| In 1966 in Canada, a Domestic Shorthair gave birth to | | | | average cat and requires the occasional bath, as they |
| a liter of kittens with a naturally occurring mutation of | | | | have no hair to absorb naturally occurring oils in the |
| hairlessness. This liter became the ancestors of | | | | skin. They are also more prone to sunburn and |
| today's Sphynx, created through inbreeding and | | | | heatstroke since they lack a protective covering. A |
| crossbreeding over time. Interestingly, the same | | | | Sphynx is a very patient and adaptable cat, making |
| genetic mutation that causes hairlessness in a Sphynx | | | | them an excellent choice for apartment dwellers and |
| is the same mutation that causes the curly and | | | | those with children or other pets. They are loyal to |
| sometimes nearly absent coat in a Devon Rex. | | | | their families and enjoy their attention and company, |
| Oftentimes, a Devon Rex is inbred to strengthen the | | | | which includes playing with them. |
| gene pool of the Sphynx. A Sphynx, sometimes | | | | Thanks to a careful breeding program, the Sphynx |
| referred to as a Canadian Hairless, is not always | | | | breed does not suffer from any major medical |
| totally hairless; many have a fine downy coating. | | | | concerns beyond normal health care. |
| However, a Sphynx is the color of his skin, not his | | | | There is a website that has great information on |
| 'fur'. Contrary to popular belief, a Sphynx is not a | | | | Sphynx and most other breeds of cats. It has details |
| truly hypoallergenic cat, particularly if he has a peach | | | | that pertain to a cat breeds health, grooming, living |
| fuzz coating. | | | | conditions, best food choices and more, the website |
| All Sphynx will still produce some amount of dander, | | | | is called: Dog And Cat Facts, and can be found at this |
| the usual culprit for causing allergic reactions. | | | | url: |
| However, most people with cat allergies find they are | | | | By Robert W. Benjamin |
| able to tolerate a Sphynx. This breed of cat is very | | | | Copyright © 2006 |
| hearty and healthy, despite its almost sickly | | | | You may publish this article in your ezine, newsletter |
| appearance. They are muscular and slightly larger than | | | | on your web site as long as it is reprinted in its |
| the average cat, but do require special care due to | | | | entirety and without modification except for |
| their lack of a coat. | | | | formatting needs or grammar corrections. |
| A Sphynx will become colder more easily than the | | | | |