In 1966 a domestic cat gave birth to a hairless kitten in Toronto, Canada. It was discovered to be a natural mutation and the Sphynx cat, as we know it today, came into existence. This cat and a few other naturally hairless cats have been found worldwide. Cat breeders in Europe and North America have bred the Sphynx to normal coated cats and then back to hairless for more than thirty years. The purpose of these selective breeding was to create a genetically sound cat with a large gene pool and hybrid vigor. The Sphynx is not always totally hairless; there can be a fine down on the body, which makes the cat feel like a warm peach. The texture of the Sphynx skin has been likened to suede, a hot water bottle, or a heated chamois. Well, of course, if it is too cold for you it will be too cold for a hairless cat too. However, these cats are smart enough to find a warm human, dog or cat to curl up with or they will get under your bed covers. This is a substantial cat, medium sized and strong, with adult males being larger than adult females. The Sphynx are extremely inquisitive and love to be the center of attention. "Love Mooch" is the perfect term for these amazing cats. Because of the lack of hair that would normally absorb body oils, the Sphynx needs to be bathed periodically. Some people who suffer from cat allergies can tolerate living with Sphynx cats.