Among hairless animals, the most famous are the bald Egyptian cats. Despite the fact that the breed was officially registered only in the middle of the 20th century in the USA, the first mention of unusual cats can be found in ancient chronicles.
This breed was further developed thanks to the work of breeders and breeders of America and Canada. They managed to fix the genetic recessive mutation and breed absolutely bald animals, recognized today by the vast majority of international felinological organizations. The name of the bald Egyptian cat is the sphinx. We will talk about the features of this breed, the nature of animals and the rules for caring for them in this article.
Sphinx history
Egyptian bald cats were the sacred animals of Egypt, who lived in temples. It was believed that they were intermediaries between man and the gods. The sculptural images of these cats guarded the entrance to the shrines and tombs of the Egyptian pharaohs.
In the surviving manuscripts, other nationalities were mentioned about their existence - the Aztecs, Indians and Mexicans. Experts believe that the breed of Egyptian hairless cats is one of the oldest on our planet.
Hairless Egyptian cats have lost their popularity over time. However, the breed was revived in Canada and the United States in the second half of the 20th century. The Egyptian hairless cat reappeared in Toronto in 1966. In one ordinary shorthair purr, a completely bald kitten was born.
The unusual breed received its modern development thanks to the efforts of breeders and breeders from America. They managed to fix the genetic mutation and breed completely bald cats, which very quickly interested animal lovers around the world. Tatyana Smirnova, who brought two representatives of the breed from America, was engaged in breeding hairless cats in our country.
External features
Egyptian hairless cats, the photos of which we posted in this material, have a very unusual appearance. Moreover, they have some kind of magic and magnetism. These are medium-sized animals weighing no more than seven kilograms. Despite their seemingly slender physique, they are muscular and strong. Large ears and expressive oval eyes are widely set on a large wedge-shaped head.
Sphinxes have a slightly convex belly, wide chest, long limbs and a thin long tail. Their skin is wrinkled, especially in the neck, head and shoulder girdle. This gives the animals a rather sullen look. Lovers of fluffy cats often find this breed unattractive, but thousands of people consider their appearance sophisticated and aristocratic.
And where is the wool?
A feature of the sphinx is the coat, or rather, its absence. Why are Egyptian cats bald? According to felinologists, this is due to the natural mutation of the gene responsible for the coat, which was further fixed by crossbreeding with short-haired animals. In fact, the skin of descendants of Egyptian hairless cats has hair, but it is so short and thin that it is impossible not only to see, but also to feel it when stroking the sphinx.
Sometimes there is pubescence on the face, ears, tail, legs and groin. Eyebrows and mustaches are not always present in these animals.
Sphinxes
In the description of Egyptian hairless cats, various colors are mentioned. The breed standard allows several of them.
Solid colors:
- grey:
- lilac;
- white;
- ginger;
- the black;
- pinkish and blue.
Two-tone:
- mauve
- white-gray;
- black and chocolate;
- tabby
- biocolour (primary color + white);
- color point (reminiscent of the color of Siamese cats).
In the sun, such a pet can tan, and then its color becomes brighter.
Egyptian Hairless Cats: Character
Despite the fact that representatives of the breed do not have the most attractive appearance, this disadvantage is more than compensated by a friendly, devoid of a hint of aggression character. These animals are fun and playful, so if you plan to buy an Egyptian hairless cat, be prepared for the fact that you have to clean up the scattered objects behind it.
Sphinxes are in great need of human attention. They love it when owners talk to them. Hairless cats can hardly stand loneliness. Representatives of the breed are characterized by depression with a lack of communication. It is manifested by lethargy and apathy of the animal.
Felinologists knowingly call the Sphinxes aristocrats of the cat world: they are extremely vulnerable. Therefore, ideally, the owner should choose a company for such a pet, especially if you plan a long departure. Sphinxes get along well with all animals, but they are not afraid of dogs at all and communicate with him on equal terms.
