Sphynx cats have gotten a bad reputation in the animal world. Some people just can't get over the fact that they're hairless and don't look like a normal, fluffy kitten. Sphynx cats have even been bashed in pop culture. Who could forget when Joey from Friends thought Rachel's sphynx cat was "inside out."
Well, you have to let the haters hate because these pictures prove just how cute and cuddly sphynx cats are. Just because they're hairless doesn't mean they're not as adorable and cuddly as other cats.
They're Not Actually From Egypt
Sphynx cats might have taken their name inspiration from the Sphynx in Egypt, but the first one was actually born in Canada. The hairless breed first appeared in Ontario, Canada in the 1960s as a result of a natural genetic mutation. By the 1970s, two other sets of hairless kittens were born in Toronto and Minnesota and have been carefully bred since.
There is another type of hairless cat called the Donskoy. It looks almost identical to the Canadian Sphynx but it's a result of a recessive gene, not a mutation.
Their Skin Patterns Are Unique
Even though Sphynx cats are hairless they still come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. The coloring simply comes from their skin pigmentation instead of their fur. You can get a tabby cat and you can get a tabby-patterned Sphynx cat.
Some common colors are white, black, blue, red, tortoiseshell, golden, and blue-cream. Common patterns for Sphynx cats include calico, tabby, smoke, and shaded. With all these different pattern and color options, every Sphynx is unique.
People Compare Them To Dogs
Cats are generally known for being a little more independent and even somewhat standoffish. Sphynx cats are the exact opposite. They crave attention and are considered to be sociable, loving, and playful animals, which has led to people comparing them to dogs. The Journal of Veterinary Behavior even ranked them as the friendliest cat breed.
There's no real reason why they're so friendly but scientists expect it might be because they need humans to keep them warm.
They Take A Lot Of Work, But It's Worth It
When it comes to being a pet owner, the major difference between Sphynx cats and regular cats is the amount of work. Sphynx cats require a weekly bath because of the oil their skin produces. All cats produce oil, but those with hair use the oil to help clean their fur. Since there's nowhere for the oil to go, Sphynx cats need to have the oil washed off.
The same goes for their ears. Sphynx cats need weekly ear cleanings to make sure oil isn't building up and cause dirt and dead skin cells to build up.
There Are Some Pretty Famous Sphynx Cats
Even though they've been made fun of by pop culture, Sphynx cats have also been major fixtures in it. The most famous would be Mr. Bigglesworth from Austin Powers. There were actually two different Sphynx cats who played the role of Mr. Bigglesworth.
The first cat, named Ted Nudegent, was specially trained for the films and could sit still for 45 minutes while Mike Myers acted. The second cat, named Mel Gibskin, served as the younger version of Mr. Bigglesworth.