The Canadian Sphynx is the first hairless breed

The Canadian Sphynx is one of the most unusual breeds of cats that cannot leave anyone indifferent. This breed is considered young and developing, but has already become popular and widespread in the world of felinology. For some people, their appearance can cause rejection and even hostility. But for the majority, on the contrary, these animals evoke only pleasant emotions, and some even consider their unearthly appearance to be the ideal of feline beauty.

Canadian Sphynxes.

Origin story

The history of this breed began in 1966 in Canada. This year, a kitten named Prun appeared in the litter of the most ordinary cat in the yard. He was completely bald. To retain this feature, he was crossed with his own mother. The resulting offspring were normal and hairless kittens. Similar matings were carried out several times, each time obtaining the same result. In the 70s, individuals were obtained that were devoid of hair, practically no different from modern representatives of sphinxes.

Since the breeding was carried out by non-professional breeders, but only by amateurs who had a limited genetic fund, the breeding of this breed was extremely slow, and most of the kittens did not survive or were born dead and non-viable. In 1975, another hairless kitten was born in the American state of Minnesota. His name was Epidermis. A year later, his mother brought another such baby. Both were placed in a kennel.

After some time, several more kittens were born in Canada. The Canadian Sphynx acquired its final appearance in Holland, where professional breeders began breeding this breed. The first kittens were brought to our country from the USA in the early 80s.

Breed standard and description

Description of the Canadian Sphynx breed has several standards developed by international experts in the field of breeding new breeds of cats. These requirements are:

• The head is medium in size, with a wedge-shaped rounded shape. The width should be slightly less than its length.
• The cat should have a flat forehead and a smooth transition between the muzzle.
• The animal's muzzle should be short, with prominent cheekbones and a short nose.
• The ears are straight, open, large and wide at the base with slightly rounded tips.
• There should be no mustache, but its presence is not a significant defect.
• The eyes are lemon shaped.
• The body of the Canadian Sphynx has well-developed muscles with a wide chest.
• The front legs should be slightly shorter than the hind legs.
• The animal's tail should be whip-like.
• There are numerous folds of skin on the neck, paws and forehead.

The average weight of an animal in adulthood is 3.5-4 kg, for males - 5-7 kg.

Breed Features

According to the breed standard, the Canadian Sphynx must have the following parameters:

• the head is medium-sized, elongated with pronounced cheekbones;
• the muzzle is rounded wedge-shaped, the whisker pads are clearly defined;
• whiskers (whiskers) according to the TICA (International Cat Association) standard should be short, as if broken off; according to the WCF (World Cat Federation) standard their presence is desirable, but a complete absence of whiskers is also acceptable;
• the ears are large and wide, without hair inside (a little hair is allowed on the outside and at the base of the ears);
• the eyes are large, lemon-shaped, the color of the iris can be any;
• body of medium length with a wide chest and rounded belly, very muscular;
• the tail is long, tapering towards the tip, a little hair is allowed at the end (the so-called lion's tail);
• paws of medium length, proportional to the body;
• the hind legs are slightly longer than the front legs;
• the paw pads are thick, the toes are long;
• There must be folds on the body.

  A representative of the Canadian Sphynx breed must meet strict standards

The disadvantages of the breed include:

• small pet size;
• very fragile or, conversely, too strong physique;
• lack of folds on the head;
• very narrow head;
• stubborn character;
• excess wool.

Representatives of the breed do not receive prizes:

• with wavy hair;
• with signs of artificial hair removal;
• hostile and aggressive.

Due to the different lengths of the hind and front legs, sphinxes have an amazingly graceful gait.

Appearance

A male adult Sphynx weighs about 5 kg, and a female weighs 3.5 kg.

It is believed that the Sphynx is a completely hairless cat. But the Canadian Sphynx, despite the fact that outwardly they seem hairless, still have a small fluff on some parts of the body. Most often, short, soft hair is found on the paws, tail, outside of the ears, and scrotum. It feels like suede to the touch. On other parts of the body there may be no fur at all, or there may be soft fluff that resembles the skin of a peach.

Unlike the coat of the Don Sphynx, the Canadian breed of hairless cats is not divided into subspecies such as flock, brush or velor.

Color

The color of sphinxes is determined by the color of their skin. It may be different.

The WCF breed standard recognizes all colors. And the CFA standard recognizes all colors, except those that are distinguished by zoning (alternating dark and light stripes on each hair). The main ones are:

• color consisting of one color (white, black, blue and others);
• tortoiseshell, which is represented by a combination of two (black and red or blue and white) or three (red, black and white) colors;
• tabby with spots in the form of patterns, stripes or small specks;
• bicolor, which is a combination of red, black and white colors in varying proportions;
• color point, which is a darker color on the tips of the ears, tail, paws and nose.

Photo gallery: varieties of colors of the Canadian Sphynx

Tortoiseshell coloring almost always occurs only in females

Bicolor is a combination of several colors in the color of an animal

Color point cats have a mysterious appearance

Tabby is a color with a pattern of stripes or combinations of spots

White Sphynx cats often have blue eyes

The most charming characteristic feature of Sphynx cats is their eyes. The gaze of these cats is touching and alert. And sometimes you can read absolute mutual understanding in it. A person observing these animals often gets the impression that they can read the internal state of the owner.

The Sphynx eye color, according to the CFA standard, can be any color. WCF requires that the eye color be in harmony with the coat. And TICA allows green and greenish-brown, but ideally also requires color matching.

Leather and fur of the Canadian Sphynx

Outwardly, the Sphynx cat looks naked, but in reality this is not the case. The skin is covered with small short hairs. The longer one is located on the bridge of the nose, ears, paws, and tail. The tail may even have some kind of tassel, reminiscent of a lion's. Because of this feature, animals of this breed are pleasant to pet. The skin feels like a pleasant soft suede or peach. There are no completely naked Sphynxes. An animal may have short eyelashes, mustaches, eyebrows, but there are individuals that lack them.

Kittens are born naked, with folds of skin, but with age they gradually smooth out. Some individuals retain their wrinkles on the body into adulthood. They are located on the head, neck, and paws. The skin itself is thick and elastic. It is not easy to pierce such skin with a syringe and you need to have dexterity and certain skills. The breed can have a variety of colors, but due to the lack of hair, it is difficult to recognize. The skin itself can have colors:

• ginger;
• grey;
• black;
• pink (normal skin color).

Just like people, Sphynx dogs can get a tan when exposed to the sun or ultraviolet radiation. In summer they become darker than in winter or autumn. The gene itself responsible for the lack of hair is recessive. It can only appear if both parents have it. If a Sphynx was crossed with a regular cat, kittens with fur will be born.

Any color is acceptable for the breed, although due to the lack of fur, color can be difficult to determine. The skin can be colored red, black, gray or colorless - pale pink. Like people, sphinxes tan in the sun - in summer their skin darkens in light areas.

The hairless gene is recessive. It only appears if it was received from both parents. If a Sphynx breeds from an ordinary fluffy cat, there will be no hairless kittens in the litter.

Differences between the Canadian Don and St. Petersburg sphinxes

The Canadian Sphynx breed is distinguished by thin bones and a more graceful physique. They have a shorter head and a better defined transition from the forehead to the nose. Petersburg Sphynxes (Peterbrolds) are Don Sphynxes that were crossed with the Siamese-Oriental breed. This breed has an elongated body with a wedge-shaped head, flat cheeks, large ears, set apart in different directions.

