Size and Physical Characteristics
Characteristics
The Sphynx cat is most notably recognised for its hairless appearance. It has a medium build, with a sturdy bone structure and a surprisingly heavy weight relative to its size. The head features a modified wedge shape, characterized by prominent cheekbones and whisker pads. Its body feels warm and soft to the touch, resembling the texture of chamois leather. Males tend to be larger than females. Known for their sweet nature, Sphynx cats are lively, intelligent, and enjoy being handled.
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SizeWeight: Sphynx cats generally weigh between 6 to 12 pounds (2.7 to 5.4 kg). Height: They typically stand around 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 cm) tall at the shoulders.
Body:
This breed has a medium-sized, muscular physique with a round belly and a solid frame. They possess long legs, giving them an athletic look.
Wrinkles:
Sphynx cats are known for their prominent wrinkles, especially around their faces, necks, and bodies, enhancing their distinctive appearance.
Head Structure
The head of the Sphynx is shaped like a modified wedge, featuring rounded contours and a length that is slightly greater than its width. It has prominent cheekbones, distinctive whisker breaks, and well-defined whisker pads, along with a strong, rounded muzzle. The skull is slightly rounded, with a flat area in front of the ears. The nose is straight, with a slight to moderate dip at the bridge. The chin is strong, and the bite is level, aligning the nose leather and chin in a straight line.
Ear Features
The ears are large and wide at the base, tapering to a rounded tip. They are positioned at a slight angle to the head, with the outer base of the ears aligned with the outer corners of the eyes, though they do not flare out. The inside of the ears is naturally free of fur.
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Eyes
Large and lemon shaped, slanted slightly upwards towards the outer edges of the ears and set wide apart. Any colour acceptable.
Tail
Long and slender, in proportion to the body length, heavier at the base and tapering to the tip.
Colour
Sphynx cats can come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. Here are some of the common colors and patterns found in Sphynx cats:
1. Solid Colours:
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Black
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White
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Blue
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Red
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Cream
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Chocolate
2. Tabby Patterns
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Classic Tabby (swirls)
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Mackerel Tabby (stripes)
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Spotted Tabby
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Tickled Tabby (agouti pattern)
3. Pointed Colours
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Similar to the Siamese, these cats have a lighter body colour with darker points on the ears, face, paws, and tail. Common colours include:
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Seal Point
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Blue Point
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Chocolate Point
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Lilac Point
4. Bicolours:
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- These Sphynx cats have a combination of two colors, often with white mixed in. Common patterns include:
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Black and White
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Blue and White
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Red and White
5. Tortoiseshell and Calico:
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Tortoiseshell Sphynx cats have a mix of black and red or cream colours, while calicos include white in addition to the tortoiseshell colours.
6. Havana Brown:
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A rich, dark brown colour that is another option for Sphynx cats.
7. Fawn and Lilac:
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These are softer shades, with fawn being a light cream colour and lilac being a light grey with a pinkish tone.