Introduction

The wrinkled skin, oversized ears, and utter absence of a coat on the Sphynx cat make it one of the most uniquely styled in the feline kingdom. These “naked” cats raise eyebrows and occasionally controversy wherever they venture. Intriguing as they look alien, Sphynx cats are relatively new participants in the cat fancy, a history that has only spanned decades, not centuries. Their distinctive appearance has created myths of ancient origins and controversy among cat fanciers. Let’s delve into the intriguing history of how these hairless marvels came to be and thrive as cherished pets.

What is Sphynx Cat History?

The Sphynx is a medium-sized, domestic cat with a unique lack of fur and very large ears. So, most Sphynx cats do possess a very fine down coat which makes their skin suede-like to the touch. The hairlessness is the result of a natural genetic mutation of the normal progression of fur. The history of the breed is unexpectedly recent, beginning in the mid-20th century. Its beginning started in the 1960s, these cats were bred from naturally occurring genetic mutations into the signature breed known today.

The Modern Sphynx: A Canadian Start

The contemporary Sphynx breed has its roots in Toronto, Canada, in 1966 when a domestic cat produced a hairless kitten named Prune. This unforeseen mutation was spontaneous in a litter of otherwise normally coated kittens. Prune’s singular looks were caused by a mutation of a recessive gene responsible for keratin production, the protein necessary for hair growth. Recognizing an opportunity in this bizarre kitten, breeder Riyadh Bawa, together with scientist Dr. Hugo Hernandez, initiated a breeding program aimed at replicating the hairless feature. Breeding Prune with his mother, they achieved more hairless kittens and the groundwork for today’s Sphynx breed.

Sphynx Cat History Egypt: A Myth

Far from the popular myth, Sphynx cats have nothing to do with Egypt. The reason for this common myth is the breed’s name, which is taken from the Great Sphinx of Giza, the iconic Egyptian monument in the form of a lion’s body and human head. The similarity between the wrinkled look of the hairless cat and the aged ancient monument probably helped to induce this name but is otherwise purely by coincidence. Although ancient Egyptians did worship cats, and especially the Egyptian Mau, there is no indication they bred or kept hairless cats. The Sphynx is wholly a product of the last few decades with its beginnings in North America, despite its ‘ peculiar‘ name.

Early Challenges and Breed Development

Initial Sphynx breeding attempts encountered many challenges. The gene pool was very small, leading to concerns over inbreeding and resultant health issues. The first breeding line in Canada came to an end in the early 1970s because of these issues. In 1975, however, Minnesota farm owners found a second natural instance of hairless kittens. These kittens, Epidermis and Dermis, rejuvenated the breeding program. Dutch breeder Hugo Hernandez played a key role by bringing these kittens to the Netherlands. Influential US breeder Shirley Smith (Chair of the CFA Breed Committee) also played a big role, widening the gene pool by outcrossing to Devon Rex. All these efforts contributed to establishing healthier bloodlines.

Recognition and Popularity

Initially, steps towards official recognition were slow. However, The International Cat Association (TICA) accepted the Sphynx into championship status in 1986. Moreover, The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA), while being more conservative, was granted championship status in 2002. European registries joined later during the 1990s and early 2000s. Therefore, they peaked in popularity during the early 2000s with celebrity ownership and internet stardom. Sphynx cats are currently among the top 10 most popular breeds and are in high demand and high cost.

The Sphynx Today: A Beloved Companion

Currently, contemporary Sphynx cats are cherished because they act like dogs, are intelligent, and are loving. Particularly, they welcome guests and tail owners. Additionally, they are in search of heat through cuddling. Even though they have a strange appearance, they possess a loyal following. In particular, good breeders screen for HCM and other conditions. Further, the Sphynx features in movies, commercials, and social media.

Conclusion

In total, the history of the Sphynx cat as a Canadian mutation into a worldwide breed is intriguing. Although ancient Egyptian legends say differently, they date back to very recent times. With health screens and careful mating, they navigated hurdles. Their looks bring traffic to a standstill, while their cuddles win over hearts. And ultimately, the Sphynx shows there is beauty in being different.

FAQs about Sphynx Cat History

Q1: Where and when was the Sphynx cat bred?

The hairless Sphynx cat was bred in Toronto, Canada, in 1966. Domestic shorthair cat Elizabeth had given birth to a hairless male kitten called Prune, thus beginning the breeding of the breed.

Q2: Is the Sphynx cat descended from ancient Egyptian cats?

Contrary to its name, the Sphynx cat has no connection to Egypt. The breed was given the name because it was compared with the Great Sphinx of Giza, but it is of entirely Canadian and modern ancestry.

Q3: What is the genetic mutation for the hairlessness of the Sphynx cat?

The Sphynx cats’ hairlessness is the consequence of a spontaneous manifestation of a genetic mutation that induces a lack of a normal fur coat. This spontaneous mutation took place in house cats and was selectively bred to produce the Sphynx breed.

Q4: Were there any other instances of hairless cats that went towards the Sphynx breed?

Yes, there were additional hairless kittens discovered in Minnesota and Toronto in the 1970s. They were included in breeding programs due to their genetic contribution to produce the Sphynx breed.

Q5: When was the Sphynx cat officially registered as a breed?

The Sphynx cat was recognized by The International Cat Association (TICA) as a pure breed when it was adopted in 1985.