Sphynx cat

The Sphynx cat is a unique breed of feline recognized by its lack of a protective fur coat. This hairlessness is not a choice but a naturally occurring genetic mutation. This mutation affects how the body builds hair. Because they lack fur, these cats have a very different relationship with their environment than most other cats. They must actively seek out warmth to maintain their body temperature.

To understand why they are hairless, we must look at a specific gene called KRT71. This gene is responsible for the keratinization of the hair follicle. Keratinization is the process that makes hair strong and secure. In most cats, KRT71 helps produce hair that is firmly anchored to the skin. In the Sphynx, a specific mutation known as "hr" causes a complete loss of function in this gene. This mutation damages the structure of the hair by preventing it from forming a solid root or bulb. As a result, the hair becomes extremely fragile and falls out easily. While they may have very fine, soft hair on their noses or toes, they appear mostly hairless.

According to breed standards, the Sphynx has a very specific physical appearance. They typically possess wedge-shaped heads with prominent cheekbones. Their eyes are large and shaped like lemons. They also have very large ears that may have soft down on the outside base. Their bodies are muscular with a medium-length torso and a barrel-chested shape. Many Sphynx cats have a full, round abdomen, sometimes called a pot belly. Their tails are long and whip-like, though some may have a puff of fur at the tip. Even their paws are unique, with thick pads that make them look like they are walking on cushions.

The history of the breed is a story of discovery and careful breeding. The modern Sphynx began to take shape in the 1960s in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. In 1966, a hairless male kitten named Prune was born to a domestic shorthair named Elizabeth. A science graduate named Ridyadh Bawa worked with his mother, Yania, and breeders Keese and Rita Tenhoves to develop the breed. They were the first to identify that the hairlessness was caused by an autosomal recessive gene. This means both parents must carry the gene for a kitten to be born hairless. In 1971, the breed faced challenges when the Cat Fanciers' Association revoked its status due to concerns about fertility.

Other important foundation cats were discovered in the 1970s. In 1975, two hairless barn cats named Dermis and Epidermis were born in Wadena, Minnesota. These cats were part of the Pearson family's domestic shorthair litters. In 1978, a breeder named Shirley Smith found three hairless kittens in Toronto. Two of these, named Punkie and Paloma, were later sent to the Netherlands. They were bred with a white Devon Rex named Curare van Jetrophin to help expand the breed. These different lines from Minnesota and Canada eventually merged to form the contemporary Sphynx.

Because of their biology, Sphynx cats require specific care. Their skin produces a greasy secretion called sebum. Without fur to absorb it, this oil can build up into a dark, sticky layer on the skin. They also tend to produce more earwax because there is no hair to catch debris. Owners must regularly clean their skin folds, nails, and ears to maintain hygiene. Additionally, since they lack fur, they are susceptible to sunburn. They can also lose body heat quickly in the cold, so owners often provide clothing in the winter. It is also important to note that they are not necessarily hypoallergenic. Allergies are actually caused by a protein called Fel d1 found in saliva and skin glands, not by the hair itself.

Health is a significant concern for the breed due to their genetics. Some Sphynx cats suffer from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, which is a type of heart disease. A 2012 study of 114 Sphynx cats found that 34% had an abnormal heart. Specifically, 16 cats had mitral valve dysplasia and 23 had HCM. These issues were found in cats with an average age of only 2.62 years. Males often developed these conditions earlier and more severely than females. They can also face congenital myasthenic syndrome, a neuromuscular disorder that causes muscle weakness. Because of these risks, many breeders recommend yearly heart screenings using ultrasound or X-rays.