Fast Facts What do a Sphynx cat and a PETA member have in common? Neither believes in wearing fur.
The first Sphynx was born in 1966 in Canada, but they became celebrities after a pair of them was featured in the Austin Powers movies, as the sidekick to the villain, Dr.
Evil.
The lack of traditional fur is the result of a natural mutation, but selective breeding with traditionally furry cats has provided the Sphynx with coats, off and on for more than three decades in Europe and the U.
S.
Currently, the Sphynx is the seventh most popular breed of cat, according to statistics from the Cat Fanciers Association.
Members of this breed have routinely been competing for championships since the early 2000s.
Personality A Sphynx loves entertaining, and the bigger the audience, the better the antics will probably get.
These cats are born with an attitude that practically screams, "Look, here I am!" They enjoy human contact, but also play nicely with other pets.
They have a high level of energy, which, if not properly channeled, can turn into random acts of mischief.
In addition to being theatrical performers, the Sphynx could give Curious George a run for his money.
These highly intelligent cats are also inquisitive to the point of nosiness, and will readily investigate anything that catches their eye.
When they're not exploring, you can usually find a Sphynx on or beside his pet owners, the family dog, or any other warm object catching up on their beauty rest.
The Sphynx, it seems, has only two speed settings: warp speed and parked.
Members of this breed are sometimes called "love mooches" because they are naturally affectionate and enjoy spending time hanging around with or on top of their human friends.
They are highly social animals that love to see company coming.
Grooming & Appearance Since they don't have any fur, you might think that there is no need to groom your Sphynx, but that's not the case.
You just need to exchange your comb and brush for a sponge or damp cloth.
The cat's skin produces natural oils like all cats; however, since there's no fur to soak up the excess, a light rubdown is needed to keep the oils from building up on the Sphynx's skin-and everything in the house.
Be sure to clean around the ears daily also, as these areas are also prone to oil buildup.
A Sphynx isn't really hairless.
After all, they're still considered mammals, and all mammals have some hair on them.
If you get up close and personal with a Sphynx-which isn't hard to do at all- you'll see very light downy fur, usually on the nose, tail, and around the feet.
Their suede-like skin covers a sturdy frame and well developed muscles, and their unique coloring and patterns are the result of pigments in their skin and sparse hair.
Along with must-touch skin, nature gave the Sphynx a metabolism that a supermodel would pay millions for.
This breed can eat like there's no tomorrow and hardly gain a pound.
In fact, they should have a slightly pot-bellied look to them much of the time.
An average healthy female can weigh between 7 and 9 pounds, while the males are a bit heavier, ranging from 8 to 10 pounds.
Health And Lifestyle Because they don't have a traditional fur coat to help regulate their body temperature, Sphynx cats are on a constant search for warmth.
These cats will benefit greatly from the wide variety of pet clothing available in stores, but they can also be kept warm with simple blankets or by curling up with people or other pets.
This breed does best living indoors, as they are at greater risk than almost any other breed for getting sunburned.
Outdoor time should be limited, even on partially sunny days, and a cat-safe sunscreen should always be applied prior to leaving the house.
Sphynx cats don't shed fur, obviously; however, their skin dander can trigger reactions in people with even light cat allergies.
Thanks to carefully selective breeding, Sphynx cats are a vigorous and healthy breed with few health or genetic problems.
Who Should Own One? Sphynx cats would do well living with a family that has children, although no ideal age of child has been determined.
Because of their high energy and curiosity, younger children who are active and enjoy playing, but who understand that a cat must be handled gently, would be ideal.
Single people who have other pets would also make a good home for these social and fun-loving cats.
Because a great deal of attention is needed when it comes to maintaining a Sphynx's skin, it is recommended that people they be owned by people who have had previous experience with caring for cats.