Safram Sphynx

About The Breed

To say that the Sphynx is one of the most unusual breeds of cats is an understatement. In fact, when one first looks at a Sphynx, the word cat does not come to mind. With its big ears, all knowing expressions, and wrinkled face, the word alien seems more appropriate. The Sphynx is one of the rarest cats in the world. The reason for the rarity of this species is that it is only recently that a concerted effort has been made to preserve the Sphynx breed. Until the movie, Austin Powers, with its feline star, Mr. Bigglesworth, so few people had ever seen the Sphynx that it is difficult to believe the breed has been around for at least 100 years. Before a considerable effort was made to breed them, Sphynx were occassionally born in regular litters. However, the Sphynx breed of today is directly decended from a feral cat found on the streets of Toronto, Canada or from a Minnesota barn cat, or a combination of both of these lines. Today's cats are the products of well thought out Sphynx to Sphynx breedings. New natural outcrosses have been added to the gene pool, thus preventing inbreeding and making for sturdy, healthy animals.

The Sphynx Disposition

The disposition of the Sphynx is different from most other cats - they are extremely friendly and loving. These pets are for those people who want their pets to be with them, as Sphynx physically like to be on their owners. In fact, my former Veterinarian purchased 2 of my Sphynx and remarked, "after years of practice and cat ownership, These are the best pets I have ever owned. I don't know what these are, but they are not cats. They could be part monkey." The European standard for this breed goes so far as to describe them as, " part dog, part child, part monkey, and part cat." Sphynx owners all over the world reported their cats as highly intellegent, loving, and almost human in their behavior.

What Does a Sphynx Feel Like?

The Sphynx is a cat that feels like a suede hot water bottle. The lack of hair, and therefore the lack of cooling air space under the hair, makes the cat feel much hotter to the touch than any other cat. This comes in handy in the winter time when they crawl under the covers to go to sleep.

What Should a Sphynx Look Like?

The ears of a Sphynx are very large. They are set neither too high nor too low in the head. The eyes are lemon shaped. The profile has a gentle curve. There should be a long chin and a definite pinch at the whisker break.
The cat should stand like a bulldog with the elbows slightly turned out, and a broad chest enhances this appearance. The body should be pear shaped. A sphynx should not be fat but should look as though it has just eaten a big meal, which it most often has, since these cats are voracious eaters. They eat and drink more than other cats to maintain their higher body metabolism, which helps them deal with temperature control.
Sphynx have extra long toes, and since they do not have fur to restrict them, they can use their toes almost like a racoon would, making little fists with their front paws. The cats also have thick paw pads which give the impression that the cat is walking on air cushions.
A long whippy tail completes the look of the Sphynx cat.

Some Special Considerations

It is important to remember that Sphynx are not outdoor cats. In addition to the many dangers that exist for all cats, Sphynx can more easily get sunburned, bitten by insects, contract poison ivy, or become severely chilled in cold weather or dehydrated in very hot weather than the average cat. In fact, the rule of thumb is to treat these cats the same way you would treat yourself if you did not have clothes on.