Canadian Sphynx: extraordinary charm and exotic beauty

The Canadian Sphynx is a breed of domestic cat, the creation of which began back in 1960. The main nuance of the breed is hairlessness, although this is not all positive qualities. The skin should feel like suede to the touch and have a layer of wool. There may also be whiskers (whiskers), either completely or partially, or there may not be any at all. The skin displays the pattern that should be on the coat, and cats have certain spots (van, tabby, tortoiseshell, points and solids). Since they have no fur, they are warmer than regular cats and feel hotter to the touch.

History of the Canadian Sphynxes

The history of the breed began in 1966, when a hairless kitten named Prune was born in the Canadian city of Toronto. After some time, the baby and his mother were acquired by the breeder Jania Bava, who ran a nursery of Siamese cats: she and her son Ridyad decided to breed a new breed. Later the Tenhove couple joined the work.

When Prune grew up, he was mated with his mother. Their offspring included both regular and hairless kittens. In the hope of strengthening the trait, breeders began to breed Prun with his daughters and granddaughters, but things went slowly: there was too little breeding material, and hairless kittens often died. In 1971, the CFA revoked the provisional status granted to the breed the previous year. The breeders curtailed their work and sold some of the animals.

In 1973, David Mair from San Francisco bought a cat named Epidermis from them. The man became interested in hairless cats and did a lot to popularize them. In addition to Epidermis, he acquired another bald male and a female. None of his pets left offspring. Two more animals - a male and a female - were purchased from the Bava couple by the Mewsi-Kal nursery, owned by Sandy Kaiser. This couple gave birth to kittens - a boy, Starsky, and a girl, Johnny. In 1978 they were sent to the Netherlands to breeder Hugo Hernandez. However, a problem arose: the litter born from a single mating of animals died because the mother abandoned it.

In 1978, in Toronto, a woman named Shirley Smith rescued two stray kittens abandoned by their mother: a hairless boy named Bambi and a long-haired girl.

Bambi was injured, including a bloody eye and damaged testicles, which required him to be castrated. Nevertheless, the baby was released, and he happily lived for another 19 years in the Aztec nursery. The touching story of this rescue contributed greatly to the popularization of the breed.

A year later, Bambi's mother brought another litter, which included two hairless girls. This cat is considered one of Prune’s undocumented descendants, especially since it happened relatively close to the first cattery.

The girls were sent to Holland to Hugo Hernandez and entered into a breeding program under the names Punky and Paloma. However, Starsky showed no interest in any of them, and in 1981 he was neutered and declared unfit for breeding. Only after this it was discovered that Paloma, who by that time had been given to breeder Nanny Nathan, was pregnant by him. Unfortunately, the cat did not bear offspring.

Since there were no more males available, Punky was bred to a Devon Rex named Kerer van Jetrophin. After this, a litter of hairless kittens was finally born safely. Subsequently, Devon Rex were regularly used to replenish the gene pool.

The “Canadians” inherited their characteristic ears from the Devon Rex.

In parallel, a second line of sphinxes arose. In 1975, in Minnesota, an American Shorthair cat owned by the Persons gave birth to several hairless kittens in different litters. According to different versions, she could be a descendant of Prune or receive the baldness gene due to a random mutation.

In 1981, two hairless cats that belonged to the Persons were purchased by the Stardust cattery. His owner Kim Muesk initially tried to use American Shorthair cats for breeding, but failed. Then Solveig Pfluedger - chair of the genetics department at TICA - advised her to use Devon Rex cats, and the offspring were successful.

In 1985, TICA recognized the breed. A year later, the cat Lady Godiva, born in the Britanya cattery, received the title Supreme Grand Champion. The CFA recognized the breed in 1998 and created a Champion class for it in 2002.

Currently, hairless kittens sometimes continue to be born due to mutations in cats of various breeds. Nurseries are trying to purchase them for a fresh infusion of blood. At the moment, the breed is recognized by all international felinological organizations.

Character and socialization

Even from infancy, Sphynx kittens are distinguished by their extraordinary warmth of communication with their owners. Their character is unique in itself. Affectionate and playful in nature, they display a personality that is almost canine-like. First of all, this means the devotion of these animals to their owners.

The character of all Sphynxes, both Don and Canadian, allows them to be friends with small children and pets.

The Sphinx is an unusual animal, it is a temptation that is impossible to refuse. The character of this animal is specific. Kittens are playful, affectionate and very loyal.

All sphinxes are completely unforgiving and friendly. This cat unusually combines grace and beauty, with extraordinary intelligence, making them an object of adoration.

They do not like to be left alone and, contrary to popular belief, they do not become attached only to their place of residence, like other cats; on the contrary, they become attached to their owner and are ready to follow him to the end of the world.

