The Sphynx Cat
Would it be correct to say that most people are either a cat or dog person? For those readers who say they prefer cats, we have an interesting breed for you. We think you will either love it or hate it. It’s called the Sphynx cat.
Given that people have been keeping cats as pets for over 4,000 years, the Sphynx is a new breed. The first one was born in 1966 in Toronto, Canada. Unlike all other cats or kittens, this one had no fur at all, even though its mother did have fur. It was checked by a vet and found to be healthy. Since then, thousands of other hairless kittens have been born and bred. It’s been given the name Sphynx cat. The Sphynx is a mythical creature that has the head of a human and the body of a lion.
Sphynx cats are known to be friendly and love attention. Unlike any other breed, the Sphynx will run to your front door when you arrive home – just like a pet dog. They are playful and are happy to sit with you. Because they have no fur, they feel the cold much more than other cats. They also like to snuggle up in your bed or in a blanket.
The cat’s skin is loose and wrinkled. This is how all cats would look if they had no fur. Its skin also has different colours caused by pigmentation. One problem with having no fur is that the oil produced by the skin must be washed off. This means you need to give your cat a bath once a week. Sphynx kittens are bathed by their breeders from an early age, and it seems they do not mind this – unlike other cats who often hate the sight of a bowl of soapy water.
They are different to many other cats. For example, their ears are large and look as if they are wide open. Their eyes look slanted as well. The Sphynx cat has a big appetite and eats regularly. This may be because it’s an energetic breed of cat. They love playing and are especially good with children and other pets.
They hate being left alone and become depressed if their owners are out all day. It’s important there is at least one other pet at home with the Sphynx to keep it company. A pet mouse or hamster may not be such a good idea, though!
A Sphynx cat is not cheap. A normal pedigree Sphynx cat can cost from US$1,500 to US$3,000. Prices have been known to go as high as US$10,000!
They certainly look interesting and different. It’s nice that they are playful as well. But would you like a bald cat as your pet? You would have to think carefully before you started counting your money.
Watch the video!