Sphynx - cat is very unusual and still forus unaccustomed. Her shocking appearance causes either puzzled aversion or delight. One thing is certain: no one is indifferent to sphinxes! Happy owners of these exotic cats say that life is divided into two periods: to the Sphinx and after its appearance in the house. What do they conquer the hearts of their masters? Let's try to figure it out. And also consider what is the care for these exotic pets - is it as complex as it seems at first glance? 
Exotic appearance of sphinxes
All sphinxes without exception have a kind of appearance. These are strong and muscular cats with a special type of head, trunk, tail and paws. Their appearance reminds aliens aliens. Huge eyes and ears, long paws with almost human fingers and membranes between them, thin rat tail and wrinkles all over the body. In short, the sphinx is a cat that makes you abandon the usual idea of how a cat should look. For example, sphinx-kittens: they are at the same time similar to small dinosaurs, and Cheburashka. Naked, eared and folded creatures, who, with their footsteps, rush about the rooms and fall, making loud slaps. Bald cats and skin differ from other domestic and wild cats. It is like a human skin, it sweats and tans. On it, like a tattoo, shows the color of the animal. True, the skin pigment gives only a color shade of the coat that could be covered with a naked cat. But by the end of summer, the colors of tanned cats are stunningly bright and contrasting. 
Breeds of cats-sphinxes
In the world there are only three breeds of naked cats. This is the Canadian Sphinx, the Don Sphynx, and the St. Petersburg Sphinx. The Canadian Sphynx or the Moon Cat Today only this breed of sphinxes has gained worldwide recognition. Her story began in Ontario, in 1966. When a naked cat was born to a normal domestic cat, kitten enthusiasts decided to breed a new breed - a breed of bald cats. For a long time, these attempts have been unsuccessful, but starting in 1975, the work to develop a new exotic breed began to yield positive results. Modern Canadian sphinxes have a special smoothness of lines and convex shapes. The basis for their main distinguishing feature was the natural mutation of visible hairlessness: in fact, the animals are covered with very very short hair that feels like a suede. Their unusual body and head forms are due to the Devon Rex (they were also used to breed them). Don Sphynx or Russian hairless cat This is one of the youngest breeds of cats. The history of its appearance is similar to the history of the Canadian sphinxes. Once (in the late eighties of the last century) in Rostov-on-Don was found a homeless, in places a bald kitten-mutant. The kitten turned out to be a girl, was called Varvara and became the progenitor of the new breed. Don Sphynx, in contrast to the Canadian, absolutely or partially naked. They are slender, medium-sized animals with tall, thin legs, compact oval legs and long fingers. The thoroughbred Don Sphinx has large ears, large almond-shaped eyes, strongly protruding brow and cheekbones. St. Petersburg Sphinx or Peter-Bold For the present this breed is only on the way to recognition by the world's felinological community. It happened as a result of an accidental crossing of the Don Sphynx with an oriental cat and further fixing the gene for a natural hairless mutation of eastern cats. And inherently peter-bold is a bald oriental cat with a long neck and tail, a narrow muzzle and small eyes. The St. Petersburg Sphinx is light and graceful, has a completely different standard (unlike the Canadian and the Don Sphynx) and other breeding.
Character and habits of sphinxes
All sphinxes are extremely intelligent, communicative andare affectionate. They do not tolerate loneliness and prefer to stay in society all the time. That is why caring for bald cats in the first place implies constant communication with them. Sphynx are very mobile, playful and even in critical situations, they rarely scratch and bite. But if a person sphinxes are friendly, then often with other cats. The nature of sphinxes is difficult to call a cat. It seems that they themselves do not consider themselves cats. Moreover, people are perceived as equals. Sphinxes trust a person. They patiently endure all unpleasant procedures, such as caring for claws, ears or nyxes. Easy to master in unfamiliar places and learn all kinds of commands and tricks. Sphynx love to eat well. They eat everything and in any quantity and often surprise with their gastronomic predilections. Sphynxes with pleasure use fresh tomatoes and raw potatoes, green peas and corn, melons, kiwi, sauerkraut. And also many other products unusual for cats. It seems that with the loss of hair, the sphinxes lost their cat's wildness and independence. They can not be called cats, which walk by themselves. Infatuation with the owner, trustfulness and friendliness, extreme affection and irrepressible love for food - perhaps these are the features that distinguish sphinxes from other cats. In all other respects, these bald cats are similar to representatives of other breeds. 
Features of care
Despite the prevailing opinion that bald cats require special conditions of care, care of them is not burdensome. However, some things the owners of sphinxes still need to consider.
- Feeding
An excellent (often uncontrolled) appetite canlead the sphinxes to digestion and even obesity. Therefore, it is worth sticking to them a balanced diet. Feed naked cats should be 3-4 times a day. But because of the increased energy metabolism, they need to give more food than ordinary cats.
- Care of hair
Another feature, part of the care of the sphinxes,is also associated with the lack of a coat. On their skin a wax-like protective coating is collected. In healthy naked cats, these discharges are not abundant. For hygiene purposes, it is often enough to wipe the cat with wet napkins or a sponge. As necessary, the animal can be bathed using baby bath products. Abundant plaque is a signal about a metabolic disorder, malnutrition or an animal disease. In this case, you need to change the diet and contact the veterinarian - he will tell in detail about what care should be in this case.
- Care for ears and claws
Another hygienic feature of sphinxes -ear secret, which accumulates very quickly. Therefore, for bare cats, periodic cleaning of the ears is necessary. But this procedure is needed more for cosmetic than hygienic purposes. Claws are trimmed with the help of special clippers. The procedure should be done very carefully, cutting only the tip of the claw. By the way, some cats of this breed self-claw their claws. Sphynx adore their owners, and therefore care for them is no problem. The absence of wool makes them harmless for allergy sufferers, and peace-loving disposition is safe for young children. Sphynxes fascinate with their appearance and character. They are intelligent and affectionate. That is why exotic naked cats are increasingly becoming domestic pets in our country. We advise you to read:
