Petersburg Sphinx (or Peterbold) - breed of cats bred in the Northern capital. Petersburgers are slender, with large ears and long legs. The character is light, friendly. Cats are sociable and adore the company of humans and other animals.
Breed history
The breed St. Petersburg Sphynx was bred by domestic felinologists and is quite different from other types of hairless cats in its standards and approach to breeding. To date, the breed is recognized by many felinological organizations. Feedback from the owners is completely positive.
The St. Petersburg Sphinx, whose photo won the hearts of many cat lovers, was bred relatively recently. The first representatives of the breed appeared in St. Petersburg in 1994 as a result of mixing the blood of the Don Sphinx and Oriental cat.
From two mating four kittens were born, which became the founders of the new breed. Four years later, the standard of the new breed was recognized by one of the phenological organizations and received the abbreviation PBD.
At the moment, work on the breed is still underway. Breeders are trying to form an oriental and Siamese type with an elongated muzzle, large ears, a slender body and long legs. In connection with the breeding work, mating of representatives of the breed of Peterbalds with Siamese cats or orientals is allowed.
Breed standards
Petersburg Sphinx has a strong and long body, a thin elongated neck, long legs and tail. The head and muzzle are elongated, the cheekbones and forehead are flat. Straight profile, almond-shaped eyes. Paws are slender, with long fingers. The skin is thin, with folds.
On the muzzle, near the ears, at the tips of the paws and tail, residues of wool are possible. The mustache is always crimped.
The disadvantages include: a round or short head, small ears, kinks on the tail, overshot, inversion of the eyelids, full pubescence of the body, short body, tail, legs.
Color
The skin of bald cats is very sensitive, including sunlight. Under bright direct rays, it can sunbathe or burn. The skin is pigmented and may even sweat in the heat. Since the cat does not have fur, the coloring can be determined by the color of the skin. But this shade will be rather a shadow of the color of the missing wool. That is why it is difficult to clearly determine the color of the hairless cat.
One of the most desirable colors for breeders is black. A peterbold of this color looks simply amazing, but this color is not found in completely bald cats and cats. Only owners of wool such as flock or brush can boast of it, that is, peterbalds who retained, albeit a short, but still wool.
In addition, there are colors that can combine several colors and shades. For this reason, the exact color is determined by the breeder after the birth of the kittens, when they still have hair. Kittens of the St. Petersburg sphinx often are born covered with wool.
Types of skin
Petersburgers are not necessarily completely hairless. According to the type of skin, representatives of the breed are divided into several types:
- The Hollywood These kittens are born without hair. Their skin is hot to the touch, non-slip, a bit like soft plasticine. It is very nice to touch it.
- Naked These are cats that were born with wool, but completely lost it as they grow older.
- Sprayed. Animals that have ultra-short, almost imperceptible hairs all over their bodies. Because of this, the skin seems soft, smooth, like satin. She is pleasant to the touch, caressing her fingers.
- Flock. With this type of cat, rare and short (up to 2 mm), but very soft hairs are located throughout the body of the cat.
- Velours. The term is not used by all felinologists and designates a type similar to flock, but with more frequent and longer hairs.
- Brush. In this case, the hairs are long, curly. Hair can be hard and soft, frequent and sparse. They puff and may look like wire. For fun, these cats are called "boots".
- Flock Point, Velor Point, Brush Point. In general, the cat is stripped over the body, but on the so-called points, that is, on the muzzle, legs and tail, has a wool of the corresponding type.
- Varietta, or Coarse. This is a cat with regular straight hair. She herself did not inherit the bald gene, but can carry a group of genes that are responsible for the type of skin. The mustache is straight.
You should know that the St. Petersburg Sphinx does not belong to hypoallergenic rocks. As a rule, the allergic reaction is caused not by the hair, but by the saliva and particles of the cat's skin. Accordingly, bald breeds cause the same reaction as others.
However, in some cases, the negative reaction is caused precisely by the hair. Then Peterbald will be a great pet. Before purchasing, consult your doctor. Be sure to spend a few hours in the breeder’s house to make sure you are well. Agree in advance to return the kitten within a few days if family members show allergies.
Character
How does the St. Petersburg sphinx behave? The character of cats is typical for sphinxes. They are obedient, friendly, strongly attached to the owner. They are easy to train, and, in general, they resemble dogs in behavior. But nevertheless, peterbalds are wayward and touchy. Owners speak of cats as extremely quick-witted, affectionate, temperamental and very talkative companions.
Nutrition, Care
So, you decided to get a representative of the St. Petersburg Sphynx breed? A cat or cat will bring you a lot of joy. But still you need to know about the features of caring for Peterbalds. Since representatives of this breed do not have wool, which should regulate body temperature, they easily freeze. In addition, the animal can easily burn itself on a hot heater or battery.
Sphinxes sweat, which means they need to be wiped with a soft cloth and regularly bathed in warm water with animal shampoo.
Since peterbolds have accelerated heat exchange, there are some nuances in the care and nutrition. They need to be worn if the apartment is cold. Nutrition is also of great importance. Sphinxes should eat more in cold weather than other cats. In general, the diet does not require correction, ready-made dry premium food or balanced natural food is suitable. If the house is warm, then enhanced nutrition is not necessary.
Kittens
Sphynx births are easy. Cats are caring mothers, and, notably, cats also participate in raising offspring. They follow the cubs, lick them, play. Kittens usually move to a new home at the age of three months.
The Petersburg Sphynx is a relatively new breed, but it is rapidly gaining popularity and is gaining recognition from felinological organizations. The purpose of breeding is not only the creation of attractive external qualities, but also the preservation of the wonderful intellect and character of Peterbolds.