Appearance of Canadians

The modern appearance of the Sphynx was largely formed due to regular crossings with the Devon Rex. The final breed standard from the CFA assumes the following appearance.

Head

The head is shaped like a modified wedge. Its length is slightly greater than its width, the skull is slightly rounded, and there is a flat area in front of the ears. The transition line from the cheekbones to the muzzle is clearly visible. The nose is straight, with a hollow where it meets the forehead. Cheekbones are pronounced. The whisker pads are convex, together with the cheekbones they give the muzzle a somewhat square outline. The chin is strong.

The ears are large, erect, wide at the base. The eyes are wide in the middle and tapering towards the edges, slightly slanted. Can be any color.

The neck is of medium length, strong, slightly arched. In adult cats, pronounced muscles are allowed.

Torso

The body is of medium length, muscular, and seems very heavy. The average weight of cats can range from 3.5 to 6 kg, cats - from 2.5 to 4 kg. Height at withers - 15–25 cm.

The chest is wide, the belly is convex and round. The croup is muscular. The tail is long, tapering towards the end.

The hind legs are longer than the front ones. Limbs are strong, proportional to the body. The feet are oval, with long toes and thick pads.

A convex belly is a characteristic feature of the breed

Leather and wool

Short soft hairs are allowed on the paws, tail, scrotum and outer ears. The hair on the bridge of the nose should be normal. The rest of the body may be completely bald or covered with fine down no more than 2 mm long. The vibrissae are short and broken or absent completely.

The skin is thick, hot, and feels like suede. It gathers into folds around the muzzle, between the ears and on the shoulders. The more there are, the better, as long as it does not interfere with the animal.

Color

For Canadian Sphynxes, any colors are allowed, except those expressed due to the zonation of hair color, for example, chinchilla. There are several common types.

Solid

The skin is evenly colored. The following shades are possible:

• black: slate gray leather,
• black nose,
• Paw pads are black or dark brown.

Solid color is quite common among sphinxes.

Tabby

Tabby is a striped or spotted striped breed. The neck, dewlap, belly and inner sides of the legs are lighter than the main background, with a slight yellowness. The color of the nose, paw pads, and markings on the lips and chin depends on the color. The markings on the skin are usually the same color as the main background, but a more saturated shade.

Tabby color means lighter underparts

Tortoiseshell

In this case, the animal's skin is covered with large, irregularly shaped spots. The following color options are possible:

• black with red spots;
• cream with blue;
• red-brown with red or cream spots;
• lilac with cream.

Tortoiseshell color is allowed only for females. In males, it indicates a genetic mutation and infertility.

Tortoiseshell color is allowed only for cats

Color point

Color point is a Siamese color: there are dark markings on the face, tail and paws that contrast with the lighter background. The following options exist:

• cream point. The main background is white or light cream, the points are cream;
• seal point. The body is light, the points are dark brown. An adult animal darkens completely;
• chocolate point. The adult has a general background of golden brown. Blue eyes;
• tabby point. The points are striped. The color may have subspecies depending on the color of the stripes.

Initially, kittens of this color are born without darkened areas; they appear as they grow older.

Color point animals are similar to Siamese cats

Combinations with white

For sphinxes, the following combinations of the main color with white are allowed:

• bicolor White areas must have clear boundaries and make up no less than a third and no more than half of the total body area. At least one ear must be painted. A large colored spot on the head is desirable. The tail must be colored, but a white tip is allowed;
• harlequin. White areas occupy more than half of the body. There may be one ear-catching patch of color on the head. The nose and pads should be pink;
• van. The body is almost white. The tail is colored and there is an ear-catching spot on the head. There may be 3 small colored spots on the body. The nose and pads are pink.

White areas must have clear boundaries

Flaws

Scores will be reduced for the following shortcomings:

• the body is too fragile or rough;
• narrow head;
• straight profile;
• a small number of folds on the head;
• a large amount of hair above the ankles;
• unruly character making inspection difficult.

Disqualifying deficiencies include:

• the presence of wavy hair;
• marks on the skin that raise the suspicion that a hair removal procedure was performed;
• deformed tail;
• aggression that does not allow the judges to pick up the cat.

How to choose a kitten

It is best to purchase a kitten from trusted breeders, and not from a pet store or poultry market. Only in this case does the buyer have a guarantee that he will not be deceived by selling an animal of a different breed, and that the baby will be healthy and socialized.

A healthy little sphinx is cheerful, cheerful, energetic, his eyes sparkle. Apathetic behavior, dull eyes with signs of watery eyes indicate poor health. The kitten must have absolutely clean ears and nose without any discharge. Everything under the tail must also be clean; no discharge is allowed. If the kitten is depressed, hides, does not come to your hands, meows pitifully or hisses, then this most likely means that he is sick.

