Canadian Sphynx – the main differences of the breed

If you’ve ever seen a Canadian Sphynx, you are aware of how unique their appearance is. These cats possess a distinct charm that captivates people, owing to their large ears and hairless bodies. But this breed is unique for so much more than just their striking appearance.

Friendly and playful, the Canadian Sphynx is well-known for its personality. These cats love interacting with people, in contrast to many other cats who can be aloof. They are frequently characterized as social butterflies that clamor for their owners’ love and attention. If you’re searching for a companion cat that will playfully interact with you, the Sphynx may be your best option.

The lack of fur on the Canadian Sphynx means that it requires special care. They don’t need to be groomed as frequently as other breeds, but they do need to be bathed frequently to maintain healthy, oil-free skin. Acknowledging these peculiarities can aid prospective proprietors in appreciating what makes this breed distinct.

We’ll examine the main distinctions between the Canadian Sphynx and other cat breeds in this article. You’ll learn more about the unique personalities and health issues of these adorable cats, as well as what it’s like to live with one of them.

Feature	Description
Hairlessness	Canadian Sphynx cats are known for their lack of fur, which gives them a unique look and requires special skin care.
Body Structure	They have a muscular build with a round face and large ears, making them quite distinctive.
Temperament	This breed is friendly, affectionate, and enjoys being around people, often forming strong bonds with their owners.
Temperature Sensitivity	Due to their lack of fur, they can be sensitive to cold and may need sweaters in cooler weather.
Grooming Needs	Even without fur, they need regular bathing to remove oil buildup on their skin.

History of origin

A variety of people’s annals contain references to bald cats. This is because parents who are completely normal could look at a bald kitten. Such oddball kittens were initially regarded as rejected.

Citation! It is thought that the Sphynx’s appearance is a result of a natural mutation.

The breed’s official birth year is recognized as 1966. Then a domestic cat in Toronto, Canada, gave birth to a bald kitten. The baby was named Prun (prunes) by the cat’s hostess. Sphinxes started to appear in nurseries at the same time.

The kittens’ original name was "Canadian hairless cat," but not everyone found that name to be very unique or catchy. In search of a fitting moniker for their breed, enthusiasts of hairless cats drew comparisons to the oldest extant sculpture, the Great Sphinx of Egypt.

The distinctive hairless appearance of the Canadian Sphynx distinguishes it from other breeds of cats. This post will explore the Sphynx’s unique characteristics, such as its unique skin tone, character attributes, and maintenance needs, emphasizing what makes this breed endearing and unique for pet owners.

Breed description

Hairlessness is one of the breed’s defining characteristics, but it’s not the only one.

Canadian Sphynx Standard

The requirements below must be fulfilled by a purebred Sphynx:

1. Body: warm and soft to the touch, like a soft peach. Medium build with unexpectedly high weight; belly is round. Sphynxes are characterized by sexual dimorphism, i.e. the difference between females and males in size and weight – females are much smaller than males. Thus, the weight of a male reaches 5 kg, females – up to 3.5 kg.
2. Limbs: proportionate, muscular. Hind legs are longer than the front. The front paws are placed widely due to the large chest ("bullying" style). The pads of the fingers are thick and make the paw look like a child"s fist.
3. Head: the shape resembles a modified wedge, the length of the head is slightly greater than the width, pronounced cheekbones. The skull is rounded, the nose is straight with a pronounced "hollow" where the forehead meets the nose.
4. Eyes: large, rounded lemon-shaped (wide in the middle and tapering towards the edges); the distance between the eyes is slightly larger than the size of the eye. Eye color is any.
5. Ears: very large, open, erect. Set wide apart, without brushes.
6. Wool: a small light fluff is possible on the skin – the skin of the Sphynx is often compared to the skin of a child, a tuft of hair on the tip of the tail is also acceptable. The length of the hair on the body is divided into the following types:
7. hairless (homozygous) – the coat and whiskers are completely absent, the body is covered with numerous folds of skin. They are born rarely. To the touch, cats are rubbery and sticky. It is difficult to iron such a sphinx, so they seem to pluck the skin gently.
8. flock — thin microhairs up to 0.1 cm, with maturity sphinxes can undress and become naked. To the touch flock resembles velvet, such a cat can be easily stroked by hand.
9. velour — fur 0.2 – 0.4 cm long. Fur may not be present on all areas of the body.
10. brush (velour) — hair length up to 0.5 cm. Fur is straight or curled, like rex, hard to the touch.

