Fun Facts About Sphynx Cats

From: https://www.softschools.com/facts/cats/sphynx_facts/2571/

• Even though its body appears hairless, Sphynx is actually covered with thin layer of downy hair that looks like a peach fuzz. Just like shorthair and longhair cats, its skin is covered with various dark markings: spots, points, tabby and other patterns. The Sphynx’s skin is covered with a fine down, much like that of a peach.
• Despite the lack of fur, Sphynx is not hypoallergenic cat. Its saliva and skin are source of protein that can triggers allergic reaction in sensitive people.
• Sphynx has wedge-shaped head, narrow face without whiskers, well-developed cheeks, large eyes and large, bat-like ears. The Sphynx ears can be two or three inches high.
• It has slender, muscular body and whip-like tail. Sphynx has dexterous toes that can be used for manipulation of various objects..
• Sphynx is named after its sleek body which resembles the Egyptian sphinx.
• Sphynx has 4 degrees warmer body compared with other cats.
• Sphynx constantly rubs its body against the body of its owner to maintain its body temperature stable. For the same reason it also often sleeps next to its owner.
• Sphynx consumes 2 to 2.5 more food than other breeds of cat because it needs to generate and maintain body heat (other cats use fur to keep their body temperature stable).
• Sphynx is sweet, affectionate, cuddly and playful cat that enjoys the company of people, other cats and cat-friendly dogs. The friendly Sphynx is easy to handle and he can be an excellent show cat and therapy cat as well as family companion. It warmly greets even the strangers.
• Sphynx is suitable for the life in the apartments. When it is left on its own, it usually spends time in the warmest part of the house (often close to the sunny windows).
• Sphynx should be kept in the house during the hottest part of the day to prevent sunburns on the skin (sunscreen can be used to protect its sensitive skin). Lack of fur is the reason why Sphynx doesn’t tolerate extremely hot and cold weather.
• Sphynx requires weekly bathing to eliminate oil and dirt collected on the skin (it can hardly clean itself due to numerous wrinkles on the skin).
• Sphynx has an average litter size of 4 to 6 kittens.
• Sphynx is generally healthy breed, but it can suffer from skin cancer and cardiac disorders.
• Sphynx has an average lifespan of 9 to 15 years.
• Sphynx is medium-sized cat that can reach 6 to 12 pounds of weight.