One of the most unusual and unique feline breeds is the Canadian Sphynx. The sophistication inherent in its representatives is achieved due to the smooth skin without wool. The sophisticated and refined image of a cat attracts the attention of creative people engaged in art and fashion, and its unusual appearance contributes to the fact that magical properties are often attributed to animals. For example, the origin of this breed is often associated with the legend of cat sacrificing wool to the gods. In fact, the reason for the appearance of such a breed is exclusively genetic. However, the rationalistic explanation of the appearance of Canadian Sphynxes does not detract from the uniqueness of their habits, which do not leave indifferent even skeptics. Not every cat can make a real mystical effect on a person with the help of the ability to hold the eye.
The history of the breed
Antiquity is the time when the first mentions of cats without wool are found. However, there are legends according to which even the Aztec had domestic animals of such a special breed. This is confirmed by the images of myths in cave paintings, where the silhouettes of hairless cats are clearly visible. It is possible that the famous Mexican breed, which had a huge success at American specialized exhibitions, but disappeared in the first decades of the twentieth century, is depicted on the stone. The photographs that have survived to a hundred years ago, where Mexican hairless cats are captured, allow us today to compare them with modern sphinxes. Thus, the individuals of the beginning of the last century had a more elongated body and wedge-shaped head, as well as thick hair, which appeared in the winter in the back and tail. All this is not present in modern sphinxes, the history of the breeding of which deserves special attention.
It originates in 1966 in the country, whose name will be fixed in the name of the breed. It's about Canada. In one of the Canadian families, an ordinary tabby cat was born a kitten without wool, which received the name Prun from its owners. In order to pass on its unique features to subsequent generations, it was decided to cross it with the mother. This allowed us to save as many genes as possible, which led to this result. Their offspring consisted of both ordinary kittens and hairless. Crossing was repeated several times.
As a result, in the early seventies of the twentieth century, cats appeared without a coat, with slight differences in appearance with modern sphinxes. Of course, in breeding the breed, not everything went smoothly, since non-professionals, who had a very small genetic foundation, were doing it. Another particularly sad page in the history of breeding the Canadian Sphynx was the massive death of hairless kittens. The owners did not always find a way to save the lives of tender and tender babies in the first months.
However, fate was favorable and gave the world in 1975 another opportunity. The birth of the second hairless kitten this time happened in Minnesota. The hosts gave him the playful name Epidermis. A year later, this mom-cat Epidermis again made the owners happy with a bald kitten, after which both sphinx fell into a specialized nursery "Stardust".
Sphynxes first appeared in Russia in the eighties of the twentieth century. Hairless pets in our country were brought from the United States of America. Interesting names bestowed on compatriots of unusual animals, showing ingenuity and resourcefulness. So, the male got the name Pelmen, and the female received the symbolic name Nefertiti.
The structure and texture of the skin of the sphinx is very similar to the human epidermis. The main feature of Sphynx is that they sweat all over, which we do not find in ordinary cats. The sweat secreted has a characteristic brown tint and a certain odor, which cat owners do not consider unpleasant.
Intellectual abilities of Canadian sphinxes
Representatives of the Canadian Sphynx breed have good learning abilities. Cats quickly remember their name, are amenable to training, are very curious and have no difficulties in socialization. Being sociable by nature, hairless cats delight the owner with general leisure: they are happy to watch TV, follow the person to the apartment, as they like to attract the attention of the owner. They have a sweet temper, good memory.
Many people note a developed sense of logic in the cats of this breed of logic, which makes them look like dogs. They are often related to dogs and the fact that during walks on a leash they do not experience discomfort. Bringing oversized objects to the host’s teeth, performing a trick, opening and closing doors and windows - all this does not present any difficulty for hairless cats.
A distinctive feature of the breed are mobile, sensitive sensitive flexible fingers with claws. They allow cats to make light manipulations with small objects.
Peculiarities of pet socialization
Representatives of the Canadian Sphynx breed are very adaptive and easy to socialize. They subtly feel the character of the owner, they know his habits and hobbies. Based on this understanding, they easily build their relationships with him, which can be called the style of communication. Of course, the Canadian sphinxes feel a strong attachment to and dependence on a person, because they understand that they cannot live without him. Cats are deprived of hair that protects from hypothermia, they do not have a mustache to hunt. They are waiting for death if they are homeless. Therefore, the owner is an indisputable authority for them.
Sphynxes are not afraid of large animals, because they easily get along with dogs. Unfortunately, hairless cats will not be able to rid your home of mice, as this is mostly a decorative breed. Pets get along well with children. The playful nature of the animal allows you to share your leisure time with the kid. Contributes to this and the lack of pain points on the skin, allowing you to endure the carelessness of the game on the part of the child.
