Arwen's Friends Sphynx

History 

The Sphynx, also known as the Canidian Hairless, originated in the US and Canada. 

The earliest Sphynx was named "Prune" and was born in 1966.  Prune had passed over the Rainbow Bridge without any decendants. 

In 1967, a litter of hairless cats and their longhaired mother was rescued in Toronto, Canada.  The kittens were all sterilized and the mother passed over the Rainbow Bridge - though she had other kittens.  (2 were exported to Europe - where one was bred to a Devon Rex.)

Characteristics

Thought the Sphynx appears to be hairless - that is not completely true.  It's body is covered in a super-fine down.  It should feel like a chamios.  (Some refer to it as a "peach fuzz".

Whiskers and eyebrows may be present - they can be whole or partial - they may also be complelely absent.

The Sphynx's skin is the color that their hair would be.

They typically have wedge shapped heads, sturdy bodies, and pot bellies.

Sphynx display high levels of energy.  They show lots of affection  toward their owners.  They are super courious and intelligent. 

Breed Specific Care

Sphynx are a high-maintance member of your family!  Though they lack hair - they have grooming requirements.   Body oils that would normally be absorbed by hair lurk on the skin of the Sphynx. 

Frequent bathing is required!  If baths are not given oils will build up casusing oil spotting on furnature and unsightly & uncomfortalbe black heads on your feline friend.  You must use care in the shampoo you choose to use - do not dry your cats skin out!

Indoors only!  The sun is not their friend!  The elements are not thier friend! 

Due to the lack of hair - Sphynx are very prone to sun burns!  They should be kept inside always!  If you happen to take your cat to the store with you, or on an outing - be sure to use a high SPF sunblock on them!  (re-appling when necessary!) 

If it is cold or hot outside - your Sphynx is feeling it too!  Be sure to provide adiquite kitty-clothes in the cool weather and plenty of air conditioned places in the summer. 

Usefull Sphynx Websites:

• http://www.cfa.org/
• http://tica.org/

Check out the websites above!  They will give you great information!

Fun "Did You Know" Info:

*In relation to their body size - a cat has the biggest eyes of any mammal.

*All cats are born with blue eyes.

*Cats have more bones than humans. Humans have 206 bones whereas the cat has 230. About 10% of a cats bones are in its tail. The tail is used to maintain balance.

* A cat's jaws cannot move sideways.

* If your cat is in the habit of rolling over and exposing his stomach, you can be sure he feels perfectly safe with you. It's also a way of demonstrating his pleasure in your company.