Don Sphynxes are distinguished by their better health, high endurance, and stable psyche. Among all the varieties, it is the Don Sphynxes that have the status of the most caring fathers; they actively participate in raising their growing offspring. They are also more active, affectionate, and good at contact with people or animals.

Can Sphynx cats cause allergies?

There is a special opinion that the allergen is cat fur. Allergies to the Sphynx, including the Canadian one, are common. The reason for this is the animal’s saliva and secretions, and not just the pet’s fur.

Possible tabby colors

Among tabby cats, gray and silver cats predominate with markings of a wide variety of colors: lilac, chocolate, blue, smoky black, reddish. But this does not mean that other tabby colors are rare. In the table below we look at the main variations of tabby color.

Table 2. Possible flower combinations for tabby color

It is worth noting that colors may vary depending on the design. Thus, spotted patterns are often presented in warm colors: golden, chocolate, wheat, brown, reddish, red. The classic type combines contrasting patterns of dark stripes on a light background: cream, yellowish, gray. The basis for dark striped patterns is silver and gray. The ticked type offers almost all possible colors. You can read about the mechanisms of genetic inheritance of pigments from cat to cat below.

Pigments and options for their transmission

In addition, the pattern may vary depending on the breed.

Table 3. Tabby color options for different breeds

Tabby cats with a rarer color are valued higher - because of this, they can cost more than their counterparts.

Colors

The coat color of the Canadian Sphynx is determined by the characteristics of skin pigmentation. The color of the skin becomes clear within a few hours after birth. The range of colors of sphinxes is varied.

Solid

These colors are also called solid. This means that in the pet's color, one color predominates. The color of the nose and paws should match the pigmentation of the skin. Solid color can be:

• white;
• lilac;
• cream;
• blue;
• black;
• chocolate;
• red.

Canadian Sphynx color code table.
Tortoiseshell colors, like other cat breeds, are typical only for females. Sphynx pigmentation occurs when two colors are mixed. The classic version is characterized by black and red colors. In the lightened type, these are blue and cream. Proportions and color options can be very diverse.

Bicolor animals can have any of the solid colors in combination with white. The colored part of the body has clear boundaries, and the proportion of white color is not a third, but in some cases up to half. One of the ears must be painted. The tail is also colored and has a white tip.

White Sphynx

Lilac sphinx

Cream Sphynx

Blue Sphynx

Black sphinx

Chocolate color

Red Sphinx.

Color point

Such kittens are initially born white; after a few days the animal acquires its color. This type has several varieties:

• Cream point. Rare color for this breed. The body is light cream in color, the eyes are blue, the nose and paw pads are pink.
• Seal point. These cats are light brown or black-brown. Adults gradually darken, but the back is darker than the rest of the body.
• Chocolate point. The color is lighter than seal point. An adult cat is golden brown in color.
• Tabby point (links). The body is light, on the muzzle, paws and tail there are stripes with a dark edging.

Such colors are rare for this cat breed, and such individuals are highly valued among breeders and lovers of the Canadian Sphynx breed.

Color point sphinx.

Harlequin

This type of color is an intermediate state between van and bicolor. There should be at least one spot on the head and several spots on the body, tail, and legs. The paws and nose are pink in color.

Wang

The animal is predominantly white in color. The tail and ears are colored in a contrasting color. No more than three spots of a different color are allowed on the body.

Color

Cat Colors Authors: Orca Starbuck and David Thomas (Adapted from Cat Fanciers) *This article continues on the Genetics of Cat Colors, which provides insight into the genetic basis of cat colors and the terminology used to designate them.

Here you can find an approximate answer to the question - “What color is my cat?” and understand the basic terms denoting colors, patterns and their combinations. Only the most common colors are described here, since genetically cats have a great variety of them. *Note: the word red is used to denote the color red, and blue is the color gray. Well, everything is clear with red - there is simply no corresponding word in the English language (in the original article it is described as orange, marmalade or ginger), but it’s not clear what the gray one didn’t like.

By and large, the drawings can be summarized as follows:

Tabbies Smokes, Solids With white markings Torties, Patched Tabbies and Calicos Pointed (Siamese) pattern FAQ (FAQ) Genetics of colors 1. Tabbies (tabby). If your cat has stripes, then his pattern is “tabby” (sometimes called “brindle”). All tabbies have fine lines on their muzzle that define their eyes and form an "M" on their forehead. If you look at the fur close up, you can see that each hair is colored with dark and light stripes. This alternation is called "Agouti". It is generally accepted that tabby is the original color of wild, undomesticated cats. There are four main tabby patterns:

• Mackerel tabby (brindle) - a pattern in the form of parallel vertical stripes. • Classic tabby (classic) - wide spiral stripes on the sides, reminiscent of marble stains. In the UK this pattern is called "blotched tabby". • Spotted tabby (spotted) - spots all over the body. The spots can be large or small, sometimes in the form of intermittent stripes. • Ticked tabby - sometimes called Abyssinian or agouti. Without stripes or spots on the body, but with a pattern on the face and agouti on the body. This color is typical for Abyssinian cats, but it also occurs in other cats.

Tabbies come in a wide variety of colors. Tabby color refers to the color of the stripes or the tip of the tail. The main color of agouti varies from faded blue to deep red.

• brown tabby (brown) - black stripes on a brownish or bluish background. The color of the stripes varies from jet black to slightly brownish. • blue tabby (blue) - blue stripes on a background ranging from pale blue to earthy gray. The color of the stripes ranges from asphalt to light gray. • red tabby (red) - red stripes on a cream background. The color of the stripes ranges from light orange to dark marmalade (the English language is great and powerful! - just from light to dark red). • cream tabby (cream) - cream stripes on a pale cream background. The stripes look more sandy or peachy than creamy. • silver tabby (silver) - black stripes on a white background. The roots of the hair are white. Blue silver, cream silver, or red silver, cameo tabbies are also possible, depending on the color of the stripes. In any case, the silver tabby has a pale base color and white hair roots.

2. Solids and Smokes If your cat is all one color, then it is “solid”. The British can call its color and “self”. • solid black - black. It can range from charcoal to grayish-black or blackish-brown. The blackness may appear "rusty" in sunlight, or have a brown tint. • solid blue - light blue. The shade varies from dark gray to light ash. This is a common color for the Russian Blue, Chartreuse, Korat, and British Shorthair breeds, but is found in many breeds and in domestic cats. Kittens may have a faint tabby pattern that disappears with age. • solid white - white. White cats may have blue eyes, some green or gold, and some even multi-colored - one green, one golden, or even one blue, one green or gold! These are called “odd-eyed white (white with different eyes).” Most solid colors are developed by suppressing recessive tabby genes. Sometimes the pattern is not completely suppressed, then a vague shadow tabby is noticeable. If you have seen a black leopard, you may have seen the outline of the pattern because the leopard also has similar suppressed genes. If you haven’t seen a black leopard yet, come to the Yekaterinburg Zoo! Red and cream colors cannot effectively suppress tabbies, so the pattern on such animals, to a greater or lesser extent, is always present. The monochromatic white color is obtained as a result of the action of different genes that completely suppress the color. Many white kittens have vague shading on the head where the color is not completely suppressed, which goes away with age.