Kittens are usually released to their owners no earlier than they reach 3 months of age. This period is enough for the baby to learn manners and rules of behavior from his mother. Also by this age it becomes clear whether he meets all breed standards. It is important that at this time the vaccinations that the kitten should have at the time of transfer to a new family are completed. If, nevertheless, you fall in love with a specific kitten and you are afraid of not having time to buy it, then you can reserve the baby by drawing up a preliminary agreement with the breeder and making an advance payment.

Signs of purebredness in Canadian Sphynx cats appear very early, so by the time of purchase, kittens must have all the parameters provided for by the standard.

Sphynx kittens exhibit breed characteristics from an early age

The choice of the sex of the animal depends on the preferences of the owner, since the characters of a cat and a male cat are quite different. If the future owner of the Sphynx plans to receive income from breeding, then he should take a female. But females usually cost more.

To distinguish the Canadian Sphynx from the Don or Peterbald, it is enough to pay attention to their appearance.

External differences between the Peterbald, Canadian and Don Sphynx can be detected immediately

Table: differences between the Canadian, Don Sphynx and Peterbald

How much do Sphynx kittens cost?

First you need to figure out what the price depends on. First of all, this breed has its own standards. Consequently, after the birth of kittens, they are assigned certain classes:

• pet class is a category of kittens that do not pass any of the points of the standard, but will be wonderful as pets; this also includes animals that do not have a pedigree;
• breeding class - assigned to those cats that cannot participate in exhibitions themselves, but are used in breeding offspring;
• show class - a category of kittens that meet all standard criteria and can participate in exhibitions; the price of such babies depends on the amount of wool, as well as their gender.

The cost of kittens directly depends on the class of the animal:

• pets (pet class), together with mandatory castration, will cost an average of 8–15 thousand rubles;
• kittens for breeding (breeding class), based on color, pedigree, etc., will have an average price of 15–40 thousand rubles;
• show kittens (show class) - about 40-100 thousand rubles.

Character

Sphynxes are affectionate and friendly animals. Usually they choose one person and become strongly attached to him. At the same time, the owners are treated as equals and do not try to please them.

These animals are in dire need of warmth - both literally and figuratively. They love the attention of their owner, while trying to be as close to him as possible in order to warm up. They sit happily in your arms and love to spend the night in their master's bed, under the blanket. To the best of their ability, they take part in all the affairs of their person and accompany him around the house. They can “maintain a dialogue” by meowing in response to words addressed to them, and their “speech” is distinguished by great intonation diversity.

Many owners claim that Sphynx cats love to pose in front of a camera or video camera. This breed is a champion in the number of roles in films.

Sphinxes treat children well and even try to “educate” and protect them in their own way. They are balanced and unvindictive - they need company too much to allow themselves to show resentment for a long time. Sphinxes are active, inquisitive, easy to train and quickly adapt to new conditions.

In good weather, sphinxes can be walked on a leash

They are friendly towards new people, and sometimes they can choose their favorite guest to whom they will pay special attention. They treat other animals well; most often they are not afraid even of unfamiliar dogs.

Sometimes, due to too active games, something can break or break. Some individuals are unclean, in particular, they neglect the litter box and do not lick themselves after using the toilet. They can steal food.

Sociable is too small a word to describe this creature. Now you will always brush your teeth together, take a bath, watch TV, read a book, cook dinner, clean the house, and, of course, sleep. Since childhood, the Sphinx believes that there is no better assistant in the world than him. He alone knows how to properly stir salad, arrange your figurines on shelves and take a bath. There is no use in getting angry about this. Just get used to the fact that a bald fat belly is always jumping next to you.

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The character of the Canadian Sphynx: 7 features of these cats

Not all sphinxes are the angels that breeders sometimes try to make them out to be. Much depends on the conditions of detention and the correct behavior of the owners. And most importantly, it depends on how compatible the temperaments of the sphinx and the people with whom it lives are. At the end of the section you will see a table that clearly shows that the same character trait can be both a plus and a minus.

Sociable

If you think that a cat should be independent and inconspicuous, the Sphynx is not for you. This breed is famous above all for its desire to communicate. The Sphinx is always next to its owner, no matter what he does.

Hello, do you need any help?

Baby yoga, or rather cat yoga

These cats climb on your hands at every opportunity, and can jump on your shoulders if you don’t wean them off. They spin around under your feet and actively help in everyday life - they throw themselves on a floor rag, take away your toothbrush, and chew on the pen you are trying to write with.

