The mythical Corsican “cat-fox” turned out to be a real animal

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Fans of meowing creatures don’t always realize how great the variety of pets is: amazing hairless cats

, for example, are also divided into several breeds. Various historical sources provide little information on the history of furless creatures. They say that such pussies were known during the times of the Mayan Indians, although written evidence of the existence of hairless cats dates back only to the beginning of the 19th century: a description of cats lacking fur was given by the naturalist Johan Rudolf Rengger.

In 1903, Nellie and Dick, a pair of cats without hair, were bought from the Mexican Indians. But the new owners did not expect offspring.

As legends and myths say, a hairless cat is a sacred creature. The popularity of such a pussy is obvious: many people liked the hypoallergenic, hairless creatures with a particularly interesting character.

For some, it remains surprising that hairless kittens with an exotic appearance can appear from an ordinary cat with short hair, even if she is a Siamese breed. But about where hairless cats come from, below.

Origin

The gene that leads to the absence of fur in a cat has been manifesting itself for a long time. Hairless kittens have occasionally been born to representatives of various cat breeds. The owners perceived such pets as a funny misunderstanding.

The first described pair of hairless pets was bought by Mr. Shinnik in Mexico from local Indians. The owner was unable to obtain offspring from the strange animals, but left a detailed description of the animals, which made further research possible.

Soon a hypothesis arose that hairless seals are descendants of animals brought from Europe to South America in the 15th century. The loss of wool could be provoked by a sharp change in climatic conditions.

Later, in the 20th century, Siamese cats living in France began to have kittens without hair. Breeders tried to crossbreed these animals in order to consolidate the species trait, but the attempts remained unsuccessful.

At the origins of the breed of modern hairless cats is a Canadian cat, born in 1966. The descendants of the cat received the common name Sphinxes, due to their resemblance to ancient Egyptian images. Many researchers are confident that ancient sculptures in the Egyptian desert are images of hairless cats.

Thanks to their unique grace, cats without fur are becoming increasingly popular. The following describes the standards and varieties of breeds of these graceful creatures.

Photo of the Sphinx

Why are cats hairless?

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//data-ad-slot=”2475549904″ $ads_google = empty($ads_google) ? false : true; ?> if ($ads_google == false) {?> $ads_google = true; ?> } ?> The mentioned cats Nellie and Dick turned out to be relatives, which is probably why the owner did not breed the breed, although he gave the animals a detailed description.

By the middle of the 20th century, information about the appearance of kittens without fur began to appear in the media from different countries.

It is believed that a kitten named Prune from North America became the ancestor of the Canadian Sphynx. The Don Sphynx was registered in 1998; the wonderful cat Varvara is considered the ancestor. It became clear that new

horizons for breeding cats. They began to actively breed hairless cats after the 80s of the last century.

A mutation led to the appearance of bald purrs in the world - thanks to this genetic failure, which is hereditary, the world saw new breeds of cats.

Appearance standard

Of all the types of hairless cats, three types of Sphynxes have passed all stages of official recognition: Canadian, Donskoy, Peterbald. Each breed is characterized by its own standards, compliance with which is monitored by international organizations. The largest breeders' association is ISBFA.

Appearance description:

1. Muscular body of medium size, distinguished by grace and fine lines.
2. There is practically no hair. A few short hairs create a thin velvety layer on the surface of the body.
3. The specific location of skin folds indicates genetic differences.
4. The presence of vibrissae, fluffy brushes on the limbs, and eyebrows is acceptable.

The geometry of the body and head of animals is different, making it possible to accurately determine whether a cat belongs to one type or another. A common feature is the active temperament and attachment to the owner, usually characteristic of dogs.

Is it true that there are no allergies to hairless cats?

The most persistent and harmful myth is that hairless cats are hypoallergenic. People believe they are allergic to cat hair, and adopting a hairless pet seems like a good solution. Unfortunately, most often the allergy is caused by a special protein that is found in the saliva, urine and skin secretions of cats.

