About Sphynx
Although often described as hairless, Sphynx do in fact have a very fine coating of downy fur. This is most visible on the tail, paws and muzzle. We breed Sphynx to the type approved by the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy In Ireland and Britain (the GCCFI and the GCCF) and this states that a complete absence of down is to be considered a fault in a Sphynx. Sphynx should not be frail or delicate to the touch but should be well musculed with a plump belly. They have large ears and eyes with well defined whisker pads on their face. Sphynx paws are very striking, with fat cushions under each long, skillful toe. Tails are also long and we have found these tend to curl neatly round when a Sphynx is relaxing or used as a balance during nerve wracking attempts at athleticsm.
The unusual looks of a Sphynx divide people, obviously we think they are beautiful to look at. However it is their personalities that we feel are the really special quality. Sphynx are incredibly loving and shower people with affection. They love being hugged, carried, kissed, stroked, anything that involves contact. They have very happy personalities and are very friendly cats getting on well with other household pets, children, visitors - the more the merrier as far as Sphynx are concerned. They are very gentle and enjoy a lot of handling. You can see from the picture to the left that a Sphynx will never chose to sleep alone if there is the chance of snuggles.
They are also clever cats with a curiosity and playful nature that will keep you highly entertained. Sphynx love to be watched and seem to get up to silly hi jinks just to amuse people. They have big appetites and need a steady supply of top quality food to help them control their body temperature. They chatter away softly and although they are vocal, they rarely are loud.
Breed temperament is a good guideline for most cats of a specific breed but the way a kitten is raised, the individual personalities of the parent cats and of the kitten itself all play their part. A good breeder will be able to tell you if the kitten with that cute spot on it's ear is maybe too quiet for your lively household, or too boisterous for your well ordered home. It is a good idea to go by the breeder's advice as well as what your heart is saying.
For showing and breeding less coated cats are usually chosen but there are Sphynx with more fur that still have all the amazing characteristics that make them such extraordinary pets. Breeders chose the cats that most closely resemble the description of an 'ideal' example of that breed to use to breed from, in the hopes of producing kittens of an equally good or better standard. As the show scene in Ireland is very small, show quality kittens are often adopted by people who do not want to show their cat. If an adopter has an interest in showing their new cat, breeders will seek out a kitten they feel has a good chance of showing well as this reflects well on the breeder's reputation.
Sphynx are wonderful pets for families or people who want a close relationship with their cat. If you relish the idea of an independent cat, or a cat that quietly decorates your home looking stunning, a Sphynx is not for you! It is really important to read different accounts of the personality of different cat breeds and not make a decision based on the breed appearance you find most attractive. There is no single cat breed that I believe to be right for every single person out there. If you want personality, adoration, striking good looks and a comical sense of humour in your pet, you could well be a Sphynx person! I cannot imagine life without one of these fantastic cats and really hope we can help increase their popularity as robust family pets and loving companions in smaller households.