In addition to physical contact, the sphinx communicates through “talking”. Canadians meow a lot and willingly, and in different ways, depending on the occasion.

Active

The Canadian Sphynx is a real energizer, especially when young. This cat needs active games. The Sphynx can chase a teasing rod until he becomes out of breath, which is definitely not what you would expect from more phlegmatic breeds like the British.

A naked kitten is often called a monkey in people's hearts - not because of its external resemblance, but because of its endless pranks. A Canadian Sphynx left unattended can turn an apartment upside down. Perhaps only Abyssinian or Bengal cats can surpass them in activity.

What are you looking at, turn back!

Kittens are very active and always ready to play

Affectionate

One of the advantages of the Canadian Sphynx is their love of love. They always readily respond to affection, and they themselves demand attention, butting and rubbing themselves against their owners. In case of conflict, the Sphinx prefers to run away and hide rather than engage in open confrontation. This breed is not characterized by aggression.

You smell like chicken, can I lick you?

Curious

Even if the sphinx does not leave the apartment, it will continue to explore the space again and again. It is very important to install protective screens on windows and remove wires and other hazards from access.

There's nothing interesting in the closet, I checked

Gluttonous

Sphynx cats have an intense metabolism and require more food than a regular cat of the same size. You'll be surprised how much one naked cat can eat if you give it free rein. Owners laughingly describe how the cat puts its muzzle right into their mouth in the hope of begging for a tasty morsel.

Give me something tasty, man!

Smart

Canadian Sphynxes have developed intelligence, which is confirmed by the stories of their owners. One woman's cat learned to turn off her computer because she picked him up and pet him when she rebooted the computer. In another, he rang a special bell with his paw, demanding food. The Sphynx can be trained simply by observing it and rewarding certain behaviors.

Treat the sphinx!

Touchy

The Canadian Sphynx cannot be punished. The cat won’t understand why, and you’ll make the problem worse. If your kitten scratches your legs while trying to climb up, you shouldn't spank him. You should not poke a cat into a puddle made in the wrong place, even if it was your pillow.

Sphynx cats are gentle and affectionate cats, but their trust is easily destroyed by impulsive actions. If you are taking a naked kitten into your home, you better be patient in advance.

Glass left unattended - shared

The character of the Canadian Sphynxes: pros and cons

Character Trait Plus- Minus

You don't need to study, pet the cat!

Health of the Canadian Sphynxes

The health of sphinxes cannot be called strong, but with proper care, their average life expectancy is from 13 to 18 years. Representatives of this breed are characterized by the following diseases.

Dermatitis

Inflammation of the skin, which may be accompanied by itching, ulcers, pimples, runny nose and watery eyes. The reason may be:

• hormonal imbalances;
• immune disorders;
• bacterial or fungal infections;
• mites;
• allergy.

Diagnosis may require a blood test in addition to a visual examination. Treatment is prescribed depending on the cause. If the disease was caused by an allergy, its source must be eliminated.

Eczema

Eczema is a skin disease in which the affected areas become inflamed, flaky, or weepy. It happens:

• traumatic. Develops due to damage to the skin: burn, insect bite, etc.;
• neuropathic. May occur due to illness or stress. The affected areas are usually located symmetrically;
• reflex. The skin becomes inflamed due to an external or internal irritant: allergies;
• pollution;
• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, liver or kidneys;
• feeding errors;
• hormonal imbalances.

Diagnosis includes examination, skin tests, sometimes urine analysis, general and biochemical blood tests. The treatment regimen depends on the underlying cause. In some cases, the disease goes away quickly, but if it arose due to congenital diseases, relapses will recur regularly.

Acne

Acne is usually associated with hormonal surges. It is often observed in young animals at the stage of puberty, females before and after estrus, as well as in breeding males. Predisposition depends on heredity and color. Blue, cream-blue and red individuals are most often affected. The treatment regimen is prescribed by the veterinarian. It is important that an animal suffering from acne is exposed to the sun as little as possible. In particularly difficult cases, castration is necessary.

Sphynx cats, like humans, can suffer from acne due to hormonal surges.

Vasculitis

Vasculitis is inflammation of the walls of blood vessels. The cause may be infection, stress, or another skin disease. Drug-induced vasculitis associated with excessive or irrational use of drugs is not uncommon.

Depending on the type, the disease may manifest itself as:

• red or pink spots;
• a mesh or branched pattern on the skin, turning into bluish spots and nodules of subcutaneous hemorrhages;
• spots accompanied by swelling and the appearance of crusts.

Diagnosis includes examination and biochemical blood test. The treatment regimen may include injections or oral medications.

