Overview of the breed Petersburg Sphynx (Peterbald)

The Sphynx is a graceful cat, refined and elegant. Graceful forms, almost without a coat. Tender, susceptible as well as to climate fluctuations, ...

So, our cat comes from St. Petersburg. She appeared quite recently, in 1994. As a result of an experiment on mating a Don Sphynx and an Oriental cat. The creator of the Peterbald was the famous domestic felinologist Olga Sergeevna Mironova.

Characteristic external signs

The main differences between the St. Petersburg cat and other Sphynxes lie in its relationship with the Oriental cat. While the Donchas are strong and dense, the Peterbald is distinguished by its extraordinary grace. Long slender body. The lines are soft and smooth. Muscular, slender limbs with strong, well-developed fingers. Narrow, wedge-shaped head, flat cheekbones. The muzzle is elongated, pointed, with a straight profile. The chin is well defined. Beautiful almond shaped eyes. The large ears are set far apart. There is a thin coat of fur on the outside of the ears. The tail is strong, whip-shaped: thin, straight and long. Another feature of the Peterbald is that the antennae are always twisted. Newborn kittens already have them.
Cats have delicate and smooth skin with many small folds. Sometimes there are remnants of fur on the face, paws and tip of the tail. The color of the St. Petersburg Sphynx can be any. Among them are black, blue, tortoiseshell, lilac, cream, chocolate and a variety of point ones.

Behavior

Peterbalds are affectionate and friendly. Temperament is more balanced and calm. But you shouldn’t push the sphinxes - you need to take them into account. They can be willful. The remarkable thing about these cats is that they are dog-like devoted to their owner. Surprisingly, the St. Petersburg Sphynx understands command words. Animals cannot stand being alone. They love not only their owner, but also the rest of the family. They enjoy playing with children. In addition, they know how to be friends with other pets.

Peculiarities care for Peterbalds are the same as for all sphinxes

The Sphynx is an indoor cat. You don't have to walk her. The poor thing freezes in cool weather and is more susceptible to colds than others. Only warm climates are suitable for cats. When it gets cold, it needs to be wrapped up and moved into a warm place.
A hairless cat is highly susceptible to both cold and hot weather. To protect your skin, it should not be exposed to the sun for long periods of time.
This breed has a higher body temperature than the average cat. To maintain it, you need more food than usual. But, no special diet is required.
The owner will not have to comb the Sphynx's fur, but he will have to wipe the pet with a sponge every day. Cats sweat. You need to bathe from time to time. Keep your ears clean. The room and water should be warm.

Offspring. Mating

Childbirth, as a rule, takes place without complications. It is surprising that cats of this species are not only good mothers, but also caring fathers. Playing with kittens is possible, as well as other types of cat pedagogy. According to the standard, Peterbalds can be bred with Orientals and Siamese. And also their semi-long-haired varieties: Javanese and Balinese.
Peterbalds are born with different types of skin. Moreover, in one litter there can be completely different options.
Naked – complete absence of hair at birth. The skin has a “rubbery” effect.
Flock – often do not have mustaches or eyebrows. Silky, barely noticeable velvet cover. Length no more than 2 mm.
Velor – all covered with soft short fur, but on the head, tail and paws it is thicker than that of the flock. As they mature, they can become naked, retaining remnants of fur on their paws.
Brush – the entire kitten is covered with fur of varying lengths, thickness and waviness. The fur may remain, or it may become bald on the neck or back.
Brush-point – the same as woolen brush. The cover comes in different lengths and thicknesses. The difference is that as the kitten matures, it becomes naked. The fur remains only on some parts of the body - the points: the muzzle, paws and tail. Moreover, the Sphynx either becomes completely naked, or the flock undercoat remains.
Straight-haired – all covered with ordinary fur, straight eyebrows and mustache. These kittens do not have the hair loss gene. But in all other respects, they are the same sphinxes.
It is almost impossible to guess what a kitten will become when it grows up. Only completely naked ones remain unchanged.