Sphynx cats exude an air of mystery with their huge sharp eyes and smooth “hairless” bodies. Some people may be taken aback by their striking appearance. However, there are several noteworthy facts about these felines which prove that they are just as lovable as any other feline pets. Read these 10 fun facts about sphynx cats!
1. From Egypt? Think again!
Sphynx cats may have been named after an ancient Egyptian mythical creature but this cat breed does not hail from Egypt. A sphynx cat’s origins sprang from the frosty country of Canada in 1966. A mother cat has given birth to a litter of shorthair kittens, one of which was shockingly hairless. During the 1970s, two separate sets of hairless kittens were born to owners in Minnesota and Toronto. In time, with the help of selective breeding, the affectionate Sphynx cat breed has taken shape.
2. Careful with the heat.
Sphynx cats have sensitive skin due to their lack of thickset fur. If left unsupervised under the heat of the sun, these felines can get sunburned. Make sure to keep an eye on your furry companion when exposed to heat. You can also slather a pet sunscreen on her skin to protect her from any harmful rays.
3. Love bugs
With their stern-looking features, you might think that these cats don’t know the word fun. Or lead you to ask the question “Are sphynx cat mean?” But that first impression might not last. Sphynx cats are known for extremely sociable characters. They love to spend time hanging out with their human companions and simply be showered with love and affection. Many sphynx owners can attest how their furry companions made hilarious and clumsy shenanigans just to get their attention and cuddles.
4. Warm kitties
Sphynx cats have a higher temperature compared to other cat breeds. The internal temperature of an average cat is 99.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Yet sphynx cats’ internal temperature is 4 degrees higher. The warmth their body produces plays a significant role in keeping them warm and toasty despite their lack of fur. Because of their high body temperature, these felines also have swift metabolism rate. They need to eat more frequently than other cats to keep up with the nutritional needs of their body.
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5. Fuzzy Felines
Although Sphynx cats were famously dubbed as hairless cats, these felines are not entirely devoid of fur! Their bodies are covered with a fine layer of fuzz which is soft to the touch. You might be surprised by how soothing it can be to pet their fuzzy bodies. Despite not being totally hairless, it is worth noting that sphynx cats, generally, do not have any whiskers and eyelashes.
6. Get the bath ready
A sphynx cat’s body naturally produces oils which are supposed to be absorbed by her fur. However, due to the lack of coat, the oil will stay and stick on the feline’s skin. As a result, it will cause her to become slick and greasy. Thus, sphynx cat owners are required to bathe their furry companion weekly to avoid dirt and dust build-up. It is also recommended to provide a sphynx cat with her own cat bed than sharing sleeping space with you. Since your cat has a ‘greasy body’, her oils will seep into the sheets which would mean more dirty laundry.
7. Watch out for allergies!
Sphynx cats may have sparse fur but it doesn’t mean they are hypoallergenic. Despite being dubbed as hairless, their body can still produce dander. These are microscopic bits of dry cat skin which primarily causes the allergy. Dander can land on your sofa, pillow, tables, and other surfaces inside your home which can cause allergic reactions.
8. Entertaining Chatterboxes
If there’s one thing a sphynx cats love, it’s talking—or in their case meowing. If you start chatting with this furry feline, you best expect that she will respond with a hearty meow. Their interaction does not only limit to adorable mewls and purrs too. They will even chirp occasionally just to communicate their kitty thoughts with you.
9. Not The Only One
Sphynx cats are not the only “hairless” cat breed in existence. Bambino, Ukrainian Levkoy, Peterbald and Donskoy are the other felines known for their hairlessness. All of these cat breed’s thinness or thickness of fuzzy fur may vary individually. Some may sport more fuzz compared to others.
Check out the A-Z full cat breed archive.
10. A Rainbow of Colours
Sphynx cats can sport a wide variety of colours. This includes lavender, red, chocolate, black, white, bicolour, calico, tortoiseshell, and a whole lot more. You can spot their colours on both the pigment of their skin and the fuzz on their body.
11. Arcane Creatures
Even during ancient times, these felines were viewed to be connected with the world of magic, specifically in Russia. One of the country’s folklore involves sphynx cats as symbols of wealth, prosperity and good fortune. As a result, several of the Russian royalties chose these felines as their pet. Sphynx cats became a hit to the royalties and these cats were linked with wealth and status.
