Sphynx
Sphynx
Sphynx
Have you heard of the Sphinx cat? Whether you’ve heard the name before or not, you might be surprised by its striking appearance! You might even hear someone say, “What! Is it really a cat?” The Sphinx cat’s appearance is likely to be a love-it-or-hate-it situation, but it’s a breed that some people can’t resist. So what are the hidden charms of the Sphinx cat? Let’s introduce them right away!
Sphynx Basic Infomation
Country of origin Canada.
Weight male: 3-5kg female: 3-4.5kg.
In 1966, a hairless kitten was born suddenly in Canada. This kitten later became the catalyst for the birth of the Sphinx cat. The kitten was named “Prune,” and breeding activities started with this hairless kitten as the leader.
In 1975-1978, another hairless cat was found in Toronto, Canada, and the United States, and these cats were also used for breeding. Prune, the first hairless cat discovered, actually had descendants that died out along the way, so today’s Sphinx cats are based on hairless cats from the 1975-1978 era.
To minimize the risk of genetic diseases, inbreeding is not allowed. Instead, crossbreeding with American Shorthair and Devon Rex cats has been done to create today’s Sphinx cats. By the way, the cat to be chosen as a breeding partner is determined by an authorized organization. For example, in America, it is a crossbreed with American Shorthair or native cats. In England, it is a crossbreed with Russian Blue.
Sphynx Q&A
Where does the name Sphinx come from?
There are theories that the Sphinx cat was named after the Sphinx statue in Egypt or the cat statue in the Egyptian hall at the Louvre Museum.
What are the color variations of the Sphinx?
The Sphinx cat comes in blue, black, red, cream, white, chocolate, cinnamon, lavender, and fawn colors.
・Solid color. The entire body is a single color, including the face, body, legs, and tail.
・Tabby. There are stripes or spots all over the body.
・Silver & Golden. Only the tips of the hair are colored, and the base is white or a light color.
・Smoke & Shaded. The tips of the overcoat are colored, and the remaining half is white.
・Party color. Two colors are randomly mixed.
・Calico & Bicolor. Half or one-third of the body is white, and the rest is composed of two or more hair colors.
・Tabby & White. Half or one-third of the body is white, and the rest is composed of stripes or spots.
・Pointed. Only part of the body, such as the head, ears, legs, and tail, is colored.
・Pointed & White. Part of the body is colored and mixed with white.
Sapphire blue, blue, yellow, gold, aqua, orange, copper, green, hazel, and odd-eyed colors are available.
The Sphinx cat only comes in hairless breeds.
What does a sphinx look like?
The Sphinx cat has a wedge-shaped head, lemon-like large eyes, and large ears that are wide at the base and face. They have a semi-foreign body type with slender legs and tail, which makes them look slim, but they have a surprisingly muscular body.
They have wrinkles in various places such as their belly and neck, and their appearance is like that of an alien. They are even said to look like E.T.!
The most distinctive feature of the Sphinx cat is that it is the only hairless breed in the cat world. In other words, they do not have hair on their bodies. However, if you look closely, you can see a little bit of fuzz on their skin. It feels like velvet.
It is often thought that since they don’t have hair, there is no need to worry about shedding or grooming. However, Sphinx cats require frequent care. Therefore, if you want to keep one as a pet, you should have enough time to take care of them.
Since they do not have hair, they secrete more sebum than other cats. Therefore, it is recommended to wipe their bodies with a clean steamed towel every day. Shampooing should be started once every two weeks or so while monitoring the situation. They are weak against temperature changes and poor at regulating body temperature, so ultraviolet protection and heat retention measures are necessary when going out.
Why is the body of a sphinx wrinkled?
Sometimes you see cats with a summer cut, but even when they are close to being hairless, they don’t have as many wrinkles as Sphinx cats. To put it simply, the reason why Sphinx cats have wrinkles is not well understood. It is unknown whether it happened during the breeding process or whether the underlying cat was wrinkled. This mystery may be solved someday as research progresses!
How much does it cost to buy a Sphinx?
When keeping animals, it is necessary to follow the laws established by each country. This time, I will talk about keeping Sphinx cats at home in Japan. Since it is difficult to find Sphinx cats in pet shops, it is common to purchase them from breeders or catteries. The price ranges from 200,000 to 500,000 yen. When considering a purchase, it is a good idea to visit and see the cat you are interested in.
Furthermore, if you purchase from a “cattery,” which is the highest qualification for breeders, the price may be higher than that of a general breeder. Since a “cattery” requires certification from the pedigree issuing organizations “CAF” and “TICA,” breeders with this qualification are highly reliable and have added value. The reason for the high price is that it is proof of trust.
