Elf cat

Federations: TICA

Coexistence is important that you have with your new friend. Before considering the acquisition of a cat of the breed "Elf cat" you know certain factors. You must take into account their character, their need for exercise, their interaction with other pets, their care and if you have small children, their level of tolerance towards them.

Since the Elf cat it is such a new and extremely rare breed, its history is somewhat limited. Cat breeders and enthusiasts Karen Nelson and Kristen Leedom are considered the creators of the breed; in 2004 Nelson and Leedom came together with a vision to breed a curly-eared cat that retained the personality and physical attributes of their beloved cats. Sphynx cat.

The Elf cat developed successfully from the crossing of cat breeds Sphynx and American Curl. Each of these two races has a distinctive trait, and the Elf cat was designed to combine them. The most distinctive features of this cat are the appearance of curly ears, taken from American Curl, and the absence of hair, taken from Sphynx cat. But, similar to the Sphynx, the Elf cat not completely hairless; their skin may be covered with a very fine fur that is practically imperceptible both to the eye and to the touch.

Any of the Elf cat is now found in generations exhibiting the traits that were originally conceived, and they are beginning to be introduced in the halls of the International Cat Association (TICA). Once the required numbers were reached, the original creators and enthusiasts of the breed gained acceptance of the Elf cat as a new feature of the Sphynx cat; the Elf cat has been accepted for registration in the TICA, and they are shown as Sphynx with new features in cat shows.

"Elf cat"

The Elf cat it seems like a Sphynx, except that their ears they are small and curved, like those of American Curl. This is one of the most striking features of this cat.

The other striking feature is that it is a naked cat, or covered only with a fine down on the legs, the ears, nose and tail. The vibrisas are short or absent, and there is no hair in the ears. Skin feels like a peach or suede. At birth, it is heavily wrinkled. This appearance diminishes in adulthood, but there are still deep wrinkles on the shoulders, ears and muzzle.

Its body, similar to the of the Sphynx, it is semi-linear, well built, with an athletic silhouette and legs long and thin. The tail it's long and thin. The head is elongated, with prominent cheekbones and short or absent vibrissae. Last, big ones eyes ragged lines complete the portrait of this elegant cat.

The male is on average a 25% larger than female.

Last, all coat colors are allowed, with or without marks.

• Size: 30 cm.
• Weight: Of 3,6 to 6,8 kg

The Elf cat was bred to perpetuate the best personality qualities of Sphynx and American Curl cats, like kindness and affection. They are also considered one of the most intelligent breeds of cats. Being so outgoing and sociable, want more contact and interaction with humans than the average cat and, therefore, are better suited to homes where they are not left alone for long periods of time. They will also be happier sharing their home with a feline companion to play with..

The Elf cat they are active and friendly cats who love to be the center of attention, and they are also extremely curious and playful (and they are known to get into some mischief). Prospective cat owners Elf cat they should be aware that these cats love to climb and will want to play with just about anything in their reach, so it is essential that they have plenty of play time and lots of toys, as well as high shelves or other safe spaces where they can climb.

The Elf cat is generally regarded as a low-maintenance breed of cat. Due to the fact that the Elf cat Does not have hair, potential owners won't have to worry about moving. But, these cats will need a bath or routine cleaning. Regular grooming is important to remove secretions from the skin, otherwise a Elf cat can become sticky to the touch or even develop skin problems. Many Elf cat tolerant (and they even enjoy) an occasional bath.

The Elf cat it is a very sociable and friendly breed, meaning it can easily fit into most home environments and family structures. They also adapt well to other pets in the home. But, their lack of hair means that they must remain indoors for their comfort and safety.

As with their ancestors American Curl, the ears of these cats must be treated carefully so as not to damage the cartilage. With or without soft cover, the Elf need protection against UV rays. It also, without hair, they react to heat and cold just like we do. If your need a sweater, he also needs it Elf cat.

Because of her hairless body, sunburn, Sensitivity to cold and heat and other skin problems are potential concerns for owners of the Elf cat. Your delicate skin can also be easily injured, for example, when playing with a feline companion.

The Elf cat is considered a healthy cat and, being a new breed, Genetic health problems have not yet been determined. But, may be susceptible to health conditions that affect their parent breeds, such as heart and gum problems.

Like all races, the Elf cat may be susceptible to weight-related problems, such as obesity or heart disease, so you should eat a high-quality, protein-rich diet, and get plenty of exercise in the form of games with your family.

The potential owners of the Elf cat they should know how much the race Sphynx as the American Curl tend to have a robust appetite (and they have a bulging belly to prove it), so it is much more important to feed these cats a proper and balanced diet.