Egyptian hairless cats: name, photo and description, characteristics of the breed

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Among the hairless animals, the hairless Egyptian cats are the most famous. 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 has been further developed thanks to the work of breeders and breeders in America and Canada. They managed to fix the genetic recessive mutation and breed completely hairless animals, recognized today by the vast majority of international felinological organizations. The name of the hairless 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.

History of the Sphinxes

Egyptian hairless cats were the sacred animals of Egypt, who lived in temples. It was believed that they were intermediaries between man and the gods. Sculptures of these cats guarded the entrance to the sanctuaries and tombs of the Egyptian pharaohs.

In the surviving manuscripts, other peoples also mentioned their existence - the Aztecs, the Indiansand Mexicans. Experts believe that the breed of Egyptian hairless cats is one of the most ancient on our planet.

Hairless Egyptian cats have lost their popularity over time. However, the breed was revived in Canada and the USA in the second half of the 20th century. The Egyptian hairless cat reappeared in Toronto in 1966. A completely hairless kitten was born to one ordinary short-haired purr.

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 hairless cats, which very quickly became of interest to animal lovers around the world. Tatyana Smirnova, who brought two representatives of the breed from America, was breeding hairless cats in our country.

External Features

Egyptian hairless cats, photos of which we have posted in this article, have a very unusual appearance. However, they have a certain magic and magnetism. These are medium-sized animals, weighing no more than seven kilograms. Despite their seemingly slender physique, they are muscular and strong. On a large wedge-shaped head, large ears and expressive oval eyes are set wide apart.

Sphinxes have a slightly bulging belly, broad chest, long limbs and a thin long tail. Their skin is wrinkled, especially around the neck, head, and shoulder girdle. This gives the animals a rather sullen look. Fans of fluffy cats often find this breed unattractive, but thousands of people consider their appearance sophisticated and aristocratic.

Where is the wool?

A feature of the Sphinx is the coat, or rather, its absence. Why are Egyptian cats hairless? According to felinologists, this is due to a natural mutation of the gene responsible for the coat, which was later fixed by crossing with short-haired animals. In fact, the descendants of Egyptian hairless cats have hair on their skin, but it is so short and thin that it is impossible not only to see it, but also to feel it when stroking the Sphinx.

Sometimes there is pubescence on the muzzle, ears, tail, paws and groin. Eyebrows and mustaches are not always present in these animals.

Sphinx colors

In the description of Egyptian hairless cats, various colors are mentioned. The breed standard allows for several.

Solid:

• grey:
• purple;
• white;
• redhead;
• black;
• pinkish and blue.

Two-color:

• gray-purple;
• white-grey;
• black chocolate;
• tabby;
• biocolor (main color + white);
• color-point (reminiscent of the color of Siamese cats).

Under 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 shortcoming is more than compensated by a friendly, devoid of even a hint of aggression character. These animals are cheerful and playful, so if youplanning to get an Egyptian hairless cat, be prepared to clean up after her scattered objects.

Sphinxes really need human attention. They love it when their owners talk to them. Hairless cats do not tolerate loneliness. Representatives of the breed are characterized by depression with a lack of communication. It is manifested by the lethargy and apathy of the animal.

Felinologists don't call sphinxes the aristocrats of the cat world for nothing: they are extremely vulnerable. Therefore, ideally, the owner should choose the company of such a pet, especially if a long departure is planned. Sphynxes get along well with all animals, and they are not afraid of dogs at all and communicate with him on an equal footing.

Hairless cats have a rather controversial disposition. They, like dogs, can spend time at the door with trepidation for several hours, waiting for their beloved owner. Seeing their owner after a long separation, they do not hide their joyful emotions. Hairless cats are active and have a lively character. They will not give up 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 their pet's indefatigable temperament and wean it from playing with curtains and climbing cabinets.

Hairless cats easily find a common language with children, although they do not feel much affection for them: they behave with restraint and even coldly. In this regard, breeders do not recommendto purchase such a pet for families with very young children. They should look to more patient and affectionate pets such as Ragdolls or Scots.

Strangers in the house they usually shun or show complete disinterest in communication in front of guests. But they will never allow themselves even a hint of aggression towards a stranger. With a special disposition towards a stranger, they can demonstrate their unusual eating skills with the help of their front legs. And this is not limited to the talents of these smart animals.

Before 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. The hunting instinct in representatives of this breed is absent, which is associated with their decorative effect. Hairless cats don't have whiskers, so they can't survive outdoors.

Intelligence

By nature, hairless cats are generously endowed with a sharp mind and a good memory. They are easily trained and can perform various tricks. For example, open doors, bring small objects to the owner in the teeth, etc. They get used to the tray instantly, one has only to show where it stands. Sphynxes are quick-witted, but they need education in order to reveal their best natural qualities.

Hairless cats are extremely curious, so constant monitoring of such a pet is necessary. Without screaming and physical impact, the sphinx should be brought up. The animal simply will not understand the reason for such treatment. Usestrict emotional tone of your speech if your pet is at fault.

Hairless cat he alth

When purchasing a defenseless wrinkled naked kitten, owners should be aware that at home, with good care, sphinxes live on average about 14 years, and they need special care. Due to the lack of hair, these animals are sensitive to climatic and weather changes. They have a hard time with extreme cold or heat.

Sphinxes suffer from hyperhidrosis. Their skin accumulates impurities and fatty deposits. Therefore, it should be wiped regularly with a damp sponge.

Hairless cats are prone to developing allergic reactions that manifest as skin rashes.

Features of care

In general matters, caring for sphinxes is not much different from the traditional one, although it also has its own characteristics. Owners should not leave the animal outdoors for long periods of time, both in summer and winter. In winter, a pet can get cold, and in summer get a heat stroke or burn. In the house where the cat lives, the temperature should be around +24 °C. Modes that go beyond these limits are uncomfortable for the cat and can cause he alth problems.

Food

It is very important to discuss the diet of an unusual pet with a veterinarian. Its basis can be "Royal Canin" for cats, compiled taking into account the characteristics of this breed. You can choose another complete composition of good quality.

If the owner prefers to feed his pet with natural food, then she shouldcontain a lot of protein (offal, meat) with the addition of cereals and dairy products. In addition, the care of the sphinx involves the following procedures:

• nail clipping;
• wiping eyes;
• ear cleaning;
• bathing.

How much does an Egyptian hairless cat cost?

The answer to this question is of interest to all people who plan to acquire such an unusual pet. The cost of the Sphynx largely depends on the class of the chosen 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 exchange rate). Such a pet meets all existing standards and is allowed to be bred.

If you do not plan to participate in exhibitions, you can purchase a pet-class kitten. It will cost you $200 (12,970 rubles). Such animals have minor defects in the exterior, which do not allow them to be exhibited at shows. From this, an unusual pet will not become less beloved. In any case, the price of the Sphynx is set by the breeder, and it is discussed individually at the time of the purchase and sale transaction.

Of all the variety of felines, hairless cats, no doubt, stand out in appearance. If you want to have a smart, intelligent pet who will be attached to you with all his heart, pay attention to this unusual breed.