Canadian Sphynx
Canadian Sphynx is docile and loving. They need the attention of the owner, and are also happy to satisfy his need for communication. Angry a cat is very difficult, as representatives of this breed are not at all inclined to aggression. Pets are kind and affectionate. Sphynx can scratch, but it does it very rarely, during a simple game. They are not vindictive and do not hold resentment at the owners after the punishment.
The most difficult thing for the sphinx is loneliness. Cats constantly feel the need for communication, as they are naturally endowed with excessive sociability.
The specifics of learning the Canadian Sphynx
A distinctive feature of cats of this breed is a wonderful memory that never turns into rancor. They perfectly understand the verbal prohibitions, but do not perceive rudeness and elevated tone. Their reaction to emotional comments becomes misunderstanding, as the animals get lost and repeat the mistake again.
They cannot be beaten and brute force is applied to them. Such treatment will lead to the real trauma of the animal. You can punish sphinxes, but using only a strict voice. For example, if a cat went to the toilet in an inappropriate place, you can splash it with water, clap your hands, express the ban in a calm, stern voice. Other measures will not correct the situation. If the cat spoils the furniture or wallpaper, then you need to satisfy its desire to sharpen its claws with the acquisition of new toys or equipment of a special cat corner. To prevent the emergence of interest in your indoor flowers can be buying specially planted grass in a pot.
The main secret of success in the education of the Canadian Sphynx is to maintain constant friendly communication with the pet. Give your pet time, play with him, talk!
Walking and exercise
Pets feel comfortable while walking with the owner on a leash. However, the inability of the sphinx to live on the street does not require frequent and long stay on it. Occasionally, in good weather, make the cat walk in the fresh air. Soft grass, not hot, but warm sunbathing several times a month will benefit the Canadian Sphynx. If you equip the cat a place on the balcony or windowsill, then she will take the opportunity to sunbathe at home.
Sphinxes are very fond of the sun, in the summer their color changes to warmer shades. But be sure to ensure that the animal does not spend too much time in the sun, otherwise its skin will begin to peel off.
Canadian sphinxes need an active lifestyle. Equipping an apartment or house with special projectiles and labyrinths will allow your pet to keep fit even in your absence.
Fact! The average body temperature of the Canadian Sphynx is higher than the temperature of the human body and reaches 39-40 degrees in an adult animal, and in a kitten 42.
Care for the Canadian Sphynx
Pets of this breed are distinguished by tenderness and sensitivity. However, the principles of care for them are not very different from other breeds.
The lack of wool entails the need for close attention to the temperature in the room, which should not fall below 20 degrees. In the cold season, this problem is solved by specialized clothing for animals. As noted earlier, Canadian sphinxes sweat all over, resulting in the skin of an animal covered with a slight bloom, which performs a protective function. The cause of excessive plaque may be a poor diet of the animal.
Pet skin can be wiped with a damp sponge. Swimming is not prohibited, but there are several restrictions for this activity, the observance of which is necessary. First, it is impossible to bathe the sphinx more than twice a week. Secondly, you need to use mild detergents (baby shampoos) with low acidity. Thirdly, after taking a bath, be sure to ensure that the skin of the animal was dry, since moisture on the body can lead to hypothermia.
From the discharge in the ear can be eliminated with a damp cotton pad. Special attention should be paid to the care of the claws of the animal. To avoid scratching the skin, you need a little trim the tips of the claws.
Sphynx and apartment
The appearance of a pet will require the definition of a special place for his meal, where he can find three separate bowls: for water, dry food and other products. You will not need a separate sleeping place, since the thermophilicity of the Sphinx will lead him to your bed. But he will not give up his own house, where he can relax during the daytime hours.
To prevent scratches on the furniture and wallpaper, you will be helped by special claws, which the pets willingly use.
Canadian Sphynx Feeding
Good appetite of the Canadian Sphynx is due to the fact that animals spend a lot of strength and energy every day. Many owners of cats of this breed prefer a natural type of feeding. In this case, the basis of the cat's diet includes raw meat, poultry, or by-products such as boiled liver or scar. Once a week, pets are served boiled egg and fish. Cats are very fond of such dairy products as ryazhenka and unsweetened curd, and the inclusion of oatmeal and rice porridge in the diet will allow the animal to be vigorous and healthy.
Drinking cream is added to the diet of little kittens and pregnant cats. Greens and vegetables are very useful for animals of this breed, therefore, they are often included in the composition of specialized canned food and pastes.
Description of cats Sphynx and photos
When breeding the Canadian Sphynx, a natural mutation was fixed, leading to the absence of hair.
When you first meet with the Canadian Sphynx cats, you will forever be subdued by the wise alien eyes of this creature and the hot suede nudity of his calf.
Representatives of the Canadian Sphynx breed are strong and muscular animals.
