Pharaonic cat

The Pharaonic cat , or Sphinx, produces  fascination and curiosity. Exotic, rare, beautiful … until it looks like a foreigner, they have come to define a cat breed that is characterized by the “absence” of hair.

We will know the most unusual things about this type of cat, because despite its appearance, we find that it is a very strange and special cat, so shall we begin?

The origin of the pharaonic cat:

It seems that the hairless cat is not the first breed of “hairless” cat. There are historical documents from the early 20th century where there was talk of bald cats being seen in New Mexico.

 

These specimens, which were called “Mexican Hairless Cats,” may have originally been owned by Indian tribes from the Albuquerque region of North America.

It is known that later, in the 1950s, some breeders obtained several “bald” kittens from the confluence of French Siamese twins.

The beginning of breeding the Pharaonic cat:

From that moment on, in 1966, they began experimenting with breeding aimed at producing bald kittens.

Riad Bawa seized the two animals that were bred to get the cat without the coat and asked for help from other people who were engaged in breeding.

However, when his work was included in the standards as a new breed and colour, the recognition was eventually withdrawn.

It happened in 1971 and the reason is that the cats that were obtained were not able to have children . The strain we know today comes from farmers in Minnesota.

In 1975 they realized that their natural cat had given birth to a bald kitten. “Skinned,” which is how the first specimen was christened, was paired a year later with another “bald,” whom they named Dermis.

 

They ended up in the hands of Oregon breeders. He was tasked with starting work to develop a new breed.

It’s great to know that around the same time, in Canada, a Siamese breeder came across three bald stray kittens.

He gave one, in 1983, to a Dutch doctor who paired her with a white Devon Rex. The offspring of this breeding, as well as those from Minnesota and Oregon are known today as the Pharaonic cat breed.

Their lack of fur is due to a recessive gene. For a cat to develop these characteristics, a pair of genes is needed. This is why they are so rare.

Characteristics and forms of the Pharaonic cat:

This cat breed does not leave anyone indifferent. She is loved and hated in equal measure.

However, those who are fond of these cats claim that they are unique, due to the spontaneous mutation in their genes.

Anyway, among its main characteristics is the lack of hair and this is not the case. The Pharaonic cat or Sphinx is a cat with a texture like peach peel or suede.

 

It is covered with very fine and very short hairs, practically imperceptible to our eyes and touch, but it is there.

It is of medium size, although it must be specified that there are two types of pharaonic cat, one European and one North American. So, depending on that, his length ranges from medium to medium length.

His good looks are amazing, thanks to his chest showing. However, his stomach is round, as if he had just eaten. His body is solid and muscular.

The head is generally of medium size.

The shape of his skull is slightly longer than it is wide, his forehead is flat and his cheekbones are high.

His ears are huge, giving his critics excuses to say he looks like some kind of bat. They are broad at the base and very open. They don’t fall forward or backward. Internally completely hair free

 

The eyes of a pharaonic cat are very large compared to the rest of its face. They are lemon-shaped, extending towards the ears. Its appearance can be of several colors, although it is desirable that it be similar to the color of its coat. Perhaps the most striking are the yellow eyes.

It has a very flexible tail, which narrows closer to the tip. It is very proportional to its body length and sometimes has a tuft of hair at the end.

What are the advantages of the Pharaonic cat?

The Sphynx is a breed of domestic cat known for its hairless appearance. Here are some common characteristics of Sphynx cats:

1. Hairless Fur : Unlike most cat breeds, Sphynx cats have little or no hairless fur. Their fur is soft and often has a velvet-like texture.
2. Medium size: The Pharaonic cat is medium in size, weighing about 3-5 kilograms. They are muscular and well proportioned.
3. Large ears : The Pharaonic cat has large, pointed ears, which are often tilted forward.
4. Distinctive Face : Sphynx cats have a distinctive face, with a round head and an expression that appears to be smiling.
5. Affectionate personality : The Pharaonic cat is known to be affectionate and sociable with its owners. They love spending time with people and are known for their playful behaviour.
6. High Energy : Sphynx cats have high energy and need plenty of exercise and play to keep them happy and healthy.
7. Temperature Sensitive : Due to its lack of fur, the Pharaonic cat is sensitive to changes in temperature and needs to be kept in a warm environment.

In general, Sphynx cats are a unique and distinctive breed that many cat owners love because of their affectionate personality and unusual appearance.

Is the pharaonic cat dangerous?

No, the pharaonic cat is not a dangerous breed. As with any pet, a Sphynx cat’s behavior will depend largely on its socialization and training.

Sphynx cats are known to be affectionate, social, active, and enjoy human company. They are generally friendly and get along well with children and other animals, although it is always important to supervise any interaction between pets and children to avoid any kind of problem.

It is important to note that the Pharaonic cat is sensitive to extreme temperatures due to its lack of fur, so it must be kept in a warm environment and protected from cold and moisture.

In short, the Pharaonic cat is a safe and friendly breed of house cat, as long as they are given proper care and attention. As with any pet, it’s important that owners of Sphynx cats understand their needs and are willing to put in the time and resources necessary to keep them healthy and happy.

Why were the Pharaohs revered cats?

