Sphynx Cat and Sphynx Kitten F.A.Q.'s

Q. When was the first hairless Sphynx cat bred?

A. The hairless cat is thought to have first been bred in Canada in 1966 when a domestic short-haired cat produced a hairless kitten. Although they were called by many names ("The Canadian Hairless", Moonstone Cats", "Canadian Sphynx", etc) their "official" title is "Sphynx".

Q. What is the earliest known hairless Sphynx cat?

A. Hairless cats have been around for a long time. However, The Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) did not accept the hairless breed of cat until 1998. Once they were accepted they were able to be entered into official competitions. In Francis Simpson's "The Book of the Cat", printed in 1903, appears a photograph of a pair of cats which became famously known as the "Hairless Mexicans". Unfortunately, this particular breed is now extinct.

Q. I have allergies. Will a hairless Sphynx cat cause an allergic reaction?

A. To dispel a popular myth, Sphynxes are not hypoallergenic. Allergies to cats are caused by a protein that is present in all cats, including the sphynx.

Q. Do Sphynxes require less grooming than other cat breeds?

A. No. Hairless cats excrete an oil on their skin and need to be bathed just like any other cat. The lack of hair makes them more prone to the cold, so they need to be kept in a warm environment.