Group Classification: Shorthair
Country of Origin: North America and Europe
Date of Origin: 1966
Weight (M): 12-15 lbs.
Weight (F): 8-11 lbs.
Life Expectancy: 17 years

History
Records indicate that the first Sphynx was born in 1966, but Prune died before a line could be established. A Toronto pound had a longhaired cat that produced one hairless kitten in her litter; both were rescued and the mother produced more hairless kittens. Two were exported to Europe for breeding to a Devon Rex. The hairless kittens created indicated that the recessive gene for hairlessness was located at the Devon's Rex gene. One of the kittens was named E.T. and shown at the Madison Square Garden Cat Show in the 1980s.

General Description
The CFA breed standard describes the Sphynx as feeling like a warm peach or nectarine, an apt comparison; the soft down that covers these apparently hairless cats is reminiscent of both! The lack of hair makes the Sphynx look somehow fragile, but that's not the case. They are sturdy cats of surprising weight for their size, with powerful necks and muscular legs. There are noticeably thick paw pads on their feet. The Sphynx body is rounded, yet hard and muscular. Large eyes and ears dominate the small elfin head with its high cheekbones. Their tail is whiplike and tapers at the end.

Colors
All

Coat
The Sphynx looks hairless, but examined up close, they actually have a fine down covering their body.

Notable Features
Very large ears with an almost bat-wing shape, large eyes, wrinkles and hairlessness make for a very unique cat.

Health and Care
Like other hairless breeds, the Sphynx is sensitive to heat and cold just as humans are. These must be indoor cats and even inside, they may occasionally need a sweater if their people do!

Hairless cats have sebaceous glands in their skin, but unlike other cats there is no fur to absorb the oils produced each day. They need regular baths and daily wipes (with a specially formulated cat wipe available from pet stores and veterinarians). The build-up of these oils is greatest around the ears and nails; both of these areas will need daily gentle cleaning. Like humans, their skin may sunburn if they are in direct sunlight without protection; sunlight may also intensify their markings.

These are totally people-oriented cats. They thrive on constant handling and the total attention of their loved ones. While they do get along with other animals, they will actively seek center stage. Intelligent and active, they are natural clowns who never outgrow their behavior as kittens.

Resources
The Sphynx Cat Club of the United Kingdom at www.Sphynxcatclub.co.uk
The Sphynx Cat Association of the United Kingdom at www.sphynxcatassociation.co.uk
Sphynx Breeders and Fanciers at www.sphynx-cat.org