Sphynx cats are the result of a natural mutation that appears in cats every 15 years or so. It was not until the 1960s that concerted efforts were made to preserve the recessive gene in a breeding program. The recessive gene marker in Sphynx cats has the designation of hr.* This gene affects the hair development and the body shape of the cat. Sphynx are not just a “bald” domestic cat; they are a completely different breed. Sphynx cats or kittens are expensive because they are relatively rare. Be prepared to be put on a waiting list by your chosen breeder.
Sphynx cats have a complete personality of their own, something we will go into later. It is a standard of the breed that the Sphynx should be amenable to handling (and most Sphynx LOVE being handled). Do not buy any kitten that seems to have been plucked or shaved. Sphynxes feel soft like a warm peach, or the standard description is like warm chamois/suede leather. The only time prickles should be felt is from broken off or short whiskers. Sphynx cats are NOT hypoallergenic. If you are allergic to cat saliva proteins then you are allergic to Sphynxes too. The degree of reaction may be less, but there will still be a reaction.
As in my introduction, kitten-hood is a difficult time for Sphynxes. The lack of external hair is also mirrored by the internal hair (cilia) that are required for respiratory functions. Kittens can, and do, contract colds and respiratory infections that can prove fatal. The cilia sweep mucus and other particles away from the lungs, and so an insufficient amount may lead to respiratory issues while young. Your breeder should be ensuring that you do not take possession of your kitten until they are past this stage (12 weeks +).
Sphynxes are still susceptible to normal cat diseases such as Cat Flu and should have had the second of three vaccination shots before becoming part of your family. Ensure that your kitten is well over the effects of the vaccination before taking possession. The extra stress of the new home on top of vaccination can cause health issues like colds and runny noses.
The gut of the Sphynx can be quite sensitive. It is not uncommon for Sphynxes to have Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) so be prepared for some less than attractive moments from your cat after a change in diet, or after finding something interesting to ingest, like soapy shower water; or just because. The Sphynx stool can be quite soft and is extremely pungent. Due to the large amount of food a Sphynx requires for creation of body heat, a Sphynx can defecate two or more times a day. Once a routine is established it will be easier to predict when you cat needs to evacuate and you can have the scoop and deodorizing spray on hand to catch it before the smell becomes eye-wateringly strong. Be very aware of your cat’s bowel movements as excessive loss of fluid through diarrhea can be fatal. If your cat has an extended bout, longer than 24 hours, visit your vet. Always ensure you have plenty of fresh water on hand for your cat to replace that lost fluid.
Every responsible cat owner should ensure their kitten has undergone the vaccination sequence and that vaccination is continued on a yearly basis. As kittens wean at different times from their mother’s resistance to various ailments, the sequence must be completed to ensure full resistance is built up. Standard vaccination is to prevent the following contagious and deadly diseases. Feline Infectious Enteritis (Feline Panleucopenia) Feline Respiratory Disease ('Cat flu') Feline Leukemia Virus.
The sequence should include vaccinations at 6-8 weeks, 11-13 weeks and 16-17 weeks. Yearly boosters are required to ensure immunity is maintained. The vaccine should be administered in its inert “dead” virus form, rather than live virus type vaccinations. Sphynx kittens and adults cannot tolerate the live virus vaccination and death can result. There is no need to vaccinate for Feline Leukemia Virus or Chlamydia if your cat remains indoors and away from outdoors type cats. Ensure you discuss this with your vet at the time of vaccination. Better to be known as a picky parent, than a grieving owner.
Sphynxes are no different to other cats when it comes to worming. Ensure you keep up both. As Sphynxes have no hair they do not need flea repellants or medication, though fleas from other cats might bite them. Do not ever apply any form of flea control to your Sphynx.
Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy is a heart disorder that exists in certain cat (and dog) breeds, the Sphynx being one of them. There has been a concerted effort to breed this genetic disease out and you will see breeders declaring their studs and queens being scanned HCM free.
HCM may have no symptoms at all to raise suspicion your Sphynx may have it. In the human world cardiomyopathy is the leading cause of sudden death in young athletes, so you can see even being fit and young does not preclude death from a heart attack.
Sphynx Temperament
Be prepared to have an inquisitive, fearless companion if you choose a Sphynx. No new person is a stranger, and no animal is too big to bump noses with. If your Sphynx has been well socialized by the breeder before your taking possession they should be friendly, outgoing and confident after the initial settling in period. Luna is used to being picked up, put down, played with roughly and chased around the house in a game of tag. As a kitten she would fetch a ball on command, but as a grown up, that is now more an activity she chooses the when and the where for. Pierre has proven to be the same; any knock on the door must be investigated. Your Sphynx will demand your attention. If you are not inclined to be accommodating to a cat who wants to sit behind your head buried in your hair, or under your shirt, or nose buried in your ear, then maybe you should be thinking about a more aloof breed.Do not be afraid to handle your Sphynx firmly, they will not break, in fact they will appreciate the attention. A good rubbing (stroking is too gentle) will send your Sphynx into raptures of purring. I tend to think that they are used to the rough tongue of their mother from kitten-hood (no fur to protect them) and so do not at all mind similar from you. Speaking of purring, you will find that apart from the normal cat purr, Sphynxes are louder and add a chirpy sound into their purr. No wonder they are known as little engines as they make it known how much they are enjoying what is happening.
Your Sphynx may also want to talk to you. Luna will greet me in the morning with a chirpy meow-wow-wow and then we will have a conversation in Sphynx. Every jump or movement she makes she will accompany with a happy little chirp and if she hasn’t seen you in a while, or wants you to play, she will call out. I find the sound very pleasant and certainly not as grating as the Siamese yowl. Pierre has a deeper more gravelly voice, yet is still happy to tell you all about how comfortable he is feeling when he stretches, or that he wants to play and where is his ball?
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