Obesity

Sphynx cats love to eat and are therefore prone to obesity. It is important to control the animal’s body weight, otherwise many body systems will suffer. Excessive weight is considered to be 20-30% above average.

Birth defects

Sphynx dogs may have the following birth defects:

• shortening of the lower jaw;
• abnormal eye development (microphthalmos);
• turning of the eyelids;
• curvature of the tail.

Health

Overall, Sphynx cats are a healthy breed. Among genetic diseases, they may suffer from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is an autosomal dominant disease characterized by hypertrophy (thickening) of the wall of the left and/or occasionally the right ventricle.

In affected cats, it can cause death between 2 and 5 years of age, but research suggests that variations in the disease occur, leading to even earlier deaths. And the symptoms are so vague that death occurs suddenly to the animal.

Since this disease is one of the most common among all cat breeds, many organizations, catteries and hobbyists are working to find solutions to identify and treat HCM.

At the moment, there are genetic tests that reveal a tendency to this disease, but unfortunately only for the Ragdoll and Maine Coon breeds. Since different cat breeds have different genetics, the same test does not work for all breeds.

Additionally, some Devon Rexes and Sphynxes may suffer from an inherited condition that causes progressive muscle dysfunction, or muscular dystrophy.

Symptoms of the disease usually develop between 4 and 7 weeks of life, although some kittens do not appear until 14 weeks, and it is wise not to purchase Sphynx cats before this age. Affected animals hold their shoulder blades high and lower their necks.

This situation prevents them from drinking and eating. Difficulties in movement, decreased activity, and lethargy may also develop. There is no cure, but there are tests to help cattery owners identify cats prone to the disease.

What is written above should not scare you; this does not mean that your cat will suffer from one of these diseases. However, this is a reason to thoughtfully approach the choice of a kitten and nursery, ask the owners about the history of the animals and heredity. Ideally, you need to buy from a place where you will be given written guarantees of the kitten’s health.

Features of maintenance and care

The health of Canadian Sphynx cats largely depends on care, so it must be thoughtful and thorough.

Nutrition

The Sphinx must receive enough food to warm its body, but at the same time, the gluttony of these animals must not be indulged.

Industrial feed

It is important to choose holistic, super premium or premium products with a protein content of at least 30%.

The list of suitable foods includes:

• Orijen Cat & Kitten - holistic, contains 42% protein. Base: turkey, chicken, fish, eggs;
• ACANA Grasslands for Cats - holistic, grain-free, suitable for animals with gluten allergies. Contains 35% protein. Protein is represented by duck, lamb, lamb liver, herring and salmon flour, eggs;
• Purina Pro Plan Delicate is a super premium class, suitable for animals with sensitive digestion. Contains 40% protein, based on turkey;
• Royal Canin Sphynx Adult is a premium class, designed for Sphynx dogs over a year old. Protein content - 33%. Protein is provided by dehydrated poultry meat. Disadvantage: contains potential allergens - corn and wheat;
• Hill's Science Plan Adult Lamb is premium, contains 32% protein. Protein is represented by lamb meat, chicken and turkey flour.

Never buy dry food in bulk: low-quality economy-class products are often sold under the names of the best brands

Natural nutrition

There should be twice as much protein in the diet as carbohydrates. For normal digestion, animals also need fiber contained in plant foods. The following products are recommended for sphinxes:

• beef, rabbit or lean poultry. Give daily;
• cereals and vegetables - 2-3 times a week;
• fermented milk products - 2 times a week;
• beef or chicken by-products - heart, liver, lungs. Allowed 1–2 times a week;
• boneless sea fish, chicken or quail eggs, as well as unsalted cheese - once a week.

It is forbidden to feed Sphynxes:

• pork;
• river fish;
• milk;
• fatty, smoked, salted, pickled foods.

Nutritional Features

The number of feedings depends on age:

• kittens up to three months are fed 5–6 times a day;
• from 4 to 8 months - 3-4 times;
• over eight months - 2-3 times a day.

Some breeders advise not to give the entire portion at once, but to divide it into two doses - the animal will one way or another ask for more.

With natural nutrition, the daily volume of portions should be 5% of the animal’s weight, if it is within the normal range. For animals suffering from obesity, the daily food intake is reduced by 10–20%. Your veterinarian should advise you on the exact diet plan.

The recommended amount of industrial feed is indicated by the manufacturer. You should not mix industrial and natural food - they are digested differently.

Accommodations

First of all, you need to take care that the animal does not freeze. The apartment must be at least +20 °C. Your pet needs an enclosed house or an insulated bed with high sides. Sphynxes love to bask in the sun, but they need to be protected from direct midday rays, otherwise it could result in a burn. For the cold season, it is advisable to purchase warm clothes for your pet - sphinxes most often wear them with pleasure.

