How Much is That Sphinx in the Window? Quiz

Answer: It is hairless

Although typically hairless, some Sphynx are covered in a gossamer-like down. This gives the skin a feeling of warm suede.

Answer: Yes

Naturally hairless cats have cropped up occasionally throughout history. The Sphynx as a breed however was developed through selective breeding. Such a breeding programme seeks to develop a breed with specific characteristics such as hairlessness.

Answer: North America

It was in 1966 that the first Canadian sphynx breeding programme started, although too narrow a gene pool and inconsistent breed standards contributed to this attempt failing. Cats from the second Canadian breeding programme combined with two from Minnesota, USA, provide the foundation for the present breed line.

Answer: To reduce the probability of genetic abnormalities

Traits such as hairlessness were often preserved through inbreeding, which typically comes at a cost. In the first breeding programme, the genetic pool was too narrow resulting in many kittens dying and a problem of convulsions in many of the female cats.

Outcrossing, or outbreeding, is done to provide some genetic diversity with the introduction of unrelated genetic material into the breed line.

Answer: Health problems started cropping up

Devon Rex cats are known for disorders such as pseudo haemophilia and spasticity. Cross-breeding was resulting in these disorders appearing in Sphynx cats. The two breeds share the same gene which in the Sphynx results in hairlessness.

Answer: Mr Bigglesworth

Mr Bigglesworth actually started off as a long-haired white Persian cat in the first film "Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery" (1997), parodying the cat associated with Ernst Stavro Blofeld of the "James Bond" film franchise. Mr Bigglesworth became hairless (and was played by a Sphynx called SGC Belfry Ted Nude-Gent) after becoming cryogenically frozen.

Of the other cats, DC appeared in "That Darn Cat!" (1965 and 1997), Jonesy survived alongside Ellen Ripley in "Alien" (1979) and Mr Jinx was in "Meet the Parents" (2000).

Answer: To remove body oil

Body oils are normally absorbed by the hair. Lacking hair, the Sphynx can have skin problems from having too much oil.

Answer: Saliva

The allergen is the protein known as Fel d 1 and is produced by the sebaceous, perianal, lacrimal and salivary glands. Dander and cat hair pick up body oils from the sebaceous glands and also saliva from when cats groom. Having a hairless cat, such as a Sphynx may help, especially if the cat is regularly bathed.

Other breeds sometimes considered hypoallergenic include the Siamese, Bengal, Russian blue and Devon Rex.

Answer: Solar dermatitis

The Sphynx is relatively healthy compared to other breeds, although it can suffer heart issues. Its hairless state, however, leaves the Sphynx prone to sunburn. Other cats can get sunburn as well on thinly-haired spots such as the tips of the ears or the nose. White-haired cats are also vulnerable to sunburn.

Persians and Himalayans are genetically prone to kidney disease, the Maine coon and ragdoll are known for heart issues and for Abyssinian, Somali and ocicat breeds the issue is blindness.

Answer: Friendliness

A study in the "Journal of Veterinary Behavior" reportedly found the Sphynx to be the friendliest of the 14 breeds tested and the cat may even greet you at the door. It also has a high metabolic rate, has a higher body temperature than the average cat breed and is very active. It is an extrovert.