Nine out of ten people, if asked about the first association that comes to them when they say “cat,” they will say something like “wool,” “soft,” “fluffy,” “can be stroked.” Of course, the word "bald" does not occur to anyone.
A cat and a cat to be fluffy, soft and warm. The sphinx breed completely refutes this statement. This cat is completely devoid of hair, that is, he is, in fact, bald. Someone thinks they are cute, but someone is just afraid. What sphinxes really are?
To begin with, it is an artificially bred cat breed. But why the ancestors of the breed lost their hair is not known. Hairlessness was fixed by crossing with shorthair breeds. These animals belong to Asian cats. Unlike their relatives, Siamese cats, sphinxes are very friendly and unforgettable, they have a lot of dog features. For example, they are very attached to a person and are suitable if called for. Despite their peculiar appearance, bald cats are very good-natured creatures, they get along well with all family members and different domestic animals, including their own kind.
Due to the fact that the sphinx hair is either absent or very short, their skin secretes a special substance that protects against harmful effects, and, as a rule, accumulates near the claws and near the ears. In this case, do not thoroughly wash the animal, it is better to wipe its skin with a cloth with baby cream. In addition, the bald cat even sweats. Just like a man! Due to the appearance, the hairless cat requires special care. The fact is that to maintain heat, he needs to eat a lot, since bare skin does not hold him. This feature is also associated with the fact that in winter, sphinxes need care and warmth.
Although their average body temperature is higher than that of other cats, they themselves need to be warmed by putting on special vests or, at least, putting them under the covers. Hairless cats have delicate skin, therefore it is advisable to cut their claws so that the animal does not hurt, although some representatives of the form do it themselves. In addition, since sphinx ears are not protected by wool; they must be carefully cleaned with cotton swabs. Animals tolerate such procedures calmly, so you can not be afraid of hands. The hairless cat at home is somewhat reminiscent of a small child that needs to be monitored. The fact is that the beast can get a skin burn even when lying near the battery.
To date, 3 breeds of sphinxes are known.
1. Petersburg. This breed was bred in Russia by crossing the Don Sphynx and Oriental cat. As a result, 4 kittens were obtained.
Representatives of the breed have a slender body and long legs, flat cheekbones. Also, pigmentation may be present on the skin, which disappears in the winter, like a sun tan, and intensifies during lactation and pregnancy.
2. The Don Sphinx. These bald cats are distinguished by wrinkled skin on the neck and stomach, on the forehead there are many vertical stripes. Don sphinxes are quite large, have a strong body. their main feature is narrow almond-shaped eyes and swirling vibris in newborn kittens.
3. The Canadian Sphinx. The breed is still forming, but the main features are a triangular head, high-set eyes and a pronounced mustache.