Sphinxes are rare fashionistas

Two Sphynx cats I know love to spend time in the window, so by the end of summer they usually have time to get a fair tan. For example, red becomes almost brown. Minor skin burns occurred on two occasions when the cats were left alone on a hot day.

Hide small objects from your cat - she may try to eat them. For the same reason, do not have poisonous indoor plants, such as Dieffenbachia.

Be careful - any sphinx plant will try to test its teeth

Skin care

A characteristic feature of hairless cats is their brown skin discharge, which needs to be cleaned regularly. To do this, the animal is wiped daily with a damp cloth and bathed 2 times a month.

Shampoos should be used only specialized ones. The following tools have proven themselves to be effective:

• Ms. Kiss “Graceful Sphinx” - contains biotin and D-panthenol, which prevent flaking. Does not irritate the eyes;
• Doctor Vic Professional “2 in 1” for hairless cats - economical, cleanses the animal’s skin well without drying it out;
• Le Artis for hairless breeds of cats and dogs - easily washes away grease and dirt, does not dry out the skin;
• Iv San Bernard MINERAL PLUS - universal, can also be used for hairless animals. Soothes minor skin irritations. Shampoos from the Cristal Clean series have a whitening effect, which is why some owners of white Sphynx cats use them;
• Topsi is economical, foams well and rinses off.

Compared to wool cats, Sphynx cats are a pleasure to care for. We bathe about twice a week, with regular shower gel. More often in summer, because the cat sleeps in bed with us. One of the characteristics of this breed is its brown sweat. That is, if you don’t bathe your cat, there will be brown spots on her favorite places to lie. But there is one trick. A lot depends on what your pet eats. That is, if it is cheap food, God forbid, human food, then the cat will get very dirty. If you manage to choose a good food that is ideal for your cat, then it will practically not get dirty.

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Ear cleaning

You need to clean your animal’s ears every 7–10 days using cotton swabs moistened with a special gel. If the cat is fidgeting, use a cotton pad rolled into a tube to avoid accidentally injuring the ear.

If you notice purulent or bloody discharge, crusting, scratching or swelling, take your animal to the vet as soon as possible.

In order for a cat to tolerate ear cleaning without complaint, he needs to be accustomed to the procedure from childhood.

Nail care

Most Sphynx cats do not wear their claws down on their own and need to be trimmed. This is done as it grows - 1-2 times a month. You only need to cut off the tip, no more than 1 mm, so as not to catch the blood vessels. If this happens, treat the wound with an antiseptic.

If your cat scratches furniture, you can use anti-scratch pads - silicone pads that are secured to trimmed claws with medical glue. This accessory protects household items, but may irritate some animals. You also need to take into account that with pads the cat will not be able to climb onto the posts. In rare cases, deformation of the claw may occur.

Eye cleaning

The eyes of sphinxes are wiped daily with a cotton pad soaked in tea leaves or a special gel. For “Canadians”, colorless or brown discharge from the eyes is normal, but purulent or bloody discharge is a reason to immediately consult a veterinarian.

Care

Although they have no hair and therefore do not shed, this does not mean that they are completely unnecessary to care for. The oil that a cat's skin secretes is usually absorbed by the fur, but in this case it simply remains on the skin. As a result, they need to be bathed once or even twice a week. And during breaks, wipe it carefully.

As already mentioned, you need to limit their exposure to direct sunlight, as their skin gets sunburned. In general, these are purely domestic cats; they have nothing to do outside, due to their vulnerability to the sun, dogs, cats and thieves.

And in an apartment, you need to monitor drafts and temperature, as they freeze. Some owners purchase or sew clothes for them to help keep them warm.

Sphynx cats also require more careful ear care than other cat breeds. They don't have fur to protect their large ears, and they can get dirty and accumulate oil and wax. They need to be cleaned once a week, at the same time as bathing the cat.

Features of reproduction

The first heat in cats begins at 6–7 months, and cats reach sexual maturity at 7–8 months. However, for both of them mating is prohibited at this time, otherwise there is a risk of permanently damaging the animal’s health. Cats can only be bred after 3–4 heats. For cats, the optimal age for first mating is from 18 to 24 months.

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days. Childbirth may occur 3-5 days earlier or later - this is considered normal. In other cases, you should contact your veterinarian. A litter can have from 1 to 12 babies. Some kittens are born with rex hair, but gradually lose it and completely go bald at 3 months. For females, one pregnancy per year is allowed, with good health - no more than two.

If you do not plan to use the animal for breeding, it is advisable to castrate or sterilize it. Some experts call the best age for this 7–8 months, others - 1 year. As this may vary from person to person, it is best to discuss this with your veterinarian in advance.

