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THE INSCRUTABLE SPHYNX
The Sphynx cat first appeared in Ontario, Canada in 1966 when a black and white domestic shorthair named Elizabeth, owned by a Mrs Micalwaith, gave birth to a litter of kittens, which included a hairless male. His name was Prune and when old enough, he was mated back to his mother, which resulted in a litter of coated and hairless kittens, some of which were exported to Europe and acquired the breed's name.
Sphynx were first imported from Canada into Holland by breeder Hugo Herenandez, who used two youngsters named Punkie and Paloma to establish an original European line of Sphynx, which was personified in his home bred cat Q'ra. This was the start of the breed as we know it today. although the hairless cats have appeared in many countries since the early 1900s, they were never taken up a part of a breeding programme..
In the early days, Devon Rex were used for out crossing to expand the gene pool, but this is no longer allowed in the Sphynx Club's breeding policies. Acceptable outcrosses are Domestic shorthair and Russian Blue.
SPHYNX UK
In 1988, the first sphynx to enter the UK form Holland was four year old female called Hathor de Calecat (Tulip), bred by Hattie Nathon, who worked closely with Hugo Hernandez Tulip was joint owned by Jan Plumb and Angela Rushbrook. Tulip became a great ambassador for the breed and was put on exhibitions at three GCCF shows where she gained much admiration fro the public. Tulip lived to be over fifteen years old.
Hugo Hernandez Imported the first Sphynx into Holland Hathor de Calecat ( Tulip) Janice's
from Ontario. Pictured is home bred Sphynx Q'ra first Sphynx. Pictured here at 15years old
THE NAKED TRUTH
Although Sphynx cats appear naked, Sphynx are covered with a very fine down almost imperceptible to the eye .Slightly thicker down evident on the muzzle, ears, feet and tail. The overall feel of a sphynx is that of warm chamois leather or a peach. Sphynx come in all colours and patterns, but are classified as one variety.
As far as the Sphynx standard goes, the head is a modified wedge with rounded conjures, slightly longer then it's width. They have prominent cheekbones and a distinctive whisker break with prominent whisker pads. Sphynx generally have no whiskers, although some cats have short. sparse whiskers, which are acceptable within the standard.
The nose has a slight stop, a strong chin and level bite, whilst the eyes are large and lemon shaped. The ears are large and open with rounded tips, neither held too high or too low. Wrinkled skin appears mainly round the muzzle, between the ears and around the shoulders. More wrinkles are seen on kittens. They should have a nicely rounded abdomen as though they have just eaten a good meal. In fact Sphynx are surprisingly heavy for their size. Their feet are like fingers with thick paw pads, giving the impression they are walking on air cushions. They are set off with a long, whip-like tail.
General Care
As the Sphynx lacks a coat, and body oils cannot be absorbed by the fur, but these can be removed by bathing, which most sphynx enjoy. Attention should be taken to their ears and feet as they can get very dirty with wax but maybe cleaned easily with cotton buds. Sphynx are not delicate and do not require extra heat, as many people think. In fact, this will make they sweat more. An ordinary cat bed with a blanket that they can wrap up in is perfectly acceptable. Sphynx are lively, intelligent and good natured cats and should be easy to handle. They crave human company, following their owners around the house. They live quit happily with other breeds and dogs. As they are so gregarious they should never be kept as the only cat in a household, but have some form of feline company - ideally another sphynx.
THE SPHYNX CAT CLUB
In 1990 under the wing of The Colour Rex Coated AOV Club, Jan & Angela applied to the GCCF for the breed to be recognised, but this was refused as Governing Council Executive felt the breed was not viable in a normal pet home and consequently were not allowed to put this amazing breed on exhibitions any more. However this did not stop the breed gaining popularity and in July 1991 THE SPHYNX CAT CLUB was formed, holding it's inaugural meeting after an Open Day at the home of Jan Plumb.
The Club has come a long way since then and has a membership of around 150 admirers of the breed. In July 2005, the Club was granted pre-affiliation to the GCCF, exactly fourteen years to the day, that the Club was formed. The sphynx were once again allowed to be placed on exhibition at GCCF shows.
The Sphynx Cat Club holds an Open Day each year, produces a twice yearly magazine and has so far held three seminars on the Sphynx breed, the one held last year jointly with the newly formed Sphynx Cat Association who have also been granted pre- affiliation. The clubs work closely together for the good of the breed. Also in July 20005 a sphynx Breed Group was put in place to revise the breed standard and lay down a breeding policy so the Clubs could go forward and apply at last for the bred to recognised. The Breed group thanks Julia May for sitting in on it's meetings and guiding it in the right directions. The Breed Group Chairman is Mr. John Hannson, a well respected Judge and the Secretary is Mrs. Hilary Dean, both of whom work tirelessly for the breed.
July 2006 was a very special day when Janice, Angela and the whole club membership achieved their dream, The GCCF granted the Sphynx breed preliminary recognition. The breed number has been set as 84.
Sphynx have been shown at FIFe and TICA shows for many years where they have gained championship status.
by Janice Plumb