Head wedge-shaped, medium size. Length slightly greater than width, protruding cheekbones. The forehead is flat (somewhat convex allowed), with 7–9 folds. The nose is short, the nose is wide. The chin is well pronounced.
Eyes large, oval, shiny, deeply and widely set, amber.
Ears very large, broad at the base, widely spaced on the sides of the head. The tips are rounded. Light downiness is allowed.
At the bottom is an “ear muff”.
Body and limbs. The neck is long and muscular. The body is medium in size, thin boned, long, muscular, with rounded breasts and croup. Chest wide. Shoulders and sides are powerful. The belly is rounded. The limbs are thin, muscular, widely spaced, with long fingers.
Kittens in Sphynx are born with a rare crimped coat. With age, their wool falls out.
Tail long, thin, mobile, flexible, straight, sometimes pubescent in the last third or ending with a brush.
Wool and leather. The skin is thin, with folds. It can keep the pubescence on points (if there is a brush on the end of the tail).
Breed history
For the first time a new breed - the Canadian Sphynx - was presented at the exhibition in 1984 in Paris.
Mentions of cats devoid of wool are found in ancient manuscripts of antiquity. Yes, and judging by the drawings preserved in the Aztec temples, it is likely that the Indians of South America were also known for some kind of hairless cats, unfortunately, not preserved to this day.
However, more recently, in the 30s of the XX century, representatives of hairless cats, called Mexican hairless breed, took part in exhibitions held in the Americas. Unfortunately, to extend the existence of this Mexican cat to this day failed.
Nevertheless, individual cases of the manifestation of the hairless gene at birth of kittens were recorded around the world, but a special selection work on the creation of a new breed of bare cats began only in the 60s of the XX century.
The impetus to the beginning of the planned breeding work was, as always, the case. In 1966, in the Canadian province of Ontario, an ordinary long-haired cat was born a hairless kitten, which was named Prun. This cat later became the main supplier of the hairless gene to the rest of the litters of the same cat, and then of other cats.
But as the breeders did not try, the new bare breed remained extremely small (closely related cat marriages gave very weak non-viable offspring).
Almost hopeless situation straightened again the case. In the city of Toronto (Canada) three more bald kittens were accidentally found. And then in the state of Minnesota in the United States in 1975 a magnificent bald cat was discovered, which received the funny name Epidermis. A year later, a hairless cat was born there. All these animals brought to the breed an influx of "new" blood, so necessary for scientists.
In the future, the cat Sphynx interbred with the Devon Rex breed (in order to at least somehow fix the stability of the transfer of the "bald" gene). True, this was not without problems. This selection has led to a change in the skin condition of the latter-day sphinxes. Those most famous cute folds and wrinkles of the skin, so surprisingly adorning these cats, disappeared or became more rare. The most wrinkled representatives of the breed, as a rule, are the distant descendants of their ancestor cat Epidermis (this is the most elite class of the breed).
However, in our time there are also cases of the birth of hairless kittens, which can be used for matings, and therefore breeders and breeders do not lose hope to correct the situation.
The first Canadian sphinxes were brought to the territory of modern Russia in the 90s of the last century from the United States by Moscow breeder of cats Tatiana Smirnova.
Pair: Aztec Baringo cat and Nefertiti cat produced the first Russian offspring of Canadian sphinxes.
Character (behavior)
Sphinx is a very sociable and unpretentious cat. It is enough to look at it once to understand that it is a fragile and tender animal, with all its desire, is not capable of causing harm to anyone.
Please note that pets of the Canadian Sphynx are very sensitive, they are easily offended, so they can not raise their voices, and even more so to punish. Otherwise, the sphinx may be offended, will begin to refuse food and become ill.
Sphynx can not be called too active animals. Unlike many other breeds of cat games, they prefer to rest in a warm cozy corner. Most likely, this behavior is due to the fact that, due to the lack of coat, sphinxes often freeze.
Despite the touchy nature, all members of this breed get along well with other pets, including dogs.
In food, Canadian sphinxes are unpretentious and with appetite they eat everything that they offer.
Lack of wool and musky smell makes sphinxes ideal companions for people with allergies.
Кошки данной породы необычайно умны, их не надо специально чему-либо обучать или к чему-либо приучать: достаточно лишь один раз показать котенку «что, где и зачем», и он сам все поймет.
Breeding
Ген бесшерстности у канадских сфинксов рецессивный, поэтому при скрещивании с другими по- родами голого потомства в первом поколении не будет.
It can only be obtained by reciprocal crossing, if both parents are carriers of the hairless gene.
As is well known, females of all animals are characterized by cyclical sexual behavior, the general regulation of which is performed by the hypothalamus.
Unlike most mammals in cats, the ovaries do not secrete eggs, unless there was mating. Ovulation in these animals occurs 24–36 hours after mating.
