Elf Hairless Cat

Elf hairless cat: introduction

Also, also known as the elf sphynx, it is one of those relatively rare breeds of cats with anomalies: curling ears and almost bearded and with facial hairlessness. This is a pretty strange combination of American Curl and Sphynx. Interestingly enough, already at 2022 neither TICA or The International Cat Association nor the mainstream registries and associations of cat fanciers that are called CFA, an abbreviation for Cat Fanciers’ Association recognize the Elf hairless cat.

Physical features

It is a small to a large-sized Elf cat, and it has very prominent features. The head shape is quite high, cheekbones, and the whisker pads are very projecting – not hard to recognize. These walnut-shaped eyes are yellow, green, or blue but mostly the blue-colored ones are more available in pointed cats. For a more dramatic orienting of this fragile feature of the cat, ears are pretty wide at the base curving back in a smooth arc. Amongst its distinguishing features include special curls that differentiate it from other recognized breeds. It is also a hairless cat, which distinguishes it from the rest of the breeds.

It has some major features. One of the striking features on this curl is if it does have hair or not. Apart from this, there are two other versions of hair types for this breed: there is the hairless type with little patches of hair around the nose, tail, and toes; and then there is the refined version which got a downy covering all over. The Elf cats possess unique physical attributes. No two cats are alike. They can be colored or multicolored, and they have various patterns. Elf hairless cat litters normally appear in mixed colors within one litter, which adds to the above-mentioned fascinating cat entrancing charm .

Origin source

The Elf hairless cat is but one of a breed of feline bred in 2004 by Karen Nelson and Kristen Leedom who teamed up in the United States. They sought to breed an unusually curled-eared hairless cat. This they did sensibly enough by breeding an American Curl with a Sphynx cat.

Of course, such extreme breeding is done by breeders who must really make the American Curl sport the characteristic ears as well as the friendly nature of a Sphynx. So through genetic experimenting, they were able to produce the hairless cat known as Elf that the world falls in love with. They even recognized Elf hairless cat as an experimental breed and proved that in reality, certainly this breed is even bred where in fact, it is already acknowledged since this breed is already too rare.

Characteristics

Elf hairless cats are said to be playful in sense and very social. These cats adapt very fast to a new environment. They love staying with their owners. Such small fluffy creatures would want to spend more time with their human family members rather than staying alone for a very long time.

More so, they can even share a house with such family members as they are socialized to live peacefully with children and other pets. Elf cats require numerous varieties of toys and entertaining diversions to keep their exercise fit both mentally and physically. They may at times enjoy short trips outdoors but are generally more suitable for indoor housing.

Conditions to be kept

Diet

The elf hairless cat is relatively a new and not so known breed. Therefore, there is no specific nutritional requirement for the animals. They can be fed on the standard balanced diet of high-grade wet or dry cat chow, rich in lipids and proteins. However, unlike other cats, they would require some extra calories due to the lack of fur and more body heat especially during winters.

This hydration from fresh water supply will nourish the Elf cats plus feed them rightly. While this check on food must also change their diet, it should assure that change be capable of delivering optimal ranges of weight within healthy limits for the Elf cats. Nutritional counseling, which is direction from a veterinarian, is even more strongly recommended to help your Elf cat achieve free independent care.

Grooming

Same care as Sphynx. Hairless elf cats, and many others, don’t exactly require combing per se, but they do demand special care in the fact that they are kind of almost hair-less. They are, if you will, almost bald. Being almost bald, they have a high propensity for becoming susceptible to respiratory illnesses as well as cold weather. They require thermal blankets to warm them up. Elf cats need to be bathed ridiculously often because it is furless, has a bit higher body temperature than most animals, and they produce much more secretion from the skin.

For elf cats who do not enjoy their bath time, it can be substituted with alcohol-free and hypoallergenic wipes. Elf cats have folds in the skin that the oil collect. So these areas need special attention to be given. Being predisposed not to grow eyelashes and by regular cleanliness, they tend to secrete sebaceous fluids. As being week-skinned animals, they must not be kept under the sun for a long time and must always apply sunscreen safe for cats.

Health issues would be far worse in colder climates because it would sully the skin much more and there would be much body hair growing to keep warm. Elf cat ears are to be kept very thoroughly clean with a certain solution; otherwise, they will get waxed up. In the same way, goes the nails – the nails are to be clean, clipped so as not to cause pain, and it would also make them carry their weight other than any way. Elf hairless cat needs proper care and attention for health.

Health problems that may occur

A newly bred breed, the susceptibilities of this breed to a host of potential health issues are yet to be known. This means that a prospective owner of this breed has to take his or her Elf cat to the veterinarian regularly for general check-ups in monitoring the general healthiness of the cat and to be updated on any potential problems that might arise.

This rare, lively breed of elf hairless cat is highly prized for its loving nature and for the peculiarity that it can bring to owners. Elf cats are quite social creatures and spend much of their time making friends with their human masters. Being non-haired, they require a bit of special care as well as regulation in terms of temperature. An Elf cat will be an excellent companion to any owner who can look after his special needs.