Sphynx Cat

The Sphynx Cat (also known as the Canadian Hairless) is a rare breed with extremely little fur, or at most a short fuzz over its body, and no whiskers (vibrissae). Their skin is the color their fur would be, and all the usual cat marking patterns (solid, point, van, tabby, tortie, etc) may be found in Sphynx too. They are sometimes mistaken for Chihuahuas because of their extremely unusual and, some say, uncatlike appearance. They are very affectionate and extroverted and like to cuddle with their humans, other humans, and each other.

Though they may appear delicate, Sphynx tend to be well-muscled and very healthy, with a few obvious weaknesses. It is essential to keep a sphynx cat warm and free from drafts(like - duh!), especially during kittenhood, as they have no more protection from cold than a naked human would. Sphynxes are also prone to sunburn and sunstroke because they lack the normal protection of fur. They tend to get dirty and greasy, since their skin produces the same oils as a fully-furred cat, but the oil is not spread over fur as usual. As pets they are notably more social than "normal" cats, and happier to be handled, but also require more maintenance including weekly bathing and ear-cleaning. Their natural bathing habits tend to be ineffective on skin, so the owner must compensate a bit.

Sphynx cats are not hypoallergenic, in fact they can be even worse for severely allergic people than furred cats. But because they don't deposit hair on furniture or clothing, they tend to be easier to clean up after, and therefore often less troublesome to mildly allergic owners. A large number of individuals allergic to cats can live with Sphynx cats without experiencing any form of allergy. Some notice symptoms but handle it by bathing and cleaning them slightly more often than one would otherwise. Allergic people often bathe and clean their Sphynx cats every 5 - 7 days, while others do it roughly every two weeks or when needed.