The period of sexual passivity, or anesterus, lasts about 4 months in cats.
But since anesterus is associated with a short light day (less than 12–14 hours per day), in cats kept at home, the period of sexual inactivity can either be very short or be completely absent.
As a rule, cats have 2–3 peaks of sexual activity during a year. The estrus cycle of estrus begins with proesterus, a preparatory stage during which the animal becomes very affectionate, but somewhat uneasy. At this time, the cat rubs on the furniture, rolls on the floor and urinates a little more than usual.
Most sphinx cats are very picky in choosing a partner.
After 1–3 days, she starts an esterus, during which the cat prepares for mating: the animal rolls on the floor and makes characteristic sounds, which are usually called invocative. If at this time the cat is stroked, then it immediately assumes the position for mating: bends the front paws, lifts the back of the body, presses the tail to the side and makes trailing movements with its hind legs.
If mating occurs, then within 1–2 days the cat disappears all signs of esterus, and if not, estrus continues for 10–12 days. Then the cat begins a period of decline in sexual activity (diesterus), and after 7-12 days signs of proesterus reappear, that is, a period of sexual activity begins again.
As a rule, the esteroid cycles are repeated in an animal every 20-22 days. And the older the cat, the shorter the cycle.
As for cats, they do not have clearly defined mating seasons, but their activity decreases in winter and increases in spring.
A cat owner should be careful about choosing a partner for her. First of all, the cat owner must study the pedigree of her intended groom, and also find out what the colors of the young were when mating his litter.
The owner of the cat needs to obtain from the owner of the cat information about the state of health, hereditary qualities and disposition of the animal, as well as to make sure that he has been given all preventive vaccinations.
When choosing a breeding cat for their cat, most of the owners do not spare the time and effort to find out the list of champions and grand champions listed in its pedigree. But It is worth noting that among the sphinxes not participating in exhibitions there are quite a few cats with generic characteristics identical to those of their distinguished fellows.
For breeding pick breeding cat aged from one year to 6 years.
It is desirable that the mating process takes place on the territory of the male. The owner of the cat should visit the apartment of the owner of the cat in advance. Pre-owners of cats must decide which of them will be present during the mating, because at this moment the animals must be observed to avoid unwanted excesses (often during the first mating the cat and cat cannot find a common language, and the situation sometimes takes an unpredictable turn).
Transportation and new premises sometimes have such an effect on a cat that it stops estrus. Therefore, the cat should not be left alone with the cat immediately after arrival. She needs to get used to the new environment.
If in connection with the relocation and the new situation the cat has stopped estrus, then its owner needs to abandon the mating. The same decision is desirable to take if the cat shows aggression towards the cat.
When you first meet a cat, the cat is usually nervous and sometimes shows aggression or hides. The owners of animals do not have to worry about this: after a while the cat masters and begins to show interest in the cat next to it.
Sphynx care and maintenance
The folds of sphinxes, unlike the dog, do not need additional care. The body temperature of these cats is higher than that of cats of other breeds, which indicates an accelerated metabolism. It is not surprising that sphinxes have an increased appetite, so you need to ensure that the animal does not overeat.
A curious fact: sphinxes sweat. Their sweat is odorless, but when exposed to air it acquires a dark brown shade and can leave traces. Usually it is not enough, and even it is not necessary to bathe the animals often, you just need to wipe it regularly with a damp cloth.
It is necessary to get a claw head: these small paw pads of these animals, so their claws do not fully retract, and because of the lack of hair on the paws, the steps are not drowned.
Sphinx Skin Care
To make Sphynx skin elastic and soft, it is necessary to take care of it regularly. Every day, the skin of the sphinx must be wiped with a damp sponge or towel. Periodically, the pet needs to be bathed. For washing sphinxes it is recommended to use shampoo with a pH level not higher than 5.5. In pet stores such a tool is sold very rarely, so most fans use shampoo or baby soap from Johnson`s & Johnson`s.
After water procedures, you should never lubricate the skin of the animal with cream or oil.
Usually, cats have a negative attitude towards bathing, but if the owner conducts water procedures correctly, they will not cause negative emotions in the pet. That is why, bathing a kitten for the first time, you should try to make it so that it does not get scared.
For bathing sphinx should use warm water. The best capacity for water treatment cats is a plastic basin, which is placed in the bath. The bottom of the pelvis is necessarily covered with a special rubber mat or cloth so that the cat feels confident and does not lose balance on a slippery bottom. It is necessary to fill the basin with water so that it reaches the abdomen of the animal.
Do not arrange water procedures immediately after the pet eat. It is advisable to bathe the sphinx not earlier than 3 hours after feeding.
If the owner takes out a pet to the country, then it should be bathed daily.
