The first Sphynx known of, Prune, was born
in 1966 to a normally coated cat in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Unfortunately,
his line died out. In 1978, a longhaired cat and her hairless kitten were
rescued in Toronto. The kitten was neutured, but his mother had other hairless
kittens. Two were exported to Europe, where one was bred to a Devon Rex. Another
kitten, E.T., was agented by Vicki and Peter Marksten at the Madison Square
miscellaneous class by the CFA. Many other groups fear potential health problems.
*Are Sphynx good for people with allergies?
Most people with alergies are
allergic to cat dander. Shedding hair is the main cause of dander, and since
Sphynx have little hair, they therefore don't have much dander so this problem
is minimal. So most sufferers tolerate Sphynx well. But you still need to
keep in mind that some people are still allergic to Sphynx. It just depends
what you are allergic to on the cat, and how badly.
*Are Sphynx more susceptible to disease or illness?
The first few weeks of the Sphynx
kitten's life is when they are the most fragile. They must be kept warm, their
nutritional needs must be met, and appropriate vaccinations are critical in
the first months of life as well. Sphynx cats require a healthy and nutritious
diet to keep up their high metaboloism energy levels.
*Does the Sphynx get cold?
Of course! All cats get cold, but hairless
kitties get cold more easily with no fur. You should keep your house warm-about
70-80 degrees F. Some owners dress their cats in sweaters to keep their cats
warmer. And some owners provide their cats with heating pads, fuzzy-styled
cat beds, and warm towels.
*What does a Sphynx feel like?
Most people would describe the
Spynx coat as a chamois cloth or peach fuzz or the soft down on a newborn
face. Some Sphynx feel sticky or like hot rubber. Each Sphynx feels differently,
but all will feel very warm.
*What is the temperament of the Sphynx?
The Sphynx are, in my opinion, the most intelligent,
affectionate, and playful of all the cat breeds.
*What colors are accepted in the Sphynx breed?
Sphynx can be any color and pattern, including
colorpoint. Because of the invisibility of the hair, the pattern and color
look tatooed on the skin.
*How much does a Sphynx cost?
Sphynx kittens vary in price depending on
the breeder and what the kitten will be used for. Pet kittens usually start
at about $900 and run up to $1200 or so. Showable pets and breeding cats cost
quite a bit more. Breeding cats have many varied prices. Depending on the
kitten, some may be lower, some higher. Breeders are VERY careful about who
they will sell a breeding cat to.