Does anyone know much about Sphynx Cats (they're the bald cats)?

Question

I've always been more of a dog person, but I'm completely intrigued by these cats. Are they friendly? Do they get along with other animals as well as people? If I have an allergy to cats will they bother me even thought they're bald? Are they worth what you pay for them (cheapest one I could find online was $1,200.00)???

P.S. I really don't care to hear from you if all you're going to say is that you think they're ugly. I happen to find them quite lovely and interesting. BEAUTY ISN'T BASIC!!!

Answer 1

Here is some information for you on the hairless wonders....I also placed the link below so you could read the entire story behind them, pictures and all. As for your allergies....is it hair or the dander you are allergic too??? Could it be the oils from their skin???? I cannot tolerate the hair from cats, which is why I have dogs, but I love cats....I think you will find the information in the link really interesting...GOOD LUCK!!!! (The second link is to a breeder, and of course it is playing the Austin Powers music...LMBO!!!) I think they are cool, I like the Chinese Crested dogs too that are hairless....they are just different....
AND OF COURSE EVERYONE will have their own opinions....this is not an ugliness contest, you just want to know what the breed is like.....the price is about right too.....

In 1966 a domestic cat gave birth to a hairless kitten in Toronto, Canada. It was discovered to be a natural mutation and the Sphynx cat, as we know it today, came into existence. This cat and a few other naturally hairless cats have been found worldwide. These have magically been produced by Mother Nature and are the foundation for this unusual breed. Cat breeders in Europe and North America have bred the Sphynx to normal coated cats and then back to hairless for more than thirty years. The purpose of these selective breedings was to create a genetically sound cat with a large gene pool and hybrid vigor. This is a very robust breed with few health or genetic problems.

The Sphynx is not always totally hairless; there can be a fine down on the body, which makes the cat feel like a warm peach. Some light hair is often present on the nose, tail and toes. The texture of the Sphynx skin has been likened to suede, a hot water bottle, or a heated chamois. They can be registered in a wide variety of cat colors. The color is seen in the pigment of the skin and the few hairs that they do have. One of the questions most asked is "Don't they get cold?" Well, of course, if it is too cold for you it will be too cold for a hairless cat too. However, these cats are smart enough to find a warm human, dog or cat to curl up with or they will get under your bed covers.

Answer 2

Some people say they are ugly. Our Lena is the most beautiful thing in the world to me! We got our Sphynx for $500 from a local breeder. She was cheaper because she was a spayed adult and she wasn't exactly "show quality." We got her because we wanted a cat and my husband has asthma and severe allergies. They are VERY friendly. Ours is almost like a puppy with how friendly she is. When we brought her home for the first time, she hid under the bed for about ten minutes and then started exploring. When someone new comes in the house, she will perch on the staircase and watch them for a few minutes, then she will come say hi and try to sit on their lap. She remembers our friends and is always very friendly with people she has decided are OK. For visitors she doesn't get the chance to meet (like contractors), she just hides until they go away. They do get along well with other animals if they are introduced properly, especially if you get a kitten and introduce it to the other animals at an early age. As for allergies, our kitty does bother my husband a little bit, but not as much as a regular cat does. We bathe her once a week (a must for all Sphynx cats), and run a high-powered Austin Air filter 24/7. We love her so much and would never part with her now that we've got her! She likes to run and play like a puppy and she is the sweetest little kitty ever! Everyone says so. She also loves to snuggle.

Some things to consider:
1. Sphynx cats have bad teeth and must have dental cleanings once a year or so.
2. They get goo in their eyes, in their ears, and between their toes that must be cleaned with tissues or baby wipes once a week.
3. They must be bathed once a week. If you start early, some even like the bath. Mine tolerates it, but is glad when it's over.
4. They cannot go outdoors. There are lots of things that can hurt them because they don't have normal hair and whiskers to protect them. They can also have weak immune systems due to breeding.
5. Their poop stinks really bad! If you get the right litter and a good air filter and scoop the litter box and change it weekly, it's not too bad. We don't even notice the litter box smell because we take care of it.
6. Because they have no hair, they love to have blankets to snuggle in. My baby loves her blankets, and she loves burying her face in peoples' armpits even more.

A Sphynx is a great idea if you're up to caring for it. The cat may bother you because of your allergies, though. It's been fine at my house. Check with the breeder to see if they will allow you to return the cat within a certain time period if it doesn't work out with your allergies. Our breeder allowed us a trial period. Also, please see the link for more information on the care they need.

Answer 3

Yes, they're totally worth it! You're not going to find one for any less if the breeder is reputable.

I could ramble on for hours about how amazing this little rat-monkey (looks like a rat, acts like a monkey) is. They're totally sweet and cuddly, warm and extremely playful. The breeder from whom we got her also had two enormous great danes if that helps with the "do they get along with other animals?" question.

As for the allergies, one is allergic to the animal's dander, not the hair. Sphynxes skin secrets natural oils like any other cat, but it doesn't get distributed through the hair like a regular cat, so it collects on the skin. As a result, they get a little grubby and need frequent bathing (once per week or two). This usually keeps any dander from building up and becoming an aggravation to allergies.

Answer 4

It is not the hair that people are allergic to with cats. It is a protein in the saliva. This protein level varies between different breeds and types of cats. Sphynx dont need to groom themselves as often as the full haired cats, therefore the allergies are minimized. These cats are said to have a dog-like personality and are supposed to get along well with other animals. I have seen several that end up in shelters randomly...http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=6762920
Also check with breeders that are nearby...many have retired show cats that are placed as pets for a considerably lowered adoption fee. Here is a link to the CFA and the breeder referral page:
http://www.cfa.org/breeds/profiles/sphynx.html
http://secure.cfa.org/SearchResults.aspx

Answer 5

Sphynx cats can irritate people with allergies. Often allergic people are not so much allergic to cat hair as they are to skin dander, which is present on all cats. So you will certainly want to consider that.

By all accounts they are quite friendly cats and affectionate to their people. They are the only cats that sweat and must be wiped down once a day or so.

Answer 6

I know they're ugly. I'm not sure how friendly they are.

There are lots of things you can do and get to deal with the allergies.

Answer 7

no offense to anybody but I think they're very ugly and gross looking!!! I would NEVER pay that for a cat!! but, since you're probably allergic to cats than the best cat for you is one of those! I wouldn't have one though. I absolutly luvvvvv my 2 domestic short hair and medium hair cats. they may be friendly, I don't know. I don't know anything about them because I never cared to look anything up about them. Sorry, I'm just NOT a big fan of that breed of domestic cat!!

Beuty IS Basic to me!! no offense, but if I'm going to spend $1,000 a specific cat than he/she WILL be beautiful!!!!!

Answer 8

I think they are interesting. I once read that they need to be washed because they get oily skin sometimes. I also heard they can be very snugly, especially when it gets cold!

Answer 9

no they are grose!!!!