Sphynx

Beautiful eyes and laaarge ears!

The contemporary breed of Sphynx (known also as the Canadian Sphynx, distinct from the Russian Sphynx breeds - Peterbald, Don Sphynx) started in 1966, in Roncesvalles, Toronto when a hairless kitten named Prune was born. The kitten was mated with its mother (backcrossing), which produced one more naked kitten. Together with a few naked kittens found later it became the primogenitor of the breed. The first sphynx breeders faced a number of problems: The genetic pool was very limited; breeders had rather vague ideas about sphynx genetics, and many kittens died. The naked male Epidermis born in 1975 to short-haired mother provided new material to sphynx fanciers and new genes for further breed development. In the early stages of the breed crosses with devon-rex were used, but later this crossing was frowned upon because it caused health problems. Now the Canadian Sphynx is a breed with a sound genetic pool. Outcrossing is still permitted using guidelines set down in the "standards" from each Feline Association around the globe.

Appearance
The Sphynx appears to be a hairless cat, but it is not truly hairless. The skin texture resembles that of Chamois leather. It may be covered with vellus hair. Because the sphynx cats have no pelt to keep them warm they huddle up against other animals and people. They even tend to cuddle up and sleep with their owners under the covers. Lack of coat makes the cat quite warm to the touch. Whiskers and eyebrows may be present, either whole or broken, or may be totally absent. The skin is the colour their fur would be, and all the usual cat marking patterns (solid, point, van, tabby, tortie, etc.) may be found on Sphynx skin.

Sphynxes generally have wedge-shaped heads and sturdy, heavy bodies. Standards call for a full round abdomen, also known as pot bellies.

Sphynxes are known for their extroverted behavior. They display a high level of energy, intelligence, curiosity, and affection for their owners.

Famous Sphynx cats

Likes to be warm! (Christa on PC)

• Mr. Bigglesworth
• Mr. Kat from Kid vs. Kat
• Monty, Gustavo's pet cat from Big Time Rush
• The title character from Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore is hairless, although in a flashback it is revealed that she was once a longhaired cat until an accident at a cosmetics factory.
• Grandma Wrinkles, Dina Manzo's cat from The Real Housewives of New Jersey
• Harpo from Harpo and his Friends
• Ludwig, Kat Von D's cat from L.A. Ink
• Mrs Whiskerson, Rachel Greens Sphinx Cat in the Friends episode "The One With The Ball"
• Lady Gaga, 'Bad Romance' music video; The man who buys Gaga is holding a spyhnx cat while she dances.
• Somber Kitty, May Bird's cat from the May Bird and the Ever After series.
• Rasia Densley, countess, The House Of Trouble.
  
  
  
  Text from Wikipedia