If you think of a cat as a fluffy, furry little animal, the Sphynx will not live up to your expectations. The Sphynx is a very peculiar and unmistakable breed! Its main physical characteristic is that it has no hair, just a light down on top of the skin. The thin face and pointed ears are also typical of the "hairless cat", as it is also called.

But, if the physical appearance can be somewhat different, the personality of the Sphynx can surprise you. To learn more about this breed, we have prepared a guide with everything you need to know before having a Sphynx cat to call your own!

Sphynx cat x-ray

• Source: Canada
• Coat: hairless
• Colors: all colors are accepted
• Personality: attached, affectionate, sociable, intelligent and playful
• Energy level: moderate
• Life expectancy: 14 years

What is the origin of the hairless cat?

The Sphynx is a furry cat that first appeared in Canada in 1966, when a kitten gave birth to several hairless kittens. At that time, there were several speculations about the health of the animals, believing that they were sick because they had no hair. However, a second litter confirmed that this peculiar characteristic was not an indication of any health problem, but rather a mutationgenetics.

Then, several crossbreeding tests were made with the aim of fixing this trait in pets, but they were not successful. Only in 1975 did the creation of the Sphynx cat, in fact, begin from the cross between two furry animals. In 1988, the breed was officially recognized by the American organization Cat Fanciers Association.

It is worth noting that there are some rumors when it comes to the origin of the Sphynx. Some believe that the hairless cat has been with us for centuries and belonged to the Aztec people, but there is no record to prove it.

Discover the main physical characteristics of Sphynx, the furry cat

With a soft skin that is completely exposed, the Sphynx is known to be a hairless cat. But, contrary to what many people think, it is not totally "hairless": in fact, these animals have a thin layer of fluff along the entire length of their body, which is imperceptible to those who look from afar. These small hairs tend to be concentrated in greater quantity near the ears,Sphynx cat's tail and belly.

The colors of the cat are a very diverse aspect. It is possible to find the black Sphynx, gray Sphynx, white Sphynx, cream Sphynx, red Sphynx and several other shades. Everything will depend on the pigmentation of the animal's skin. Oh, and it is worth mentioning that the value of the Sphynx cat usually varies according to some of its physical characteristics, and this includes the color of its skin.

Another "exotic" point of the Sphynx is that it has no vibrissae. Yes, it is a cat without whiskers. But don't worry: although the cat's whiskers are super important for feline balance and spatial notion, the kitty compensates for this with other skills and body resources.

Sphynx: behavior and temperament of the hairless cat

The exotic appearance does not interfere at all with the personality of the hairless cat. Just like any cat, the Sphynx is very active and loves to play alone, with other animals and with their owners. Very attached, they are ideal for those who want to sleep with a kitten warming their feet. Yes, even though they are a cat that has no hair, they are warm! But if on the one hand this characteristic of being clingyOn the other hand, they don't like to be left alone, so if you can't devote much time to your Sphynx, this might not be the best option for you.

The Sphynx cat is also very intelligent, loves to communicate by meowing, and can even be trained to learn some tricks. Cat training, although not common, is something totally possible and can further strengthen the relationship between the cat and the guardian. So, in addition to the typical cat toys, a good idea is to invest in training the hairless cat.

Adriano Leite, from Curitiba, has a kitten of this breed and says that she is a real sweetheart: "Cookie is passionate. She loves to sleep with me, she hardly sleeps clinging to me or under the blanket (always leaning against my legs). And how she loves affection! She arrives purring and rubbing herself. When she was a kitten, she wanted to suck on my neck. She really likes my presence to play with her!also, preferring to play with me rather than alone".

Photo of hairless cat

6 curiosities about the Sphynx cat

1) The breed's first name was "Moon Cat".

2) In addition to the Sphynx, there are also other hairless cat breeds, such as the Don Sphynx and the Peterbald.

3) Being a hairless cat, the Sphynx can get tanned if it gets sunburned and is more susceptible to burns.

4) Despite appearing to be icy, furry animals are often very warm.

5) Even without hair, the Sphynx is not a hypoallergenic cat.

6) The Sphynx has already made an appearance in a very famous television series: Friends. In the episode, the character Rachel adopts a kitten of the breed, but does not stay with him.

Sphynx kitten: how to care for and what to expect from the kitten?

Kittens are naturally cute, but can you imagine when it's a hairless cat? The cuteness is even greater, even if it is something peculiar. Like any other kitten, Sphynx is super curious in the first months of life and already demonstrates great intelligence early on. He is smart, attentive and loves to explore everything around. At the same time, he is also very attached to humans and loves to play with them.being close to their owners all the time. For the hairless cat, the value of family is huge!

