Among the most well-known cat breeds in the world is the Sphynx Dwelf, and they’re famous because they don’t look like your usual cat. A Sphynx Dwelf cat, just from the name itself, you’ll know that they are hairless or lack fur, and many people surely are wondering why Sphynx Dwelf cats don’t have hair.
The cat breed, Sphynx, has been around for a long time. It originated in Toronto, Canada, and it’s been introduced to people way back in 1966. Their wrinkles and lack of fur make them distinct from other cat breeds. Many people might like this hairless cat, and many also don’t. Nevertheless, the Sphynx is definitely a special cat breed.
You all know that cats may sometimes be aloof, a personality that’s normally associated with almost all cats. And although the Sphynx may look more intimidating than other cats because of being furless, these cats actually are more friendly and sociable. These cats are also very vocal, so make sure that you’re a very attentive listener when you own one.
Since Sphynx cats are hairless, they are sensitive to heat and cold. These cats often get sunburnt during the summer, so it’s normal for them to like being indoors more often. Also, note that Sphynx cats are prone to heart problems, so getting them screened regularly would help greatly.
Sphynx cats also need to be regularly bathed since they have more oily skin compared to other cat breeds because oils tend to build up on their skin because they don’t have hair shafts. But even though these cats lack hair, they are not entirely hypoallergenic because they still produce skin cells. However, being hairless would help lessen your allergic reaction to these cats.
Sphynx Dwelf Cats
Sphynx Dwelf is also a special cat breed, which is also from the family of the Sphynx. These cats are small (hence the name) and have short and thick legs, which add to their personality.
Sphynx Dwelf is a new cat breed, which is why this breed is still not accepted in several cat registries. However, The International Cat Association (TICA) has recently recognized and accepted the Sphynx Dwelf breed under their Experimental New Breeds category.
This cat breed was bred in the US. However, all about their origin is pretty much a mystery. According to experts, the Sphynx Dweld was bred after 2005, following the breeding of the Bambino cats, which is also closely related to the Sphynx Dwelf breed.
The Sphynx Dwelf has an adorable and unique appearance, a mixture of three different breeds. The Dwelf got its short legs from the Munchkin breed, its curled ears from the American Curl breed, and of course, the most prominent feature, the hairless trait, from the Sphynx. These cats also have short, or sometimes non-existent, eyebrows and whiskers.
Sphynx Dwelf cats may be hairless, but they are still capable of growing hair. They actually grow fine and downy hairs around their bodies. When you touch these cats, they resemble the texture of suede – soft and fuzzy.
Why the Sphynx Dwelf Doesn’t Have Hair?
Sphynx Dwelf, or the Sphynx breed in general, does not have hair because of the mutation in the gene of the Sphynx responsible for growing hairs with the keratin protein as they come out from the hair follicle. This cat breed can form hair. However, since it has a weak structure, they get damaged and dislodged easily.
Before being called the “Sphynx,” these cats were originally named the “Canadian Hairless.” Way back in 1966 in Toronto, a domestic cat delivered a hairless kitten, which became the cat breed’s first recorded appearance. It was only after several years that they discovered the reason for having a hairless cat is because of a natural genetic mutation.
The first recorded Sphynx was named “Prune.” This cat started the first-ever hairless cat breeding program. However, it isn’t sure if all hairless cats are descendants of Prune or if they may be from other cats with the same genetic mutation.
Surprisingly, the genetic mutation of Sphynx cats could occur naturally in different cat breeds. However, the selective breeding of Sphynx cats that started in the 1960s was what expanded the population of the Sphynx breed in the world. Selective breeding of the Sphynx may sometimes produce completely bald cats and cats with short down hair all over or in some areas of the cat’s body.
The recessive genetic mutation in this breed is specifically in the keratin 71 gene, which has an important part in the hair formation of these cats. The KRT71 belongs to the family of type II Keratins, which exist in all mammary epithelial cells. These cells line the surfaces of the animal’s body, serving as a safety shield. This keratin 71 gene works as a protein encoder expressed in the inner root sheath of the animal’s hair follicle.
What do Sphynx Dwelf cats feel like?
Like other hairy or furry cats, Sphynx Dwelf cats have different skin colors. They have a peach-like coat with a fuzzy down texture or a texture that of a chamois fabric. These cats sometimes have little hairs on the bridge of their noses and ears. Some Sphynx Dwelf may also produce a small puff of hair at the tip of their tiny little tails.
Are Sphynx Dwelf cats hypoallergenic?
As said earlier, no cat is 100% or completely hypoallergenic. Even the hairless Sphynx Dwelfs arent’s hypoallergenic since they still produce dander. However, since these cats are completely hairless of have lesser hair compared to other cat breeds, it would be possible for them to co-exist with those who suffer from cat allergies.
How do you groom hairless cat breeds?
Like other furry cat breeds, the Sphynx Dwelf also needs constant grooming to stay adorable and healthy. You would not have to spend so much time brushing your Sphynx’s fur because they have none. However, Sphynx cats need regular bathing because of the oils on their hairless skin.
The Sphynx cats are prone to dry skin and sunburn, so always keep them moisturized by bathing them and not exposing them to too much sunlight. These cats may also develop a serious allergic reaction to flees even though they don’t have fur. So always make sure to give them some flea treatments to keep their skin healthy.