Sphynx: Character, education, health, price - The right cat for you?
The Sphynx is one ofcat breeds the most unusual. Resulting from a natural genetic mutation, this feline with "bare skin" is distinguished by its original appearance, fascinating for some, repulsive for others. But behind his somewhat extraterrestrial physique hides in reality an intelligent, affectionate, calm, endearing and sociable companion. Listed in LOOF, it is a popular cat among the French, but which remains very rare and therefore quite expensive.
Endowed with iron health, this little feline nonetheless needs a lot of love and affection from you, as much as a minimum of care and accessories in order to be happy and more flourished. Find out everything you need to know about this unusual looking cat below, along with all the good reasons to adopt it.
Who is the ideal cat for?
Devoid of fur, gifted with great intelligence and great adaptability, the Sphynx is an indoor cat who particularly appreciates life in an apartment or in a house. It is also a calm and sociable cat who supports the presence of children and cohabits with other animals. So, whether you live alone or with your family, in an apartment or a house, with or without another companion, the Sphynx will suit you perfectly
Note, however, that the Sphynx is a cat that does not adapt to solitude. A little possessive, he needs a master who is loving, devoted, but above all available. As a result, if you are an overly busy person with little time to spare, the Sphynx is not the ideal cat breed for you.
Origin and history of the Sphynx
It is difficult to be able to determine with precision the origin of the Sphynx insofar as it does not result from any crossing, but from a genetic mutation. Some attribute to him Canadian, American or European origins. Remember, however, that studies have revealed the existence of this hairless cat in the Aztec era, in Latin America. A few centuries later, spontaneous births of hairless cats are observed in the United States (1936) and France (1938).
The breeding of the breed began much later between 1966 and 1973 in Holland under the leadership of Dr Hugo Hernandez. He strove to work on the genes of the breed without altering their natural mutation. The Sphynx will surface again in 1983 during the feline exhibition in Paris, during which it will not fail to seduce the public.
Physical characteristics of the Sphynx
From head to tail, the Sphynx presents an unusual portrait. He has a somewhat long triangular head with pronounced cheekbones. His long nose has no whiskers. Its very large ears are wide at the base and set apart from each other. He has large expressive lemon-shaped eyes, the coloring of which matches his dress which here refers mainly to his skin.
Indeed, the Sphynx visibly has no fur: its body displays a solid musculature covered with a layer of thick wrinkled and folded skin at the level of the skull, chin and hips. However, he is not entirely naked, as he actually has a fine, soft down giving the impression of peachy skin to the touch. All coat colors are allowed for this breed, with slight nuances in colorings however. In appearance, a black dress will tend to dark gray, while a white dress will appear rather pink.
Finally, the Sphynx has large legs proportioned to its body, with oval feet and particularly long toes. Its tail, also long and more or less hairless, resembles that of a rat.
Behavior of the Sphynx
All owners agree that the Sphynx is an intelligent, calm, sociable, loyal and extremely affectionate companion who craves the constant love of his master. Very endearing and a little curious, he will follow you everywhere in the house. While most cats prefer your knees, the Sphynx favors the comfort of your shoulder for its cuddly moments. It's a real pot of glue that can't stand loneliness.
In addition, the Sphynx is a peaceful cat that thrives easily in a family setting. In addition, his gentle, patient and sociable side means that he gets along perfectly with children, as much as he tolerates the presence of other animals. Finally, it is a cat with a great ability to adapt, you will not have to worry about him in the event of a move.
Health and care for the Sphynx
Contrary to the prejudices that one can have because of his appearance, the Sphynx is a robust cat with an iron health. Nevertheless, he is prone to CMH, an inherited cardiovascular disease affecting some individuals of the breed with variation between generations. In addition, its epidermis does not secrete melanin exposes it to burns in the event of prolonged exposure to the sun.
In addition, her skin sweats frequently and greases easily, so you will need to bathe her regularly. Although his skin is thick enough to maintain his temperature, it is not advisable to leave him outside in cold weather. Apart from these specific cases, the sphynx is not immune to diseases common to all cats.
Thus, you must offer him all the care essential to the preservation of his health, in particular vaccination, deworming, external antiparasitic treatments, and many others. If the sphynx is not spared from the disease, it is not immune to all accidents either. And for these hazards of his life, the bill for care can quickly be steep. This is why it is important for you to register it with a mutual or a cat insurance, in order to guarantee it the best health care.
Does the Sphynx need specific food?
Contrary to popular belief, purebred cats, including the Sphynx, do not absolutely need specific food. So don't worry about finding special foods for Sphynx, which are often more expensive. All your companion needs is a diet that conforms to the carnivorous diet of all felines.
Clearly, you must offer your Sphynx healthy foods, made with natural or organic ingredients, and essentially consisting of meat and / or fish. They must be free from cereals, chemicals and any other product unsuitable for carnivores. In addition, its food must contain a measured amount of easy-to-assimilate minerals to avoid kidney stones and must be low in fat to limit the risk of heart disease.
Finally, note that the Sphynx has an ogre appetite. He therefore needs a considerable intake of protein and energy to support his body and muscle mass, as well as his intense activity. Be careful with being overweight! You must make sure to ration his meals taking into account his weight, energy expenditure and appetite.
What budget to have a Sphynx?
You should know that the budget to budget for the acquisition of a Sphynx can be influenced by a number of factors. Among these are the sex of the animal, its age, its pedigree, the color and quality of its coat, the reputation of its breeder, etc.
But as an estimate, note that you will have to spend on average 1000 to 3000 € for the purchase of a male Sphynx kitten and between 1200 and 3000 € for the adoption of a female Sphynx kitten. This high cost is partly explained by the rarity of the breed and the costs associated with their nutrition and care.
The accessories adapted to the Sphynx
Like all its fellow cats, the Sphynx needs that you offer him a certain number of accessories to make his life happier, more pleasant, and to guarantee his well-being and his safety. Of course, each of these accessories must be adapted to its morphology, size and weight.
These are accessories focused on his hygiene and his toilet such as litter boxes for his droppings, as well as grooming kits for the maintenance of his dress. They are also accessories oriented on its nutrition such as food bowls, an automatic kibble dispenser and a water fountain.
In addition, you can install a cat flap if he has access to the garden, and a small house for his safety outside. Finally, you should know that the Sphynx is an agile and very active cat: great player, he also likes to climb everywhere. Thus, you should ideally offer him a cat tree with perches and scratching posts, so that he can express his feline nature.
Goodies for Sphynx lovers
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Sphynx Photos
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Where to adopt a Sphynx?
The Sphynx being a purebred cat, the best places indicated for the adoption of a specimen which perfectly matches your expectations in terms of quality and physiognomy are the recognized kennels. Because professional breeders take to heart the preservation of the characteristics of the breed and the well-being of cats. But the price will be much higher there, compared to other places of adoption such as catteries or shelters.
Finally, note that you can also adopt from an individual. However, we recommend that you do so preferably with a relative rather than a stranger, in order to avoid any animal trafficking.