The Sphynx's skin contains sebum, a protective skin lubricant. This brown substance may be an allergen. If a person is allergic to cat saliva or fur, then he will be able to live in an apartment with a naked pet. All you need to do is wash your hands thoroughly after touching the cat.

Hypoallergenic? what are you saying?

Color

There are various colors of hairless cats:

• plain (snow-white, charcoal, orange, bluish-gray, pink, purple, brownish);
• bicolor (gray-white, lilac-gray, brown-chocolate);
• with a pattern of various shades (tabby);
• tortoiseshell (black-red, cream-blue, cream-lilac);
• piebald (colored spots on a white background);
• colorpoint of various color combinations.

Silver colors of the Sphynx are not possible due to the lack of hair.

The variety of shades leads to the unique color of the skin of each individual. Having sunbathed a little under the sun's rays, the pet will look even more elegant, but such procedures should not be overused.

Character of hairless cats

All bald people have a friendly character. They are characterized by devotion and love of affection - few hairless cats will allow their owner's embrace to be empty. Pussies make friends with all members of the household, but they experience true love only for those who give them a lot of time and attention.

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The price of hairless cats remains high not only because of the special grace of their body, but also because of their developed intelligence.

Animals have a negative attitude towards forced loneliness, so it is better to have them in a large family, where everyone will find time to communicate with the pet.

Top 10 Popular Hairless Cat Breeds

Three basic types of hairless pets arose as a result of natural mutations (Canadian, Donskoy, Kohona). The rest are the result of selection work:

1. Crossing the Oriental with the Don Sphinx made it possible to obtain the Peterbald.

1. The Canadian Sphynx and Munchkin became the parents of Bambino kittens.
2. Levkoy descended from the Don Sphynx and Scottish Fold.
3. The Minskin is the fruit of a complex cross between a Canadian and several breeds.
4. Dwelfs and Elves carry the genes of the Canadian, American Curl and Munchkin.

Canadian Sphynx

1. This popular hairless pet has the following characteristics:
2. Dense, smooth skin, sometimes with a small hairy fluff.
3. Wrinkles on the limbs, forehead and neck area, decreasing with age.
4. Muscular torso, shaped like a pear.
5. Thin paws.
6. An elongated tail in the shape of a whip, twisted in an arc.
7. Wedge-shaped skull with sharply defined cheekbones.
8. Round large ears.
9. Lemon shaped eyes.

Many note the Canadian’s resemblance to an alien creature, thanks to which the cat received the unofficial title of “cat from the moon.”

Don Sphinx

At first, these cats were called “Russian Hairless”. Representatives may have different types of hair:

1. Completely hairless.
2. Slightly noticeable fluff, which subsequently disappears completely.
3. A small number of hard short hairs (brush).
4. Barely noticeable hairs measuring from 2 to 3 mm (velor).

Distinctive features of the body: medium size, folds on the paws, neck, forehead and groin. The head is short, wedge-shaped, the eyes are shaped like almonds, the ears are large and somewhat pointed.

Peterbald

Thanks to its constitution (elongated body and paws, developed muscles, proud head carriage), this descendant of Orientals is recognized as the most elegant of the hairless cats. On a narrow muzzle with pronounced cheekbones, eyes of bluish-green shades and huge ears stand out. The colors are often dark tones, the folds are concentrated on the head.

Levkoy Ukrainian

The fold-eared hairless cat has a wedge-shaped, pentagonal head, an elongated neck, and narrow green eyes. The animal's ears resemble the gillyflower flower, to which the breed owes its name. Slender, graceful pets have completely smooth skin with minor folds on the tummy, as well as in the neck area and on the head. Minor hair fluff may be present. Levkoys tend to persistently demand attention to their own person.

