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Sphynx Cat Facts & Worksheets

The Sphynx Cat is a hairless domestic cat breed commonly known as the Canadian Sphynx.

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The Sphynx cat, commonly known as the Canadian Sphynx, is a hairless domestic cat breed. Furless cats are a hereditary mutation, and the Sphynx cat was created by selective breeding of these animals beginning in the 1960s.

See the fact file below for more information on the Sphynx cat, or you can download our 27-page Sphynx cat worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

Sphynx Cat Breed

  • The Sphynx cat is a Canadian breed that originated as a spontaneous mutation in a litter of Domestic Shorthaired cats.
  • The breed was improved by crossing it with the Devon Rex. The Sphynx should only be kept indoors since it is susceptible to cold and heat. 
  • This breed can live up to fifteen years. 
  • The sphynx is an extremely active and friendly pet described as a cross between a cat, a dog, and a monkey.
  • It is well-known for its heat-seeking tendency and is frequently spotted on top of computers or televisions, in sunny windows, or under blankets.

Sphynx Appearance 

  • The absence of fur is the most noticeable feature of a Sphynx cat. However, these cats are not usually fully bald; breed standards allow them to have a “peach-fuzz” layer of hair no more than 1/8-inch in length. 
  • They all have a little short hair on the bridge of their noses and behind their ears. 
  • Most lack whiskers; however, they do have distinctive whisker pads over the mouth.
  • A Sphynx cat’s skin should be wrinkled, especially around its shoulders and ears. 
  • The ears are unusually big, giving the cat an “elf-like” appearance. The eyes are likewise huge on the animal’s head and positioned pretty wide apart. 
  • Their eyes can be any color that felines can have genetically, including blue, green, amber, orange, brown, yellow, or two distinct eye colors.
  • The lack of hair does not imply a lack of color; a Sphynx cat’s skin can be any hue that is genetically conceivable in felines and any “coat” pattern.
  • These comprise colors like black, white, gray, brown, cream, red, and lilac, as well as tabby, bi-color, tortoiseshell, pointed, calico, or tuxedo patterns.
  • These medium-sized cats have a strong physique and a long, thin tail.

Characteristics of a Sphynx Cat

  • The Sphynx cat is a high-energy, acrobatic entertainer that thrives on attention. It has an unexpected sense of humor, contrasting with its solemn demeanor.
  • This friendly and affectionate breed will follow you about the home and want to be involved in whatever you’re doing, snatching every opportunity to perch on your shoulder or cuddle up in your lap.
  • They are curious, clever, and active, and these qualities sometimes make them a handful.
  • For protection, the Sphynx is best kept indoors. It gets along well with youngsters and other pets.
  • The look of Sphynx cats is what makes them renowned. They are a cat animal totem for good fortune. 
  • These felines are regarded to be a sign of rank and good prosperity due to their extensive appeal in the royal realm. They also symbolized the pharaoh and his heavenly might. 
  • They are connected with darkness since they are nocturnal. 

Grooming 

  • You might think that a cat with little to no fur wouldn’t need much care, but the Sphynx cat requires more maintenance than many other furry breeds. 
  • Because they lack hair to absorb their body oils, Sphynx cats’ skin must be washed frequently to keep it healthy.
  • Bathe your Sphynx cat once or twice a week to eliminate oil buildup. 
  • Use a mild shampoo for cats to minimize skin irritation or excessive dryness. 
  • Unlike many other breeds of felines, most breeders of Sphynx cats train the kittens to bathe regularly; thus, the majority of these cats are fairly amenable to submersion in water.
  • Another place to pay attention to is the ears. Because they lack fur, these cats tend to develop a lot of wax and dust between their ears, which is both ugly and potentially infectious.
  • Once a week, carefully remove wax and filth from your pet’s ears with a cotton ball rather than a swab. 
  • Contact your veterinarian if you see redness, sores, scabs, or excessive debris, or smell an unpleasant odor.
  • Like any other cat, the Sphynx requires regular nail trimming and should have its teeth cleaned regularly.
  • Sphynx cats, contrary to common perceptions, are not hypoallergenic. They may appear hairless, but they have an excellent, suede-like coat.

Exercise 

  • Sphynx cats are devoted to their owners and are frequently seen following them about or cuddling up to them while wagging their tails. 
  • Despite their preference for snuggling, Sphynx cats are natural athletes and fun companions. They are highly active felines, although their activity requirements are minimal.
  • These cats are content to enjoy themselves alone for hours, but some might benefit from company. If you are away from home for most of the day, you should consider getting two Sphynx cats. 
  • Sphynx cats get along with other pets, so you can be sure that they will be content if you have another animal at home, including dogs.
  • Sphynx cats like playing, jumping, and, if trained, fetching. They are social and intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement training.

Diet and Nutrition

  • Sphynx cats adore food, as seen by their potbellies. Most will eat whatever you give them. 
  • Keep an eye on their eating and ensure they don’t gain too much weight.
  • Consuming small meals at periodic times throughout the day is good for Sphynx cats with a high metabolism and a delicate digestive tract. 
  • Serving food this way also prevents cats from becoming uninterested in their meals.
  • It is essentially a matter of personal preference whether you give your cat an all-kibble diet, an all-canned diet, or a combination of the two. 
  • It is not suggested to give the cat raw fish or meat since they may contain bacteria that are bad for the cat’s metabolism. 
  • Sphynx, like other cats, requires a diet high in protein, moderate in fat, and low in carbohydrates. You may also give your cat treats that help decrease hairballs, clean its teeth, and keep its gums healthy.

Health 

  • The Sphynx cat is a sturdy breed with minimal health issues. 
  • Although the breed has no genetic disease predispositions, a few health conditions have been linked to them, including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), which causes thickening of the heart muscle and can be detected with an echocardiogram, and hereditary myopathy, which affects muscle function.
  • Skin diseases such as urticaria pigmentosa, which creates crusty sores on the body, can also affect Sphynx cats. Because this breed is prone to periodontal disease, it should have frequent tooth brushing and dental exams.

Sphynx Cat Worksheets

This is a fantastic bundle that includes everything you need to know about the Sphynx Cat across 27 in-depth pages. These are ready-to-use worksheets that are perfect for teaching kids about Sphynx Cats, which is a hairless cat breed commonly known as the Canadian Sphynx.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

  1. Sphynx Cat Facts
  2. Anatomy of a Sphynx Cat
  3. Sphynx Profile
  4. Break the Myths
  5. That’s a Sphynx
  6. Crossword
  7. Keep Me Clean and Healthy
  8. Know Me Better
  9. That’s My Favorite
  10. My Sphynx
  11. My Own Cat Breed

Frequently Asked Questions

What is special about Sphynx cats?

The Sphynx’s two most distinguishing features are her large, bat-shaped ears and her lack of hair. Although the Sphynx appears to be completely bald at first sight, closer inspection will frequently reveal a very fine short coat of fuzz that gives the skin a suede-like feel.

Are Sphynx cats talkative?

The Sphynx is a talkative cat. They have a raspy or rough voice that may be demanding when they set their minds to it. Sphynx cats adore human contact and activities with their owners. If anything, it would be better to describe them as requiring these interactions in order to vocalize.

Do Sphynx cats get fleas?

Even though Sphynx cats and other similar cats are hairless, they can still get fleas. These parasites feed on blood, not fur, so the lack of hair does not make these cats any less susceptible. In fact, when hairless cats do get fleas, there’s nowhere for them to hide!

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Use With Any Curriculum

These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.

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