Canadian Sphynx – a loving and sociable pet that easily wins the hearts of people who are not indifferent to cats. The owners of these animals unanimously say that they would never exchange them for representatives of other breeds. For big ears, expressive eyes and folds of skin on the muzzle, sphinxes received the affectionate nickname "aliens".
Origin
Sphynx cats – the result of a natural mutation reinforced by man. And although the first mention of bald cats can be traced back to the time of the Aztecs. And in South America in the 30s of the last century, a whole population of naked individuals was recorded, the breed that we know today originated only in 1966 in Canada. Sphynx breeding is associated with an attempt to cross a hairless individual born from an ordinary domestic cat with representatives of the same ancestral line. However, the first experiment failed. Due to the small number of livestock and little experience in preserving the new species, it was not possible to develop stable breed qualities, and the history of sphinxes could have ended without even starting. However, already in 1975, the attempt was repeated again. And this time already successfully. Kittens born in a litter from another shorthair cat were able to lay the foundation for the elite lines presented today and give birth to offspring that spread beyond the borders of the breeding country. To increase the number of animals, they crossed with Devon Rex, Russian Blue and European Shorthair cats, Siamese and Orientals – their appearance most corresponded to sphinxes, while mating brought bald kittens already in the first generation. As a result of crossing with representatives of other species, the breed was divided into several branches. At the same time, the exterior of their representatives began to differ significantly. In the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA), the Sphynx was admitted to compete in the championship class in February 2002.
Character
Sphinxes are very mischievous and playful creatures, they get involved in active fun with great passion or independently invent entertainment for themselves, such as "hunting" for a beetle that happens to be in the apartment. Sphinxes do not tolerate loneliness well, which should be taken into account by potential owners whose work is associated with frequent and long business trips. Sphynxes are absolutely not aggressive, so they get along with children of different ages without any problems and calmly share their home with other pets. Representatives of this breed quite easily get used to being in a large crowd of people. Thanks to this, sphinxes feel good at exhibitions, and some bring the skill of equanimity to such a level that they become real movie stars. The most striking example of this – Ted Nugent as Mr. Bigglesworth, Dr. Evil's cat from the famous Austin Powers film series.
Behavior
Sphinx cats – companion pets. At the same time, they like not only to follow the owner, but also to draw attention to themselves. Animals need regular communication and spending time together. Sphinxes also know and understand many words from human speech, are easily trained and follow simple commands. Like many animals with high intelligence, they are stubborn and ready to work only for their favorite treat and only in a good mood. Sphinxes need both active and intellectual games. If you don't know how to keep your cat busy while you're away, get interactive puzzle toys or feeder toys. Among other qualities – staring eye to eye. Usually cats don't do that. But sphinxes are not afraid of direct contact. Also, the animal is characterized by equanimity at the sight of new people and quick adaptation to a change of residence.
Health
Sphynx cats are considered to be centenarians. Representatives of the breed have good health and strong immunity. And even if they get sick, they quickly return to normal and almost never suffer from diseases that have become chronic. However, the lack of a coat makes the cat vulnerable to skin and eye diseases. And mistakes in breeding work can lead to genetic pathology of the joints or heart. Diseases that are more common in sphinxes than others: respiratory diseases, keratitis, pigmentary urticaria, food allergies, genetic heart diseases (in particular, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy), congenital myasthenic syndrome (progressive muscle dysfunction).
Leaving
The "Canadians" are not completely naked, they are covered with very short fluffy hair, but their skin, like that of other cats, accumulates dead particles, secretions of the sebaceous glands and other impurities. So they are bathed or rubbed with a damp cloth to help keep the skin clean. They also have to clean their eyes more often than other cats – because they do not have ciliary hairs that collect dust and dirt. Sphynxes can tan and even burn themselves, basking in the sun on a bright sunny day.
