Most of us have heard of the Sphynx cat thanks to his unique, hairless appearance. But perhaps you didn’t know that they come in different colors—including black! They are also known as the Canadian Hairless (more on this in the next section) as well as ‘Love Mooch’ thanks to their devoted and loving nature to their owners.
The black Sphynx is a fascinating breed of cat, so if you’re interested in learning more, read on. We’ll look at how the Sphynx came into existence, as well as their appearance, personality, and some interesting facts.
Origins & History
The Sphynx cat was actually a naturally occurring genetic mutation. Back in 1966 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, a hairless kitten (who was aptly named Prune) was born to a black and white shorthair domestic cat.
Attempts were made to breed Prune in order to produce more hairless kittens, which were then sold to a family experienced with breeding Siamese cats. This is where they were given the name of Sphynx.
The story then takes us to Minnesota in 1975, where another hairless kitten was born to a barn cat. All of these cats, as well as others found in different parts of the world, are what have given us the Sphynx cat breed that we are familiar with today.
3 Facts About the Black Sphynx Cat
1. Grooming is not as easy as you might think with these cats.
When most people think about a hairless cat, they probably believe that grooming is a breeze, but the Sphynx needs a weekly bath (and a daily sponge bath is helpful) and regular applications of sunscreen if they are in the sun. Plus, they need extra protection in cold weather.
2. The Sphynx is not hypoallergenic.
Many people are also surprised to learn that the Sphynx is not hypoallergenic. This is because pet allergies are all about the dander and not the fur. Unfortunately, the Sphynx has just as much dander as most other cats, so the regular bathing discussed above is necessary to keep the dander down to manageable levels.
3. They’ve been in movies!
They gained more popularity thanks to being featured in the Austin Powers movies as Dr. Evil’s cat, Mr. Bigglesworth. The Sphynx was also featured in a Friends episode as a pet for Jennifer Anniston’s character Rachel—Mrs. Whiskerson. The cat’s real name? Ted Nude-Gent (is that not the best name for a hairless cat ever!?).
Appearance
The Sphynx cat is not completely hairless. They actually have a light coating of fur that is similar to a peach-fuzz type down covering their bodies, which has been said to feel like suede. They may or may not have whiskers—if they do, the whiskers will look sparse and broken-off. They are heavily wrinkled, particularly around the muzzle, forehead, and between the shoulders.
These cats are typically medium to large in size, with large upright ears and big, round eyes, and they tend to sport a potbelly.
The Sphynx comes in a number of colors, including being all black. They can also be a combination of colors, including point, tabby, van, and tortoiseshell.
Related Read: Grey Sphynx Cat: Facts, Origin & History
Personality
The Sphynx is very high energy, almost acrobatic at times with his antics. They will do all kinds of things, including acting clumsy and even clownish, to gain your attention. They tend to be very skilled at balancing on top of everything they can reach, including your shoulders.
They are highly intelligent and can be naughty but are also easy to handle thanks to their friendly and affectionate natures. They are very social, curious, and extroverted cats that get along well with other pets. The Sphynx will typically burrow under the covers when ready for a snooze.
Where to Buy
If you’re looking for a Sphynx, or more specifically, a black Sphynx, you can start by doing an online search for a cattery that specializes in these cats near you. If you find a promising breeder, be sure to research them before reaching out as you want to ensure you’re going to be dealing with a responsible and reputable Sphynx breeder.
You’ll want to avoid backyard breeders and kitten mills as you could end up bringing home an unhealthy cat that could have behavioral issues. You also really don’t want to support bad breeders.
You can also look to social media and post your interest in finding a black Sphynx. This is a great method as multiple people might be able to help, plus it can lead to group pages where good Sphynx breeders might be members.
Finally, why not consider adoption? It might be like looking for a needle in a haystack, especially for a black Sphynx, but stranger things have happened. The adoption of any cat or kitten will give him a second chance at a happier life in a forever home.
You might also be interested in: Blue Sphynx Cat: Facts, Origin & History
Conclusion
You should only bring home a Sphynx if you’re comfortable having an indoor-only cat and one that you need to bathe often. But you’ll also be bringing home a loyal, funny, and sweet cat that will enjoy hitching a ride on one of your shoulders from time to time.
The black Sphynx is an eye-catching cat that will keep you, your family, and even your visitors entertained with his clown-like behavior. They are some of the most fascinating cats around and will be a one-in-a-million pet when you bring one home.
Featured Image Credit: Razsokhina Alina, Shutterstock