If the cat is very nervous or shows aggression, then, after consulting with a veterinarian, you can give her a sedative 20-30 minutes before bathing.
For purebred cats, vaccination in most cases is the only way to prevent infectious diseases. Up to 2 months, kittens are protected from diseases by maternal antibodies, but at the age of 9-10 weeks they already need prophylactic vaccination.
Re-vaccination is carried out in 3-4 weeks after the first. The cat must be at home for 7–10 days after vaccination. In addition, the owner should exclude the contact of your pet with other pets. A newly vaccinated kitten is even undesirable to let out on the balcony.
The origin of the breed
Of course, the noticeable characteristics of the Canadian Sphynx - the lack of vegetation on the body and stunning folds! To shake the world of cats of this breed have become relatively recently.
In 1966, the first Canadian Sphynx kitten was born in Canada (nobody knew about it yet). The only naked boy among the entire litter of an ordinary cat was called Prun, and his breeding allowed him to anchor the hairless genes. But until the end at that moment the breeders did not understand the mechanism of the appearance of sphinxes. It seems that the new breed looks like - everyone understands it, but how to achieve stability in the offspring?
The question remained open for almost 10 years. Epidermis came to the rescue! Yes, so, not without intent, called a bald cat, who was born in Vadena (Minnesota). In the same place, a cat of a similar type was born soon, being in the Z. Stardust cattery, they started the breed and became the great-great-ancestors of the Canadian Sphynx.
Looking through the history of the breed, you need to briefly stop on the chapter called Bambi. This black and white hairless cat was found on the streets of Toronto in the 70s of the last century. They say he was beautiful. Bambi's description (exterior and character) perfectly corresponded to his nickname. But Bambi was a yard cat and was badly injured in street fights. The one-eyed and, alas, incapable of breeding, Bembi became famous for becoming a long-lived Spina. His fans, along with him, celebrated Bambi’s 19th birthday!
The naked cats Pinky and Paloma found with Bambi were transferred to Holland, where they laid the foundation for the European line of Canadian sphinxes.
But the birthplace of sphinxes is Canada and so that they never forget about it, the name "Canadian Sphynx" is forever inscribed in the felinology and in the hearts of fans of the breed!
Description of Canadian Sphynx
So how many sphinxes exist in the world? So far nobody counted them piece by piece, but there are only three bare rocks: the St. Petersburg sphinx (better known as Pieterbold), the Don Sphynx (Russian hairless) and our friend the Canadian Sphynx. It would seem that all three breeds are hairless, and therefore be the same? Never say such a thing in love with Canadian Sphynx owners! The breed standard will tell you how to determine that you have a bald cat Sphynx in front of you and emphasize the characteristics of the breed.
- The Canadian has a medium-sized head that resembles a wedge with a rounded outline. The length of the head is not much greater than the width. Cheekbones prominent, protruding, strong jaw, possibly short pubescence:
- nose bridge is wide, and the nose is short, covered with short hair,
- the ears are broad at the base, wide apart too. The ears themselves are always large, at the base from the outside can be pubescent. Brushes, brushes - not allowed,
- Kittens of this breed open their eyes very early and immediately look into your very soul! This is true - the reviews of owners and urban legends say that only Canadian sphinxes can and love for a long time, without blinking and not turning away, to look a man in the eye. In fact, Canadians are sometimes even born sighted, and their eyes are large, shaped like a lemon. The distance between the eyes is slightly larger than the width of the eyes. Eye color can be loved in harmony with the color of the animal,
- they have practically no whiskers, but for some representatives they can be preserved, the standard allows it.
- The body of the Canadian Sphynx is charming! They captivate with grace and grace. In their structure there is not a single straight sharp line, they are friable and smooth. Similar to the statuettes, the Sphynx cat is medium sized, muscular and strong. The stomach should not be lean, but the chest should be wide, in general, the silhouette resembles a ripe pear.
Because of the wide chest, the front paws are always wide apart. The limbs themselves are thin with long fingers (such a structure is called the "monkey's paw"). The hind limbs are longer than the forelegs, it is this fact that affects their special gait. At the tips of the paws may remain a little gun.
The tail is long, whip-like, not pubescent, but it is quite possible that it is your Canadian who has a lion's tail - that is, a brush will appear on the tip of the tail. This is not a disqualification attribute. The tail of the Canadian sphinx is almost always rolled into a donut and pressed to the body.
A surprising fact - the Canadian Sphynx in fact always turns out to be harder than it seems.
These bald cats can not be called too large, the weight of an adult animal is from 3.5 to 6 kg.
- Skin and color. Signs of wool can only appear as a minimum gun on the body of an animal. To the touch cats are hot and very pleasant - the skin of sphinxes is similar to the skin of a child.
