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Sphynx

File:Sphynx_-_cat._img_031.jpg · Wikimedia Commons · See Wikimedia Commons

EntityQ42712· pop 46· linked from 253 articles

Also known as Canadian Sphynx, Canadian Hairless

hairless cat breed

Key facts

Origin
Canada
Cfa
standard
Fife
standard
Tica
standard
Acfa caa
standard
Cca afc
standard

via Wikipedia infobox

Wikidata facts

Image
Two Sphynx cats in bath.jpg
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Commons category
Sphynx (cat)
Commons gallery
Sphynx (cat)
inception
1966-00-00
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via Wikidata · CC0

~12 min read

Article

The Sphynx cat (pronounced SFINKS, /ˈsfɪŋks/ ) also known as the Canadian Sphynx, is a breed of cat known for its lack of fur. Hairlessness in cats is a naturally occurring genetic mutation, and the Sphynx was developed through selective breeding of these animals, starting in the 1960s.

The skin has a texture of chamois leather, and these cats may have fine hairs or be completely hairless. Whiskers may be present, either whole or broken, or may be totally absent. Per the breed standards, they have a somewhat wedge-shaped head with large eyes and ears, quite long legs and tail, and neat rounded paws. Their skin is the color that their fur would be, and all the usual cat markings (solid, point, van, tabby, tortie, etc.) may be found on the Sphynx cat's skin. Because they have no fur, Sphynx cats lose body heat more readily than coated cats, making them both warm to the touch and prone to seeking out warm places.

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