Colors

Pigmentation on the skin determines the color of hairless sphinxes. Two to three hours after birth, a hairless sphinx’s color emerges.

Color varieties of Canadian sphinxes:

1. Solid: predominance of one color in pigmentation.The nose matches the color, the pads of the paws are either in the color of the pigmentation, or a pinkish tint. Possible colors:
2. white;
3. cream;
4. lilac;
5. blue;
6. fawn;
7. cinnamon;
8. red (ginger);
9. chocolate;
10. black.
11. Tortoiseshell (totrie): Characteristic only of females. Rarely found in cats and is regarded as a deviation – such males are most often barren. Pigmentation consists of two colors: in the classic version — ​​black and red; in the lightened version — ​​blue and cream. Proportions and variations may vary. Possible options:
12. blue tortie;
13. black;
14. lilac;
15. chocolate tortie;
16. cinnamon tortie;
17. fawn tortie.
18. Tabby color (tabby): dark spots on the back, tail and limbs. Nose and paw pads either in the color of pigmentation or pinkish tint (typical for light colors). Types of tabby color:
19. spotted — pigmentation in the form of spots;
20. marbled — spots on the body in the form of patterns similar to stripes on marble;
21. mackerel/brindle — horizontal striped spots.
22. Bicolor: base color (solid, tortoiseshell, tabby) combined with white. Colored part has clear boundaries from white. One ear should be colored. Nose and paw pads in tone with base color.
23. Color Point (Color-Point): coloring typical for Siamese cats – light body with darker tips of ears, nose, paws and tail. Characteristic sky-blue eye color. Paw pads and nose correspond to the color of the point. Depending on the "darkened" color, color options can be:
24. seal point;
25. chocolate point;
26. blue point;
27. lilac point;
28. cream point.

Photos of colors

Differences between Canadian, Donskoy and Petersburg Sphynxes

The first breed to accept hairlessness as a standard was the Canadian Sphynx. Native to Russia, the Donskoy Sphynx and Peterbald are related breeds. Donskoy and Oriental cat crosses gave rise to Petersburg Sphynxes.

Visual differences in the structure of the muzzle of these three breeds are clearly visible in the photo below.

Petersburg Sphynx	Canadian Sphynx	Donskoy Sphynx
Elongated elegant body with developed muscles and a long neck

Health

Cats have a robust immune system and are rarely prone to infectious diseases, despite their delicate appearance. The average lifespan of a Canadian Sphynx is twelve to sixteen years. There have been instances, though, where bald long-lived individuals commemorated their 20th anniversary.

Sphynxes are sensitive to air temperature because, unlike, Somali cats, they do not have a warm fur coat. Skin conditions such as dermatitis, acne, fungal, and yeast infections are more common in them.

Crucial! Sphynxes are prone to respiratory illnesses and colds, so make sure the apartment is airtight.

Invest in, make, or knit your pet some warm winter clothing to keep them safe from illness—many pets have similar items.

There are also a number of diseases characteristic of the Canadian breed:

• Pigmented urticaria. The rash on the body can be caused by an allergic reaction, including food. The exact cause can only be determined by tests.
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. This heart disease is associated with a genetic mutation.
• Myopathy. The most dangerous disease of a kitten. It appears at an early age and is characterized by progressive muscle dysfunction. It has no treatment, develops individually and often leads to death. The cattery immediately warns the potential owner if the kitten is at risk.

Character of the Canadian Sphynx

In contrast to most other breeds, Sphynxes are incredibly devoted and affectionate animals without a hunting instinct. They are loyal to their owner and enjoy sleeping close by and perching on hands. Cats suffer greatly from loneliness and being separated from their owners; as a result, they become withdrawn and even aggressive. Cats also love attention.