Elves and Dwelfs

Both of these related varieties of hairless kittens have ears that curl toward the back of the head, making them look like fairy-tale creatures. These cats were bred 10-15 years ago, so they have not yet become widespread. Elves do not have whiskers, but there may be tufts of hair on their paws. Dwelfs are distinguished by their short limbs.

Bambino and Minskin

Thanks to its elongated body and shortened legs, Bambino looks like a dachshund. The cat's face with ears narrowed at the ends has a naive, childish expression. The entire skin of representatives of the breed is covered with small folds. Pets weigh up to 4 kg. They love to play and frolic.

Minskins are almost identical to Bambinos, but have a very thin coat.

Kohona (Hawaii)

Hairless cats from the Hawaiian Islands underwent a natural evolution. The hairless skin of animals is smooth, like wax, when touched. Pets have neither mustaches nor eyebrows. The cheek, forehead and neck wrinkles are very pronounced, as well as folds on the skin of the paws. Almond-shaped eyes.

Hairless breeds care

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very delicate skin that needs care and hygiene. Dirt often accumulates in the folds, so the skin is washed with baby shampoo. Surprisingly, many pussies are ready to splash around in a warm bath for hours. The owner’s task is to ensure that water does not get into the ears - you can stuff the ear canals with cotton wool. For a bath, the optimal water temperature is 36-38°C. A rubber mat is placed on the bottom - without it, a cat that slips will remember for a long time the offense against you and the whole wide world.

They take into account the dislike of hairless creatures for showers - you will have to wash off the shampoo with your palms.

If the cat has a pronounced reluctance to bathe, the bath is replaced by wiping with cotton pads soaked in lotions for baby skin.

If your pet sweats a lot, the discharge must be removed with cotton pads and lotion.

The skin may dry out excessively after contact with water, so it is recommended to lubricate it with baby oil.

Keeping hairless cats

If you want to buy a hairless cat, then it is important to understand that such pets should not be left to their own devices, they definitely need attention and good care. Their health needs constant monitoring, because wool will no longer serve as protection from external factors.

If you are a too busy person, then you should not make life difficult for either your pet or yourself - after all, both kittens of hairless cats and adults take up a lot of time.

Such an animal requires living in a warm place - they tend to freeze and do not have the opportunity, like other cats, to warm up under their own thick fur coat. Such pets can often be seen next to a radiator or heater. To prevent skin burns, caring owners place a thick cloth on the cat’s favorite place.

Carefully walking hairless cats

- the sun's rays can also burn the skin, and the absence of fur does not in any way protect the body from a shock dose of ultraviolet radiation. The time for walks is calculated so that the cat does not walk under the scorching sun.

Feeding

A good owner will treat the pet with care and will not allow it to receive less nutrients or eat low-quality food.

This article will tell you about the basics of proper nutrition for adult Sphynx cats and their offspring.

You can feed your pussy with industrial or natural food. The age of the cat is always taken into account: a different diet is suitable for kittens, as is the case for older individuals. Lactation, pregnancy, illness, castration play a big role.

The menu includes meat, skinless and boneless chicken breast, chicken offal, vegetables in any form, fruits, parsley. You can give steamed oatmeal, buckwheat or rice. Three times a week it is useful to feed your pussy with pharmaceutical brewer's yeast. Once a week, cheese and chicken yolk are included in the diet.

To cleanse your teeth, it is useful to add crackers to your food.

Behavior

A common feature of representatives of hairless cats is an affectionate, flexible, friendly character. In this way, hairless cats are similar to dogs. They are affectionate and do not tolerate loneliness or change of environment well.

Some individuals can be trained, for example, they can bring light objects to their owner. They are distinguished by their intelligence, curiosity, and understanding of human speech.

They get along easily with small family members and pets. Many owners note that keeping such pets helps maintain a comfortable, relaxing atmosphere in the house.