Canadian Sphynx cats have a well-developed parental instinct.

Breeding Sphynxes

Breeding Sphynx dogs is a complex undertaking, and you need to carefully study the genetic characteristics of this breed before taking it on.

Since “Canadians” have a recessive baldness gene, both parents must be carriers of it, otherwise even outwardly flawless animals may produce offspring with fur. To consolidate good traits, some breeders use closely related crosses, but beginners should not conduct such experiments without the participation of an experienced breeder.

Do not cross "Canadians" with representatives of other breeds. Although this is sometimes practiced to breed hybrids (eg bambino), the chances of success are very low. You cannot breed two completely naked animals, as well as sphinxes of different species, for example, the Canadian and the Don - they have different natures of hairlessness, and the offspring are either sick or with a problematic set of genes.

A number of breeders note that sphinxes are very selective and do not always engage in communication even at the right time. In addition, they may “fall in love” with a partner and refuse to deal with others. If for some reason you do not plan to mate again with the same individual, you can look for an animal partner of the same color, but this does not guarantee success. The opposite situation is also possible: if a cat and a male cat got into a fight, in the future one of them or both may refuse to mate with an animal of the same color as the “offender.”

The search for partners can be done through nurseries, clubs, advertisements on the Internet and at exhibitions. It is important to carefully check the pedigree of candidates. Before mating, animals must be vaccinated and treated against worms. It is advisable to carry out mating on the third day of estrus in the cat’s territory.

Some females do not bear offspring. With a genetically incorrect choice of parents, “kitten falling asleep syndrome” is possible, when apparently healthy babies die in their sleep. Most often this happens from the second to the tenth day of life.

Tips for caring for a Sphynx cat

The Canadian Sphynx is a truly non-standard breed that is suitable only for responsible owners. You will need to take good care of your pet if you don’t want him to suffer from various diseases later. Some people think that having no hair makes it easier to care for and maintain, but this is not true. You will need to constantly monitor your pet, because he can catch a cold while in a draft. Also, some cats can overheat in the sun, which is why you should not allow prolonged contact with the sun's rays.

Your pet's entire body will need to be wiped regularly with wet wipes. In this case, the pet will have to be bathed often, because a sticky secretion collects on the skin, and it mixes with dust. The air in the house should not be too dry, and high temperatures should not be allowed. Otherwise, the skin will become dry and flaky. In severe situations, ulcers may even occur.

Caring for the Canadian Sphynx involves regular examination of the oral cavity, because it is important to ensure that the teeth and gums are in good condition. Sometimes cats have discharge from the eyes because the pet does not have eyelashes and does not protect against pollution. As for the claws, they will need to be trimmed regularly with a special tool. It is sold at the pet store.

Your pet needs proper nutrition, because the animal has a weak immune system. You cannot feed these cats everything that is in the refrigerator. It will be difficult to create the right menu on your own, so it’s easier to purchase super-premium dry food. In this case, you should first consult with the breeder about what to feed your unusual pet.

On average, the cost of Canadian sphinxes starts from 20,000 rubles and can reach up to 100,000 rubles. That is why such a purchase must be well thought out, and the owner must certainly know how to care for an exotic pet. In this case, it will be possible to maintain the health of the animal in excellent condition.

Choosing a Sphynx kitten

It is better to look for a kitten in a nursery or from breeders with a good reputation. You should not buy a baby on the market - there is a high risk of purchasing a sick animal or a cross of dubious blood. Carefully check the baby's pedigree. During your visit, ensure that the animals are kept clean. Kittens must be healthy, well-groomed and playful. A kitten should be taken away from its mother no earlier than three months of age.

The list of documents issued by the breeder when purchasing a kitten includes:

• birth certificate;
• pedigree or metric;
• veterinary passport;
• club card.

You can distinguish Sphynx kittens from Don or Peterbald kittens by the following characteristics:

• physique - “Canadians” are slender, but muscular, with a broad chest and bulging belly. Donchaks are massive, with a wide body, and Peterbalds are graceful, with long thin paws;
• the head of the “Canadians” is shorter and wider than that of the Donetsk and Peterbalds;
• Donchak's ears are narrower than those of "Canadians", and Peterbalds' ears are more spread apart;
• “Canadians” have wide eyes, Donetsk and Peterbalds have almond-shaped eyes.

Distinguishing representatives of the three breeds from each other is not as difficult as it might seem.
Depending on the class of the kitten and its parents, the price can range from 10 to 50 thousand rubles.

