«Cats-info», July-August 2007

Bare favorite

author Elena Chernova, expert felinologist, curator of the Sphynx Center Grand Oray

Canadian hairless cat — the Sphynx, it is the same "moon" cat, she is Canadian Hairless, she is "cat of Pharaohs", refers to the most amazing cats in the world. It’s hard to imagine anything more shocking and at the same time more harmonious. In the total absence of wool, which is offset by an abundance of wrinkles of the skin, nature gave a Sphynx strong, muscular body, the original head with huge ears, and intelligent eyes. But the main advantage of the Sphynx - its boundless charm. Their invasion on the podiums of international exhibitions was shocking and defiant. Initially surprised outweighed admiration, but, regardless of the first reaction, Sphynxes mesmerize the audience - you want to touch soft suede leather, still and still enjoying the clean lines of the silhouette. Gradually amazement gave way to desire to get acquainted with Sphynxes more close, to learn their character. And the Sphynx has appeared gentle, sociable, emotional enough, and so friendly that its owner could count on mutual sympathy and affection. And the Sphynx turned up gentle, sociable, emotional enough, and so friendly that its owner could count on mutual sympathy and affection. 90-ies - peak of popularity Sphynxes in the world, and, judging by their current rating, "naked" confidently crossed the Third Millennium. What is the cause of their special charm? Many see it in sociability and spectacular appearance, combining cutting-edge and ancient motifs. Due to the lack of wool Sphynxes make impression of live figurines of Ancient Egypt. And, at the same time, Sphynxes amazingly harmoniously merged with a megacity landscape.

There is something magical: office furniture, computers and more from glass, metal and plastic is transformed in the presence of the Sphynx. Sphynx, bearing the imprint of avant-garde and Urbanism, refers to these subjects, like if a wild cat would refers to the sand, rocks, trees and ravines, to accurately determine the most comfortable place. This is its world. It – a Sphynx of concrete deserts and neon pyramids, the child of a fashion and a civilization, with soul ancient and, at the same time, young.

Here is a little history...

So who are these Sphynxes? Aliens from another galaxy? Reincarnation of the ancient Egyptian cat? Perhaps the shadow of the mystical satellite of Aztecs life? In fact, everything is much more prosaic. Indeed, throughout the history of mankind from time to time there are references to the naked cats, but they have little relevance to modern Sphynx. This fantastic cat was the result of natural, spontaneous mutation, then clamped breeders in the planned breeding. The beginning of the last century was marked by the appearance of two hairless cats, called Mexican Hairless: Nellie and Dick both belonged J. Shinku from New Mexico. He bought cats from local Indians. The history of these two cats, unfortunately, ends in the early 30-ies of XX century. Genetics mutation of Mexican naked remains unknown. In the future, an enthusiastic hairless cats became a geneticist, Professor Etienne Letard. In 1938, he reported two hairless kittens received from the Siamese cats in Paris. 12 years later from Siamese litter 3 of 9 kittens were hairless. However, they are not destined to become the ancestors of the breed. The emergence of the breed "Sphynx" by the time associated since 1966, when in Canada, in Ontario, in litters of cats was found absolutely hairless kitten.

Canada, Ontario, in 1966 - place and time of appearance of the first Canadian Sphynx. Elizabeth, the usual black and white cat, has brought a hairless kitten, named Prune. Ridyah and Yaniya Bawa bought both parents and begin a planned breeding, in which are born and conventional, and naked kittens. Kissi and Rete Tenhouv they liked the idea, and they too became fans of this breed. Breed is called "lunar Cats» (Moonstone cats), «Canadian bald» (Canadian Hairless), «Hairless cat» (Chat Sans Poil) and, finally, the sphinx (Sphynx).

1975. In Vaden, Minnesota, in a simple short-haired cat litter was born bald cat, and a year later, there was - a naked cat. These animals then become the founders of the elite lines of breed the Canadian Sphynx in the United States (cattery Dust).

1980. In Toronto, found three naked kitten, two of them - the kitty Палома and Punky - moved to Holland. They laid the foundations of European blood lines.

To maintain the gene pool of the breed in Europe and in America Sphynxes were crossed with Devon Rex, which is close to the Sphynx-type breeds. The massive inflow of "Devon" blood on the dawn of breeding "cripple" image of the Sphynx. Lightweight, often a bony body, "Devon's" short head with low-set ears, round eyes, thin skin, excessive body hair - all this result the hybrid program "Devon - Sphynx". Today, fortunately, there is no need for such interbreeding. The gene pool breeds can interbreed Sphynx with Sphynx.

Sphynxes in Russia

In Russia the first sphinxes appeared in 1994, when from cattery of North American «Ruaztec» arrived a cat. On the eve of a cattery, "Rus" came from Belgium, cat and two cats, but the history of the participation of the Belgian trio of Russian breeding, unfortunately, was short-lived, and today these blood lines can be considered rare. The Americans left in the genetic fund of Sphynxes in Russia an appreciable imprint. Originally breeding Sphynxes in Russia was based on hard inbreeding. In 1995, again imported from Belgium couple of Sphynxes, but these animals was not destined to remain in the history of breeding. It was only in 1996, Cat Mad-Max du Bois de Grace, brought from France, gave new blood for Russia, and thus the possibility of avoiding inbreeding. In 1999, part of Moscow and regional sphynxes united in the «X-Club» - the first and only monobreed Club of Sphynxes in Russia. Breed type varies from year to year - show up all of distinctive breed characteristics. Canadians in recent years has "grown ears", "filled with" vibrissae pads, rounded chin, its head is more relief, the line "Contour of Ear - Relief cheekbones - pinch - chin - almost extreme, the animals themselves are larger and representative. In the today's Canadians you do not recognize the Canadians of 90-ies anymore!

Sphynxes as pets...

Aesthetic perception is based on the Sphynx unusual appearance of these animals. Sphynxes are very stylish and fits well into modern interiors cats. It is also undeniable convenience of the contents of Canadian at home: being "naked", they do not lose their hair and show the natural cleanliness. Yet what distinguishes the Sphinx from a number of other breeds, raising it on a level above the fur-covered brethren - this is their unique character. I don't afraid to repeat, saying that along with wool Sphynxes lost part of cat's independence. This cat will not "walk alone", and almost completely like a dog loyal to person and always in need of his society. These qualities make it indispensable in a family where there are children. For kids it is a real "nurse".

They communicate almost as equals. They tirelessly chase one another on all fours, turn somersaults, fight, kiss, rob each other's toys, often without noticing how tired and fall asleep together.

With this you can not fear for the health and welfare of your child. Canadians are not only favorable to caresses, but absolutely devoid of aggression. Sometimes the heart sinks at the sight of the fact that kids get up with them: raising the ears, the tail, drive, painted on the side with a pen or marker, and many other things, that can only boundless childish fantasy. And Sphynx with only blissfully blinked and loudly rattled. In the breed conduct the detection of individuals with fragile psyche. Artistic details and excellent ability to Sphynxes taming make an interesting dialogue with older children. Depending on the degree of talent on both sides, sphinxes can execute simple commands: to bring subjects to perform simple tricks, "talk", to open doors, make friends with any other pets, even with a potential "prey" (mice, rats, hamsters). In some cases, breeding of these animals is bordered with intelligence. Sphynx is absolutely not rancorous, not conceals resentment and revenge. If you accidentally or intentionally hurt him (veterinary manipulation), be sure - after five minutes of the Sphinx will seek contact with you, to pester with their eternal caresses, kisses, and songs.

About such a friend can only dream of. He will not deceive, betray, and will always sincerely love you.