Cats were highly respected in ancient Egyptian culture, and it is believed that the Egyptians worshiped cats for several reasons:

• Protection from pests: Cats were prized in ancient Egypt for their ability to keep mice and other pests away. The Egyptians believed that cats had miraculous powers that allowed them to detect and capture these animals, and cats were considered to protect homes and barns from pests.
• Religious symbolism: In the Egyptian religion, cats were considered sacred and were associated with the goddess Bastet, who was depicted with a cat’s head. Bastet was the goddess of protection, fertility, motherhood, and the home, and cats were believed to be her emissaries on earth. Therefore, cats were considered sacred animals and were revered for their connection to the Bastet.
• Companionship and Affection: Cats were prized for their kind and friendly personalities, and it is believed that the ancient Egyptians enjoyed the company of cats as pets. Cats were also considered magical animals and were believed to have curative and protective powers.

In short, cats were revered in ancient Egyptian culture for their ability to protect homes and barns from pests, for their religious symbolism, and for their friendly and affectionate personality. Therefore, the Egyptians honored them and considered them sacred animals worthy of respect and worship.

Is the pharaonic cat a hybrid?

The Sphynx is a purebred cat that originated in the mid-20th century in Canada. Unlike hybrid cats, which result from crossing two different types of cat or a cat and another animal, a Sphynx cat is the result of a spontaneous genetic mutation that affects a cat’s coat. Sphynx cats have a thin coat of short, fine hair, but they appear almost hairless due to the mutation. It has a distinctive appearance, with its slender, muscular body, large pointed ears, and wrinkly skin. Sphynx cats are known for their friendly and affectionate personalities and are a popular breed of house cat.

Pharaonic cat character

We can say that it is a very smart cat, and it has the capacity for memory and attention, which is out of the ordinary, compared to other types of cats .

At the same time, it is a cat that requires a lot of affection and closeness . It is not uncommon for him to follow us around the house and take advantage of any carelessness to jump on top so we can cuddle up to him and give him some warmth.

He’s social with other four-legged companions, such as cats and dogs, and yes, he loves being the center of attention and when he wants something to do, he doesn’t stop until he gets it.

He loves to play and if he has a good cat tree he will climb and jump to the top. You will always be looking for the warmest place in the house in the winter and the coolest place in the summer.

He meows when he’s hungry and like a good cat, he loves to sleep, curled up in his favorite spot, and sometimes he can be on people’s arms.

Curiosities of the Pharaonic cat

The shape of his head and those lymphatic eyes are said to have inspired Steven Spielberg’s take on the famous space dwellers.

 

Studies show that he may be more likely than other cats to develop feline immunodeficiency, which is the equivalent of HIV. It is transmitted through an infected bite or through sexual contact.

They also have no eyebrows or eyelashes. The bristles are sparse and very short. Their bodies can be up to four degrees warmer than other breeds.

Pharaonic cat breeding

Pharaonic cat needs a special diet. They have a very accelerated food digestion process that acts as a regulator for their temperature, which is absolutely essential because they don’t have body hair.

This is why they need more food than other cat breeds.

Look for a well-balanced diet, especially for the pharaonic cat. It is supplemented with more protein and fat.

Just a pharaonic sweat. In doing so, they secrete an oily substance that helps keep their skin hydrated.

They are also not cats that like to take care of themselves too much, so you need to be the one taking care of them.

One bath per month is recommended. In any case, you must be the one who is aware of how dirty your hairless cat is, to provide her with the hygiene she needs and that she does not have skin infections. Clean the folds well and between the creases.

 

We have already mentioned that the Egyptian cat does not have eyelashes, so it is necessary to be aware of its eyes.

Buy special cleaning products and always remember that it is a very sensitive area. To remove any material that is bothering them, you can use a saline solution.

The lack of hair on their ears makes them completely unprotected. It is also essential that you learn how to clean the auditory area, as it is very prone to wax and grease buildup and mites.

To do this, you just have to wrap gauze around your finger and insert it into his ears, rubbing it gently.

Be careful with the temperature of the house and outside outlets. These cats are “naked”. Their body temperature is usually 4 degrees above average. You have to make sure it does not exceed 20 degrees.

When you are outside, make sure it is not exposed to the sun. Their skin is very sensitive and burns very easily.

On the other hand, in winter they are very sensitive to cold. It is a good idea to dress the cat in clothes and leave some blankets in his bed so that he can take shelter if he needs them.

Buy or adopt a pharaonic cat

At topcat.online we always recommend adoption, regardless of breed or origin, be it a pharaonic cat or a stray cat. There are many cats waiting for an opportunity in the shelters in your city.

However, if you decide to buy a pharaonic cat, you should know that its price ranges between 500 and 2000 euros.

You must ensure that you are buying from quality and responsible breeders, who have all the certifications and warranties in order for it to be a well-treated animal. How can you be sure of that?

The educator must:

• Answering your questions, attending exhibitions, and knowing the breed well.
• It’s a good idea to have references from other breeders.
• Your animals must be registered in the Book of Origin.
• Ensure that the animal is delivered with the microchip, vaccinations, vet card..
•  Finally, the animal must be with its mother for at least two months, so do not rush to take the Pharaonic cat with you and be suspicious if they want to do this

We told you about the pharaonic cat, but we want to know what you think about it. Dare to share it in the comments of this article and share it with the world, if you liked it and it has provided you with interesting information.