Hairless cats have a rather controversial disposition. They, like dogs, can with awe spend several hours at the door waiting for their beloved master. Seeing their owner after a long separation, they do not hide their joyful emotions. Hairless cats are active and lively. They will not refuse toys, special simulators, and during the absence of the owner they often entertain themselves, which can be a problem for owners who do not know how to curb the irrepressible temperament of their pet and wean him from playing with curtains and climbing cabinets.
Hairless cats can easily find a common language with children, although they do not feel much attachment to them: they behave with restraint and even cold. In this regard, breeders do not recommend acquiring such a pet for families with very young children. They should pay attention to more patient and affectionate pets such as ragdolls or Scots.
They usually stay away from strangers in the house or demonstrate to the guests a complete disinterest in communication. But they will never allow themselves even a hint of aggression towards an outsider. With a special disposition towards a stranger, they can demonstrate their unusual eating skills with the front legs. And the talents of these smart animals are not limited to this.
To their owners, these unusual cats reveal softer traits of their character - they become attached to all family members, although they single out one owner who gets the lion's share of love and affection. Representatives of this breed have no hunting instinct due to their decorative effect. Hairless cats do not have a mustache, so on the street they will not be able to survive.
Intelligence
By nature, hairless cats are generously endowed with a sharp mind and a good memory. They are easy to train and can perform various tricks. For example, to open doors, bring small objects in the teeth to the owner, etc. They get used to the tray instantly, you only need to show where it stands. Sphinxes are smart, but they need education to reveal their best natural qualities.
Hairless cats are extremely curious, therefore constant monitoring of such a pet is necessary. Without screaming and physical impact, the sphinx should be educated. The animal simply does not understand the reason for this treatment. Use a strict emotional tone in your speech if your pet is guilty.
Hairless cat health
When purchasing a defenseless wrinkled naked kitten, owners should know that at home, with good care, sphynxes live on average for about 14 years, and they need special care. Due to the lack of hair, these animals are sensitive to climatic and weather changes. They can hardly tolerate severe cold or heat.
Sphinxes suffer from hyperhidrosis. Contamination and fat deposits accumulate on their skin. Therefore, it should be regularly cleaned with a damp sponge.
Hairless cats are predisposed to the development of allergic reactions, which are manifested by skin rashes.
Care Features
In general, care for the sphinxes is not much different from the traditional, although it has its own characteristics. Owners should not leave the animal in the open air for a long time both in summer and in winter. In the winter, the pet can be cold, and in the summer get a heat stroke or sunburn. In the house where the cat lives, the temperature should be around +24 ° C. Modes that go beyond this are uncomfortable for a cat and can cause health problems.
Food
It is very important to discuss the diet of an unusual pet with a veterinarian. It can be based on Royal Canin for cats, tailored to the characteristics of this breed. You can choose another polnoratsionnaya composition of good quality.
If the owner prefers to feed his pet with natural food, then it should contain a lot of protein (offal, meat) with the addition of cereals and sour-milk products. In addition, care for the sphinx involves the following procedures:
- nail clipping;
- rubbing the eyes;
- ear cleaning;
- bathing.
How much does an Egyptian hairless cat cost?
The answer to this question is interesting to all people who plan to purchase such an unusual pet. The cost of the sphinx largely depends on the class of the selected kitten. For example, a baby who in the future will be able to take part in exhibitions, including international ones, can cost more than a thousand dollars (64,800 rubles at today's rate). Such a pet meets all existing standards and is allowed to mate.
If you do not plan to participate in exhibitions, you can purchase a pet kitten. It will cost you 200 dollars (12 970 rubles). Such animals have minor defects in the exterior, which do not allow them to exhibit at shows. From this unusual pet will not be less loved. In any case, the price of the sphinx is set by the breeder, and it is discussed individually at the time of the transaction of sale.
Of all the variety of feline bald cats, undoubtedly stand out externally. If you want to have a smart, intelligent pet that will be attached to you with all his soul, pay attention to this unusual breed.