While some can’t stand the sight of the Sphynx cat, others are obsessed, and these felines have dominated the internet in recent years with their large ears, beady eyes, and nakedness. The Sphynx cat is truly a unique cat breed.
There’s a lot more than meets the eye with these cats, and this article is going to provide you with some interesting facts and things you didn’t know about the Sphynx cat.
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The sphynx cat has a very distinct look, with a medium build and a sleek, almost hairless body. They have large ears and gentle temperament, making them perfect for those who are looking for a loving pet.
Interesting Facts About the Sphynx Cat
1. They Aren’t Hairless!
Everyone refers to these cats are ‘hairless’ or ‘naked’, but that is actually far from the case. These beauties have patches of short hairs on some parts of their bodies, like their paws and ears. Some are even covered in little hairs, similar to that of peach fuzz.
They do look hairless, but if you touch one, you’ll feel their soft patina-like peach fuzz. Why are they mostly hairless? It’s because of a mutation in the gene responsible for growing hair with the keratin protein as it emerges from the follicle.
2. They Love Cuddles
Since they lack the regular fur that keeps other cats warm, these cats are known for being great cuddle buddies. They love snuggling with their owners, and it’s a bonus way for them to keep warm.
Interestingly, their body temperature runs 4 degrees warmer than regular cats, but because they haven’t got insular fur to keep body heat in, they do get chilly.
Therefore, you should always keep enough furry blankets on hand, so they can cuddle up on your lap in front of the TV and keep warm.
You may also find your Sphynx basking in spots where the sun is hitting, as they love and need more warmth. This is perfectly fine, but as they don’t have regular fur, their skin is more likely to burn, so you’ll need to lather them in sunscreen to avoid any nasty burns.
Your veterinarian will be able to advise you on the best kind of sunscreen for your pet Sphynx.
3. They Need Frequent Bathing
While you rarely have to bathe a regular furry cat, Sphynxes are a little different. Cats will secrete oil from the body, and in regular cats, their fur absorbs this. These beauties aren’t so lucky and don’t have adequate fur to absorb these oils.
Therefore, smells can build up on their skin, and as they tend to have several little folds around their bodies, it can be hard for them to groom themselves adequately. Because of this, you’ll need to give your kitty frequent baths, so they stay squeaky clean!
4. They Love Walking With A Leash
As cat lovers, we relish the idea of being able to take them for walks on a leash, so we can show them off to the outside world.
However, that reality is far-fetched, as cats are known for disliking being attached to a leash. Fortunately, this is not the case when it comes to the wonderful Sphynx cat!
Once you’ve taken some time to get them used to it, your Sphynx will enjoy being walked with a leash, and you won’t have to worry about them running off!
5. They Love Eating
Despite their slender figures, these cats are serious foodies. As they don’t have the kind of fur that regular cats do, it makes it hard for them to regulate their body temperature.
As they eat and the food burns in their bodies, it keeps their temperature up. Aside from this, they have very fast metabolisms in order to keep warm, meaning they burn food quicker.
Therefore, you may notice that your Sphynx is always eating. If this is the case, you should not worry, as it is perfectly normal – you may just need to buy more cat food than you usually would!
6. They Aren’t Hypoallergenic
Since many believe that these cats are hairless, they also believe they are hypoallergenic. This is far from the case.
All cats produce the protein Fel d1, which is what causes allergies. It is present in the saliva and dander of cats, including Sphynxes.
These allergies may actually worsen if you’re around Sphynx cats, as they do not have enough hair for the dander to cling onto, meaning this can make its way directly onto everything around your home, including you.
Therefore, if you have bad allergies to cats, then Sphynxes may not be the cat breed for you.
7. They’re Not Great With Strangers
Sphynx cats are very loving towards their owners and love spending time with them. However, they are not the most social of cats when it comes to new people.
Your cuddly and sociable Sphynx may hide away when you have people over at your home. You may also notice a change in their personality.
They love to be around people they feel comfortable and familiar with, but they will take time to warm up to strangers.
Therefore, if you’re having a party or many people over at once, then you should make sure that your Sphynx has a little safe space they can shy away to in order to feel comfortable.
Final Thoughts
Sphynx cats are definitely unique and eye-catching animals.
While many associates this breed with being aloof and unfriendly, this is far from the truth. Once your Sphynx trusts you, it will love you and develop the need for your companionship.
Despite many believing, they are ‘naked’, they are extremely soft to touch, and they love cuddling up with their owners and showing them affection.
While they do need a lot more grooming than most other cat breeds, a Sphynx is like no other, and you’ll soon find yourself with a little best friend.
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