Sphynx, also known as Canadian Hairless, is a breed of cat characterized by having little to no hair on their bodies. Sphynx have a genetic mutation in the gene that causes hair growth, thus they have very little to no hair. Typically, a Sphynx has a light covering of down-like hair on their nose, the backs of their ears, and the tops of their feet. Because they are hairless on their bodies, the oil their skin produces accumulates and Sphynx need to be bathed with a mild cat shampoo weekly. Wax can also accumulate in their ears and they also need to be cleaned weekly with a cleaner from your vet.
Sphynx need to be kept warmer than other cats because they don't have a natural coat! They can wear small dog t-shirts and love to snuggle under a fleece blanket or in bed with their person.
Sphynx come in all the same colors housecats come in, like torti, calico, tabby, bicolor(spotted), tuxedo, and color points (seal point, blue point, etc).
They have the same life span as other domestic cats and require the same diets and veterinary care. They can get a genetic disease known as Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, or HCM, where the walls of their heart become thickened and the heart cannot pump effectively. Yearly check ups at your regular vet, as well as an ultrasound of the heart, known as an echocardiogram, should be done by the cardiologist. The onset of HCM is uaually 4-8 years of age.