If you are going to buy a kitten, don't forget to take care of its health in the first few months. It is important to have all the mandatory cat vaccinations, as well as deworming. It is also recommended to test the kitten for FIV and FeLV, just in case.

In terms of price, Sphynx is not one of the most expensive breeds, but it is not so cheap either. Also, remember that before taking a Sphynx kitten into your home, it is necessary to make all the adaptation of the environment to receive it in the right way. In the cat's layette list, do not forget to include: protective screen on all windows and hinges, feeder, drinker, litter box,scratcher and other toys, cat bed and transport box.

Main care routine for the hairless cat

Hair brushing: there is no need to brush the hair, but you can use a glove to remove dead fluff.

• Hygiene: the oiliness of the Sphynx's skin is higher than in other breeds, so the hairless cat needs periodic bathing or grooming with wet wipes.

• Sun protection: the lack of hair covering the skin of the Sphynx requires specific care. The use of sunscreen for cats is very important.

• Sensitivity to cold and heat : the hairless cat is more sensitive to cold and heat. It is important to pay attention and offer a cat clothing to keep warm in winter, as well as to cool him in summer.

Teeth: it is important to brush your hairless cat's teeth at least twice a week to prevent tartar and other oral problems.

Ears: ear hygiene should be carried out with specific products for pets at least twice a month. This helps prevent infections such as otitis.

• Nails: get your kitten used to regular nail clipping, as long claws can bother and even hurt him. It is recommended to do this whenever they are large.

Sphynx: cat needs a balanced diet

There is no mystery to feeding the hairless cat breed. Just like any other healthy cat, dry food combined with wet food already meets the need for nutrients. It is also necessary to encourage water consumption with the use of fountains and to keep the water fresh and clean at all times. In addition, wet food also needs to be offered frequently. It is an additional way for the cats todrink fluids and maintain kidney health.

If your Sphynx cat has any health problems, whether kitten or senior, it is important to seek advice from the veterinarian in charge. Adjusting the type of food, quantity or supplementation may be necessary and essential to ensure the quality of life of the animal.

What do you need to know about Sphynx cat health?

Dermatitis is more common in the Sphynx than in furry cats, so any bruise or change in texture should be checked by the vet. In addition, other conditions can affect it, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, hereditary myopathy, mitral valve dysplasia and coxofemoral dysplasia. Therefore, an important recommendation is to keep the medical follow-up up to date!

Don't forget also to apply the cat vaccinations in the first months of the pet's life, and to reinforce them annually. The application of dewormers and anti-parasitic drugs should be done regularly. It is worth remembering that when acquiring a furry cat, price should also take into account veterinary consultations and vaccine boosters.

Sphynx cat: price is usually from R $ 3 thousand

For those who have read this far, fell in love and already want a furry cat, the question that does not want to remain silent is: how much does a hairless cat cost? When it comes to price, Sphynx cat can be found from R $ 3.000 and, in some cases, even exceeds R $ 5.000, depending on the characteristics of the animal. The color of the animal is a factor that influences this aspect, but not the only one. Sex, as well as the lineagegenetics, also determine the value of the naked cat.

If you want to buy a cat of breed safely, you should know where to buy Sphynx cat in Brazil. A tip is to check the conditions of the place, cleanliness and care of the mother. There are many catteries that exploit the females to exhaustion to breed and after they reach maturity they are left aside. Do not be fooled by photos of the kittens and research, talk to other owners. To have a catwithout fur, price should not be the most important thing, but knowing that it is well treated.

Adriano Leite also gives a tip for those who are thinking of having a Sphynx: "I became really passionate about this breed but the advice I give to anyone who wants to have it is that they remember that they need to have time for them, because, as I said, they love to do things with us and they are very sticky".

4 questions and answers about the Sphynx cat

1) What is the price of Sphynx?

Because it is not such a common breed in Brazil, the hairless cat costs from R$ 3 thousand and often exceeds the value of R$ 5 thousand. It is necessary to look for a reliable breeder.

2) How long does Sphynx live?

The life expectancy of the Sphynx cat varies depending on the health conditions of the animal and care it receives throughout its life. Overall, the longevity of the furry cat is 8 to 12 years.

3) What is the temperament of the Sphynx cat?

The Sphynx is an affectionate, playful and very intelligent cat. It goes against the stereotype that felines are aloof animals, as it is a breed very attached to its owners and loves a cuddle. It is also a restless cat that needs stimulation on a daily basis.

4) What is a rare breed of cat?

The Sphynx can be considered a rare and exotic cat breed, mainly because it is not so common in Brazil. What draws the most attention to it is precisely the fact that it is a hairless cat, but the personality of the breed is also charming.