
Intelligence: Very much
Quiet: Reasonably
Good with dogs?: Very much
Good with children: Very much
Love the outdoors?: Not especially
Grooming: Reasonably
Naked they may be, but shy they are not. The recent increase in the number of Sphynx kittens registered with the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) and some exciting progress on the show bench is proof enough that this breed is going places. With a personality as extreme as his look, the Sphynx has proved he is much more than just a hairless cat - and with more and more cat lovers succumbing to his charms, you can expect to see much more of this breed in the future. On or off the show bench, the Sphynx is happy to be the centre of attention and it is this 'in your face', larger-than-life character that seems to win people over. There is no time for hesitation when you meet one of these cats and before you know it you will have a lap full of Sphynx, whether you like it or not! Most people are pleasantly surprised and say they feel like a chamois or warm peach to the touch and you cannot resist stroking them. But remember, Sphynx are covered with a very fine down, almost imperceptible to the eye, so the correct term is 'naked' rather than 'bald'. Some people who are allergic to cats have found they are able to share their home with a Sphynx, but the breed cannot be described as hypoallergenic as it is skin dander, as well as saliva, that people can react to. Sphynx are not delicate and do not require extra heat, as many people think. In fact, this will make them sweat more. An ordinary cat bed with a blanket that they can wrap up in is perfectly acceptable. However, as natural sun worshippers Sphynx love to be outdoors and a strong sun cream should be used to protect their skin.
A medium-sized cat, the Sphynx is covered in short, fine down that has a chamois-like texture. The ears are very large and the eyes are lemon-shaped.
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