Health Issues
The Canadian Sphynx is recognized by cat fancy associations as being a healthy robust breed. Despite this, they do face challenges unique to their nature. The lack of hair can cause health issues with kittens in the first weeks of life due to susceptibility to respiratory infections. Reputable breeders will not let their kittens go to new homes without being at least 12 weeks of age to ensure the kitten is mature enough to cope in a new environment. Due to their lack of protective fur, skin cancer may be a problem if exposed to sunlight for long durations of time.
The breed does have instances of the genetic disorder hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Studies are being undertaken to understand the links in breeding and the disorder.
Sphynx cats have particularly sensitive digestive systems, especially if they are small cats. It is not uncommon for them to have severe diarrhea for weeks at a time after the use of medication, anesthesia, or even diets of anything less than 80% protein. Even moving to new homes can sometimes set off digestive issues.
Sphynx cats can catch common feline diseases and should be immunized in the same way as cats of other breeds.
Read more about this topic: Sphynx (cat)
Famous quotes containing the words health and/or issues:
“Mens hearts are cold. They are indifferent. Not all the coal that is dug warms the world. It remains indifferent to the lives of those who risk their life and health down in the blackness of the earth; who crawl through dark, choking crevices with only a bit of lamp on their caps to light their silent way; whose backs are bent with toil, whose very bones ache, whose happiness is sleep, and whose peace is death.”
—Mother Jones (18301930)
“Cynicism formulates issues clearly, but only to dismiss them.”
—Mason Cooley (b. 1927)