Sphynx cats are unique and very different in physical appearance compared to cats of other breeds, which makes them very interesting. Many people prefer having Sphynx as their pets, and hence they naturally want to have more information about this cat breed and what makes them different. People are also curious about why they appear the way they do and is there a role of evolution and natural selection to explain it.
Why must you know more about sphynx as cat enthusiasts?
Plenty of cat lovers and animal enthusiasts keep researching Sphynx cats and how they are different from other cats. They are also keen to develop a deeper understanding of this particular breed of cats and why they appear so different compared to other felines.
In this article, we will discuss at length about Sphynx cats and their specific or unique features and character traits. We hope you find this article informative and interesting to read.
The science behind hairlessness in cats
Sphynx cats are also known as hairless cats. This is because they do not have any fur or coat of hair on their body. Hairlessness in cats is a natural variation found among cats. This occurs because of a single genetic mutation. The mutation is an error in the DNA coding which causes a faulty protein or tissue production.
At times this mutation is passed on from one generation of cats to another. To understand this simple, think of it as a faulty coding of the genetic message. Like genetic mutation may cause baldness in humans, it can cause hairlessness in humans.
The common misconception about Sphynx cats
We aim to highlight why sphynx cats are not just hairless cats. They have much more to them than just their hairlessness. Often people refer to them as hairless cats and do not bother to know more about them. Here we will discuss various other facts about the breed sphynx.
Where did the Sphynx cat originate from?
So, to understand this in-depth, one must go back a few decades. In 1965, hairless cats were used for artificial breeding, and slowly and gradually, their numbers increased. This led to the development of a new breed that is now known as sphynx.
Are Sphynx cats good pets?
Sphynx cats are great animals as pets. They are very friendly, loving, caring, and compassionate animals. They are also very expressive in their gestures. Sometimes people want to get furry cats as pets and prefer not to have sphynx cats.
However, all these benefits do favor towards having sphynx as pets. They are extremely amicable, easy-going and also serve as great companions for their cat humans.
Are there any risk factors for hairless cats that reduce their life expectancy and quality of life?
Hairless cats have various health risks and hazards. They are much more prone to certain skin diseases and infections, and this is because they do not have a fur coat to protect them from worms and ticks. And hence they are directly exposed to various infections.
Do hairless cats smell or stink?
This is often a common misconception found amongst many people about hairless cats. Hairless cats are just like any normal cat. If you take care of their hygiene and cleanliness, they will not develop a stink or bad smell. It completely depends on the cat owner.
Can hairless cats get fleas?
Hairless cats can get fleas; however, their likelihood of getting fleas or ticks is much less likely for Sphynx than for other cats. These cats do not have hair and hence have a low breeding ground for ticks and worms.
However, if they do get fleas, it might be very uncomfortable and itchy for them. It is important to get them deformed in such cases, and they need to be taken to the vet immediately.
Do Sphynx cats need regular baths?
So you must be aware that a cat’s body releases specific body oils and serum. This is to moisturize their body and keep it moist and prevent dry skin. Cats need baths to keep their fur clean and remove any dust, dirt, or thorns they may have on their fur. Moist fur is also easier to comb through and untie their knots.
Sphynx cats are hairless, so you may wonder if they need a regular and rigorous bathing regimen or not. The answer is yes, they do. Even without the fur coat and body hair, Sphynx cats release serum and oils. These oils can accumulate over time and cause various skin infections and diseases.
To avoid this, cat owners of a hairless cat need to be careful and mindful of this. They must provide their sphynx cats with regular baths and take special care of their hygiene.
The best family for Sphynx cats
Sphynx cats may require special attention and care as compared to other cats. Since they have a genetic mutation, they have some disadvantages over other cats due to lack of hair or fur coat. Sphynx needs families that would be loving and consider them completely a part of their family. They need to be cared for.
Their health also needs special attention. It would help if you took care to make sure they have regular visits to their vets. Pet owners of Sphynx must be ready to dedicate their time to love and care for their cats. This is a big commitment and is also very rewarding.
Final Thoughts!!
Finally, to sum it up, many different reasons may have contributed to the hairless appearance of Sphynx cats. These include natural causes and also reasons that took place due to human intervention. The combination of the two factors has led to this result. While having a hairless body is unique, it also has several disadvantages and health risks that are particularly associated with this breed of cats. Conversely, there are also numerous benefits of being hairless that Sphynx cats have.
