There may be no breed of cat more distinguishable than the Sphynx. First appearing in the 1960s, they have garnered a lot of attention due to their rather striking appearance as a hairless breed. They may be sought out by owners who are allergic to cat fur but still want the companionship of a cat. As with any pure breed, it is worth considering not just the personality traits but the associated health risks of that breed before deciding if they are the right fit for you and your household.
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Introducing the Sphynx
Sphynx cats originated in Canada when a domestic shorthair mother gave birth to a hairless male kitten in 1966. This kitten went on to mate with its mother, producing more hairless kittens. Over time, other hairless cats were crossed with other shorthaired breeds such as the Devon Rex to expand the gene pool in order to establish a new breed.
The gene mutation that creates the hairless offspring is a recessive characteristic, sometimes referred to as a ‘weak’ gene. This simply means that if a more dominant gene is passed on as well as a recessive gene, then the characteristics of the recessive gene are hidden. Only when both parents pass on the recessive gene will the hairless characteristic of the Sphynx show itself.
Although referred to as a hairless breed, Sphynx cats will usually have a light fuzz on either the limbs or the whole body. They do not have whiskers, unlike other cat breeds. Their skin can in some postures appear wrinkled, and there may be colour patterns on the skin just as a furred cat has coat patterns. Atop their shoulders is a triangular head and large ears which add to their recognisable features.
Sphynx as Pets
Some people seek out Sphynx as a hypoallergenic breed due to the lack of hair. However, many allergic people are actually allergic to shed skin (dander) or the saliva of the cat, not the coat. This breed may therefore not be any better for an allergic owner than a haired cat.
Aside from their appearance, the personality traits of the Sphynx are appealing to many. They are typically affectionate, sociable and confident cats that love to spend time with their owners and other animals, especially other Sphynx. As such, they are more at ease having company across the day rather than being left alone while away at work.
Sphynx can be a vocal and extroverted breed that likes to make its presence known. They are intelligent so may be prone to mischief as a result of this. This makes them a bit more high-maintenance, as does taking care of their skin. A lack of fur means sphynx cats are more likely to feel cold, and their skin is fully exposed to harm from ultraviolet light and contaminants in the environment. There is therefore an argument for sphynx being kept as an indoor-only cat.
Health Considerations
Sphynx produce oil in their skin just like a haired cat. But as they groom themselves, there is no fur to coat with oil. This can result in a greasy feel when touched, or a build up of oily grime in the ears, skin folds and nail beds. Their skin may need regular treatments such as shampoo or conditioner to prevent build-up or crusting; so they need to get used to being bathed when they are young.
A genetic disease identified in some Sphynx cats is a muscle disorder called Devon Rex myopathy (also known as congenital myasthenic syndrome). This condition appears in kittens in the first six months of life and can affect males or females. Devon Rex myopathy can only occur when both parents pass on the abnormal gene. If one parent passes on the gene and the other does not, the kittens will be carriers that could pass the condition to their offspring without being affected themselves.
Affected cats become weak in their muscles and have an abnormal walk. They may struggle to hold their head in a normal position or could demonstrate a head bobble. They may even have difficulty swallowing due to the muscle in the oesophagus becoming affected. Sadly, there is no treatment for this condition, and although severity of this disease varies, it can lead to complications such as fatal choking.
Additionally, Sphynx may be prone to developing hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). This is a disorder of the heart muscle which becomes thickened. As a result, the heart increases in size, and its ability to pump blood becomes compromised. It may initially be detected by a vet as a murmur or abnormal heart rhythm during a physical examination. This could progress to heart failure which causes breathing difficulties.
Assessing the Health of Your Sphynx
As with any cat, taking your Sphynx to the vet for regular health checks can allow for early detection of disease. As the coat condition of Sphynx can vary from dry and crusty to greasy. Your vet can advise on the best bathing regime to maintain your cat’s skin condition. They can also screen for yeast infections which can occur as a result of an abnormal skin environment.
If you are considering breeding Sphynx, or looking to get a kitten from a breeder, there is a genetic test available for Devon Rex myopathy. If an individual is found to carry the gene, they should not be used for breeding. It is suspected that Sphynx have an inherited form of HCM, but this is not confirmed. As HCM is the most common heart condition in domesticated cats, there is no ability to guarantee kittens are free from HCM. If HCM is suspected, your vet may recommend an ultrasound to assess the severity.
Conclusion
There is no denying that Sphynx have both a unique look and an enticing personality. For anyone that has the lifestyle suited to a companionable and intelligent cat, they could make great pets. However, they are higher maintenance than other breeds, and need regular and ongoing care to maintain a healthy skin. Genetic testing before breeding, and regular health checks at your veterinary clinic can ensure that breed-prone diseases can be dealt with swiftly.
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