Sphynx Cat Association

Sphynx Standard of Points

General Type Standard

The most distinctive feature of the cat is its lack of fur. The Sphynx is of medium size, boning, and body conformation with surprising weight for its size. The head shape is a modified wedge with prominent cheekbones and whisker pads. The body is warm and soft to the touch with a chamois leather like texture to the skin. Males are generally larger than females. The Sphynx is sweet tempered, lively, intelligent, and amenable to handling

Head - The head is a modified wedge with rounded contours, slightly longer than it is wide, with prominent cheekbones and distinctive whisker break with prominent whisker pads and strong rounded muzzle. The skull is slightly rounded with a flat plane in front of the ears. The nose is straight and there is a slight to moderate stop at the bridge of the nose. Strong chin, level bite with the nose leather and chin in a straight line.

Ears - Large, wide open at the base tapering to a rounded tip. They are set at a slight angle to the head with theouter base of the ears level with the outer corner of the eye but are not flaring. The interior of the ears is naturally without furnishings

Eyes - Large and lemon shaped, slanted slightly upwards towards the outer edges of the ears and set wide apart. Any colour acceptable

Body - The body is medium length, hard and muscular with a broad, rounded chest and abdomen. The rump is well rounded and muscular. The neck is medium to long and well muscled. Allowance to be made for heavy musculature in adult males.

Legs and feet - Legs are of medium length but in proportion to the body and are sturdy and well muscled. The hind legs are slightly longer than the front. Paws are oval. The toes are long and slender and the paw pads are thick giving the appearance of walking on cushions.

Tails - Long and slender, in proportion to the body length, heavier at the base and tapering to the tip.

Down and skin - There is fine down on the skin almost imperceptible to the eye, giving the overall feel of soft warm chamois leather. Slightly thicker down is permissible on the bridge of the nose, back of the ears, on the feet, scrotum and to a lesser extent, the tail. This coat texture creates the feeling of resistance when stroking the cat. Wrinkled skin may appear particularly around the muzzle, between the ears and around the shoulders. Any whiskers and eyebrows should be short and sparse.

Colour - Colour is irrelevant a cat should not be penalised if apparently incorrectly registered as there are no points for colour.

Scale of Points

Withhold all awards for:
1. The complete absence of down.
2. Excessive fur

Withhold Certificates or First Prizes in Kitten Open Classes:
1. Disproportional small ears
2. Round eyes
3. Lack of prominent cheekbones
4. Lack of whisker break with prominent whisker pads
5. Rounded feet or thin paw pads
6. Delicate appearance
7. Any other defect as listed in the preface to this S.O.P. booklet.