Care and maintenance

Pet care requirements are determined by the unusual characteristics of representatives of this type of cat. Skin left without the protection of fur becomes vulnerable. In addition, during the cold season, cats can easily catch a cold.

Basic recommendations for caring for pets:

• Treat the surface of the skin with a special composition three times a week, removing brownish plaque that accumulates around the ears, claws and on the pads of the paws.
• Clean ears and eyes with cotton swabs as needed.
• Have a “bath day” at least 2 times a month using special gentle shampoos. Wipe the body surface dry with a soft towel at the end of the procedure.
• Trim claws using a nail clipper.

Proper care will help keep the animal in a good mood.

Reviews from Sphynx owners

“Pink naked happiness has been living with me for 12 years now. Cheddar is very clean. We wipe the eyes as necessary to remove discharge. He endures it calmly and purrs like a tractor. I love him immensely. He hugs, presses his hot body, asks to be held. He stretches out his paws and says “me-me” (sounds like mom!).”

“We have two cats - a yard, long-haired and the second is a Canadian Sphynx. We love both. But a cat is on its own, it has a character, it has its own interests. And the bald one is a member of the family, a smart friend, adored by everyone. Sphinxes are amazing! I recommend"

“My Don Sphynx is velvety to the touch and does not require complicated care. I love buying him clothes, he's so funny in them. We've already collected a whole gallery of pictures. In the summer he walks on the balcony - sunbathes, it becomes darker. In a word, there is not much more care than for an ordinary cat, but there is no hair anywhere!”

“My Sphynx daughter is 2.5 years old. The kindest cat. Loves everyone - dog, children. I wash it once a month, almost no resistance. I trim my nails regularly, once every 2 weeks. I have never regretted starting one. The only thing was that it took a long time to select food, there were problems with stool and skin. Now she eats expensive holistic food, but it's worth it."

“I took an adult, completely hairless cat. If you are too lazy to wash it, ironing becomes unpleasant, your hands are covered in brown grease. And it started to smell noticeably. I take her to the bathroom - she screams like a fool and pees on me. She didn't like to wash. At the same time, I miss her immensely, it’s been two years since she passed away. Not a single cat slept under the blanket with me, except this one.”

“Katie the Don Sphynx is the most sociable cat I’ve ever had. The squeaky one is scary - she meows for any reason. Curious. He greets and sniffs guests, but will not hold them in his arms. A mannered imaginary - she acts like a peahen, falls apart picturesquely when you pay attention to her, swags her tail importantly. She’s not aggressive at all, she’s never bitten or scratched anyone in her life.”

Health

Hairless pets are especially susceptible to skin diseases and colds. For prevention, the following measures should be taken:

• Maintain the temperature in the room where the cat lives from 20 ⁰С to 25 ⁰С, avoid drafts.
• Limit your pet's time in direct sunlight or near heaters to avoid burns or heat shock.
• In winter, dress the cat in special clothes to prevent hypothermia.
• Monitor the condition of the cat's lacrimal glands and ear canals, not forgetting about regular hygiene procedures.
• Monitor your pet's diet to rule out gastrointestinal diseases and excess weight problems.
• Vaccinate the animal in a timely manner (primary vaccination at 2 months, after reaching the age of 1 year - annually).

If the requirements are met correctly, hairless cats live a full life, the normal duration of which is 15-20 years.

The choice of a hairless cat as a pet is often due to the presence of allergic diseases. It should be understood that allergies are most often caused not by the pet’s fur itself, but by the D1 protein produced by the cat’s glands. Before purchasing an animal, you should conduct the necessary tests to identify the source of the allergy. If the allergen is protein D1, the patient is advised to limit contact with any cats.

The mythical Corsican “cat-fox” turned out to be a real animal

For hundreds of years, shepherds on the French island of Corsica spoke of a mysterious animal with reddish fur, which was called the “fox cat” or “fox cat.” According to their stories, this beast attacked the udders of sheep and goats.

