Breed standards of Sphynx cats
Sphynx cats, with their distinctive hairless appearance and captivating personalities, stand out among feline enthusiasts.
While their unique looks may draw immediate attention, understanding their breed standards sheds light on what truly defines these remarkable creatures.
Let us delve into the breed standards of Sphynx cats, exploring their physical characteristics, temperament, drawing upon reliable and authoritative references to provide a comprehensive understanding.
General Description
The Sphynx appears to be a hairless cat, although it is not truly hairless.
The skin should have the texture of chamois.
It may be covered with very fine down which is almost imperceptible to both the eye and the touch.
On the ears, muzzle, tail, feet and scrotum, short, soft, fine hair is allowed.
Lack of coat makes the cat quite warm to the touch.
Whiskers and eyebrows may be present, either whole or broken, or may be totally absent.
The cat should not be small or dainty. Males may be up to 25 percent larger so long as proper proportions are maintained.
The Sphynx is sweet tempered, lively, intelligent and above all, amenable to handling
Physical Characteristics:
The breed standards of Sphynx cats encompass a range of physical attributes that distinguish them from other feline breeds.
According to the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA), the Sphynx is a medium-to-large-sized cat with a muscular, well-rounded body, and a distinctive lack of fur.
Their skin should have a soft, warm texture and may be covered in a fine layer of fuzz or hair.
Despite their hairlessness, Sphynx cats exhibit patterns of color and markings that add to their allure, ranging from solid colors to tabby patterns and points.
1. HEAD:
Shape:
Medium-sized, modified wedge with rounded contours, slightly longer than wide.
Skull is slightly rounded with a rather flat forehead and prominent cheekbones and a distinct whisker break
Eyes:
Large, rounded lemon shape. Slanting to outer corner of ear.
Slightly more than an eye width between eyes.
According to The International Cat Association (TICA), the breed standard specifies that Sphynx cats can have any eye color, ranging from blue and green to gold and copper.
The eyes should be set wide apart and be alert and attentive, reflecting the cat’s playful and inquisitive nature.
Ears:
Very large, broad at base and open.
Set upright, neither low set nor on top of the head. The interior is totally hairless.
Slight amount of hair allowed on lower outside edges and on the back of the ear
Muzzle and Chin:
Strong rounded muzzle with distinct whisker break and firm chin. Profile:
Slight to moderate change of direction at bridge of nose.
Some degree of fuzz on bridge of nose.
Neck: Medium in length, rounded and well-muscled.
The neck arches from the shoulders to the base of the skull and is powerful, especially in males.
2. BODY:
Torso: Medium in size, medium to medium long in length.
The chest is broad, may tend toward barrel chested.
The abdomen is well-rounded, having the appearance of having eaten a large meal, but not fat.
Legs: Length in proportion with body, with medium boning and firm musculature.
Hind legs slightly longer than front.
Front legs widely set. Females may have slightly finer boning.
Feet: Medium in size, oval shape with long, slender toes.
The paw pads are thicker than in other breeds, giving the cat the appearance of walking on “air cushions”.
The toes are very long, slender and prominent.
Tail: Whippy, tapering from body to tip (rat-tailed). Length is in proportion to body.
A lion tail (puff of hair on tip) acceptable.
Musculature: Hard and muscular, not delicate.
Boning: Medium.
3. COAT, TEXTURE AND COLOR
Length: Appears hairless. May be covered with short, fine down. May have puff on hair on tip of tail.
Whiskers are sparse and short.
Texture: Chamois-like. A feeling of resistance may be felt when stroking the skin of some cats. The skin is very wrinkled in kittens.
Adults should retain as many wrinkles as possible, especially on the head, although wrinkling should not be so pronounced that it affects the cat’s normal functions.
Our kittens are all in accordance with the breed standards.
If you are interested in adopting a kitten, Learn about our sphynx kitten adoption process.