tends to be oilier due to a higher percentage of sebum.
The skin color can be single color (white, black, red, brown, lavender) or a variegated mix of 2 or more colors (bicolor, calico, tabby, tortie, point and mink).
The presence of sebum on the skin is a characteristic common to all cats, however in the Sphynx the percentage is higher and more evident, because, in the absence of hair, it remains the only protection put in place by the skin against external agents.
If you are thinking of adopting one you must be aware that you will certainly not have the typical problems of managing and cleaning hair at home, however the Sphynx tends to leave sebum marks on fabrics, blankets and sofas, in a more or less marked manner depending on the skin type.
As far as cleaning is concerned, the Sphynx bathes regularly, the skin tends to get stained due to the production of sebum, it doesn't bother the cat but it does to us, so typically it is given a bath with delicate soap (there are also specific lines for them and suitable for the PH of their skin) if necessary or wipe with a damp microfibre cloth, everything will depend on the cat's tolerance towards water, some like to bathe, others tolerate it, others react like a common cat and the they hate, it's always up to your sensitivity to try to educate them up to a certain point and then indulge them: if bathing really terrifies them, opt for the damp cloth so you avoid terrifying them and finding yourself affected 😅.
In the same way you will need to clean the ears regularly because here too there is a higher production of sebum compared to the normal cat, and always with differences from subject to subject, they tend to appear dirty, even if it is 'dirty' which is normal and is not a symptom of illness or the presence of mites or infections like other cats.
From a physical point of view, the Canadian is normally a very agile and even strong cat, but it fears bad weather. The right temperature for them at home is above 20 degrees , they love to stay under the covers even in the middle of August, when you are gasping for air, and they should always be protected with clothes or blankets, especially if you take them outside.
The Sphynx can be trained more easily than other types of cats to wear a harness and stay with you outside the house, but it must be trained gradually from an early age.
The harness for him must be safe and very soft, preferably made of fabric inside, so as not to rub and scratch the skin.
If exposed to the sun, the skin should be protected with a specific sunscreen or clothing.
The Sphynx therefore, contrary to what it may appear, is a very strong cat, but there are precautions to take precisely because due to the absence of hair, its body and skin are less protected. So as already mentioned it must be protected from the cold, from the sun, and some precautions are needed to avoid it contact allergies (choice of good quality blankets, kennels, clothes and cleaning and sun protection products mainly).
One of his weak points lies in a genetic predisposition to HCM heart disease, which does not mean that he will get it, but rather that his breed has a certain predisposition towards this pathology, so it is good to do prevention or early diagnosis with some periodic checks to the vet and a diet rich in omega3 (there are breed-specific food products).
The character of the Sphynx is what makes it truly unique, more than the absence of fur:
He is incredibly affectionate with people and other animals.
He's a mussel cat 😅, typically clingy with his humans, of whom he always seeks physical contact and cuddles, but he is also very sociable with the people and animals that come into the house.
If you are thinking of adopting one, keep this aspect in mind, it is much less emotionally independent from its humans than other cat breeds, it's fine for you if you are present enough at home, otherwise it will suffer. He will easily get along with other animals in the house, dogs or cats, he adapts more easily than other cats to travel and house changes, for him what really matters is being able to stay as close to you as possible ☺️
The average cost of the Sphynx cat ranges from 800-1200 euros up to 2000-2500 euros for the most valuable breeding specimens.
Our recommendation, and also a heartfelt personal prayer, is not to be tempted by your desire to have one at all costs without wanting to pay its market price or hastily caught up in enthusiasm without first gathering the right information.
It is a valuable breed and quite popular at the moment, the result of this is that there is an increase in the number of unscrupulous people who exploit the mares to the bone, even in situations of severe degradation and mistreatment, which are horrible in all cases, but try to think what these sweet and sensitive beings go through. Furthermore, you risk adopting an unhealthy cat that will cost you triple in medical care and worries.
Always inform yourself well, and regardless of the price, before adopting a Sphynx (or any other pet), and do not become complicit with these unscrupulous people.