Sphinx cats pluses and minuses

Introduction: Mysterious sphinxes - more than just the lack of wool

Sphynx cats are one of the most recognizable and talked about breeds in the world. Their exotic appearance, devoid of fur, causes either delight or bewilderment. But behind this unusual shell lies a unique character and special needs. Before getting a Sphynx, it is important to carefully weigh the pros and cons to determine if this breed is right for you. In this article we will look in detail at all aspects of keeping a Sphynx, from their health and care to their character and behavioral characteristics.

Pros of cats Sphinx: why they love them so much

Unique appearance and tactile sensations

Of course, the first thing that catches the eye is the lack of wool. The Sphinx skin, covered with a light fluff, resembles suede or peach. Many owners describe the sensations from touching Sphinx as incredibly pleasant and soothing. This feature makes them attractive to people with allergies to cat hair, although it is worth noting that allergies can be caused not only by wool, but also with saliva or skin fat.

Dedicated and sociable

Sphynxes are known for their devotion and love for their owners. They are often described as "velcro cats" that constantly need attention and affection. They love to be close to people, participate in all household activities and sleep in the same bed. Sphynx cats are very sociable and get along well with children and other pets, especially if raised with them.

High intelligence and ease in training

Sphynx cats are very smart cats that are easy to train. They can be taught various commands such as sit, down, fetch, and even walking on a leash. They also love to play interactive games that stimulate their mental activity.

Hypoallergenicity (relative)

Although the sphinxes are not completely hypoallergenic, they produce less allergens than many other cat breeds. This is due to the lack of wool, which is the main carrier of allergens. However, before starting the Sphinx, it is recommended to conduct an allergy test to make sure that they will not respond to saliva or a skin of a cat.

Lack of molting

The absence of wool means the lack of molting, which is a huge plus for many owners. You do not have to constantly remove wool from furniture, clothes and carpets. It also facilitates the care of a cat, since you do not need to comb out the wool.

Cons of cats Sphinx: What you need to know before buying

Complex skin care

The absence of wool makes the Sphinx skin more vulnerable to environmental effects. The Sphinx skin distinguishes skin lard, which must be regularly removed to avoid blockage of pores and the development of skin diseases. Sphinces must be bathed about once a week or two, using special cats for cats. It is also necessary to regularly wipe the folds of the skin, especially in the face and neck.

Temperature sensitivity

Sphinxes are very sensitive to temperature. They easily freeze in cold weather and can overheat in the heat. In the cold season, they need to provide a warm place to sleep and clothes. In hot weather, it is necessary to ensure that they always have fresh water and shadow.

A tendency to certain diseases

Sphinxes, like all cat breeds, have a tendency to certain diseases. These include:

• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (GKMP) is a heart disease that can lead to sudden death.
• Urticarian pigment dermatitis is a skin disease, which manifests itself in the form of itchy rashes.
• Hip dysplasia is a disease that can lead to lameness and pain.

It is important to regularly visit a veterinarian for preventive examinations and timely detection of diseases.

Increased appetite

Sphinxes have a higher metabolism than cats of other breeds, so they need more calories. They often eat more and more often than other cats. It is important to monitor their weight and feed them with high -quality food in order to avoid obesity.

High cost

Sphinxes are one of the most expensive cats. The cost of a sphinx kitten can vary from several hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the pedigree, color and other factors. In addition, the Sphinx content can also be more expensive than the content of a cat of a different breed, due to the need for special shampoos, clothes and a more frequent visit to the veterinarian.