In addition, there are several conditions that can cause the price to vary:
・Being a kitten. ・Having excellent pedigree. ・Having rare colors or patterns.
Although there are other conditions, it seems that prices tend to be higher when these conditions are met.
Learn more about the personality and traits of the Sphinx!
The Sphinx is a breed of cat that is known for its striking appearance, but it is also one of the most affectionate and cuddly breeds among many. They are friendly and outgoing, and they will approach strangers with a cute greeting.
They are also known for their small meows, making them an ideal pet for apartment living. However, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time.
While cats are generally not fond of playing with small children, the curious Sphinx seems to be an exception. They love to play and exercise, so they will enjoy toys like a cat teaser. They are also intelligent and easy to train.
Sphynxes can live with other cats or different animals, but they have delicate skin and are prone to injury. Therefore, it is important to consider the type of animal you want to keep with them.
Sphynxes are considered a hypoallergenic breed of cat because they produce less of the allergen protein Fel d1 than other breeds due to their lack of fur.
However, this does not mean that they are completely allergen-free. The Sphinx’s hairlessness means that frequent grooming is necessary to reduce the amount of dander in the environment. It is recommended that people with cat allergies consult a doctor before adopting a Sphinx.
What diseases are sphinxes susceptible to?
Sphynx cats are prone to several diseases, including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, dermatitis, and transfusion reactions.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a disease in which the heart muscle thickens, making it difficult for the heart to contract properly. It is often caused by genetics, and there are no specific prevention methods yet.
In some cases, there may be no noticeable symptoms at first, and blood clots may develop, which can lead to death in the worst-case scenario. The best way to detect the disease early is to undergo regular health checkups.
Although there is no groundbreaking treatment for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy yet, it is possible to slow down the progression of the disease with symptomatic treatment as early as possible.
As I mentioned in the Q&A on appearance, Sphynx cats secrete a lot of sebum because they are hairless. If left untreated, this can lead to skin diseases such as seborrheic dermatitis.
Also, because they have no fur, they are more susceptible to temperature changes and can be sensitive to both cold and heat. During summer, be careful of heatstroke. In winter, it’s a good idea to dress them in clothes for warmth. And above all, wiping their body with a clean steamed towel every day will help prevent skin diseases.
Sphynx cats are rare among cats in that they often have type B blood. If a cat with type B blood needs a transfusion due to an accident or illness, there is a risk of acute rejection if blood other than type B is mixed in. In the worst-case scenario, this can lead to death. Therefore, it is a good idea to have your cat’s blood tested and know its type in advance.
What is the lifespan of a sphinx?
Sphynx cats are said to have a lifespan of 12-14 years. This is slightly shorter than the average lifespan of a cat, which is 12-16 years.
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Sphynx Type of List
Abyssinian
Which cat embodies a certain elegance and beauty? That's right! The 'Abyssinian.' While it's not certain, there is a legend that the Abyssinian was one of the cats loved by Cleopatra, who is counted among the world's three great beauties. They may not be flashy, but they have a unique fur color that is absolutely beautiful! Why not delve into the secrets of the Abyssinian on this page right away?
American Curl
This article introduces the American Curl, a cat breed with charming curled ears! It is also called “the Peter Pan of cats”. It is a rare breed that is not often seen in pet shops, so only a few people know about it. But we hope that this page will spark your interest in the American Curl!
American Shorthair
The American Shorthair, known for its beautiful tabby patterns, is popular in Japan too! Even if you're not familiar with cats, you've likely heard the name. While many know of its popularity, details about its personality or history may be less familiar. So, let's dive into the charm of the cat often called 'Amesho' together!
Bengal
Have you heard of Bengal cats? You may not have seen them in pet shops, so many people may be hearing their name for the first time. The most distinctive feature of Bengal cats is their rosette pattern on their body, which can be described as a leopard pattern. The Bengal cat, with its wild appearance, is one of the popular breeds among cat lovers! Let’s take a look at the personality and history of Bengal cats!
Birman
Do you know about the Birman cat? It sounds like a breed name that might appear in a manga, but there's no connection. However, there are fascinating legends associated with Birmans in their country of origin, Myanmar, that sound almost like they are straight out of a manga. This page introduces various characteristics of the Birman. Why not delve into its secrets with us?
Bombay
Are you familiar with the Bombay cat, a breed not well known in Japan? At first glance, it might seem like just an ordinary black cat, but the origin story of the Bombay involves a significant contribution from one woman. What secrets lie in the history of the Bombay, and how did it get its name? Let's dive into the excitement and uncover these mysteries together!