Counseling! Sphynxes get along well with dogs, rodents, and cats of different breeds. As a result, we suggest that you pay special attention to this breed if you’re looking for a second pet for your family.

Sphynxes make intelligent pets that are simple to train. They never stop being playful and energetic until they are very old. If you don’t give the animal anything to do, it will find things to do on its own and start pulling practical jokes.

Cats exhibit a high degree of friendliness toward small children and other animals. They engage in physical contact, are eager to play games, and have a high threshold for aggression. The primary feature of the games is their neatness, as the sphinx lacks wool protection against bumps and scratches.

Fascinating information Sphinxes are small by nature, and they enjoy moving about the apartment on their owners’ shoulders.

Who is not recommended to have

Although Canadian sphinxes are quite humble creatures that can unlock anyone’s heart, there are certain characteristics to consider before purchasing a bald baby.

• Allergy. If you suffer from allergies to cats, then even a hairless pet will not save you from it. In most cases, the allergen is cat protein, which is found in the saliva, sweat and waste products of cats. And sphinxes sweat all over their bodies, unlike other breeds!
• Lack of time for care. The need for weekly bathing of the pet will cause serious doubts in some people. If you need a cat that does not require any care, then the sphinx is not for you.
• Frequent absence from home. Sphinxes are attached to their owners, so a prolonged absence of human communication is always stressful for the pet. You should not choose a sphinx as a pet if you lead an active lifestyle outside the home.

Care

Naturally, taking care of a pet differs from taking care of a woolly cat. It’s not as hard as it sounds at first, though; all you have to do is stick to the fundamentals.

Wool

Animals that have higher body temperatures also sweat more, especially sphinxes. Because sweat has a distinct scent, pets should have regular skin care; give them a weekly bath and wipe them down with a damp cloth as needed. Neglecting skin care will result in a gray layer of sweat, sebum, and dirt building up on your skin.

Citation! It is preferable to use shampoo and wipes that are hypoallergenic and fragrance-free. You can select children’s ones to avoid irritating your pet’s sensitive skin.

You should bathe only in warm water, after which be sure to wrap it in a terry towel, otherwise the baby may freeze and catch a cold.

Nutrition

Canadian sphinxes possess an accelerated metabolism as a result of their elevated body temperature. As such, they require a higher dietary intake than members of other breeds. Feeding the sphinx should occur no more than twice a day, ideally at the same time.

Crucial! One common illness among sphinxes is obesity. It’s not advisable to feed your pet whenever they ask to.

Each owner selects the most appropriate concept from the two primary nutrition theories:

• Natural nutrition (meat, sea fish, fermented milk products). In this case, you need to add vitamins to the diet. Also try to minimize the amount of fatty foods, as they are harmful to the pet. Meat should only be given in the form of pieces, not minced meat, which will provide the cat with healthy teeth.
• Ready-made food. If you prefer ready-made food, pay attention to their quality. To ensure a balanced diet, you should buy super-premium food and above.

Crucial! Recall that a product’s extensive advertising does not necessarily indicate its quality; instead, focus on the food’s ingredients.

It is important to remember that your pet should always have access to fresh, clean water when selecting any nutrition plan.

Ear, eye, and claw care

Like other cats, sphynxes can get dirt in their ears and between their claws, which other breeds of cats cover up with fluffy fur.

• Ears. The secretion accumulated in the pet"s ears is not dangerous and does not interfere with hearing, but it looks far from aesthetically pleasing. You should clean your pet"s ears like a small child – with a cotton swab (not a stick), carefully and slowly.
• Claws. In addition to regularly cleaning the dirt between the claws, you should pay attention to the claws themselves – trimming them will help the owner keep the furniture in its original form.
• Eyes. You also need to monitor the condition of the eyes to avoid various infections. You can wipe your pet"s eyes with green tea or chamomile infusion using a cotton swab.

