The following information is NOT printed on this postcard: The Sphynx (also known as Canadian Hairless) is a rare breed of cat known for its lack of a coat. Anecdotal evidence shows that hairless cats have been the results of natural mutation that occurs in the cat population every 15-20 years.

The contemporary breed of Sphynx started in 1966, in Toronto Canada, when a hairless kitten named Prune was born. The kitten was crossed with its mother, which produced one more naked kitten. Together with a few naked kittens found later it became the primogenitor of the breed. The first sphynx breeders faced a number of problems. The genetic pool was very limited, breeders had rather vague ideas about sphynx genetics, many kittens died. The naked male Epidermis born in 1975 to short-haired mother provided new material to sphynx fanciers and new genes for further breed development. Now the Canadian Sphynx is a breed with a sound genetic pool. The Sphynx appears to be a hairless cat, but it is not truly hairless. The skin texture resembles that of Chamois leather. It may be covered with very short, fine hair, not unlike a peach. Because the sphynx cats have no pelt to keep them warm they huddle up against other animals and people. They even tend to cuddle up and sleep with their owners under the covers. Lack of coat makes the cat quite warm to the touch.

Whiskers and eyebrows may be present, either whole or broken, or may be totally absent. The skin is the color their fur would be, and all the usual cat marking patterns (solid, point, van, tabby, tortie, etc) may be found on Sphynx skin. Owing to the lack of fur, Sphynxes require regular washing because there is no fur to soak up the natural oils in their skin. Sphynxes are known for their extravert behavior. They display a high level of energy, intelligence, curiosity, and affection for their owners.

Published by Art Unlimited, Amsterdam.