This animal was considered mythical and, according to scientists, peasants either confused the “cat-fox” with an ordinary cat or fox, or simply made up fiction (Paranormal News - paranormal-news.ru).

The cat in these photographs is alive, just under the influence of sleeping medications.

It was only in 2008 that the first such animal was caught in a chicken coop and found its way to biologists. And over the following years, several more large cats were found and delivered to scientists in local forests.

Scientists have studied the DNA of this animal and probably in the coming years the existence of a new subspecies of wild forest cat will be announced.

The Corsican "fox cat" is slightly larger in size than the average domestic cat and its fur is really reddish and very thick. She also had a thick tail with a blunt end and black rings - one of the signs of wild forest cats. Domestic cats have thinner tails and often have a pointed tip.

According to Carlu-Anthony Ceccini, these cats live only in a small remote area, where they are protected from people by water on one side and forests on the other. Their main enemy is the golden eagle.

“From generation to generation, local shepherds told stories about how red forest cats attacked sheep and goats, aiming for the udders with milk. However, for the first time the “cat-fox” was caught in a chicken coop, where he was trying to catch a chicken.”

“Having studied its DNA, we found out that these cats are not close to European wild cats (Felis Silvestris Silvestris), but they are similar to the steppe wild cat (Felis Silvestris Lybica). However, its exact species will need to be studied more carefully,” adds Ceccini.

Since 2008, 16 such cats have been caught in the forests of Corsica, 12 of which fell into the hands of scientists, were humanely examined by them, and then released back into the wild.

One of the last cats was a male with a slightly damaged eye. One of his eyes is normal and the other is dark in color. It is this cat that is presented in all the photos in this article.

The cats released into the wild were fitted with GPS collars to track their movements.

According to researchers, these wild cats may have arrived in Corsica thousands of years ago. It is surprising that such a large animal living in Europe came to the attention of scientists only in the 21st century. Such stories always inspire cryptozoologists, who also hunt for creatures called mythical.

Diet

Animals that lack a layer of fur are forced to expend more energy to maintain a normal body temperature. For this reason, hairless cats should receive more high-calorie food. Basic recommendations for the correct selection of food:

• Avoid granules with high vitamin content. Such components are necessary for the beauty of the coat, but can cause harm to a bald cat.
• The diet should include a fairly large percentage of fat. Proteins with carbohydrates can remain at a basic level.
• When feeding natural products, you need to choose raw poultry and beef, boiled vegetables, meat, liver, and dairy products. The components can be crushed until smooth, added to soft foods, or given in their natural form, depending on the cat’s preferences.

Prices

Prices for hairless kittens are determined individually and depend on the pedigree and characteristics of a particular individual. Representatives of the Canadian, Don Sphynx and Peterbald breeds can cost from 10 to 50 thousand rubles. Ukrainian Levkoi are valued from 5 to 30 thousand rubles. The price range for Elves and Dwelfs is 35-120 thousand rubles. Bambino can be purchased for 25-80 thousand rubles. Kittens of the Cohona breed are extremely rare; there is no market price for these animals.

In any case, you should purchase cats only from nurseries, since breeding these pets at home is almost impossible. Adult cats become so attached to the owner that they may refuse to eat in the absence of the owner, so purchasing a pet of this breed should be taken with full responsibility.

Sphinx health

The absence of fur creates a feeling of fragility and defenselessness. Fortunately, this impression is wrong. With good care, sphinxes are long-lived, with an average lifespan of 15-16 years.

It is recommended to adopt a kitten at the age of 3 months – after the second vaccination. Annual vaccinations should not be neglected, even if the pet does not leave the apartment.

Sphynxes can be real long-livers

All bare-skinned breeds are young, but information has already been accumulated about some hereditary diseases of sphinxes. It should be remembered that Canadian and Don Sphynxes are completely different breeds. And their genetic diseases are also different. You can read more about the Canadian Sphynx in a separate article.