The Canadian Sphynx is famous for its folds. Moreover, there is so much skin that if a Canadian is pulled out at full length, then it will still not be smooth, but “folded.” Folds must be on the forehead, neck and extremities. Photos confirm that Canadians - the most "folded" of all sphinxes. Now in breeding more and more animals that remain naked with age, but lose most of the children's "hood." It is desirable, nevertheless, that your pet's genes allow these skin differences of Canadians to be preserved.
Colors are allowed all - any type and in any combination. Coloring can be continuous: black, gray, chocolate, lilac, red, cinnamon, faun, white, tortie. Can be tabby, color point, etc.
According to the owners, the character of the Canadian Sphynx is golden! They are very loving and be sure not to miss the opportunity to get to the owner on the handle. Or on the head - then how it goes. Their level of intelligence is similar to that of a three-year-old child. Such a child shows all signs of sanity and is absolutely not jealous of other animals if they live together.
The fidelity of the sphinx is amazing - they are always loyal to the owner and are ready to endlessly warm him, entertain him and talk to him.
In relation to life, it seems that Sphynxes do not fully understand that they are cats. Behavior and character speak in favor of the fact that they consider themselves to be people, well, or dogs, as a last resort.
At the same time, the Canadian Sphynx is never aggressive and can easily cure a slight headache, since representatives of this breed clearly have the gift of healing.
In general, the hot heart of the Canadian Sphynx is wide open towards love!
And not only their heart, but also their body is hotter! Distinguishing features of the breed: the usual temperature for the Canadian Sphynx is 38-38.5 degrees, and their heart beats twice as fast as other breeds.
Unfortunately, Canadian sphinxes are predisposed to a decent list of diseases. Among the main threats, obesity is in the first place, so can (or may not) be: curvature of the tail section of the spine, skin vasculitis, congenital torsion of the eyelids, acne, softening of the last caudal vertebra, dermatitis, gingival hyperplasia, hyperplasia and cyst of the milk glands and so on. The list is impressive, but if you take the pet's health with all the attention, then most of these pitfalls can be circumvented.
An important point! The skin of Canadian sphinxes is so dense that it is very difficult in some places to pierce with a needle.
Care and maintenance
The Sphynx is a beautiful, but sweaty flower! Among all the naked cats, Canadians are the champions in this matter. The Canadian Sphynx, if already sweating, then with the whole body. There is no special smell of sweat, but this wax-like patina can soil clothes and surfaces in the apartment. Therefore, the cat will have to regularly wipe with a damp cloth or sanitary napkins, because when it is dry, the sweat remains a chocolate tan on the skin of the animal. Sometimes it is enough to wipe, and sometimes you need to bathe the sphinx.
All shampoos that are suitable for a child are suitable for bathing.
By the way, the same substance that is secreted by the skin accumulates in large quantities in the ears. The black-and-gray secret does not interfere with the cat's vital activity, but it does not look aesthetically pleasing, so you need to clean your ears often.
Another of the recommendations - moderate sunbathing. From tanning the color of the animal becomes brighter and more beautiful, but moderation in this matter is the main thing. After all, cats without hair are easily burned in the open sun, so you should gradually accustom you to the sun, starting the procedure with a walk in a scattered shadow.
Due to the fact that the heat exchange in Sphynx is higher than in other domestic cats, they also eat much more. They are omnivorous and have a wonderful appetite.
Please note that sphinxes practically do not chew and select the appropriate diet. So read the article about the best feeds for sphinxes.
They may also suddenly start eating foods that are completely unusual for bald cats, such as chocolate or sauerkraut. Within reasonable limits, this is permissible.
Porridge and offal like your pet, as well as lactic acid products and weekly raw yolk (boiled eggs are not digested by them). And like sausage, cheese, cake. But this give voracious bald cats should never be!
Photo
Few people know that the drawing on the nose of every Canadian Sphynx is unique and inimitable. Each representative of the breed has its own pattern of folds, like a person has fingerprints. In the photo, these folds are very spectacular!
Where to buy a Canadian Sphynx kitten
Sphynxes from North America were the first to come to Russia (and to Ukraine). It was a cat Pelmen and his wife Nefertiti. Their offspring settled down on the Slavic land.
Canadian Sphynx breeders and breeders offer an abundance of beautiful kittens.
5-8 thousand rubles (2-3 thousand hryvnia) - a good price for a Canadian Sphynx kitten. But the cost, of course, depends on the pedigree of the kitten (provided by the nurseries) and its personal qualities.
And a little about the secrets.
The story of one of our readers Irina Volodina:
My eyes were especially frustrating, surrounded by large wrinkles plus dark circles and swelling. How to remove wrinkles and bags under the eyes completely? How to cope with swelling and redness? But nothing is so old or young man as his eyes.
