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Kyra Lynch
Mrs. Pettay
English 111
16 December 2015
Sphynx V. the American Shorthair
Cats, although incredibly popular now, first became important in Egypt in 1600 BC. They
were seen as sacred animals and were associated with goddesses. For example, Bast, the goddess
of pleasure, was portrayed with the head of a cat (Schimmel, 2005). This laid the foundation for
the next thousands of years of the species increasing popularity. In proceeding years, cats have
played a key part in the formation and upkeep of new worlds and environments. Cats of all
breeds have been important to human lives for thousands of years, but the major differences
between Sphynx cats and American Shorthair cats portray these relationships in their own ways.
A Sphynx has a drastically different look than an American Shorthair cat. This accounts
for the largest impact on peoples preferences. The Cat Fanciers association, a non-profit
organization responsible for certifying cat breeds, describes sphynx cats as having peach fuzz on
their loose, warm, suede water bottle-like bodies (About this Breed, 2015). This makes some
uncomfortable, due to the fact that the cat is warm and naked; however others view this as cute
or interesting. Since the cats appear to be naked and lack ample amounts of fur that provide
distinct patterns on their bodies, there is a pigment in a sphynx cats skin that takes the place of
fur color and makes each cat unique just as spots or complete color would (Sphynx,2009).
Along with their unique designs, a sphynx cat is distinguishable due to its Large ears, slanted
eyes, and long toes (Sphynx, 2009).

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American Shorthair cats, being the more simple and normal looking breed, are within
many more peoples comfort zones. American Shorthairs are covered in fur that can be solid
colors or have special designs to make them look unique. According to an episode of Cats 101
on Animal Planet, there are over 80 fur patterns the short hair breed can have. The three most
common patterns are solid, tabby, and calico (American Shorthairs, Animal). The popular
Animal Planet show also describes shorthairs as having round heads, short ears, and muscular
bodies. The bodies get more muscular and bigger for male cats than female ones (American
Shorthair Information).
The cats appearances play the largest part in how people feel about them. This in turn
affects how many people will choose to own one breed over the other. Some people are turned
off by the sphynx cats lack of hair and the ability to always see only its skin. These people may
feel better about having a cat with fur, making the American shorthair the better choice.
Although the American shorthair is the elder compared to the sphynx, both breeds have
histories important to their formation and popularity. In general, cats have been domesticated and
appreciated by humans for over 4,000 years. Before being domesticated and kept solely as house
pets, they were used for their expert hunting skills, removing small rodents from homes or
workplaces. In more modern times, surveys done in the UK&US have found that they are the
most popular house pet within those countries (Facts about Cats).
When looking into the specific breeds, first, the American shorthair came to America
from Europe when the settlers came to the New World. As time went on, the settlers focused on
selective breeding in order to keep the cats strong and away from mixed, weak breeds
(American Shorthair, 2015). Later, the breed played another major part in history when
American shorthairs were imported to California mines during the Gold Rush. According to the

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popular Animal Planet show, Miners saved up their wages for weeks in order to pay $50 for a
cat to take into the mines with them to clears them of rats (American shorthairs, 2009). In
1990, breeding focuses grew again, putting focus on breeding shorthairs with other cats to make
the unique patterns more common. The idea of select breeding has still been occurring though, in
order to keep specific cats pedigreed if an owner or breeder wishes (American Shorthair Cat,
1998).
Sphynx cats have a much calmer, less exciting history among them. The first sphynx cat
was seen in 1966. A normal, furry cat living with a family in Toronto, Canada gave birth to a cat
that was completely hairless. When the owners took the cat to the vet, they found that it was a
natural genetic mutation, and it showed when they bred it that the gene was hereditary (About
This Breed, 2015). From there, the sphynx cat became more common, and breeders take great
pride and care in what they do to ensure healthy sphynx cats to increase the population. Due to
their genetic rarity, sphynx cats have most commonly remained bred together over time to ensure
purebred certifications. However, breeders can work like Suzette Van den Berg, a South African
sphynx cat breeder for 20 years does, and outcross. In an interview, she defined outcross
breeding as using another breed of cat besides the sphynx in order to create a larger gene pool
(van den Berg, 2015). By doing this, mix breed cats are created and can add even more years to
the sphynx cats history.
According to the National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases, between 6 and
10 million Americans are allergic to cats (Top Hypoallergenic). Although many make the claim
that sphynx cats are hypoallergenic and therefore people will have no allergic reactions
whatsoever, it has yet to be proven. When discussing these claims, Cats 101 explains that there is
no breed of cat that is completely hypoallergenic (Sphynx, 2009).Sphynx cats, when compared