British Shorthair
Do you know the story of “Alice in Wonderland”? There is a character called the Cheshire Cat in it, and the British Shorthair is said to be the cat that became the model for it! It has become popular in Japan recently, so some of you may have heard the name! Let’s explore the cute secrets of the British Shorthair!
Cat
The cat café boom has been ignited, and cats are becoming more and more popular as pets these days! Cats are famous for their fickle and self-paced nature. I know it's popular, but I'm sure there are many things you don't know much about the original ecology of cats. Why don't you join us in exploring the secrets of cats filled with wonders?
Cattle
f you were asked, "What are the characteristics of cows" ?What would you explain. Cows are very famous animals, and many people have seen them in ranches and zoos. However, when you think about it again, there are many things you may not know, such as what kind of cows there are and why they can grow so big by eating grass. Now let's take a sneak peek at some of the characteristics and secrets of cows that you may not be aware of!
Chartreux
Name a stylish cat? That's right, it's the Chartreux! However, many people may think, 'Chartreux? I've never heard of it. It's a cat that isn't very familiar in Japan, but in France, it's described as an interesting and cute cat that looks like a potato with toothpicks stuck in it. It is also called the "Blue Three" along with the Russian Blue and Korat. Would you like to take a look at the mysterious secrets and slightly sad history of Chartreux together?
Cornish Rex
Here’s a quiz for you: What animal is known for its slender limbs, small face, and is also called the “greyhound of cats”? The answer is the Cornish Rex! You may not have heard of it before since it’s not often seen in Japan. In addition to having a good style, it also has curly hair as a feature. There are many other secrets about the Cornish Rex hidden on this page. Why don’t you go and explore those secrets right away?
Devon Rex
Are you looking for a cat breed that is not only cute but also unique? If so, the Devon Rex might be the perfect breed for you! In this article, we will introduce the Devon Rex, which has a slightly mysterious appearance. Although there are other breeds with unique appearances, the Devon Rex is one of them. Like the Selkirk Rex, it has curly hair, but unlike the Selkirk Rex, it is not very fluffy and has a more restrained volume. Although it is still not very well-known in Japan, this breed of cat has many secrets. Let’s explore those secrets right away!
Egyptian Mau
The Egyptian Mau is a cat with the name of Egypt, featuring a wild beauty reminiscent of leopards and cheetahs. This breed has a long history, and it is said that few cat lovers in Japan are familiar with it. Would you like to explore the secrets of the Egyptian Mau with us?
Exotic Shorthair
Have you heard of the Exotic Shorthair cat? Even if the name doesn’t ring a bell, you might remember seeing its charming face somewhere! Recently, it has been active as a pet talent in TV commercials and other media! It is sometimes called “Ugly but cute cat” due to its unique facial features. Why don’t we explore the secrets of this Exotic Shorthair cat that is more than just Ugly but cute?
Genetta
The Genetta is a small, short-legged cat with strikingly wild patterns reminiscent of a leopard (though occasionally, long-legged Genettas can also be found). Their mesmerizing, beautiful eyes are another popular charm of the Genetta. As a new breed that was only established in 2006, the Genetta is expected to gain more popularity in the future. This time, we introduce the Genetta, a small cat with exotic fur and beautiful eyes.
Himalayan
Hey, this animal looks like a raccoon! And it’s fluffy! No, no, that’s a Himalayan cat. By the way, there is also a Himalayan breed of rabbit, but it seems that the rabbit was discovered first. The Himalayan has a similar appearance to the Persian cat, but it has a unique and elegant atmosphere that sets it apart from the Persian. Would you like to take a peek at the little-known secrets of the Himalayan?
Iriomote Cat
Do you know the iriomote cat, a rare wildcat that lives only on Iriomote Island in Okinawa Prefecture in Japan? The iriomote cat has a small population and is at risk of extinction, so it is designated as an endangered species and a special natural monument of Japan. In fact, the iriomote wildcat has only been discovered for about 50 years, and it is still an animal with many mysteries. Let's take a peek at what characteristics and secrets iriomote cats have in this article!
Japanese Bobtail
Do you know the cat that is said to be the model of the “beckoning cat”? Actually, the Japanese bobtail that I introduce on this page is said to be the model! Recently, Western cats tend to attract popularity, but why don’t we explore the birth secret story of the precious cat born in Japan?
Korat
Famous in Japan, the Russian Blue, the slightly plump Chartreux, and now we introduce the 'Korat'. These three types are collectively known as the 'Blue Cat Big Three'. The Korat has a long history of being cherished as a 'cat that brings good luck'. In addition to this, this page compiles many secrets about the Korat. Let's delve into them!
