Canadian Sphynx - breed description and cat character

One of the most unusual and unique cat breeds is the Canadian Sphynx. The inherent sophistication of its representatives is achieved due to smooth skin, devoid of hair. The sophisticated and refined image of a cat attracts the attention of creative people who are engaged in art and fashion, and its unusual appearance contributes to the fact that magical properties are often attributed to the animal. For example, the origin of this breed is often associated with the legend of cats sacrificing wool to the gods. In fact, the reason for the appearance of such a breed is exclusively genetic. However, a rationalistic explanation for the appearance of the Canadian sphinxes does not detract from the uniqueness of their habits, which do not leave indifferent even skeptics. Not every cat can have a real mystical effect on a person with the help of the ability to hold his eyes.

The history of the breed

Antiquity is the time when the first mention of cats without wool is found. However, there are legends that even the Aztecs had pets of such a special breed. This is confirmed by the images of myths on cave paintings, where silhouettes of hairless cats are clearly visible. Perhaps, the famous Mexican breed was imprinted on stone, which was a huge success at American specialized exhibitions, but disappeared in the first decades of the twentieth century. Surviving photographs of a hundred years ago, depicting Mexican hairless cats, today allow us to compare them with modern sphinxes. So, individuals of the beginning of the last century had a more elongated body and a wedge-shaped head, as well as thick hair that appeared in the winter in the back and tail. All of this is not present in modern sphinxes, the history of the breeding of which deserves special attention.

It originates in 1966 in a country whose name is fixed in the name of the breed. It's about Canada. In one of the Canadian families, an ordinary tabby cat was born a kitten without hair, which received the name Prun from the owners. To surely pass on to his next generations his unique features, it was decided to cross him with his mother. This allowed us to save as many genes that led to such a result. Their offspring consisted of both ordinary kittens and hairless. Crossing was repeated several more times.

As a result, in the early seventies of the twentieth century, cats appeared without wool, having slight differences in appearance with modern sphinxes. Of course, in breeding, not everything went smoothly, as non-professionals with a very small genetic fund were involved in this. Another particularly sad page in the history of breeding the Canadian Sphinx was the mass death of hairless kittens. The owners did not always find a way to save the life of sensitive and tender babies in the first months.

However, fate was supportive and presented the world with another opportunity in 1975. The birth of a second hairless kitten this time happened in Minnesota. The hosts gave him the playful name of the epidermis. A year later, this epidermis mother cat again made the owners happy with a bald kitten, after which both sphynxes ended up in the specialized Stardust cattery.

In Russia, the sphinxes first appeared in the eighties of the twentieth century. Hairless pets were brought to our country from the United States of America. Interesting names were given to compatriots of unusual animals, showing ingenuity and resourcefulness. So, the male got the name Pelmen, and the female received the symbolic name Nefertiti.

The structure and texture of the sphinx skin is very similar to the human epidermis. The main feature of the sphinxes is that they sweat with their whole body, which we do not find in ordinary cats. The sweat produced has a characteristic brown tint and a certain smell, which the owners of cats do not consider unpleasant.

Intellectual abilities of the Canadian sphinxes

Representatives of the breed of Canadian sphinxes have good learning abilities. Cats quickly remember their name, can be trained, very curious and have no difficulties in socializing. Being sociable by nature, hairless cats delight the owner with common leisure: they are happy to watch TV, follow the person in the apartment, because they love to attract the attention of the owner. They have a complaisant character, a good memory.

Many note a developed sense of logic in cats of this breed of logic, which makes them look like dogs. They are often related to dogs by the fact that during walks on a leash they do not feel discomfort. To bring oversized objects in the owner’s teeth, perform a trick, open and close doors and windows - all this does not present any difficulty for hairless cats.

A distinctive feature of the breed are flexible, sensitive fingers with claws that are sensitive. They allow cats to make easy manipulations with small objects.

Features of pet socialization

Representatives of the Canadian Sphinx breed are very adaptive and easily amenable to socialization. They subtly feel the character of the owner, know his habits and hobbies. Based on this understanding, they easily build their relationship with him, which can be safely called a communication style. Of course, the Canadian sphinxes feel a strong attachment to the person and dependence on him, because they understand that they can not live without him. Cats are deprived of hair, which protects them from hypothermia, they do not have a mustache to hunt. They will die if they find themselves homeless. Therefore, the owner is an undeniable authority for them.

Sphinxes are not afraid of large animals, therefore they easily get along with dogs. Unfortunately, hairless cats will not be able to rid your house of mice, as this is mainly a decorative breed. Pets get along well with children. The playful nature of the animal allows you to share the hours of his leisure with the baby. Contributes to this and the absence of pain points on the skin, allowing you to endure the carelessness of the game from the child.

