7 misconceptions about Sphynx cats

Sphynx cats are perhaps the most unusual representatives of the domestic feline kingdom. They seem to be some kind of alien creatures. There are many misconceptions about them that need to be resolved.

Sphinxes - Egyptian cats

In mythology, the sphinx is a monster with the body of a lion and the face and chest of a woman. The most famous statue of the Great Sphinx. According to the definition of Titus Flavius, a Roman scientist and writer, the Egyptian sphinx is a symbol of strength and intelligence: the lion's body denotes strength, the human face - the mind. The sphinx needs both strength and intelligence to guard pyramids and temples full of treasures. Contrary to the associative opinion that cats - sphinxes - came from Egypt, the Aztecs first mentioned them. They were called Mexican hairless cats.

An interesting fact: for most of the year they were really bald, but with the onset of cold weather they were overgrown with wool, which they then “dumped” during the period of warming. There were also mentions of bald cats - participants in cat shows of the 20s, but the last pair of animals, unfortunately, did not leave offspring. In the 1930s, hairless cats were reported from France, Morocco, and the United States. French biologist E. Lethar registered hairless kittens born from a pair of Siamese cats and described a mutation caused by the h gene.

All sphinxes are equally bald

The first modern hairless kitten was born to a Canadian cat in 1966. Breeders became interested in the original cat, and did everything possible to continue the naked race. And in the late 80s, the first hairless cat was born in Rostov-on-Don, becoming the founder of the Don Sphynx family.

At the same time, felinologists from St. Petersburg bred the Peterbald breed, regardless of their Rostov colleagues. All three varieties have not only external, but also emotional differences. Canadian sphinxes are considered the most calm and friendly, distinguished by rounded ears and smooth lines. In the Don Sphynx, the muzzle is more elongated and sharply defined, while the Peterbalds are distinguished by the greatest sophistication, huge ears and elongated proportions.

In addition, for each of the breeds, coat options are acceptable - from completely bald "rubber" cats without whiskers and eyebrows to fully or partially covered with hair of different lengths. It's funny that at first they tried to treat the first-born sphinx cubs for lichen, until they realized that the absence of hair is a normal feature of their body.

Sphinx differs from a fluffy cat only in appearance

Body temperature in adult sphinxes can reach 39 degrees. They love to sleep under a blanket next to the owner - they warm themselves. The same feature is due to the rapid course of colds and excellent appetite - the metabolism of the Sphynx is much faster than that of cats of other breeds. If the room in which the sphinx lives is heated too well, and the temperature in it exceeds 20-25 degrees, brown wax-like sweat appears on the body of the animal. However, the latter is easy to wipe off with a damp cloth.

The skin of sphinxes is quite dense, which simplifies the procedure for injections during treatment. It will be quite simple to give an injection to a "naked" animal. Due to the specific features of the skin, sphinxes are shown short-term sunbathing, but in no case do not leave your pet for a long time under the scorching midday rays - the skin of these cats burns faster than humans. Most sphinxes love to bathe, but detergents should be chosen from the gentle children's category.

Sphinxes are exotic, which means they have character

Despite the frightening appearance for most, sphinxes are distinguished by a friendly character and a high degree of socialization. This is an animal that is directly contraindicated to be alone for a long time. Many breeders notice in their pets "dog" character traits - incredible devotion, sociability and ability to train.

The Sphynx is one of the few cats that will respond and come running when they hear their name, not because you are holding a piece of sausage in your hands, but simply because you called. In addition, these are cats that look like humans - they have natural fingers on their paws, and sphinxes prefer to sleep under the covers, with their heads on the pillow. The Sphinx puts itself on the same level with the owner, preferring an equal relationship, rather than the royal behavior inherent in cats.

The sphinx is hard to care for

Thanks to an enviable metabolism, sphinxes are distinguished by excellent appetite and, at the same time, a complete lack of pickiness. But there are also pitfalls here - unlike the usual breeds of cats, the Sphynx rarely leaves the bowl half empty, so you need to feed it in portions and very carefully to prevent overeating.

Particular attention should be paid to the ears of the animal - increased secretion provokes the accumulation of plaque faster than in an ordinary cat. Some veterinarians, not knowing the specifics of the breed, begin to treat the cat for ear mites, so be careful and warn the doctor about the features of your pet that you know. Otherwise, the Sphynx is much easier to care for and maintain than long-haired cats. It does not leave hair on clothes and is highly clean.

Weak immunity and health

Elongated proportions, curved front paws and lack of hair give the impression of being gentle and defenseless, including against viruses and infections. Throw in the stereotype of the good health of outbred cats and the weakness of purebreds, and you get the myth that you won't leave the veterinarian's office with a Sphynx. In fact, the immunity of the sphinx is in no way inferior to the immunity of the yard Vaska, and even vice versa. Elevated body temperature helps to quickly cope with viruses and infections. Even if the sphinx caught a cold, he will recover pretty quickly. Do not be afraid to arrange physical activity for your pet - games with a fishing rod, balls and in cat complexes will strengthen the body and help maintain the health of the Sphynx.

Sphynx is a hypoallergenic cat

Many allergy sufferers who dream of having a pet at home opt for sphinxes, arguing that they lack wool. In fact, the main cause of cat allergies is not wool, but an allergenic protein found in saliva, sebaceous gland secretions, and particles of the animal's epidermis. Symptoms may be reduced because the Sphynx licks less often and does not leave allergens along with the hair throughout the apartment, but this does not mean that the reaction will be completely absent.

If you decide to get a bald pet and are convinced that the reaction to it is not as intense as to fluffy cats, remember a few simple rules. First, intact males produce more allergen than neutered males. Secondly, dark cats produce significantly more allergens than light ones. And thirdly, cats produce more allergen than cats. In fact, no breed of cat is confirmed to be hypoallergenic, so you need to select a pet individually.