Sphynx Cat, the “hairless cat”

The Sphynx is probably one of the strangest felines in existence. You will recognise it by its apparent lack of fur and it has often been said that this breed resembles the image we have of an extraterrestrial or alien.

Where does the Sphinx cat breed come from?

It originated in Canada, where it appeared in the 1960s, although it is also considered to bear a strong resemblance to the cats depicted during the time of the pharaohs.

The Sphynx. Is it hairless?

In reality, the Sphinx Cat does have fur. It is a sort of hairy, unnoticeable to the naked eye (something similar to peach skin), which reveals the folds of its skin and even marks its veins.

This apparent lack of coat is a genetic characteristic of this breed of cat and is not a disease.

The lack of a conventional coat, which in other cat breeds serves a protective function against weather and temperature changes, makes the Sphinx cat very sensitive to temperature changes, even though its body temperature is about 4 degrees higher than that of other cats.

In order to maintain a comfortable body temperature, the Sphinx cat needs a stable room temperature of between 22° and 25°C. In winter, it is a good idea to leave a blanket on their bed so that they can snuggle under it if they need to. It is also a good solution to use cat clothing in the colder months of the year.

What physical characteristics does the Sphinx Cat have?

In addition to its strange fur, the Sphinx Cat has other physical characteristics.

• He has big ears and big eyes.
• It is a medium sized cat (weighs between 3.5 and 5 kg).
• His appearance is markedly thin.

What is the character of the Sphinx Cat?

Sphynxes are affectionate cats, great companions and very suitable with families with children and other household animals.

Curious, cunning, intelligent and extremely lively (they have a lot of energy, which allows them to be on the move all day long), Sphynx Cats are also dependent, docile and affectionate with their owners, and they like to be surrounded by people, so they don’t like to spend time alone at home.

They also love to be the centre of attention, and when they want something they don’t stop until they get it.

What is the best food for the Sphinx Cat?

The Sphynx cat needs a special diet. It has a very fast metabolism which helps it to regulate its body temperature, something very necessary as it has no body hair.

For this reason, it is important to pay close attention to their diet and provide them with a highly nutritious food with a high percentage of proteins and fats, and a daily ration that is suitable for their high level of activity and physical wear and tear.

We recommend Picart SELECT Extra Care, gluten-free, with natural antioxidants and plasma to take care of their defences and digestive system.

It is also important to always leave clean water within his reach, so that he can hydrate and drink frequently, helping to dilute his urine and prevent the formation of urinary stones.

What other care does the Sphinx Cat need?

The fact that their hair is so fine, almost imperceptible, means that they need special care and attention to look after their skin.

• It is not advisable to spend too much time in the sun, as this may damage the skin.
• A monthly bath is recommended to remove sweat and sebaceous secretions from his skin and to prevent possible skin infections.
• Good fur maintenance is also achieved with a chamois or sponge to keep their very fine fur in good condition.
• Their large ears tend to accumulate wax and dirt, so they will need regular and gentle cleaning, using circular movements and specific drops.
• As they do not have eyelashes, it is also necessary to take care of their eyes. It is recommended to clean them gently with a gauze soaked in saline solution.
• Regular visits to the vet for vaccinations and deworming will also serve as a preventive check-up of their general health.