Walking your pet

There is consensus among experts that the Sphynx is a domestic animal only. Nevertheless, you can and will benefit from walking the cat to give it some exercise, but only a couple of times a week.

Crucial! Only in warm, dry weather can you walk your pet.

Sphynxes adore taking sun baths. Their thin skin slightly changes pigment from sunburn (yes, bald cats can sunbathe too!). Bronze shades, freckles, and spots appear.

Crucial! Avoid leaving your pet in the direct sunlight as it can cause serious burns on its sensitive skin.

Generally speaking, installing a tall scratching post and purchasing multiple toys is sufficient for a cat. Sphynxes particularly enjoy playing with battery-operated mice and pointers with feathers attached to them.

Handy video:

Breed card

Cat characteristics		Notes
General information	Canadian Sphynx is an original breed that created the fashion for "bald" cats	Homeland of the breed – Canada
Character	Playful and affectionate cat, very attached to family members	The playfulness of the Sphynx does not disappear with age
Appearance	Cats of medium size, wedge-shaped head, numerous folds on the skin. A large number of colors. Several types of wool: hairless, velor, flock, brush	Cats are hot and velvety to the touch
Home behavior	They love to curl up and sleep under a blanket, and also climb onto the owner"s shoulders	Lovers of sunbathing
Care	Weekly bathing and wiping with wet wipes to remove excess sebum and sweat
Health problems	Various skin diseases and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy are common	Cats are afraid of cold and extreme heat

How to choose a kitten

It is advised that you purchase a kitten from reputable catteries only, as other places may offer you an unhealthy pet instead of an exotic newborn. The inability to successfully breed the breed and the dishonesty of vendors are to blame for this.

A young kitten should not be purchased because its body is still developing and it can become infected during a move, even in the midst of stress.

Citation! Three months is the ideal age to start a family. The infant is now stronger and has received all required immunizations.

Ensuring the health of your future pet is sufficient if it is intended to be a personal companion rather than a show animal. When a person approaches the kitten, it should be energetic, happy, and free of any signs of fear or hostility. There is nothing alarming about a tiny rash that occasionally appears on a kitten’s tail; it will eventually go away on its own.

In the early weeks of the baby’s life, an experienced breeder can determine the kitten’s final color as well as the color of its eyes.

Sphinxes are not an inexpensive pleasure, it is important to note from the outset. If a kitten is offered to you for 3,000–4,000 rubles, no discussion of pedigree is possible in this situation.

In reliable catteries, kittens start at twenty-five thousand rubles.

Less expensive kittens are those that don’t meet breed standards. They won’t judge you if you choose a bald, attractive man as your soulmate.

However, promising children—future producers and exhibition participants whose parents hold championship titles—will have to make do without at least 80,000 rubles.

Breeding

Finding a mate for mating has become easier recently because sphinxes have gained popularity among breeders. There are bald beauty cathedrals in many Russian cities, particularly in Moscow and the surrounding area:

• Elfen Lied — Moscow.
• Apriori Naked — Moscow.
• Baby Rah — Moscow region, the city of Zheleznodorozhny.
• Majesty Benu — St. Petersburg.

The distinctive appearance and energetic nature of the Canadian Sphynx make it stand out. This breed is sure to spark conversation because of its lack of fur. Many people find them to be endearing due to their large ears and wrinkled skin.

Sphynx cats are renowned for their affectionate disposition in addition to their striking appearance. They enjoy being a member of the family and thrive on social interaction. This breed’s lively and gregarious nature has led to it being frequently referred to as "dog-like."

Because they don’t have fur, they need extra care, like frequent bathing and skin care, but the relationship they form with their owners makes the extra work worthwhile. Prepare yourself for a devoted companion who will keep you occupied and entertained if you’re thinking about bringing a Canadian Sphynx into your house.

In the end, the Canadian Sphynx is more than just a typical cat; it’s a distinct personality with a lively energy. They are an intriguing option for anyone searching for a companion that brings happiness and companionship because of their unique characteristics from other breeds.

Video on the topic

Nice acquaintance.(Canadian Sphynx cat).

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