Let's talk about the Canadian Sphynx, perhaps the most distinctive of all cats. Known to many as the "naked cat", "sphinx cat" or "hairless Egyptian cat", the Sphynx is a highly sought-after breed among feline enthusiasts — both for its unique appearance and because it truly makes a wonderful housemate. Let's explore the history, the breed standard and the personality of the Sphynx cat…
Origins and history of the hairless cat
Throughout the ages, it has happened that a hairless cat — completely bare — would appear in a litter. These were not sick cats at all; they were simply cats without fur, which made them different, and perhaps a little unsettling at first glance. The first cats of this kind known to us are Nellie and Dick, a pair of kittens belonging to a couple in New Mexico, back in 1902. It was in Canada, however, that the first attempt was made to breed a similar line, thanks to two hairless kittens found on the street and taken in by a family who feared that the lack of fur might not protect them from the freezing North American climate. In 1978, Hugo Hernandez, a Dutch breeder, took in Punkie and Paloma — two kittens directly descended from the Canadian pair — and gave birth to the Canadian Sphynx breed.
Breed standard of the Sphynx cat
The most striking characteristic of the Sphynx cat is undoubtedly its total, or near-total, absence of fur. The skin of the Canadian cat can be of three types, depending on its texture: Rubber, which feels similar to rubber to the touch; Wax, which is more similar to wax; or Peach, as velvety as a peach. In any case, all colours are recognised by the breed standard. It is worth noting that the more wrinkled the Sphynx cat's skin, the more prized the specimen. The head is slightly elongated downward, and the large ears are neither straight nor curved toward the head, but form a slight angle with it.
The eyes are large and incredibly gentle; here too, all colour variations are accepted, though blue is the most sought-after. The prominent cheekbones frame a small, aristocratic nose that may be covered by a light downy fuzz. The body is slender yet muscular, as are the long legs. The sphinx cat's belly is round and pronounced, the tail is well-proportioned and very slender toward the tip, sometimes adorned with a small puff of fur — lion-style.
Personality of the Egyptian Sphynx cat
The Sphynx cat is very cheerful and remarkably intelligent. Unlike other feline breeds, it socialises beautifully with all kinds of pets as well as with people. The Sphynx is a cat that suffers greatly from loneliness and absolutely needs to live somewhere warm, precisely because of its lack of fur. Ideally, it thrives in a cosy, warm home filled with people who love it dearly. Sociable and outgoing, it actively takes part in all household activities — almost more like a dog than a cat. The hairless Egyptian cat needs to be cared for in much the same way as a person. Due to its lack of fur, it needs to be cleaned daily with damp wipes or given a proper bath, which it is generally happy to accept.
The cat's ears, just like ours, need to be cleaned regularly, as do its eyes. The Sphynx cat needs to eat plenty of good food in order to maintain its body temperature, which typically ranges between 38°C and 39°C; it therefore requires a high-protein diet. In addition, the hairless cat reaches sexual maturity very early, and for breeding purposes it is important to turn to a suitable facility — ideally a Sphynx breed cattery that knows how to prevent the various viral and venereal diseases to which it might otherwise be susceptible.
A strong and sturdy cat, despite appearances
One very important thing to point out is that, contrary to what its complete lack of fur might suggest, the Sphynx cat is not at all frail or weak. In general, it is a very robust and vigorous breed, bursting with vitality. Finally, it is worth mentioning that one of the main reasons it is so popular is the possibility of keeping it at home even for those who are allergic to cat fur — since it has none, it is often described as a hypoallergenic cat.
Raising a Sphynx cat
The Sphynx kitten is cheerful and lively, curious enough to constantly squeeze into any kind of hiding spot it can find. The Canadian cat loves company — whether that of another kitten, another animal, or a human being, it doesn't matter; it adapts wonderfully to everyone and everything. Sturdy and fearless, it loves to climb; it plays non-stop when it has a companion at home, but becomes quite downcast in the absence of a playmate.
Due to its lack of fur, from a young age the Sphynx needs warm spots to rest in — blankets, sofas or its owner's bed will bring it great joy. For the same reason, it needs to be protected with sunscreen when spending time outdoors. Choosing the right cat to bring home is best done by turning to specialist Sphynx catteries, where experienced breeders can offer all the guidance needed to help your cat live its very best life.