The nature of the Canadian Sphinx

Canadian sphinxes are flexible and loving. They need the attention of the owner, and are also happy to satisfy his need for communication. It is very difficult to make a cat angry, as representatives of this breed are not at all prone to aggression.Pets are kind and affectionate. It can scratch the sphinx, but it does so very rarely, during a simple game. They are not vindictive and do not hold grudges against the owners after punishment.

The hardest part for the sphinx is the experience of being alone. Cats constantly feel the need for communication, as they are naturally endowed with excessive sociability.

The specifics of teaching the Canadian Sphinx

A distinctive feature of cats of this breed is a wonderful memory that never turns into vindictiveness. They perfectly understand verbal prohibitions, but do not perceive rudeness and elevated tones. Their reaction to emotionally colored remarks is misunderstanding, as animals are lost and again repeat the mistake.

They cannot be beaten and brute physical force applied to them. Such treatment will lead to a real mental trauma to the animal. Sphinxes can be punished, but using only a strict voice. For example, if a cat went to the toilet in an inappropriate place for this, you can sprinkle it with water, clap your hands, express the ban in a calm, stern voice. Other measures will not rectify the situation. If a cat spoils furniture or wallpaper, then you need to satisfy his desire to sharpen his claws by purchasing new toys or equipment of a special cat corner. To prevent the emergence of interest in your indoor flowers, you can buy specially planted grass in a pot.

The main secret of success in the upbringing of the Canadian sphinx is maintaining constant friendly communication with the pet. Give your pet time, play with him, talk!

Walking and exercise

Pets feel comfortable while walking with the owner on a leash. However, the inability of the sphinx to live on the street does not require frequent and long stay on it. Occasionally, in fine weather, give your cat outdoor walks. Soft grass, not hot, but warm sun baths several times a month will benefit the Canadian Sphinx. If you equip your cat with a place on the balcony or windowsill, she will take the opportunity to sunbathe at home.

Sphinxes are very fond of the sun, in summer their color changes to warmer shades. But be sure to ensure that the animal does not spend too much time in the sun, otherwise its skin will begin to peel off.

Canadian sphinxes need an active lifestyle. Equipping an apartment or house with special shells and labyrinths will allow the pet to maintain good physical shape even in your absence.

Fact! The average body temperature of the Canadian sphinx is higher than the temperature of the human body and reaches 39-40 degrees in an adult animal, and 42 in a kitten.

Caring for the Canadian Sphinx

Pets of this breed are distinguished by tenderness and sensitivity. However, the principles of caring for them are not much different from other breeds.

The lack of wool entails the need for close attention to the temperature in the room, which should not drop below 20 degrees. In the cold season, this problem is solved by specialized clothing for animals. As noted earlier, the Canadian sphinxes sweat with their whole body, as a result of which the skin of the animal is covered with a light coating, which performs a protective function. The cause of excessive plaque may be a poor diet of the animal.

The skin of the pet can be wiped with a damp sponge. Bathing is not prohibited, but there are several restrictions for this activity, the observance of which is necessary. Firstly, you can not bathe the sphinx more than twice a week. Secondly, it is necessary to use mild detergents (baby shampoos) with a low level of acidity. Thirdly, after taking a bath, be sure to ensure that the skin of the animal is dry, since moisture on the body can lead to hypothermia.

The secretions in the area of ​​the auricles can be eliminated with a moist cotton pad.Special attention is required to care for the claws of the animal. To avoid scratching the skin, you need to slightly trim the tips of the claws.

Canadian Sphinx and apartment

The appearance of a pet will require the determination of a special place for his food intake, where he can find three separate bowls: for water, dry food and other products. You will not need a separate sleeping place, as the heat-lovingness of the sphinx will bring it to your bed. But he will not give up his own house, where he can relax in the daytime.

To prevent the appearance of scratches on furniture and wallpaper, special claws will help you, which pets are willing to use.

Canadian Sphinx feeding

The good appetite of the Canadian sphinxes is due to the fact that animals spend a large amount of strength and energy daily. Many owners of cats of this breed prefer a natural type of feeding. In this case, the basis of the cat's diet includes raw meat, poultry, or by-products such as boiled liver or scar. Once a week, a boiled egg and fish are served. Cats are very fond of dairy products such as fermented baked milk and unsweetened cottage cheese, and the inclusion of oatmeal and rice porridge in the diet will allow the animal to be cheerful and healthy.

Drinking cream is added to the diet of small kittens and pregnant cats. Greens and vegetables are very useful for animals of this breed, so often they are part of specialized canned foods and pastes.

Video: Canadian Sphinx