If the cat is black or blue, but the roots of the hair are clearly white, it is “smoke.” (The hair roots of solid-colored cats are usually greyish; true Smokes have distinct white roots.) Smokes are the solid-colored version of the silver tabbi. This color is very impressive and mysterious, especially in movement, when the color shimmers beautifully.

Smokes are divided according to the length of the colored section of the hair:

• Chinchilla - 1/8 of the hair tip is dyed. • Shaded - 1/4 of the end of the hair is colored. • Smoky - 1/2 of the end of the hair is colored.

• Black smoke - black with white roots. • Blue smoke - blue with white roots. • Silver (Shaded/Chinchilla) Silver (shaded or chinchilla) - when kittens are born, the coat is so light that it appears white. However, white color can only be inherited from white (not silver) parents. There may be a slight tabby pattern at the tip of the tail, which usually disappears by six weeks. Green eyes are also a sign that the kitten is silver and not white. • Cameo (Cameo) is a special name for a red (cream) shaded or smoky color. Kittens of this color are born white, and the tipping appears gradually.

3. Cats with white markings Clearly defined white markings (as opposed to shaded markings like the Siamese) can appear on any color. Just add “And white” to the base color description. This is how you get, for example, “Black and white” or “Cream tabby and white.” The white areas can be of different sizes and locations, which determine the more precise name of the color: • With white gloves (mitted) ) - white slippers on the paws • With a white locket - a white spot on the chest • With white buttons (buttons) - one or more small white spots • Bi-color - half white • Harlequin - mostly white with a few large patches of color. • Van - All white with color on the head and tail. • Tuxedo - with white paws and chest. May have a little white on the head. This is an informal definition. 4. Torties ), patched tabbies, and calicos If your cat is colored in a random combination of colors, it may be one of the following colors: For colors without white -

• Tortoiseshell, tortie - random spots all over the body in red, black and cream colors. spots may have varying degrees of clarity. • Blue-cream - random spots throughout the body of blue and cream colors in soft, pastel colors. This color is sometimes called blue or dilute tortie. • Brown patched tabby - Reminiscent of fall foliage, with patches of brown and red tabby. This color is also known as torbie. • Blue patched tabby is a soft color with patches of blue and cream tabby.

For colors with white marks, depending on the amount of white -

• Tortoiseshell and white or blue-cream and white - minor white areas. The main color is the same as that of simple tortoiseshell or blue cream, respectively. • Calico, Chintz (calico) - more white. As a rule, the more white, the larger and more clearly the red and black spots should be drawn. Note that the large black spots are usually solid, while the red spots are tabby. • Dilute calico - the same as the previous one, but with blue and cream spots. The blue spots are uniform, creamy with tabby. • Patched tabby and white – varying amounts of white. Tabby areas with a lot of white, like Calico, have large, clear patches of color.

5. Colorpoint (With a Siamese spot) (Pointed (Siamese) pattern) If your cat has a dark spot on the face, paws and tail, this is a Colorpoint color. It is common in Siamese cats, but occurs in domestic cats as well as in many other breeds. Sometimes this color is called Siamese or Himalayan. Cats with this color are usually born white and darken as they age. Young cats have much lighter bodies than older cats. Colorpoints also vary in color:

• Seal point - dark brown spot and body between light brown and ivory. Dark brown paw pads and nose • Chocolate point - light brown markings and ivory body. Light brown-pink paw pads and nose • Blue point - a blue spot on a light blue body. Gray nose and paw pads. • Lilac point - a blue spot on a light blue body. Grey-pink nose and paw pads. • Lynx point (lynx point) - tabby spot! A spot of any color from the “Tabby” section. For example, blue lynx point or red lynx point. The body may have some patterning signs that appear with age. • Tortie point - a tortoiseshell spot, and Blue-cream point - a blue-cream spot.

Even a point color with white markings is possible! This is when a cat has a white color, but the pointing spots (especially on the feet) are clearly visible, located on top of the main color.

If you are interested in the genetic basis of obtaining different colors, as well as what colors are theoretically possible, this article is for you.

Pigmentation White color Ticking and tabby Shaded With white spots The colors of cats are distinguished by a variety of patterns and colors. The names for these colors are often based on genetic theory. Many people are confused when faced with the names of colors that exist among cat lovers. This article will help to understand these terms and the reasons for their occurrence, but does not attempt to describe the mechanisms of inheritance and does not provide formulas for calculating the possible result of crossing different colors.

1. Pigmentation The color of fur, skin and eyes depends on the presence of melanin in them. Melanin is found in the hair body in the form of microscopic granules that vary in shape, size and quantity, which causes differences in color. There are two chemical varieties of melanin: eumelanin and phaeomelanin. Eumelanin granules are spherical and absorb almost all light, giving black pigmentation. Phaeomelanin granules are oblong (ellipsoidal in shape) and reflect light in the red-yellow-orange range. Some genes can change the density of melanin granules in such a way that different colors are produced. The greatest differences are observed in dark (eumelanin-based) colors.

Table of common names of basic colors by genotype: Saturation Max Min Dark (eumelanin-based) Black (B-) Black Blue Brown (bb) Chocolate Lilac Light brown (b1b1) Cinnamon (Cinnamon) Deer (fawn) Red (phaeomelanin-based) Orange ( O(O)) Red Cream

With a decrease in the amount of eumelanin granules in the hair body, the black color changes through chocolate (or chestnut) to cinnamon color. Chocolate is recessive to black, and cinnamon is recessive to chocolate. Such mutations will cause allele (B) Mutations of dark group geos lead to the appearance of blue, purple and fawn colors. This is due to the grouping of pigment particles in the hair body. Cyan is a diluted black and represents different shades of grey. Lilac is a diluted chocolate color and is sometimes compared to the color of frost or lavender. Fawn (fawn) is a diluted cinnamon color - the color of café au lait or caramel. Such mutations depend on the location of the allele (D). Dilution is recessive relative to saturated shades.

Red-based (phaeomelanistic) colors have significantly less variation. The color red is usually described as orange or marmalade, and in Russian it is red. Some cats have such pale pigmentation that they can be called yellow. Cream is a diluted red, the color of cream. For the red gene, use the symbol (O). Black color is recessive to red. The red gene (O) is linked to the X chromosome and is therefore sex dependent. Cats have one X chromosome, so if a cat carries the red gene, it will be red. Cats have two X chromosomes, so a cat will be red if both X chromosomes carry the red gene. However, in many cats, the red gene is carried on only one chromosome, resulting in black pigmentation in the form of patches. This combination of red and black is called Tortoiseshell. The typical Tortoiseshell coloration is a random pattern of black and red patches. Some have more red, some have more black. Depending on the saturation, the spots can be either black-orange or blue-cream (these are not usually called tortoiseshell, but simply called blue-cream). Variations of black result in the Chocolate Tortie and Cinnamon Tortie, with diluted versions called the Lilac-Cream Tortie and the Fawn-Cream Tortie.

