Elf Cat Breed
History of Elf Cat Breed
Elf Cat has been bred from 2004 when US woman Karen Nelson and Kristen Leedom designed it. The breed was originated through crossing American Curl and Sphynx cats.
The idea of the creators resulted from merging curled ears as produced by the American Curl with people oriented features that were characteristic for the Sphynx, which finally led to the success of this experiment. Thus, the modern Elf Cat was created.
Today, it is not perceived by the government as a novel hybrid breed. Breeders tend to categorize it under a variant of breed Sphynx whenever participating in TICA’s cat shows. There are only very few breeders who handle elf cat breed and most of these dealers can only be found within the European continent as demand is high but with very low production.
How Elf Cats Bred ?
It is a matter of debate whether or not it is inhumane to breed hairless cats. Technically speaking, every hairless breed, including the Elf Cat breed, is classified as a product of cruel breeding. As their bodies are less covered with fur and thus more susceptible to environmental factors and skin conditions, these cats frequently undergo eczema, sunburn, and become chilled quite easily.
Although, there are some breeds such as Elf Cat that are also bred whiskerless, which is essential in sensing their environment. The fragile hairs at the edges of a cat’s cheeks, around its eyes and front legs, are what gives them the orientation they need, and any self-respecting cat lady will tell you.
Whiskerless cats have worse senses, especially at night. They do not have the vital sense that is necessary for the most mundane activities such as hunting, jumping, and stalking.
Common Health Issues
However, despite the fact that this breed is believed to be a healthy one, it’s still bound to raise lots of questions for its genetic makeup. Most of the health issues associated with elf cats are a direct result of their hairless coats.
Skin issues
Because the hairless cat lacks hair, several conditions in his skin are easier to happen. This results in rashes caused by oil build-up, infections, and increased skin damage susceptibility. Elf cats are even more susceptible to sunburns and post-proliferative skin cancer than the sphynx which had originated them.
Ear infections
Hairless cats are most prone to ear infections and need a regular ear cleaning.
Problems with controlling temperature
Hairless cats cannot control their body temperature too efficiently because their fur serves no insulator function. Double-check that your elf cat is wearing its sweater. The medium-to-large elf cat has a similar profile to the sphynx with his prominent cheekbones, athletic muscular build, and blue-to-gold eyes. It is hairless.
The elf cat has wrinkly skin on the nose, ears, and shoulders. The forehead and chin bristles are extremely sparse. The cat has a peculiar set of ears curled backward due to genetic mutation. Due to this, some decorations are missing from its ears. Otherwise, the elf cat is genetically the same as its sphynx parent in terms of any other physical characteristic, apart from its ears.
The cat is extremely young, so there is no such breed standard. This means that all variations of elf cats are well within the normal colors and patterns.
What does the Cost of an Elf Cat to Purchase?
The Elf cat breed is relatively new but nonetheless you can get them from a breeder just like with every other cat. You will need to travel more distances and perhaps longer to find the ideal breeder for your needs. These animals cost around €2,000 so they aren’t exactly a bargain.
When buying why consider Elf Cat ?
Taking into consideration the current controversy about the inhumane breeding process, let’s think over our decision well before making a purchase. Let’s go with another breed that keeps all the whiskers.
Elf Cat Breeding Methods
Elf Cat Breeding Methods Are Developing Constantly. Elf cat breeding methods never stop improving, continuously borrowing traits from other breeds to increase resistance. If you are making choices, take your time over them.
Ask Your Cat Breeder Specific Questions
Before buying the kittens, ask very specific questions to the cat breeder: will the kittens be healthy and is the breeding reliable.
Looks: The Elf Cat Is Stunning
Elf Cat breed is generally hairless, but can in extremely rare instances appear to have silky fine down. This puts them into the same category as the Kohona, the traditional hairless breeds.
ANY color or pattern is acceptable. Skin folds are prevalent, especially at shoulders, legs, and head.
The elflike ears are poised atop a small skull that is sort of canine in form, with a terribly extended face. The skin folds back behind the ears, and eyes draw attention to the prominent, whisker-free cheekbones. The absence of fur makes even the generally bright, green-grey eyes look remarkably vast and striking.
Have they bewitched Pointy Ears?
The Elf Cat’s name comes from its unorthodox ear type, fittingly reminding one of the fabled elves. Elf cats have a sleek and muscular build. They weigh normally between 4.5 and 7 kg and measure approximately 22 to 25 cm at the withers.
They seem frail and flimsy at times but are nonetheless very strong: Because they seem to lack fur, Elf Cat breed is a breed that have well-developed muscles and firm bodies. Their long, tapering tail adds to their athletic build.
Which Cat Breeds Have the Elf Cat’s Appearance?
Its head shape and athletic muscular body are like the Sphynx, while its ears, pointed and curled differently, might lead to its judgment that it belongs to the American Curl family.
No doubt, remarkable, the Elf Cat breed poses reproduction and high maintenance requirements sans criticism. Being unique in appearance, it needs to appeal to owners. Different tastes differ, but one thing is sure, elf cats can be incredibly delightful and have a mystical personality.