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to American shorthairs, however, are much better breeds to own if someone is looking for a cat
easier on their allergies/health. Sphynx cats, being hairless, or having very little fuzz, decrease
the risk of airborne hair allergies and decrease the risk for owners and also decrease the neverending need to vacuum. Also, the Cat Fanciers Association went into great detail about the
sphynx cats saliva having less harmful chemicals in it. The chemical Fel D1 is the main culprit
in peoples feline allergies, but sphynx cats have less of it than any other breed (About this
Breed, 2015).
This chemical, although most harmful, is not the only thing to consider when trying to
avoid allergic reactions. It is also important to be aware of how much fur or dander buildup the
cat will have when its in the home. Cat dander and fur are very harmful to people with the right
type of allergies, therefore American Shorthair cats can be twice as harmful compared to sphynx.
Therefore, it is important for any allergic cat owners to bathe and brush their cats regularly to
decrease the fur and dander buildup and keep themselves safe. (American Shorthairs, 2009).
No matter what breed of cat a person owns, there is a large amount of responsibility and
care that goes hand in hand with the purchase. Although Sphynx and American shorthair breeds
have different care procedures and different levels of maintenance, it is equally important for an
owner to maintain the health and happiness of both. The Cat Fanciers Association explains that
any owner of a sphynx cat has to be willingly to bathe their sphynx every week or so to ensure
the oils are not building up on their skin, and their large ears are clean (About this Breed,
2015). Some people may see just this responsibility as too much work, or they may not have the
time, leading them to not buying a sphynx. It is important for a potential owner to know their
schedule and how much work they can handle when considering a sphynx (or any) cat. Sphynx
cats also require a high protein diet to help keep up their high metabolisms (About this Breed,

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2015). Their high metabolisms lead to incredible amounts of energy; sphynx cats love to play
and love attention. This means that an owner has to be willing to provide enough play time for
their sphynx to be happy. Suzette van den Berg explained on her breeding website that although
it is uncommon for sphynx cats to get fleas, it can still happen, therefore owners must ensure
their cats and their homes are clean. Suzette was also very adamant that owners do not take
sphynx cats outside, as extreme temperatures can harm them quickly. Sphynx cats, being all
exposed skin, can also get extreme sunburn if taken outside for an extended period of time (van
de bald)
American Shorthair cats on the other hand, are much more low maintenance. They
require basic love and care to maintain their health due to being a simple breed. American
Shorthairs require a steady diet and should be played with in order for them to get in their
exercise. In order to continue on the good genes and remain the sturdy cat, they need a stable diet
(American Shorthair, 2015). Since American Shorthairs have fur, they must be brushed
regularly to remove any excess fur and to ensure their fur stays clean and smooth. This also
means that they should be bathed regularly (American Shorthairs, 2009). Aside from these
responsibilities, American Shorthair cats are very low maintenance and do not require a lot of
extra effort on the owners part. This can be a positive point when comparing them to a sphynx
cat. However, owning any cat is a serious responsibility and should only be done by those who
can handle it.
Both breeds of cats make great pets, and are loved by many. However, the specific details
and the responsibilities attached to each are the final straw when people make the decision as to
which they prefer. Sphynx cats can be more preferred due to how lovable and playful they are.
Anyone looking for a fun cat, would definitely steer in the direction of the sphynx. They are also

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seen as rare and unusual, making people enjoy the idea of having one and it being special.
However, due to how rare they still are, and how much breeding entails, they can be a bit pricey.
This can turn several potential owners away very quickly (About this Breed, 2015). Sphynx
cats can live a good amount of time, if they are raised exactly how their bodies require. They can
even be raised in families; they are great around children (Sphynx, 2009).
American Shorthair cats are also good around children, and can live 15-20 years. This is
perfect for first time cat owners or owners that want their cat to grow with their family. Being as
common as they are, they are enjoyed by many people without many drawbacks (American
Shorthairs, 2009). If a potential owner prefers an American shorthair and decides to buy one,
they will easily be able to care for it and enjoy its company for a very long time. This factor
plays the largest in role in the purchase of the breed, and most owners are very happy with their
choice (American Shorthair Cat). When buying any pet, all that matters is that the owner and
the pet will be happy together. In order for that to happen though, the owner has to find their
perfect animal match. All of the categories named in this paper work together to show the
importance of knowledge before buying a cat. The two breeds, being very different, fit well with
different types of people. One could have the best connection with their furry American
shorthair, while another may develop the best connection with their hot suede water bottle of a
sphynx cat. It all depends on the owner and how well they can connect with their cat, not which
breed is superior.

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Works Cited
"About This Breed." Breed Profile: The Sphynx. The Cat Fanciers Association, Inc., 2015. Web.
16 Nov. 2015.
"American Shorthair." About This Breed. The Cat Fanciers' Association, 2015. Web. 9 Dec. 2015.
"American Shorthair Cat." Petfinder.com. Barron's Educational Series, Inc, 1998. Web. 09 Dec.
2015.
"American Shorthair Information." Catster. I-5 Publishing, LLC, n.d. Web. 09 Dec. 2015.
"American Shorthairs." Animal Planet American Shorthair Comments. Animal Planet, 2009.
Web. 09 Dec. 2015.
"Facts about Cats." Facts About Cats. Nestle, 24 Apr. 2015. Web. 16 Nov. 2015.
Schimmel, Annemarie. "Cats." Encyclopedia of Religion. Ed. Lindsay Jones. 2nd ed. Vol. 3.
Detroit: Macmillan Reference USA, 2005. 1462-464. Gale Virtual Reference Library.
Web. 17 Nov. 2015.
"Sphynx." Animal Planet Sphynx Cats. Animal Planet, 2009. Web. 16 Nov. 2015. "Top
Hypoallergenic Cat Breeds for People with Allergies." Catster. I-5 Publishing, LLC, n.d.
Web. 16 Nov. 2015.
Van Den Berg, Suzette. "Cat Breeding." E-mail interview. 27 Nov. 2015.
Van Den Berg, Suzette. "Vande Bald's Sphynx Cattery." Vande Bald's Sphynx Cattery. N.p., n.d.
Web. 09 Dec. 2015.