The described mutations have existed in Europe and the Western Hemisphere for hundreds of years. Another set of mutations was introduced from Asia, and is represented by Siamese and Burmese cats. Burmese carry the genes for the Sepia color (cb), and the Siamese carry the genes for the Pointed color mark (cs). Such mutations are caused by the allele (C), their combination (cb/cs), as in the Tonkin cat, represents the mink color (mink).

Plain (C-) Sepia (cbcb) Mink (cbcs) Point (cscs) Black (BD-) Sable (Sable) Wax Sepia (Seal Sepia) Wax (Seal Mink) Natural (Natural Mink) Sealpoint (Sealpoint) Blue (B- dd) Blue Sepia Blue Mink Blue point (Blue point) Chocolate (bbD-) Chocolate Sepia Champagne (Champagne) Chocolate Mink Champagne Mink Chocolate point Lilac (bbdd) Lilac Sepia Platinum (Platinum) Lilac Mink Platinum Mink Lilacpoint Platinum point Cinnamon (b1b1D-) Cinnamon Sepia Cinnamon Mink Honey Mink Cinnamon point Fawn (b1b1dd) Fawn Sepia Fawn Mink Fawn point Red (DO(O)) Red Sepia Red Mink Red point, red point Cream (ddO(O)) Cream Sepia (Fawn Sepia) Cream Mink Creampoint

Not shown in the table are two more colors of the albino mutation, which usually have a solid white coat, regardless of pigmentation genes. These are white with blue eyes (ca/ca), and white with pink eyes (c/c).

2. White cats White color is the absence of any pigmentation. Solid white wool can be obtained in three completely different cases: 1. White albino. This is a recessive variant, described in the previous section 2. Solid white spots The white spot factor (S) is not completely dominant, is subject to polygenetic modifications and usually results in the cat being not all white. However, the spots may be so dense that the animal appears completely white. White spots are described in the following sections. 3. Dominant White This mutation suppresses all other pigmentation genes, and results in a white coat color and blue eyes. As the name suggests, this is the effect of the dominant white gene (W). In the dominant white, genes for other colors and patterns, although present, are completely hidden. The only way to determine the underlying genotype is by crossing with colored cats of a well-known genotype. Breeding two dominant whites will usually result in all-white kittens, but if both parents are heterozygous (W/w), some kittens may show primary colors. If the genotype of the white parents is not known from the pedigree or test crosses, the mating result is unpredictable. Dominant white is found in a variety of breeds. Sometimes white Oriental Orientals are considered by some associations as a separate breed. The dominant white color has a much deeper blue eye color than albinos, and this is considered an advantage. The best blue eye color is observed in completely white Oriental Oriental cats that carry a suppressed chocolate gene. Deafness in cats is associated with the spotted (S) and white dominant (W) genes, but not with the albino gene (c/c or ca/ca).

3. Ticking and Tabby The previous paragraphs described solid colors. However, these colors are not the most common. Many cats are ticked, and most are ticked in a different color than the main one, a pattern called tabby. Ticking is the result of the agouti gene, designated (A), which results in stripes of light and dark pigmentation appearing on each hair. The agouti gene allows full pigmentation for hair that has begun to grow, then slows down pigment synthesis for a while, and allows it again. When the hair reaches its full length and stops growing, pigment synthesis stops. As a result, the hair is densely colored at the tip, then there is a stripe of yellow or orange color, then again a densely pigmented area, descending to the yellow or orange root of the hair. Agouti stripes are found in both eumelanistic and red base colors. In both cases, the band corresponds to a period of slowing melanin production. Agouti stripes in black-based colors are also caused by eumelanin (not phaeomelanin), but the pigment granules are sparse and arranged in islands, giving a yellow or orange tint. Thus, agouti is not a mixture of areas with eumelanin and phaeomelanin pigmentation. In eumelanin-pigmented hairs, the agouti stripes are usually yellowish in color. However, their color can be orange - this color is caused by the red color factor. This polygenetic factor has not yet been isolated or identified, but breeders know how to select animals that produce warm tabby colors. In particular, the Brown Tabby is genetically black, but by selecting individuals with a strong red factor it was possible to obtain a rich brown color in the ticked hairs. The mutation responsible for the uniform color is called non-agouti (a/a), and is recessive. The effect of non-agouti suppresses ticking so that the pigment is evenly distributed along the entire length of the hair, except at the root, where ticking is usually preserved to some extent.

Tabby is responsible for the gene (T), which causes the appearance of stripes and spots of the main color on the ticked coat. Commonly known types of tabbies are given the following descriptive names:

1. Tiger Tabby (Mackerel Tabby). Ticked hair in stripes is located on the main color (like a tiger). This is the most common tabby pattern. 2. Classic Tabby. The ticked hair is arranged in patches, often in the shape of "bull's eyes" on the sides, or "butterflies" on the back. This pattern is also called Blotched Tabby. 3. Ticked Tabby. Ticked hair is evenly distributed throughout the body, the coat looks as if freckled. This pattern is also called Agouti Tabby, Abyssinian Tabby or wild. 4. Ticked Tabby. The ticked hair alternates with spots or rosettes of the primary color (as on a leopard or jaguar). Agouti and tabby genes in combination with the base colors produce the following patterns: Agouti(A-) Non-agouti(aa) Ticket Ticked Brindle Mackerel Classic Classic Ticket Ticked Brindle Mackerel Classic Classic (Tb) (T-) (TbTb) (Tb) ( T-) (TbTb) Black (BD-) Brown ticked tabby Brown brindle tabby Brown classic tabby Solid black Black Solid Blue (B-dd) Blue ticked tabby Blue brindle tabby Blue classic tabby Solid blue Blue Solid Chocolate (dd B-) Chocolate ticked tabby Chocolate brindle tabby Chocolate classic tabby Solid Chocolate Chocolate Solid Lilac (bb dd) Lilac ticked tabby Lilac brindle tabby Lilac classic tabby Solid Chocolate Chocolate Solid Cinnamon (b1b1D-) Cinnamon ticked tabby Cinnamon brindle tabby Cinnamon classic tabby Solid Cinnamon Solid Fawn ( b1b1dd) Ticked Tabby Fawn Brindle Tabby Fawn Classic Tabby Fawn Solid Fawn Solid Red (DO(O)) Red Ticked Tabby Red Brindle Tabby Red Classic Tabby Same as Agouti (A-) Non-Agouti does not show up on orange pigment Cream ( ddO(O)) Cream ticked tabby Cream brindle tabby Cream classic tabby

The classic tabby (tb) is recessive to the brindle (T), the brindle is recessive to the Abyssinian (Ta). Agouti and tabby genes are also combined with all albino colors - sepia, mink and colorpoints. Americans recognize the Burmese and Tonka breeds only with the black-based non-agouti color (eumelanistic non-agouti) color, without recognizing tabby manifestations. In the Singaporean (Singapura), only the “Sable Agouti Tabby” color is recognized - seal sepia ticked tabby. Some associations allow tabby Siamese cats - their color is called Lynx Point - with a lynx spot. Note that there are no solid red or cream colors here. Although breeders produce uniformly colored red and cream cats by selecting for carriers of the red gene with a tendency to reduce pattern contrast, the "M" on the forehead is still present in even the most uniform red-base (Phaeomelanistic) colors. Ticked tabby in relation to Abyssinians and Somalis (Abyssinians, Somalis) is given special names:

