How to Identify a Sphynx Cat

The Sphynx is affectionately called the hairless cat. They were first found in Canada in the litter of a shorthaired cat. The hairless gene was a mutant of the shorthair. The first recorded one was in 1966. The breeding program was then started to produce more. They are still rather rare and some cat organizations don't even accept them as a breed but only as a freak. Read on to learn more.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Feel the coat/skin of the cat. You will notice that there really is some hair on these cats, be it ever so short and fine. They feel much like suede and the hair is very downy. Their skin is very wrinkled.

2. Determine the color of the cat. The skin is the color of the cat. Their skin will even reveal markings of different colors as you look closely.

3. Look carefully at the cat as a whole to determine some characteristics of its body. The body will be slender with long legs. They have very light musculature and appear very frail and delicate.

4. Determine the general shape of their head. They have a head that is somewhat triangular but softened by rounded points. They have a short muzzle and possess no whiskers. Their ears are large with rounded tips. The ears are very wide and large on this cat.

5. Peer into the eyes of the Sphynx. Their eyes come in hazel, green and golden colors.

6. Feel the tail. It is long and slim, devoid of any hair except the very fine downy hairs.

Tips & Warnings

• These cats are exclusively indoor cats. They need a moderately temperate climate and warmth due to the lack of hair.
• The Sphynx is a very sociable cat and is quite affectionate. They are very happy as long as they are appreciated and loved. However, they do not like to be cuddled.

Resources

• The American Cat Fanciers' Association Homepage
• The International Cat Association Homepage