The Sphynx is described as an active and affectionate breed of cats. Cat owners should be aware of their sociable, sometimes called intrusive manner. The hairless kitties are pure indoor cats. As a rule, there is nothing wrong with a secured garden or balcony, as long as you watch out for the weather. Otherwise, the kitty could get sunburn or hypothermia. Most representatives of the breed appreciate a cat partner. But he shouldn’t be too calm. There should always be enough food available, as this breed has a higher energy requirement. When someone speaks of the Sphynx cat breed, they usually mean the Canadian Sphynx.

The first known Sphynx breed was created through a mutation and, as the name suggests, comes from Canada. The hairless race is also named after the ancient Egyptian sphinx statues.

The oldest photo of a couple of hairless cats was taken in Mexico in 1902. However, hairless cats have been around since ancient times. The first known Sphynx was born in Canada in 1966 but died without conceiving any offspring. Just a year later, a cat with hairless kittens was discovered in Toronto. The first litter was neutered, but the later offspring of this cat was eventually bred. It was originally thought that the Sphynx mutation was caused by the same gene as that of the Devon Rex. However, it is quite likely that the genes are different.

The truth is that the Sphynx is only hairless at first glance. Her body is covered in light hair fluff. The skin is the color that the fur would normally be. Therefore, the Sphynx can have the same color variations as other cat breeds.

Breed-specific behavior

Known for their alert nature and intelligence, the Sphynx is considered alert and curious. It is not uncommon for her to have a lot of nonsense in her head, which her lovers of the breed are usually happy to forgive. Some describe them as intrusive, for others their people-related and affectionate behavior makes this breed something very special.

Attitude and care

The hairless kitty gives off her body heat directly through the skin. As with the Don Sphynx, this results in a higher energy requirement. The breed, therefore, needs more food than others. Body fat that may be deposited on the cat’s skin should be washed off regularly. Some owners recommend a weekly bath, others recommend cleaning with a soft leather cloth. If the cat is to be bathed, it is advisable to get used to it as a kitten. Otherwise, the bath is associated with great stress for the animal. In the summer, the Sphynx can get sunburned. It is therefore imperative that you limit your time in the sun. But caution is also advised in the cold season: The hairless animals can cool down quickly and should therefore be kept indoors. Otherwise, colds are inevitable! As a rule, there is nothing wrong with a balcony.

Like the Don Sphynx, the Sphynx is often incorrectly referred to as allergen-free. That’s not the case. Most people react to the allergen that is in the sebum glands, saliva, and urine of animals. People with a cat allergy can therefore react more violently to hairless cats than to breeds with fur. An allergy should therefore be ruled out before purchasing

Cats are some of the cleanest animals around. Hardly any other animal companion of humans is as careful with personal hygiene as kitties. Nevertheless, the cat owner is also in demand when it comes to cleanliness and care. This is especially true of the pussy’s fur.

Grooming in cats: comb daily during the change of coat

Regular combing is particularly important when the coat changes due to seasonal factors. Please note: the brush should not have bristles that are too hard, as that could hurt your little darling. In addition, it is not allowed to comb against the grain, but only from the head towards the tail.

Long-haired cat breeds such as the Maine Coon or Persian cat need a lot of support with grooming. Although these cats usually groom themselves daily, it is not just about a shiny and clean coat. Uncombed hair can quickly become matted, especially if your kitty is outdoors and has a bit of green stuff hanging in her fur.

Many cats tolerate this type of grooming without resistance, as for some it is like a kind of massage. At best, the cat has been used to brushing since it was a kitten and acknowledges combing with a pleasant purr.

When the cat hates brushing

Not every kitty is used to combing. In the case of animal shelter cats, the new cat owners often have to iron out the mistakes of previous owners and do laborious trust work before the cat even dares to go near them. Such cats can usually not be taken by surprise with a brush or a comb and hope for the best. You need a sure instinct and a lot of patience. First of all, it can help if you let the cat just sniff the strange object – the creepy brush – first. You may also have to test out several brushes before you have found the right one for your cat. The cat is slowly getting used to grooming. In the first few days, only brush a small part of the fur – if possible in a place where you can touch the cat. Most of the time it works well on the back – brushing your stomach or throat is not a good idea. The cat should perceive brushing as a positive experience. So don’t wait until she gets up annoyed or hits your hand with her paw. If in doubt, you can only brush the kitty for a minute at first. You can then slowly increase the time and intensity. But continue to reward the desired behavior every time!

In the case of very shy or traumatized animals, only shearing at the vet often helps. This happens under anesthesia and is of course not healthy in the long run. Make sure you try to get your kitty used to brushing and don’t give up just because it doesn’t work the first time.

