Elf Sphynx
An Elf cat is the result of breeding a Sphynx with an American Curl. They have the look of their Sphynx parent except with the curled ears of an American Curl. The Elf is not recognized as a breed by any of the major cat breeder registry association and they are a hybrid that's hard to find. The goal of the original Elf cat breeders was to create a cat like the Sphynx without the genetic diseases inherent in the breed.
Sphynx Cats
Also known as the Canadian Hairless, the Sphynx cat weighs about 6 to 12 pounds. They are known for being very intelligent and affectionate cats that are always close to their people. If you're looking for a cat that wants to cuddle all the time, the Sphynx is a great choice.
Little-Known Facts About Hairless Cats
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Hairless Cats Are Not Completely Bald The term "hairless" can also be a bit of a misnomer. Some of these cats do carry a very small amount of peach fuzz while others may even have a very short, brush coat. However, the overall effect is usually that of a cat with little to no fur. Their regular body temperature is about 4 degrees warmer.
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Gene Causes Lack of Fur Genetics play a role in how much fur any cat has, but whether the gene that results in hairlessness varies from dominant to recessive from one breed to the next.
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For example:
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In the Sphynx breed, the culprit that causes the hairless condition is a recessive gene that must be present in both parents to produce a hairless kitten. While two hairless mates will produce hairless kittens, two furred mates may also produce one or more hairless kittens if each parent harbors the recessive gene in its background.
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Hairless Cats Are Not Completely Bald
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The term "hairless" can also be a bit of a misnomer. Some of these cats do carry a very small amount of peach fuzz while others may even have a very short, brush coat. However, the overall effect is usually that of a cat with little to no fur. Their regular body temperature is about 4 degrees warmer.
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Watch Out for the Sun
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Hairless cats are at a higher risk of sunburn than other types of cats. Without the protective covering of fur, their skin can be easily damaged by the sun. Most hairless cat owners keep their cats indoors to protect their skin and use sunscreen recommended by their veterinarians in the event they do go outside.
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Sphynx Cats
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Also known as the Canadian Hairless, the Sphynx cat weighs about 6 to 12 pounds. They are known for being very intelligent and affectionate cats that are always close to their people. If you're looking for a cat that wants to cuddle all the time, the Sphynx is a great choice.
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Hairless Cats Are Not a Solution for Cat Allergies
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Don't assume that a hairless cat is hypo-allergenic. In fact, these cats still shed skin cells and saliva flakes that contain the same proteins that cause an allergic reaction in the first place. The fact that they do not shed fur is a plus, but it isn't a complete solution for allergy sufferers.
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While science is currently exploring genetic manipulation to produce a truly hypo-allergenic cat, the widespread availability of such a pet is still a long way off
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Dwelf Cats
A combination of the Sphynx, American Curl, and Munchkin cat, the Dwelf looks very much like a Sphynx with the short stubby legs of a Munchkin and the American Curl's distinctive ear shape. Many people consider them to be hypoallergenic. Dwelfs are known for being very playful, fun-loving cats with a dog-like temperament.
Bambino Cats
The result of breeding a Sphynx with a Munchkin cat, the Bambino has all the personality and affection of a Sphynx wrapped in a smaller package. They range in size from 5 to 9 pounds and are considered a "dwarf" cat breed. Despite their small size, Bambinos are very energetic cats and need a lot of enrichment to keep them from being bored, particularly since they are best kept as an indoors-only cat.
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Hairless Cats Are Not for Everyone
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Hairless cats have their own unique beauty and can certainly make wonderful pets, but they are not the breed for everyone. These felines require extra care to keep them warm and healthy, so you might be better off choosing one of the furry breeds unless you are prepared to give a hairless the special attention it so richly deserves. However, if you do decide you can provide the care and environment a hairless needs, you will likely find the rewards of owning one of these felines far outweighs the challenges. Hairless cats love a good cuddle and seem to truly enjoy a close relationship with their human companions.