The history of the domestic cat began about eight thousand years ago when cats first started hanging around human settlements because they provided easy access to food and shelter. Cats would eat the rodents that threatened our grain stores and sleep in our barns. In other words, the cat chose to seek out human companionship to gain important resources that they needed for their survival.
It was not until the nineteenth century, however, that cat-loving humans started breeding cats deliberately to create animals with certain appearances or demeanors. Cats were never bred for specific hunting or herding tasks the way dogs were, and consequently, the domestic cats we know today have changed very little genetically from the wild cats that first hung around our ancient farms. That explains why the differences between cat breeds are not as great as the differences between, say, a Border Collie and a Dachshund.
Scientists do not completely agree on how many different cat breeds there are in the world, so the numbers you can find vary greatly depending on your source. While Encyclopedia Britannica only lists fifteen cat breeds, The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA), the largest American cat registration body, recognizes forty-five different breeds as of 2022. Among these different cat breeds, many have an interesting origin story, and we are going to feature some of them here. In previous blogposts, I have talked about the Maine Coon, the Siamese, and the Turkish Angora. In this episode, we will have a look at the Sphynx.
The Sphynx Cat
The Sphynx is named after the mythological sphinx we know from ancient Egyptian culture. The name was thought fitting due to striking similarities in the appearance of the Sphynx cat and the Egyptian cat goddess, Bastet. Both have a slim, athletic body and an expressive face. The Sphynx (with a y) does not originate in Egypt, however. Also known as the “Canadian Hairless”, it was first seen in Toronto, Canada, in the 1960s as the result of a random genetic mutation that caused kittens to be born without fur. Hairless cats were nothing new at the time. In fact, we know that the ancient Aztecs bred cats with no fur hundreds of years ago. Still, the unique appearance of the Sphynx sets it apart from our other, furry feline friends. Even though Sphynx cats are classified as hairless, they are not completely bald. It can be hard to spot at first glance, but they are covered in a very fine, suede-like coat that they will spend time grooming just like hairier cats do. So, contrary to common belief, a Sphinx is not automatically a good pet for people with severe allergies. They are a better choice than hairy cats, of course, but they are not 100 percent hypoallergenic.
The Sphynx cat’s limited amount of hair does not make them less demanding to care for, either. A Sphynx requires weekly baths to help maintain healthy skin and remove excess body oils that will otherwise end up causing severe skin problems. The missing
hair also makes Sphynx ears more vulnerable to dirt build-up, so regular ear cleanings are another necessity. What the Sphynx lack in fur, they make up for in personality, however. They are playful, goofy, and highly energetic. They love to climb and jump, and most Sphynxes are extremely sociable. Living without fur has turned them into heat-loving cats that will bask in the sun whenever possible. They also enjoy cuddling up with their humans under a warm blanket or comforter and will happily stay like that forever – or at least until dinner time.
Here are three fun facts about the Sphynx:
1. In Russia, a Sphynx is considered a symbol of good fortune and abundance. That is why many wealthy Russians prefer having Sphynx cats instead of other pets. In short, owning a Sphynx is associated with wealth, prestige, and the ability to afford whatever you want.
2. The cat who played Mr. Bigglesworth in the movie Austin Powers was a Sphynx named Ted Nudegent. He was specially trained as a feline movie star and was able to sit still for up to 45 minutes at a time, while actors and filmmakers talked and shouted around him.
3. Sphinx cats come in many colors and patterns. Although Sphynxes have a layer of hair so thin you can hardly see it, their skin pigment can vary in color. From tortoiseshells to tabbies, most feline coat patterns have a Sphynx version, too.
In conclusion, a Sphinx requires lots of care and attention to thrive, both physically and emotionally, and if you are not willing or able to provide that, it is not the right breed for you. Yet, the Sphinx can only be described as fascinating—a unique, affectionate, fun-loving companion with facial expressions that rank among the most expressive in the feline family.
Author: Gunhild Jensen
Gunhild Jensen is the owner and founder of Smiling Kitty – a Stamford CT-based cat behavior business that offers expert help and guidance to cat owners around the world. Gunhild is a certified Cat Behaviorist and holds a degree in Advanced Feline Training and Behavior from the Animal Behavior Institute (ABI) in Durham, NC. She provides guidance on all things cat, including common behavior, home needs, nutrition, leash training, declawing, cat health, and more.