But how to rejuvenate them? Plastic surgery? I found out - no less than 5 thousand dollars. Hardware procedures - photorejuvenation, gas-liquid pilling, radio lifting, laser facelift? Slightly more accessible - the course is 1.5-2 thousand dollars. And when to find all this time? Yes, and still expensive. Especially now. Therefore, for myself, I chose another way.
Description of the Canadian Sphynx
The lines of his body are smooth but not graceful - curved forelimbs coexist with more elongated hindquarters (which gives a peculiar gait), a soft fat tummy and a bagel tail, pressed to the side.The Canadian Sphynx has a muscular, dense body with suede wrinkled skin, where hair is allowed behind the ears, on the nose, on the tail and on the legs (up to the hock). The weight of sphinxes varies in the range of 3.5-6 kg.
WCF breed standard
The head in the form of a smoothed wedge is planted on a muscular neck and has a rounded face with a strong chin, distinct cheekbones, pronounced whisker pads and a nose bridge with medium / light foot.
Vibrissae are short and seemingly broken off. Huge and wide (at the root) ears are set straight and devoid of hair inside. A little hair is permissible outside and at external bases. Lemon-shaped large eyes extend to the outer edge of the ears. Iris corresponds to the color or is painted in green / greenish-brown.
The body is of medium length with a broad, sometimes barrel-shaped chest and a rounded, but not fat, belly. The limbs are muscular, the forelegs are set wide apart. Oval paws are supplied with thick pads and long elegant fingers. The tail looks like a rat (sharpened from the root to the end) and can be completed with a lion beam. The skin, when stroking is reminiscent of suede, should retain the breed folding. Most folds in kittens, adult sphinxes with age are smoothed (more or less).
Cat character
Those who managed to touch the hot pear-shaped body once and for all change their opinion about the breed, if it was not very flattering. I don’t want to let this cat out of my hands, which, by the way, is itself glad — Canadian Sphynxes love people, ranging from the beloved owner to strangers who accidentally peeked into the house.
It is interesting! Sphinxes need a human society, they are loving and affectionate without obtrusiveness, sociable and can not stand loneliness, with pleasure making up a company for any domestic beast (without parsing sexes and titles).
These cats are intelligent and educated, they know how to keep themselves in their hands and control their emotions, they are not prone to aggression, they don’t remember offenses and are not vindictive. It is these traits that make the Canadian Sphynx the best friend of the children, with whom they communicate and play on an equal footing, never biting or letting go of the claws.
To all the advantages of the Sphinx, its excellent learning ability is added: pets bring light objects, open drawers and doors, perform simple tricks and even “talk”. True, they have not yet learned how to articulate the causes of human ailments, although they can easily cope with them simply by lying on the diseased part of your body. The fact that the Canadian sphinxes feel and are able to correct the deviations of the energy field, say many owners of these bald healers.
Lifespan
It is known that many ancestors of the breed, who graduated from their earthly paths at a very old age, at 16 and even 19 years, were long-lived. The lifespan of modern Canadian sphinxes largely depends on the characteristics of their content and genetics.
It is interesting! Miracles of longevity showed a frequenter of many feline exhibitions, the Canadian sphinx Granpa Rexs Allen. He lived for almost 30 years, 12 of which gave an exhibition career.
Canadian Sphynx Content
Contrary to the thesis of the capriciousness of the breed, which supposedly requires maximum heating of the apartment, adult sphinxes do without greenhouse conditions and wrapping. The exception is kittens up to 3 months, who are not able to regulate the temperature of their own body.
By the way, canadian sphinxes are not hotter than other cats and have a standard temperature of 38.6 degrees (up to 39 in kittens). Sphynxes only seem to be warmer due to the fact that our hand touches their skin, and not the coat.
Care and hygiene
Sphynx skin is quickly salted, which is eliminated with wet baby wipes or bathing.. By the way, excessive salting often signals nutritional errors or ailments.
Not all Sphynxes wash themselves with pleasure, for which there are quite a few explanations, for example, too hot / cold water or fear of a shower hose. In the second case, water the cat from the dipper or fill the bath to the level of his stomach, bathe with your favorite toy. If the cat is afraid of water, just wipe it with a wet towel.
Pay special attention to the tail - the pores on it quickly become clogged and inflamed, leading to acne. Preventive measures:
- wipe the sphinx skin with chlorhexidine solution,
- do (occasionally) steam baths.
- when washing, use special shampoo for sphinxes.
Important! Pet ears are cleaned about once a week with cotton buds for babies. The procedure is carried out carefully, without going deep inside. At a cold (without other symptoms), flush the nose with a weak solution of furatsilina.
The Canadian Sphynx has no eyelashes, and the cornea from the specks and dust is protected by jelly-like secretions (jelly), which periodically accumulate in the corners of the eyes. Zheleyki clean (from the outer corner of the eye to the inside) with a cotton pad dipped in boiled water.
