Bald is Beautiful

Guest blogg from Rufus (The Cat Practice’s house cat)

“What is that?? I never saw a bald cat. Did you technicians shave him? Why is he here? Should I fear him?”

Turns out he is a Sphinx (he is a purebred). Bred to not have any fur. Think Austin Powers Mr. Bigglesworth

He is here today to have his teeth done.

But I will tell you about that in my next blogg.

The Sphynx appears to be a hairless cat, but it is not truly hairless. They have whiskers and eyebrows, also a peach like fuzz hairocat. They can also come in colors. The skin looks like the color they would be. Tabby, brown, black and white. Since they do not have hair coat they like to snuggle next to you to keep warm.

Sphynx's are outgoing cats, that have lots of energy, affection & they are smart.

Many people think since they do not have hair coat to take care of, they are maintance free. Quite the opposite. Since the hair on most cats absorbs the body oils, these cats tend to have a build up of body oils on their skin, especially in the folds around the nail beds. As well as more waxy build up in the ears. Which require regular cleaning of the ears, as well as baths. People also think since they do not have hair, they must be hypoallergenic, but it is not always the case for cat specific allergies. Allergies to cats are triggered by a protein found in the cat Not the cat hair!

Don't let any of this scare you away from these great cats who have wonderful personalities. It is just important to know about this before adopting one.

The breed does have instances of the genetic disorder hypertrophic cardiomyopathy ( a heart diease). Studies are being undertaken to understand the links in breeding and the disorder. But again with any pure bred cat you want to check the mother & fathers history, as well as the breeders. Also having an echocardiogram on all pure breed cats is a very good idea.

Now that I got to know my new hairless friend, I am in love.

Thanks Peanut for showing me bald is beautiful.