Tips: When the cat needs a bath

Most cats, on the other hand, hate a bath. Fortunately, this is not often necessary, unless the little adventurers have rolled around in the mud outside or are afflicted with unpleasant smells after a walk. Then simply pour a little lukewarm water into the bathtub – or a small bowl – and bathe the animal carefully and slowly. The water should never go further than the cat’s belly and you should always wash from the bottom up. Make slow, circular movements to soothe the kitty and give it a little massage – then she may be more likely to put up with the laundry.

With almost all cats, the bathroom will not earn you any points on the popularity scale, but the smells will then usually disappear quickly and effectively. In an emergency, a small amount of cat shampoo can also help. If your little rascal refuses vehemently, dry shampoo (for cats!) Could also be a solution. So you can get the kitty clean without getting wet.

Either way, when the grooming is over, the cat should receive praise and a reward. Then she may be more inclined to endure the procedure next time.

The question of whether the kitty is allowed to go to bed should generally be decided by everyone for themselves. What is certain about the small balls of wool is that it is always worth trying to test it. Many cats cannot imagine anything better than spending the evening in their feathers, especially in the evening. The best thing is to have a little cuddle with your owner.

While some cat owners enjoy this, some bipeds are not at all enthusiastic when the cat comes too close to their skin and, in the worst case, still sleeps on their face. The only thing that helps here is to wean the kitty from it with a lot of patience and positive reinforcement.

What to look out for when the cat is allowed to go to bed

It is particularly important when you decide that your darling is allowed to go to bed, that the cat is healthy. After all, who wants to have parasites like ticks or fleas in bed that can be not only annoying but also dangerous? That is why cats, with whom you cuddle a lot and sometimes also in bed, have to be dewormed regularly. This is basically true, but the closer the kitty is to her human, the higher the risk of transmission. That is why flea prevention is an important point that should not be neglected.

When the cat shouldn’t go to bed with you

However, caution is advised with children: In the bed of your offspring, it is better to cuddle stuffed cats than real house tigers. Babies and toddlers, in particular, should not come into contact with cats at night. On the one hand, they could be allergic without your knowing about it, on the other hand, the children’s breathing could be impaired if they sleep in a confined space with the kitties.

Those who tolerate cats in the house, but are sensitive when they come into closer contact with their hair, should rather spend the night without animal company. Because through close contact with the kitties you automatically breathe in hair easily, which can lead to irritation of the respiratory tract – especially in people who are prone to allergies. If the animal comes to bed by carelessness, simply wash the bedclothes and put them in the dryer.

If, on the other hand, you are neither allergic nor object to a four-legged friend visiting you regularly at night, then have fun cuddling and sweet cat dreams. Oh yes, and don’t forget one thing: Before the kitty lies diagonally across your whole bed and you have to sleep on the floor – you can set limits for the hairy lodger!

The Cornish Rex is a lively and friendly breed of cats that remains playful into old age. Therefore, it is usually suitable for families with children. Since their fur is very fine and consists entirely of an undercoat, it should mainly be kept indoors. As a rule, however, there is nothing wrong with taking a short detour to a secured balcony. The Cornish Rex does not like to stay alone, so that – especially when working – you should urgently think about keeping a second cat.

The hallmark of the Cornish Rex is their special fur, which is curled up, consists entirely of an undercoat, and is somewhat reminiscent of a mole.

The gene mutation that causes the breed-typical hair changes is inherited recessively (i.e. not dominant) and is identical to the fur mutation of the German Rex.

The first kitten with the typical Cornish Rex coat was found on a farm in Cornwall and is said to have been mated back to its mother. To expand the gene pool, Siamese were also crossed into the breed in the first years of breeding. This is said to have resulted in the Cornish Rex’s particularly large ears and extraordinary whip tail.

Breed-specific traits

The Cornish Rex is considered an intelligent, friendly, and cuddly breed of cats. In addition, she behaves very people-related and affectionately.

Many members of the breed remain playful their whole life and are reminiscent of kittens with their kind. For example, some cat owners report that their Cornish Rex can fetch and like to race with other pets.

Pedigree cats usually have their curiosity firmly under control. She loves to try everything possible and enjoys exploring her entire environment. Because of her friendly and bright nature, she is an ideal pet for shy children.

Attitude and care

Since the fur of the Cornish Rex is extremely fine and consists exclusively of an undercoat, the pedigree cat is only suitable for keeping indoors. After all, it could become hypothermic in winter if it was outdoors and in summer it could get burned if it was exposed to too much sunlight. However, there is certainly nothing wrong with a short visit to the secure balcony.

Like many other cat breeds, the Cornish Rex is reluctant to be left alone. It is therefore advisable to buy a second cat, especially when working. In addition, the velvet paw should be offered a wide variety of employment opportunities, as it remains playful into old age. A large and sturdy scratching post with many scratching surfaces is also an absolute must.

The Cornish Rex is characterized by a very special characteristic. It has scent glands on its paws through which a slightly cheesy odor can emanate. Anyone who has a problem with cheese paws should better reconsider keeping the breed.