About(breed profile from www.cfa.org)
In 1966 a domestic cat gave birth to a hairless kitten in Toronto, Canada. It was discovered to be a natural mutation and the Sphynx cat, as we know it today, came into existence. This cat and a few other naturally hairless cats have been found worldwide. These have magically been produced by Mother Nature and are the foundation for this unusual breed. Cat breeders in Europe and North America have bred the Sphynx to normal coated cats and then back to hairless for more than thirty years. The purpose of these selective breedings was to create a genetically sound cat with a large gene pool and hybrid vigor. This is a very robust breed with few health or genetic problems.
The Sphynx is not always totally hairless; there can be a fine down on the body, which makes thecat feel like a warm peach. Some light hair is often present on the nose, tail and toes. The texture of the Sphynx skin has been compared to a suede covered hot water bottle or a heated chamois. All colors and patterns are possible and may be presented at any stage of maturity. The color is seen in the pigment of the skin and the few hairs that they do have. One of the questions most asked is "Don't they get cold?" Well, of course, if it is too cold for you it will be too cold for a hairless cat too. However, these cats are smart enough to find a warm human, dog or cat to curl up with or they will get under your bed covers.
In my experience sphynx cats are unique, friendly, playful, smart, energetic, beautiful cats. They love to be around people, I can almost never sit down without one of my cats jumping up and sitting on my knee. When people meet a sphynx for the first time sometimes they don't know what to say. The reactions are actually really funny. My favourite was "Oh my god! That's.......a cat." Almost everyone I know who has met one of my cats have fallen in love.
Care
It might seem like there is not maintenance for a cat with no hair but that is not the case. Because of their lack of hair, oils that would normally be absorbed are left on the skin and regular baths and ear cleaning is required. Every cat is a little different but I usually bath my cats about three times a month and clean their ears at least once a week. Under no circumstances should these cats ever be let outside!
Allergies
People can be allergic to many different things including cat hair, dander and even saliva. Some people who suffer from allergies are able to live with a sphynx with no issues but other are still allergic to them. If you suffer from allergies the best thing to do is to visit a breeders house and see how you react.
