Elf Sphynx Cat: an introduction
Even though elf cats are just a relatively new breed, so much information is already available on them. The advantages of modern breeds of dogs and cats is that information is shared more freely than ever before. Some cats of American Curl and Sphynx breed are crossed to produce Elf Sphynx cat. These cats are hairless as well as have curled ears. In this process, birth of elf kittens takes place. Eventually, this mix develops into the elf sphynx cat.
Now, International Cat Association recognizes seventy-three breeds for use in contests and shows. Although both parent cat breeds are identified, the extremely rare Elf breed has not, sadly, yet made it onto that list. This is due to the fact that International Cat Association would not believe that Elf cats do not consider themselves as a breed; rather they consider it as a hybrid breed and are still evolving from a lineage.
Elf Sphynx Cat Introduction
- Type of breed: Inbred
- Height: between nine and twelve inches
- Weight: between ten and fifteen pounds
- Coat color and pattern: any
- Personality: Lighthearted, friendly, affectionate
- Life Expectancy: 8–14 Years
History of the Elf Cat
Karen Nelson and Kristen Leedom bred a hybrid Elf cat in the United States back in the year 2004. They bred an American Curl with a Sphynx cat to breed an Elf kitten. The idea behind the breeding program was to bring the adorable nature of a Sphynx and to inherit the genetics that create American Curls with their peculiar ear structure.
Their breeding program successfully produced the Elf hairless cat, which has been around for less than 20 years. Other breeders have begun to breed American Curls and Sphynx cats toward the same results as Nelson and Leedom. For instance, No Coat Kitty breeders apply their collective knowledge of Sphynx cats in breeding healthier pets with fewer health problems. Unlike the backyard breeders who only want to turn the ordinary Elf cat into a cash cow for fast money, these breeders take a different strategy altogether.
Of course, for humans to properly identify a new breed, it must have some novel features and an unusual combination of features. One novel feature of elf cats was the minimal fur over their hairless bodies. While Elf cats do sometimes have some fine hair over their skin, Sphynx cats are all hairless. But the fur is amazingly fine.
Their bodies are almost indistinguishable from the healthy Sphynx, so they are simply beautiful cats. They have the same athletic build and head shape of a Sphynx, but the experimental breed’s ears have adopted the curled points characteristic of American Curl cats.
Cats are old enough to enter their owners in competitions that are sanctioned by International Cat Association, or TICA. Still, they are not recognized as a breed in and of themselves but rather as a variation of the Sphynx cat. The Elf Sphynx cat falls into another category simply by virtue of being a cross between an American Curl and a Sphynx.
 A Very Brief History of the Elf Sphynx Cat
Due to its genetic makeup, the Elf inherited the extroverted personality of the Sphynx.
In addition to the sweet disposition of the American Curl breed, the hairless cat is
a more unique breed than most breeds. Even though this is somewhat a shame, they have to have friendly enough temperament so that interested adopters find them attractive. An aggressive hairless cat will certainly have a hard time finding a home because hardly anyone looks for hairless cats when they consider buying or adopting a cat.
However, a hairless cat comes with many advantages. The Elf Sphynx cat is less likely to cause pet allergies in someone who knows his or her allergy to fur or pollen, even though there are no such things as hypoallergenic cats or dogs (since pollen usually gets trapped inside of a cat’s coat, which is what causes allergy symptoms similar to hay fever). Even though the Elf cat is almost hairless, not all of the cats in the breed have finer hair like some others.
Sphynx cat cats are extremely rare hybrid cat breeds. This is one of the main reasons why the Chave is hesitant to embrace the cats full and whole. TICA had only in recent times allowed Elf cat owners to boast of their cats to competition, even if they fall under the category of Sphynx.
Essential Info about Elf Cat
Elf Sphynx cat likes being stroked by people. Their characters are the same as of their parents, and that has given the world such tender and fragile housecats. Adorable Elf is just like Sphynx and American Curl: it easily gets used to a new house and has loving tendencies. Any owner can easily gain the acceptance of their Elf Sphynx cat with enough attention and affection toward him.
With the genetic diversity of the elf cat, we now have hairless cats but come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. Such cats are great because they don’t have a coat.
Although they can be taken outdoors for short periods under supervision, their temper and lack of fur make them very well-suited to being excellent full-time indoor cats; a catio may be a good option for your hairless pet.
These sweet-toothed elf-breed cats prove to be great pets in families with less children and other animals. This is just great news for all cat lovers who already have a family of their own felines but would love to add an Elf cat. Whoever has ever seen this gorgeous curving ear, just not be able to refuse such beauty.
Elf Cat’s Appearance
Physique
Almost a common ground with their Sphynx parents are how most of the physical elf Sphynx cat traits appear, such as the smooth arc of their ears, prominent cheekbones, prominent whisker pads, and delicate skin. Their appearance is only marginally different because of their American Curl genetic makeup.
Colors and patterns of coats
This hybrid breed has no particular skin or fur color, nor are there any typical patterns owners or breeders should look for. Yet, there is no particular set breed standard that your Elf cat should strive to attain, at least so far; however, since the breed is still quite young, this may well happen in time.
That’s when elf cats are no longer unusual and earn the breed category. Until then, TICA considers the Elf cat as nothing more than a variation of the Sphynx cat.
Eye colors
The Elf cat does not have eye colors, just like it doesn’t have coat colors. However, some elf cats have been noted to have gold, green, and all shades in between colors of the eyes.
How Much Does an Elf Cat Normally Cost?
Because the Elf Sphynx cat is not a common breed, you should not be surprised that its purchase requires much more than just a few thousand dollars. Budget around $2000 if you’re planning to bring a kitten of this breed from a reputable breeder.
When you are searching for an elf, avoid internet deposits, a backyard breeder, and a marketplace. When you are prepared to bring your Elf home, pay, request veterinary records, and see the kitties in person.
Or maybe check your local shelter for a different hairless breed that could fill that same hole in your heart? The only real difference between a Sphynx and an Elf are their ears, and hairless breeds often need to be rehomed.