Kurilian Bobtail
The Kurilian Bobtail is a cat with beautiful fur, a rabbit-like short tail, and notably short legs. While it has a calm demeanor and a refined appearance, it actually possesses an active side and is skilled at swimming. Let's introduce this cat with surprising traits.
LaPerm
Do you know a cat called LaPerm? It is still not very well known in Japan, and many of you may have heard the name for the first time. To explain briefly, it is a curly-haired cat that looks very similar to the Selkirk Rex, but there is also a photo book called “The World’s Most Beautiful Cats, LaPerm”, and some people are fascinated by its appearance. Why don’t we go and explore the attractive features and secrets of LaPerm right away?
Maine Coon
Well, here’s a sudden question. What breed of cat is known as the “gentle giant” or the “world’s largest cat”? The answer is “Maine Coon”! It is often mistaken for “makein”, but makein is a type of potato. By the way, these two have nothing to do with each other. Maine Coon is one of the breeds that has become popular in Japan recently. Let’s take a look at the secrets of Maine Coon, which are filled with surprises, such as their unexpected personality and characteristics!
Manx
Speaking of cats with short tails, there is a breed called Japanese Bobtail. In fact, there is another breed called Manx, which also has a very short tail. However, it is almost impossible to see them in Japan, so many people may be hearing the name for the first time! What mysteries are hidden behind the birth of Manx? And what is the reason for their short tails? Let’s unravel their secrets right away!
Minuet
Here’s a question for you: What do you call a cat that combines the best of Munchkin and Persian breeds and is rapidly gaining popularity? That’s right, it’s the Minuet! Some of you may be hearing this name for the first time. In fact, this cat is a relatively new breed that has only recently been registered. There is also an interesting history behind its name. Let me introduce you to the world of Minuets, which you may not have seen yet!
Munchkin
Munchkins are known for their cute cat punches and walking with their butts wiggling! One of the attractions is their unique appearance that other cats don’t have. You may not know much about them, such as why they have short legs. Whether you know a lot about Munchkins or not, why don’t we explore their secrets together?
Norwegian Forest Cat
Now, here’s a quiz. What is the name of the cat that is also called the “fairy living in the forest”? The correct answer is “Norwegian Forest Cat”! It’s becoming more and more popular in Japan these days, so some of you may have seen it before. Would you like to explore the hidden secrets of Norwegian Forest Cats, which are large cat breeds like Maine Coons and Siberians?
Ocicat
Wild in appearance, it looks like a wild cat. Since it is not often seen in Japan, few people may know its name. This time, we will introduce you to the “Ocicat”! The Ocicat, which gives the impression of living in a grassy field or forest, actually has a surprising personality and secrets. Let’s take a closer look at the detailed ecology of the Ocicat right away!
Oriental Shorthair
While round and fluffy cats are lovely, how about a cat with a slender body and stylish look? Introducing the 'Oriental Shorthair'. Its appearance is akin to a model in the cat world! This breed is gradually gaining recognition, but there is still much to discover about it. Let's delve into the various mysteries of the Oriental Shorthair!
Persian
Manga, anime, etc… What cat do you think of when you imagine a pet that is kept in a rich family’s house? That’s right, it’s Persian! Persian, which often appears in cat food commercials, has a strong image of being an elegant cat, doesn’t it? Why don’t we explore together the surprising personality of Persian and the reason why it is actually called ‘the king of cats’?
Ragamuffin
This page introduces the 'Ragamuffin' cat. As a relatively new cat breed, you might not see it often at home. The first impression is that of a fluffy, soft-looking cat, which is significantly related to the Ragdoll. Would you like to sneak a peek into the secrets of the Ragamuffin and its connection to the Ragdoll?
Ragdoll
When you think of a cat with fluffy fur and a fluffy tail… That’s right! It’s a ragdoll! The cat has a soft-looking body and beautiful blue eyes that are very cute. How about exploring some surprising history and secrets of the name of such a ragdoll?
Russian Blue
With its luxurious fur and slender, graceful body, the Russian Blue cat is a breed that you may have heard of before. It is one of the most popular breeds that you can find in pet shops. At first glance, it seems to have a calm and cool demeanor that can handle anything, but the Russian Blue cat actually has… a surprising personality hidden behind its appearance!
Savannah
When you think of wild-looking cats, you might think of Bengals, Toygers, and Ocicats. Today, let's introduce the 'Savannah' cat! The name itself evokes an image of a wild-looking cat, though it's rarely seen in Japan, and many may have never heard of it before. Why not secretly delve into the secrets of the Savannah cat?