Diet, diet
The more high-quality industrial food, the lower the health risks, so it is better to buy products labeled “holistic”, where there is a lot of meat and valuable components.
Many sphinxes with enthusiasm eat natural food, where the main ingredients will be:
- lean beef (raw),
- boiled (slightly) chicken,
- chicken neck / liver,
- raw fish,
- chicken / quail boiled egg (once a week),
- dairy products (cottage cheese and sour cream).
Important! Vegetables and greens make up a tenth of the diet. Vegetables are pre-stewed or give finely chopped: chopped carrots / cabbage mixed with sour cream or meat. Pate is made from vegetables, fish or meat.
Anyone who intends to feed the cat with a naturalka, but does not want to turn into a cook, may apply to specialized firms that produce natural frozen food. Prepackaged food is stored in the freezer, and then warmed up in a microwave oven.
Indicator of a well-chosen diet will be your pet's appetite, stools and mood. Yes, by the way, Canadian sphinxes are brutally voracious and always want to eat, due to high metabolism. They are fed twice a day, but the portions (compared to other cats) increase.
Diseases and breed defects
Sphynxes rarely get sick, but after transferring the infection, they remain immune until the end of life. Infections, especially respiratory, are more susceptible to kittens and young animals, which is why they are shown to be vaccinated. Live vaccine often causes complications, so it is better to choose inactivated.
The weak point of the Canadian Sphynx is the eyes. Warning symptoms for which you should consult a doctor:
- redness of the mucous eyelids,
- lacrimation
- purulent discharge,
- swollen third eyelid,
- inability to open eyes.
Important! Contrary to popular belief, diarrhea is not a feature of the breed. With a sphynx liquid stool, it is necessary to revise its diet, make a visit to the doctor and pass tests.
Periodic fouling of sphinxes is associated with hormonal changes (estrus, pregnancy or lactation), the choice of food (stimulating the growth of hair) or the fact that the cat is freezing cold.
A runny nose often accompanies such illnesses as:
- mechanical rhinitis (foreign body),
- tumors in the nasal cavity,
- infectious diseases, including calicivirosis, pneumonia, rhinotracheitis, panleukopenia, mycoplasmosis and infectious peritonitis,
- allergy.
But sphinxes practically do not get sick with cancer and do not suffer from the scourge of other cats, urolithiasis, which is explained by the rapid metabolism.
What to look for
Buy a kitten in a reputable licensed kennel. Take it from a private person, look at the cat's ears (the edge of the ear is at eye level) and on the skin, where light spraying is possible (as in peach or velvet fabric), but not wool.
Important! No serious nursery will sell sphinx younger than 3 months. The kitten, weaned from the mother to this age, hardly learns to the tray and sometimes has health problems, both mental and physical.
It is the cat that introduces the kitten with a tray, a scratching post and teaches how to eat.. At about 2.5 months, the kitten is aware of the limits of what is permissible in the game - the strength of its claws and teeth. The aggressiveness of the adult sphinx is explained by the lack of socialization for which the mother is responsible. The kitten, early cut off from the mother, is often shy, timid, not very sociable, overly attached to the owner and completely dependent on him.
The second reason that explains the acquisition of a 3-month-old kitten is immunization. In 3 months, the sphinx received all the necessary vaccinations that protect it against various viruses and infections.
Price pedigree kitten
The range of prices for Canadian Sphynx kittens is quite wide. The least that a buyer can expect is 10 thousand rubles (and not always this amount includes the provision of documents). For pedigree will have to pay extra. The cost of an animal consists of the location and prestige of the nursery, the titularity of the producers and the qualities of the kitten itself (cleanliness of the lines and exterior). Pure Canadian sphinxes can cost 30, 50 and even 100 thousand rubles.
Owner reviews
Sociable and very gentle cat, but with a huge minus - leaves dirty spots everywhere. Breeders are often silent about this, but I have to constantly wipe the floors and ward it off from clothes so as not to rub. The places where our cat constantly lies, including carpets and carpets, are also stained. This must know those who are going to start a Canadian sphinx.
The cat is extremely clever - in our apartment I immediately discovered the tray and used it for its intended purpose. Myths that sphinxes need special conditions have completely disappeared. There are no problems with food at all, because sphinxes are always hungry and burst everything that is not pinned. Ours especially love chicken, eggs and cottage cheese. Unpleasant feature - sphinxes sweat (with the release of brown bloom), dirty furniture and things. You will find marks on the floor and bedding, but these stains can be easily washed and washed. If you are not ready to put up with such physiological oddity, do not buy sphinxes. A special feature of our cat is an increased love for water. She happily bathes, drinks from the tap, watches the water trickles and loves to swim in the bathroom.
