Publisher's Synopsis
The Sphynx cat is unique among breeds due to its hairless look and remarkably wrinkled skin. It also has an interesting history. The first hairless kittens were born in Canada in the late 1960s, which is where the Sphynx got its start. These kittens sprang from a spontaneous genetic mutation that happened in a Toronto domestic cat population. The tale started when a hairless kitten was born into a litter that was sired by a domestic cat called Prune. Later, when this kitten was mated with other cats, it was discovered that the hairless characteristic was a genetic mutation that could be inherited by progeny. This first finding was crucial to the breed's evolution. The goal of further breeding operations was to stabilize and improve the hairless characteristic, which produced the modern Sphynx. The goal of developing the breed was to improve the health, temperament, and physical attributes of the hairless kittens by crossing them with other breeds. Breeders in Europe and the US made significant contributions to the creation of the Sphynx breed, fine-tuning it via selective breeding initiatives. The Sphynx cat went from being a genetic curiosity to an established breed in the 1970s and 1980s when it was formally recognized by major cat registries. Material Properties The absence of hair is one of the Sphynx cat's most notable characteristics. Sphynx cats do not create as many allergies as other breeds, although they are not completely hypoallergenic despite being hairless. Their skin has a distinct suede-like feel due to a thin coating of down that resembles peach fuzz covering it. Their pronounced skin creases and deep folds, which contribute to their unique look, are accentuated by their absence of fur.