Scottish Fold
Scottish Fold is a breed of cat that has been dominating the rankings of cats people want to live with in recent years! They are famous for their cute round faces and folded ears. However, Scottish Folds are not only cute but also have various difficult aspects. If you see them next time, I would be happy if you could observe them with reference to this page!
Selkirk Rex
Also known as the “cat in sheep’s clothing,” the Selkirk Rex is a cat with curly hair like a toy poodle. It has recently gained attention from people who want a cat that doesn’t look like everyone else’s. While there are other cats with curly hair, such as the Cornish Rex and Devon Rex, the Selkirk Rex is the most voluminous of all curly-haired cats. Let’s take a look at the secrets of this somewhat mysterious Selkirk Rex!
Siamese
Have you ever seen a "Siamese cat"? Actually, this cat is known as the "Siamese" breed worldwide. Interestingly, only Japan calls it the "Sham cat". On this page, I will introduce the Siamese breed, which was once popular in Japan. However, there are still many things that are not well known about their history and personality. Let’s explore the secrets of the Siamese cat!
Siberian
Siberians are a breed with a voluminous and fluffy coat that is their charm point! Many people may not have heard of Siberians before. It is certainly one of the breeds that is not often seen in pet shops, but I would be happy if this page could help people learn about the cuteness of Siberians!
Singapura
Singapura is a breed of cat that is not often seen in Japan, so it may be known only to those who know it. What is particularly characteristic of this breed is its small size! It is sometimes called a “little fairy” because of its appearance. But there are many secrets hidden in its small body. Would you like to take a look at the story of how Singapura was born?
Somali
Speaking of cats with beautiful fur colors and fluffy tails, it’s the Somali! It is also a popular cat that is known to many people. However, it seems that in the history of Somali’s birth, it was sometimes thought of as a “failure.” At first, the Somali was not very well-regarded, but it became popular after a small incident. Would you like to unravel the secrets of the Somali?
Tonkinese
Do you know about the cat called 'Tonkinese'? Compared to more mainstream breeds, it might be a bit unusual in Japan. It looks somewhat similar to the Siamese, but actually, there lies the secret of the Tonkinese. What exactly is this secret? Let's delve into the world of the Tonkinese right away!
Toyger
「Toyger??」 It is one of the breeds that cat lovers may not be familiar with, so many people may not have heard or seen it. That’s because Toyger is a new breed that was recently born, so it is still a rare cat with low name recognition in Japan! However, its appearance, which looks just like a tiger, is very impressive and unforgettable. Why don’t you explore the secrets of the little-known Toyger?
Turkish Angora
"Turkish Angora” is a breed of cat that is known for its beautiful fur and elegant appearance. Its appearance exudes an atmosphere that seems to belong to a wealthy household. However, it is rare to see them in pet shops, so many people may not have heard of them before. Although the Turkish Angora is not a well-known breed, its history is very ancient and there are many secrets hidden within it. Let’s explore the world of the Turkish Angora right away!
Turkish Van
Many people associate cats with being afraid of water. However, did you know that there are cats that are good at swimming? That’s the Turkish Van! It is rare to see them in Japan, so if you find one at a breeder’s or an acquaintance’s house, you can consider yourself very lucky. The history of the Turkish Van is interesting and full of mysteries. Let’s explore its secrets together!
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Sphynx References
- まるごとわかる猫種大図鑑 監修：CFA公認審査員 早田由貴子
- 世界中で愛される美しすぎる猫図鑑 監修 今泉忠明
- The Cat Fancier's Association, Inc. https://cfa.org/sphynx/
- 猫との暮らし大百科 https://www.anicom-sompo.co.jp/nekonoshiori/
- みんなの猫図鑑 https://www.min-nekozukan.com/
- Pet Smile news forネコちゃん http://psnews.jp/cat/
- 子猫のへや https://www.konekono-heya.com/sitemap.html
- ねこちゃんホンポ https://nekochan.jp/
- 公益社団法人 埼玉県獣医師会 https://www.saitama-vma.org/topics/猫の遺伝性疾患について/
Sphynx Introduction of media used
出典：https://unsplash.com/photos/QRwlPkgAKFA
出典：https://pixabay.com/images/id-2683212/
出典：https://pixabay.com/images/id-5445347/
出典：https://www.pexels.com/ja-jp/photo/4329734/
出典：https://pixabay.com/images/id-4686953/
出典：https://pixabay.com/images/id-6466786/
出典：https://pixabay.com/images/id-629066/
出典：https://pixabay.com/images/id-1821250/
出典：https://unsplash.com/photos/4gKLczIIpe0
出典：https://unsplash.com/photos/yLaZQBDa6WM
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