The mention of cats, almost completely devoid of hair, is found in ancient Egyptian manuscripts. However, since then, the breed has almost completely disappeared.
In the 20th century, hairless cats began to appear frequently in the litters of other breeds. Probably, there was some kind of mutation, which led to the unexpected birth of representatives of the ancient species.
How Sphynx cats were bred again
The amazing kittens have piqued the interest of breeders. An attempt to breed a naked cat was first undertaken in 1966 in Canada. Then in Ontario, a cat brought a bald kitten named Prune. When the kitten grew up, he was taken to his own mother. As a result, both normal and hairless cats appeared. Prune was constantly brought together with his closest relatives to strengthen the signs of the future breed.
However, the experiment was crowned with real success only after 9 years. In 1975, a hairless kitten appeared in the United States. He was given a symbolic name - Epidermis. This kitten became the progenitor of all the sphinxes that exist on Earth today.
I must say, maintaining the purity of the breed is still quite difficult. Sphynx cats were bred by crossing hairless specimens with short-haired and even long-haired breeds. Therefore, even today in the litter of the Sphynx, you can find a kitten abundantly covered with wool, despite all the efforts of the breeders.
Breed signs
The general characteristics of the breed are considered to be the absence of hair and a small fluff on the skin, which, when stroking the cat, resembles suede to the touch. Hairless cats have roundness even in the area of the joints. Their movements are full of a kind of bliss. The ears spread out in different directions look like the wings of a butterfly. The Sphynx breed always has rounded ear tips.
To these signs should be added huge eyes with an incredibly expressive cut, which are inherent in all representatives of the breed. Many owners of sphinxes claim that hairless cats have a mystical look.
Sphynx cats may have some hair on the nose, feet and back of the ears. In addition, the skin of the sphinxes is "decorated" with numerous folds. It is believed that the more folds, the more pronounced the breed.
The long, thin tail curls up in a way that no cat of other breeds can wrap its tail. Another difference between the sphinx is its unblinking gaze, which the cat will never look away first.
This is an unusually friendly animal that gets close to all family members and other animals living in the house. Sphynx cats do not like conflicts, they are too wise for this.