Ruddy Abyssinian = Brown Ticked Tabby Blue Abyssinian = Blue Ticked Tabby Sorrel Abyssinian = Cinnamon Ticked Tabby Fawn Abyssinian = Fawn Ticked Tabby Ticked Tabby) Abyssinian Sorrel is sometimes called red, but this is incorrect. All these colors are black-based. The Red and Cream colors of the Somali and Abyssinian are not recognized by US associations. Note that spotted tabby is not identified as a separate genotype. It is not entirely clear whether the spotted tabby is a mutation of the tabby gene, or whether it is simply the effect of polygenetic modifications of the mackerel tabby. Some breeders point to the existence of spotted tabby in various species of wild cats, as confirmation that the spotted tabby is an independent mutation. In practice, however, the spotted tabby produces offspring with patterns ranging from spotted to brindle, and breeders must continually select sires with clear markings, otherwise the pattern of the offspring will shift to brindle. Tortoiseshell cats can also have a tabby pattern. In the tortoiseshell tabby (torbie), the tabby pattern appears on both the red and black areas. Solid and ticked stripes on red areas continue without interruption to black areas. 4. Shaded In a regular tabby, the ticked hairs have light stripes, but they are not devoid of color. Typically, the light stripes are yellowish in color, but can sometimes appear orange. Less commonly, agouti stripes add a tint to the main color. Shading expands the agouti stripes so that the highlights can reach the root of the hair. This effect results in the hair having a colored tip, the color of which is determined by the base color gene, and the hair itself is much lighter. If the light area of ​​the hair is white, it is Silver, if it is yellow or cream, it is Golden. There have been several explanations for the genetics of shaded colors. It was previously believed that the chinchilla gene (Ch) (Chinchilla) is a modification of the albino gene. If this were the case, then colors such as shaded sepia, mink and colorpoint would not be possible. Breeder experiments refute this theory. It was later thought that a separate gene, called the inhibitor gene (I), caused the shading. But this theory could not explain all the varieties of shaded colors and the success of breeders in obtaining them. Therefore, it is now believed that at least two genes cause shading, however, this theory has not yet been proven experimentally. All these theories try to explain hereditary factors that suppress pigment synthesis after hair reaches a certain length. The combination of shading with agouti and tabby results in colors such as Chinchilla, Shaded Silver, Silver Tabby and Smoke. In the Chinchilla, each hair is well colored at the end and pale to the root, so all the hair appears lightly colored and there is no tabby pattern effect. The tipping is so weak that the color even seems white at first glance, but upon closer inspection it seems to sparkle. In Shaded Silver, all the hair is colored where the agouti stripe would normally begin. Like the Chinchilla, the ticked and solid areas are pale colored where agouti stripes would normally be, so the pattern is not noticeable. However, in Shaded Silver the colored tips are long enough so that the underlying color is clearly visible, especially on the head and back. The Silver Tabby has ticked hair that is brightly colored at the tips and pale to the root, but the solid hair has normal color intensity. The tabby pattern is enhanced by the contrast between the almost white ticked coat and the areas of base color. The Smoke pattern is the result of shading a solid non-agouti color. All hairs are well colored to the point where an agouti stripe would appear and then fade into an almost white undercoat. This color looks like the main color, but if you blow on the coat, a contrasting and white undercoat is noticeable. It is also clearly visible when the animal moves. The same shaded patterns can be found on the golden undercoat. They are called Golden Chinchilla, Shaded Golden, Golden Tabby and Golden Smoke. Unlike white (silver) shaded animals, these animals have an undercoat of warm cream or apricot color. The eumelanistic shaded colors are the most impressive as they have more contrast, but the red and cream colors are also very beautiful. Red-based shaded colors are often called "Cameo" and their corresponding common names are listed below:

Shell Cameo = Red Chinchilla Shaded Cameo = Red Shaded Silver Cameo Tabby = Red Shaded Silver Smoke Cameo = Red Smoke

Since shading is combined with both black-base and red-base colors, it can appear in all tortoiseshell colors. Theoretically, golden undercoat can also be obtained in a red-base color, but so far breeders have not found such a combination worthy of attention. The lack of contrast in the Red Golden Shaded makes the effect almost indistinguishable, but in the black spots of the Tortoiseshell Golden Shaded or Tortoiseshell Golden Chinchilla it is quite noticeable.

5. With white spots A very common mutation that results in white spots. The spotted color is sometimes called "piebald". There are a lot of varieties of spots - from white slippers, white feet, to a white nose or chin. From small white areas to almost complete absence of areas with the main color. White spots can be considered a mask on the main color. Typically, owners of cats that have dark stripes only on the head and tail consider their pets to be white. This is not correct - in fact, these are cats with a tabby pattern that is hidden under white spots. White spots are found in any color and in any of the above patterns. It is generally accepted to name such colors by indicating the main color and adding “With white”. For example, a Red Mackerel Tabby with white spots is called a Red Mackerel Tabby and White, and a Lilac Tabby becomes Lilac and White. Tortoiseshell and White has a special name - Calico (Chintz). Hence, Blue Cream and White is sometimes called Watered Down Calico. White spot factor (S) is the dominant mutation. Homozygous (S/S) cats usually have more white patches than heterozygous (S/s) cats, but other genes can change the extent of the white patches. Sometimes the white spots can increase with age. The white spot factor can result in blue-eyed cats and cats with mixed eyes if the spot covers one eye. This gene is associated with deafness, especially if the white patches reach the ears. If the white patch covers the eyes and ears, then it is possible that the result will be a deaf cat with blue eyes. Deafness can affect one or both ears. This is caused by degeneration of the concha of the inner ear, which begins in the first days of life. Such deafness is incurable. It has been noticed that a white spot can be present on a white cat! Of course, a spot on white is visually indistinguishable. 6. Explanations of the notations in the article The article uses the notations generally accepted in genetics, which, however, are not necessary to understand the essence of the matter. Typically, genes for different characteristics are designated by letters, usually the first letter of the gene name. Mutations of a gene are called allomorphs, or more commonly, alleles. Dominant alleles are indicated in capital letters, recessive alleles are indicated in lowercase letters. Typically in genetics, multiple alleles are distinguished by superscript letters. For example, Black is (B), Brown is (b), and Light Brown is designated b l. The article did not use superscript characters, so it turns out (bl). Every cat has a pair of genes for each trait, one from each parent. A purebred black cat is designated as (B/B), and a chocolate (chocolate (brown)) cat is designated as (b/b). These are called homozygotes because they received the same set of genes from both parents. A black cat with a recessive gene for chocolate color is designated as (B/b) - its parents have different genes. Cats with recessive traits (like (B/b)) are called heterozygotes. They are indistinguishable from homozygous individuals; differences appear only in the offspring. If the presence of a dominant gene determines a visible trait, the paper used a form like (B/-), where the minus indicates that the second gene is unknown or unimportant for the visible trait.