Allergy

The Sphynx won't cover your sofa with fur, but it can still make you sneeze; even hairless cats can cause allergies in people. The fact is that allergies are not caused by cat fur itself, but by a protein called Fel d1, secreted along with saliva and from the sebaceous glands.

When a cat licks itself, it spreads squirrels. And they lick themselves as often as ordinary cats, and they produce Fel d1 no less.

In fact, without fur to absorb some of the saliva, the Sphynx can cause more severe allergic reactions than regular cats. It is important to spend some time with this cat before purchasing, even if your allergies are mild.

And remember that kittens produce Fel d1 in much smaller quantities than mature cats. If possible, visit a nursery and spend time in the company of mature animals.

Interesting breed facts

Canadian Sphynxes are notable primarily for their appearance. Despite the lack of fur, they are very attractive.

One of the main features of the breed is its extraordinary ability to train and perform various tricks.

For their ability to quickly adapt to a new team and easily make contact, Canadian Sphynx cats are willingly invited to film shoots. One of the most striking examples of feline acting is the role of Mr. Bigglesworth, Dr. Evil's cat from the famous Austin Powers film series, played by the sphinx Ted Nugent.

Pros and cons of the breed

Some of the features of the Canadian Sphynx include:

• friendliness;
• developed intelligence;
• devotion to the owner;
• ability to get along with other pets;
• love for children;
• non-allergenic (due to the lack of wool).

This breed has very few disadvantages, of which we can highlight:

• Difficulty in purchasing. You should only buy a Sphynx from a trusted breeder or a good nursery to eliminate the risk of purchasing a sick animal with poor heredity.
• Difficult to care for. Despite the lack of wool, “Canadians” need regular wiping and bathing.
• Special diet.
• Maintaining temperature conditions. Sphinxes burn very quickly in the sun, and in the winter they quickly catch colds. Therefore, they need constant close attention from their owners.

The Canadian Sphynx cat breed is recognized as one of the best for keeping at home. By purchasing a kitten of this species, you get not only a pet, but also a loyal, devoted friend.

Similar breeds:

Bambino cat

Dwelf breed

History of the breed

Mentions of strange animals with amber eyes are found in the chronicles of the ancient Incas. South American Indians considered them sacred, and in Ancient Egypt the “bald” cat was considered the earthly incarnation of the goddess Bastet.

They decided to separate hairless cats into a separate breed only in the 60s of the twentieth century. This was started by a breeder from Canada who tried to continue the line, but she did not achieve much success.

The experience of the American nursery in Minnesota became more effective. As a result of crossing cats that are closest to hairless breeds (the best results were obtained during the selection of Canadian “hairless” cats and Devon Rexes), a modern line of this breed was bred.

After some time, sufficient to check for the absence of harmful consequences of the mutation, the Sphynx breed was officially recognized by the international felinological organization. Sphynxes first took part in the TICA (International Cat Association) exhibition in 1986, and in the early 90s this breed received the title of winner from the Canadian Cat Association (CCA). Despite the official status, breed standards from the felinological system of the CFA (Cat Fanciers Association) were established only in mid-2002.

The difference between the Don Sphynx and the Canadian

It is not difficult to determine which hairless cat is the Don or the Canadian Sphynx. The main difference between these two breeds is the presence of coat. This is due to different genes responsible for hairiness - in the Don Sphynx it is dominant, while the Canadian Sphynx is a carrier of a recessive gene.

That is why the skin of the “Canadian” is practically devoid of hair, while the “Donchak” has hair that can reach 5 mm.

In addition, there are minor visual differences:

1. The head of the Canadian Sphynx is smoother, more rounded in shape compared to the sharp, relief muzzle of the Don Sphynx.
2. The “Canadian” has more powerful and pronounced muscles of the body, neck and head.
3. The shape of the eyes of the Don Sphynx is more elongated and narrow, any color is allowed.
4. The Donchak's ears are rounded at the ends, while those of the Canadian Sphynx are pointed.

The Don Sphynx differs from the Canadian Sphynx in better health and immunity, resistance to some hereditary and viral diseases.

Description of the breed

Breed standard, appearance

The Sphynx cat is considered elite, so strict requirements are imposed on its appearance. The standards assume the following description of the breed:

• soft and delicate skin with many folds, hot and dense to the touch;
• smooth curves of the body;
• large eyes and ears;
• the silhouette is pear-shaped, wide sternum and rounded belly;
• the front legs are slightly shorter than the hind legs;
• the tail is flexible, has medium thickness, and may have a small tassel at its tip;
• in most cases there is no mustache;
• the ears are set apart and slightly rounded;
• The color of the eyes resembles the color of a lemon.

This cat breed weighs more than it might seem at first glance. Thus, the body weight of an adult cat ranges from 3.5-6 kg.