Page 120 - The Complete Cat Breed Book (DK)

118 C A T AL OG OF BREED S

Very large,
broad-based,
upright ears
Wrinkled skin
Body has fine around head
peach fuzz, black Prominent and shoulders
calico coat cheekbones
Pronounced
Slightly
arched neck whisker pads
Muscular, lack whiskers
rounded
rump

Well-rounded
belly

Thick
paw pads

Whiplike
tail tapers
to fine point
SPHYNX

THIS HAIRLESS CAT HAS AN ENDEARINGLY IMPISH CHARACTER

Place of origin Canada Probably the best known of the hairless cats ears, wrinkled skin, and rounded belly—the
Date of origin 1960s that have appeared around the world, the Sphynx does not appeal to everyone but its
Breed registries CFA, FIFe, Sphynx originated in Canada, and was named delightfully sociable and loving nature has
GCCF, TICA
for its supposed resemblance to the Ancient created more than a few converts. It is easy
Weight range 8–15lb (3.5–7kg)
Egyptian sculpture of the mythical Sphinx. to live with but needs to be kept indoors and
Grooming
The cat’s hairlessness is a natural mutation, protected from temperature extremes. Lack
and interest in its development dates from the of a normal coat also means that excess
Colors and patterns birth of a hairless male kitten produced by a body oils cannot be absorbed, so regular
All colors, shades,
and patterns. short-coated farm cat in Ontario in 1966. This washing is required. Cats used to baths
kitten, along with other hairless kittens that from an early age are unlikely to object.
appeared over the following decade, was used
to found the breed. WRINKLY SKIN
Although hairlessness is commonly
The Sphynx’s wrinkled skin is not unique to the
accompanied by other mutations, careful breed—all cats are the same under their fur.
selective breeding, including outcrosses to Sphynx kittens are wrinkly all over; adults
Devon Rex (pp.128–9) and Cornish Rex have wrinkles mainly
on the shoulders
(pp.126–7) cats, has ensured that the Sphynx
and head.
is relatively free of genetic problems.
Sphynx cats are not completely bald—most
have a coating of fine, suedelike fuzz on
their bodies and often a little thin hair on
their head, tail, and paws. Undeniably an
extraordinary looking cat—with its enormous