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The Djoser Sphynx Cattery offers to get acquainted with the unique breed of hairless cats - the Sphynx, learn the history of the origin of Sphynx cats, get recommendations for caring for a Sphynx kitten, look at photographs of Sphynx kittens and adult Sphynx cats from the Djoser Sphynx Cattery . On the website of the Sphynx nursery “Djoser” you can see photo reports from cat shows with the participation of adult Sphynx cats and Sphynx kittens from the Sphynx nursery “Djoser”, visit a photo gallery of adult Sphynx cats and cats, as well as Sphynx kittens for sale. On the news page of the Djoser Sphynx nursery, you can see new Sphynx animals and rare Sphynx kittens born in our nursery. Kittens from our Sphynx nursery “Djoser” have found their new loving owners not only in Russia, but also in other countries of Europe and America. The Djoser Sphynx Cattery offers you elite Sphynx kittens from award-winning breeders. In the Djoser Sphynx nursery you can purchase a Sphynx kitten of a rare color - a colored, non-white, odd-eyed Sphynx kitten. You can contact us by phone. in Moscow +7-901-5555-172, +7-915-269-58-65, e-mail: josercat @yandex.ru

Care and maintenance

Caring for the Canadian Sphynx has several features. The lack of fur is a factor in the fact that these cats require special care than other cats. Skin secretion, that is, the sweat and sebaceous glands of sphinxes work like those of an ordinary cat. A coating forms on the surface of the skin, which leaves characteristic grease stains on a person’s clothing and furniture upholstery, especially white ones.

To avoid this behavior, it is necessary to regularly carry out hygiene procedures. Some people believe that wiping their pet with wet wipes is enough. However, the optimal solution is water procedures performed once a week. To do this, you can choose special shampoos or replace it with children's shampoo. After bathing the sphinx, it is necessary to wrap it well in a towel so that the animal does not become overcooled or frozen.

The issue of hypothermia is a special issue for all hairless breeds. When a person holds her in his hands, she seems very hot to him. Due to their fur, heat exchange in these animals occurs more intensely than in ordinary cats.

Canadian Sphynxes.
In a cool room or outdoors, they will freeze faster than their furry counterparts. Many owners buy clothes for their pets that will help them survive the off-season or autumn period, when heating is not yet available in city apartments.

Otherwise, caring for the animal is the same as for other cats. It is necessary to periodically examine the eyes and ears and remove any accumulated dirt there. If the animal receives soft food, it is necessary to brush its teeth with animal pastes. Such compositions effectively remove plaque and tartar and prevent caries. The cat must have the following items:

• tray;
• care products (for bathing);
• dedicated sleeping area;
• two bowls;
• toys;
• cat corner;
• carrying

In addition, the animal must have a comfortable scratching post, otherwise furniture, wallpaper, and wooden furnishings will suffer.

Features of caring for hairless cats

Caring for Canadian Sphynx cats does not involve anything special or difficult. Bathing, cleaning ears and eyes, and trimming nails should be regular.

In the cold season, you need to dress the sphinx in warm clothes and monitor the temperature in the room.

Due to the lack of hair, Sphynx cats are often cold and can catch a cold in a draft, so you should take care of special clothes for them.

Bathing

Sphynxes should be bathed as their skin becomes dirty and as rarely as possible. Too frequent procedures can lead to excessive dryness of the skin, and too infrequent procedures can lead to clogged pores, accumulation of secretions in the folds of the skin and, as a result, skin diseases. In summer, the animal is bathed no more than once a week, and in winter - when dirty.

Shampoo for hairless pets should be hypoallergenic, with a neutral pH of 5.5. It is advisable to purchase a detergent designed specifically for sphinxes:

• Ms.Kiss “Graceful Sphinx”;

  Shampoos developed for hairless cats take into account the characteristics of the animal’s skin.

• "Elite professional" from "Agrovetzaschita".

The water for bathing should be quite hot: about 37–38˚С. Swimming in cool water often leads to colds. After the procedure, you need to wipe your pet with a dry soft towel. You cannot blow dry cats of this breed, as the skin will react negatively to dry hot air. The temperature in the room after water procedures should be no lower than 25˚C. Otherwise, the animal may catch a cold.

Caring for ears, eyes, claws

It is necessary to carefully clean the ears with slightly damp cotton swabs as they become dirty. To prevent eye diseases, you need to clean your eyes once a week with a cotton pad moistened with boiled water or weak tea leaves. And also regularly (once every 10-14 days) cut the nails.

Typically, Sphynx cats do not resist when performing these simple actions. On the contrary, many of them love to lie with their owner in a warm bath and purr loudly when their nails are trimmed after bathing.

Video: how to care for the Canadian Sphynx

Toilet

Most often, a special plastic tray is used for the toilet. When purchasing it, make sure that the dimensions allow your pet to fit comfortably in it. It should be taken into account that when the kitten grows up, it is not advisable to change the toilet to which he is accustomed to a larger tray. You also need to correctly select the height of the sides of the litter tray. From a litter box with low sides, litter may spill out, and a tray with high walls may be uncomfortable for the kitten. It is advisable for the toilet to have a flat bottom. This gives it stability.

Diet of the Canadian Sphynx

Feed your pet only high-quality food and products. The Canadian Sphynx can be fed with both ready-made food and natural products.

Ready-made feed

Ready-made food can be dry or wet. Any of these species can be used to feed Sphynx cats. Some veterinarians recommend using a mixed type of feeding, when the cat's diet includes both dry and wet food. But other experts are opponents of this approach. In any case, it would be wise to consult with your veterinarian or the breeder from whom you are purchasing the kitten about what is best to feed your pet.

Economy class products are not suitable for feeding Canadian Sphynx cats. They are not able to meet the body's needs for essential substances and can even harm the pet's health. Therefore, it is necessary to buy only premium or super premium food. These include:

• HILLS (Hills);
• EUKANUBA (Ekanuba);
• EAGLE PACK (Eagle Pak);
• IAMS (Yams);
• ROYAL CANIN (Royal Canin);

  The Royal Canin brand has dry food specially designed for Sphynx cats

• NUTRO CHOICE (Nutro choice);
• BOSH (Bosch);
• PRO NATURE (About Nature);
• PRO PLAN (Pro Plan);
• INNOVA (Innova);
• CHIKEN SOUP (Chicken soup);
• ACANA (Akana);
• ORIJEN (Origin).

Natural products

The diet of an adult Sphynx should include the following foods:

• lean meat;
• chicken kidneys and hearts;
• fish;
• cereal;
• vegetables;
• greens and fruits (if the animal does not mind this).

The following products are prohibited:

• fish bones;
• milk;
• raw river fish;
• chicken bones;
• salty foods;
• smoked meats;
• sweets;
• spicy foods.

A small kitten up to 1.5 months should be fed with mother's milk. Then the diet includes:

• cottage cheese;
• egg yolk;
• milk formulas;
• porridge.

From three months you can give:

• greenery;
• unsalted cheese;
• boiled lean beef;
• boiled vegetables;
• shredded chicken breast.

The power mode is as follows:

• from 1 to 3 months you need to feed the kitten 6–8 times a day, 20 or 25 g per feeding;
• from 4 to 6 months - 2-3 times a day, 40 or 50 g per feeding.

Diet of the Canadian Sphynx

In stores you can find dozens of types of ready-made food that you can use to feed your Sphynx. It is necessary to choose high-quality ones, made from meat and containing all the beneficial substances for the cat’s body. Natural food should have a meat base. It can be served raw or scalded with boiling water before serving. The proportion of meat should be at least half of the total weight. The remaining half is boiled porridge, vegetables, and dairy products.

You can read about how to feed Scottish cats here.

A serving of food for an adult cat is about 200 grams of protein food per day, 100 grams of food rich in carbohydrates. There should be meat every day, several times a week you can add variety - rabbit, chicken. Poultry meat should not have bones or skin. Once a week the animal is given egg yolk, cheese, cottage cheese, kefir. Several times a week, the cat should receive:

• offal;
• greens or fruits (apples, pears);
• fish;

If it is not possible to prepare food for your pet every day, you can stock up on minced meat. You need to store it frozen and pour boiling water over it or heat it in the microwave before serving.

Raising a pet

The Canadian Sphynx is a very sociable animal, gentle and affectionate. When his owner returns from work, he will sit by the door or jump into his arms. These animals require proper attention from humans. You need to play with him and generally spend a lot of time. You should not leave him alone for a long time, as he will experience psychological discomfort or may even get sick. However, if you make him angry, he may make an unpleasant surprise in the form of wet slippers.

Character traits

The character of the Canadian Sphynx is devoid of an aggressive state towards anyone; this breed is an exception to the rule. They get along well with other animals and play happily with children. They feel good in a large crowd of people in the house, if guests or relatives have arrived. Unlike other cat breeds, Sphynx cats do not tend to show their hunting instincts. Instead, they inherited affection and tenderness from their ancestors. They are loyal to their owners and love to be held. Many people think that the cat is simply warming up in this way.

Specifics of training

These animals can be taught to follow simple commands. This must be done carefully and gradually, without aggression or violence, if the cat does not understand what its owner wants from it. The animal, thanks to its intelligence, learns quickly and remembers everything it has learned, even after a long time.

Adult Sphynx.

Breeding

Now Canadian Sphynxes are gaining popularity, more and more nurseries and breeders are appearing. Finding a partner for mating is not difficult, especially in large cities. In almost all millionaire cities there are places where you can buy a purebred specimen. There are especially many of them in Moscow and the region.

Mating

This is a complex process that must be organized at the proper level. It is important to create the right conditions for this to happen correctly. Puberty in Canadian Sphynx cats begins at one year of age, and the first estrus begins at 6 months. Cats begin to mark at about one year of age.

Pregnancy

The female's pregnancy lasts 62-68 days, 65 days on average. In some individuals it can last 58-70 days. During this period, the cat should have increased nutrition and increased feeding frequency. The cat should receive a portion of food 20-30% larger than usual, and the frequency, instead of two, should be increased to 4-5 times a day.

Nursing Sphynx cat with kittens.

Castration and sterilization

The operation is performed on males and females and lasts from an hour to three. The operation is performed under general anesthesia. If the owner does not plan to breed the breed, it is recommended to carry out this procedure in order to save the animal from physiological and psychological torment.

Diseases of the Canadian Sphynxes

To many, sphinxes seem completely defenseless, but in fact these animals are in good health. On average they live 15 years, there are individuals that live up to 20 years of age. Due to the fact that this breed is considered still young, their genetic problems have not been fully studied, much less corrected. Canadians received from their ancestors some hereditary diseases that are more common than in other cat breeds.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)

This is a genetic disease of the heart muscle. In addition to sphinxes, this disease also occurs in:

• British;
• Scots;
• Maine Coons.

With this disease, thickening of the walls of the heart muscle is observed, and the cavities, on the contrary, become narrowed. As a result, blood circulation throughout the body is disrupted. Symptoms include frequent fainting, fatigue, sudden death of the animal, lack of activity, and lethargy. Owners of this breed should conduct a study every year in order to identify this pathology in time.

Skin diseases

Canadians are not true hairless cats, they have a little fluff. The skin does not require special care, such as the skin of the Don Sphynx. But there may be some problems with it:

• high formation of skin secretion;
• rashes and acne;
• pathologies of the sebaceous glands, which is especially important for the tail.

These problems often arise due to hormonal imbalances and poor nutrition. The skin must be protected from the sun, as it can cause burns.

Bicolor Sphynx kitten.

Diseases of the reproductive system

These diseases occur due to hormonal imbalance. This individual has high sexual activity. Animals that are not suitable for breeding are recommended to be castrated or sterilized.

The most common problems are cysts in the ovaries and the presence of benign tumors. These problems, if detected, are resolved surgically.

Myasthenic syndrome

This hereditary pathology is observed in the Cornish Rex, Devon Rex, and Canadian Sphynxes. A cat with this disease has an insufficient number of acetylcholine receptors. These are special proteins contained in the membranes of muscle cells. Because of this phenomenon, the cat experiences a deficiency of potassium ions and vitamin B1. The symptoms are:

• muscle weakness;
• the cat cannot raise its head;
• it is difficult for the animal to stand and sometimes even eat.

Myasthenia gravis can appear at the age of 1.5 months. Such animals must be regularly monitored by a veterinarian.

Interesting read: everything about the Scottish Straight cat.

Required vaccinations

The Sphynx receives the same vaccinations as other cats. The most necessary are antiviral ones, which provide protection against rhinotracheitis, panleukopenia, calicivirus infection, and chlamydia. This vaccine is given 8 weeks after the animal is born and is valid for a year. A rabies vaccination is mandatory and must be given at three months. Vaccinations against dermatomycosis should also be given.

Health and illness

Sphinxes without congenital pathologies have good health. They rarely suffer from colds and viral diseases and are not susceptible to cardiovascular diseases. Sphinxes rarely get genetic diseases, but they are susceptible to them.

Microphthalmos

A very dangerous congenital eye defect. This is the name given to all cases where the eyeball is reduced or underdeveloped. This is associated with complete or partial loss of vision. The causes of the occurrence have not been fully identified, but it is believed that chlamydia can cause microphthalmos during pregnancy. How to recognize microphthalmia:

1. The palpebral fissure does not open completely.
2. Microphthalmos most often occurs in kittens born with their eyes already open (this happens in Sphynx cats).
3. The eyeball is small or irregularly shaped.
4. Translucent cornea.
5. Intraocular pressure.
6. The occurrence of other eye diseases (cataracts, tumors, coloboma).
7. In the earliest stages, microphthalmos often occurs with symptoms similar to herpesvirus or ankyloblepharon.

Microphthalmos can be completely “cured” only by removing the affected eye. If the case is not very serious, plastic surgery is recommended.

Shortening of the lower jaw, or underbite

Among the sphinxes, it is especially common among the Don sphinxes. This defect is characterized by a malocclusion, that is, a misalignment of the upper and lower rows of incisors. With an underbite, the lower jaw is shorter than the upper jaw. The norm for Don Chaks is considered to be an undershot of up to 2 mm.

Why the defect is dangerous:

1. With a critical underbite, when the teeth practically do not touch each other, the upper layer of the teeth does not wear off. Because of this, they grow excessively long and injure the cat's palate.
2. It is difficult for a cat to eat, and for a kitten to suck milk.
3. Often, malocclusion leads to gingivitis and other oral diseases.
4. Also, underbite is sometimes accompanied by dwarfism and lordosis.

Entropion of the eyelids

The defect is associated with weakening of the muscles and ligaments of the eyelid. It is dangerous because the eyelid turns inward, and the skin and hairs come into contact with the cornea of ​​the eye. As a result, the cat experiences discomfort. In severe cases of entropion, blinking causes injury to the eye, which often leads to visual impairment and removal of the eye.

Volvulus can be primary (congenital) or secondary (acquired).

Symptoms:

1. With mild volvulus, lacrimation is observed.
2. In moderate and severe forms, the eyes turn red, vision decreases, and profuse lacrimation is observed.
3. Often hairs and eyelashes grow into the cornea. This can be noticed if you carefully examine the eye.

Treatment is only surgical. In kittens up to 8-9 months of age, volvulus may go away on its own. But it is better to consult a veterinarian.

Dermatitis

Quite an unpleasant skin disease. There are several types of dermatitis:

1. Surface. Its symptoms: Slight itching.
2. Appearance of a rash.
3. Light redness on the skin.

Note: feline dermatitis is not contagious to humans.

Hairless cats are more susceptible to dermatitis.
Treatment of dermatitis is difficult. They are mainly treated with diet, special medications and the elimination of irritants, allergens and symptoms of the disease.

Prevention of dermatitis:

1. Regular hygiene procedures.
2. Visits to the veterinarian to identify prerequisites.
3. No stress.
4. Proper care.

Eczema is a type of dermatitis. One of the most difficult skin diseases to treat. Inflammation that occurs due to increased sensitivity of the skin.

Symptoms of eczema:

1. For dry eczema: Skin peels.
2. There is dryness.
3. Crusts form.

Treatment: first of all, you should contact a veterinarian immediately, and eczema should not be treated - it will complicate diagnosis. Treatment is medicinal and also includes the elimination of internal diseases (for example, with reflex eczema).

There is no itching with eczema

Nipple hyperplasia

Often the disease is inherited from mother to daughter. The risk group is females of blue, light blue and cream-blue color with blue eyes.

Symptoms:

1. Severe redness of the nipple.
2. The nipple enlarges.
3. The skin around the nipple thickens and becomes keratinized.

The disease not only causes discomfort to the cat. Such a female gives birth to non-viable or defective kittens an order of magnitude more often.

Nipple hyperplasia often develops due to the use of drugs that suppress sexual function.

Treatment: sterilization and removal of affected nipples.

Nipple hyperplasia can only be treated surgically

Trichophytosis

Fungal disease, a type of lichen.

Attention! Trichophytosis is contagious to humans. At the slightest suspicion, the cat is quarantined.

Characteristics of trichophytosis:

1. The incubation period is from 7 to 30 days.
2. The main carriers are rodents and stray cats.
3. Symptoms: No itching.
4. Hair loss (if any).
5. The affected skin is covered with gray scales.
6. Delamination, thickening, change in color of the claws.
7. In severe forms: fluid secretion in the affected areas, suppuration.

Trichophytosis is a type of lichen

Congenital underdevelopment (absence) of the thymus, or “kitten sleep syndrome”

A dangerous disease that occurs in naked sphinxes. Characterized by underdevelopment or complete absence of the thymus gland, or thymus gland.

Characteristics:

1. Occurs most often during inbreeding.
2. The lifespan of such kittens is from two days to two weeks.
3. Symptoms: Blueness of the face and limbs.
4. “Parchment” skin (dehydration).
5. Lag in weight gain and growth.
6. Lack of sucking reflex.

How to choose a kitten

The main advice when choosing and buying a kitten is to not try to save your money. You should not go to the poultry market; it is difficult to find a healthy purebred animal here. For a kitten, you need to choose a nursery or a professional breeder who specializes in this breed. When choosing a kitten, you should pay attention to its physical condition, activity, playfulness, and the availability of all necessary documents.

Prices for Canadian Sphynxes

A kitten without a pedigree and documents that confirm its origin can be bought for 3,000-5,000 rubles. Nurseries will ask for their pets from 8,000 rubles. Babies with deviations from breed standards will cost less. If you want to purchase an animal that can participate in exhibitions or competitions, you should prepare an amount of more than 15,000 rubles.

Choosing a name

Pedigree kittens are given names by their breeders at birth. Their future owner personally chooses to keep this nickname or give him a new one. Breeders assign names to their pets following the rule of choosing a name starting with the letter corresponding to its number in the litter; the first letters from the nicknames of the father and mother, and the letters from the name of the nursery must also be used. The owner can give his pet any name he wants. When choosing her, you need to pay attention that the Sphynx is not the most ordinary cat, which means her name should also be different.

The following names are perfect for girls: Camilla, Amalia, Lixie, Amanda, Agata, Osti, Bella, Eva, Leia, Lana, Fabira, Vita, Aurora, Aika, Adriana.

Names for boys: Noir, Tair, Argo, Weiss, Lori, Edmond, Ridgi, Count, Veron, Dary, Elf, Lucky, Tyson, Tristan, Freeman.

Interesting facts about the breed

This cat breed has many such interesting and original facts about itself. For example, they love to swim and can even swim well, the main requirement is that the water be warm. They are also considered good jumpers, both high and long. Jumping a meter from a standstill will not be difficult for them, and adult cats can easily overcome even a three-meter wall.

In this case, there is no point in hiding anything on the closet from the sphinx; he will get there if he wants to, of course. In ancient times, hairless cats were considered sacred animals by many peoples, for example, in Egypt. Many Sphynx cats enjoy posing for photographs, and many photographers note that this breed is highly photogenic.

Pros and cons of Canadian Sphynx cats

The advantages of the Canadian Sphynx are:

• companionship for its owner;
• playfulness;
• does not show aggression;
• contact with children and other animals;
• no fleas;
• I am sure that he belongs to the “royal breed”.

They have several disadvantages. It is better to purchase these animals in nurseries, due to problems with breeding and obtaining healthy, beautiful kittens. Since the cat has a high body temperature, they have high secretory activity of the skin. The animal must be bathed once a week, otherwise traces of an unpleasant yellow color will remain on clothes and furniture. This breed is also distinguished by its demanding conditions in warm apartment temperatures.

Personality Traits of Canadian Hairless Cats

Sphynx cats have a very kind, patient character and good attitude towards dogs. These cats can be left alone with children without worrying about both of them. They are not jealous, very patient and smart. Sphinxes often choose their favorite owner or even guest.

Male Sphynx cats tend to be dominant. They consider themselves masters of the house, independent and very curious. Any event does not pass by, any thing will be studied. Cats are softer and more gentle. They easily gain the trust and love of their owner. But the females need more attention to themselves and do not let you forget about their person: they will chase you and lick your face until they get tired. Female sphinxes are great lovers of cleanliness. They can lick themselves for hours. The completed washing procedure can be repeated after 2–3 hours.

Many people think that Canadians are very aggressive. But this is a mistaken opinion. My parents have a Canadian Sphynx. And he is very friendly, active and not afraid of strangers. Sphinxes have developed intelligence.

You can leave the Canadian Sphynx with the child

Positive qualities and disadvantages of the breed

Like any animal, the Canadian Sphynx has both positive and negative properties.

The positive qualities include the fact that they:

• playful;
• active;
• curious;
• tender;
• affectionate to the owner;
• get along well with other animals;
• patient;
• smart;
• love children.

And the negative qualities are as follows:

• they need daily care and frequent bathing;
• afraid of the cold;
• may seem intrusive.

Video: interesting facts about the Canadian Sphynx