The Elf cat is a cross between the sphynx cat and the American curl cat. It is a hairless feline like the sphynx, but with the particular ears of the American curl, that is to say curved backwards. Although these two characteristics of the Elf cat require more exhaustive care to avoid pathologies, it is a medium-sized cat with an exceptional character, a wonderful life companion, affectionate, friendly, active, intelligent and very sociable, who adapts easily to new situations and gets along well with all kinds of people.
Continue reading this article from PlanèteAnimal to learn all about the Elf cat, its origin, characteristics, character, maintenance, possible he alth problems and where to adopt it.
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Origin
- America
- United States
Physical Characteristics
- Thin tail
- Little ears
Size
- Average
Average Weight
- 5-6
Life expectancy
- 10-15
Character
- Active
- Extrovert
- Affectionate
- Smart
Climate
- Temperate
Hair type
- Hairless
Origin of the Elf Cat
The Elf cat is a feline native to the United States. It is quite rare because it is a recent race and there are not many specimens in the world. The first Elf cat was born in 2007, when two enthusiastic American breeders, Kristen Leedom and Karen Nelson, joined forces to cross sphynx cats with American curl cats, resulting in a kitten with the desired physical attributes. i.e. hairlessness and curled-back ears, as well as the best personality traits of both breeds. The Elf cat is sort of a perfect cross between these two wonderful feline breeds.
Currently, these cats are beginning to be shown in International Cat Association (TICA) shows, but have not yet been recognized as a full breed by the World Cat Federation (WCF) .
Features of Elf Cat
The Elf cat is a medium-sized feline, weighing between 3.5 and 7 kg and measuring approximately 30 cm at the withers. The most characteristic feature of his physical appearance is undoubtedly his lack of hair and his large, backward-curving ears.
The body of the Elf cat is very close to that of the sphynx, so it is semi-linear and well-built, compact, with an athletic and muscular build and thin, long but well-developed legs. Its tail is long and thin, wide at the base and thin at the tip.
The head of the Elf cat is elongated, triangular in shape, with prominent cheekbones. His whiskers can be very short and curly or absent. His eyes are large and slanted and can be any color.
Elf Cat Colors
The Elf cat has no fur, so its color is naturally inherited from its fur and can be of any color and pattern: white, black, cream, two-tone, tri-color, etc.Also, the skin is made up of numerous wrinkles all over his body (especially on his head) and, although he has no hair, he has a very thin layer of short hair that is imperceptible to the eye. A few hairs on the nose, tail and feet are allowed.
Elf cat character
The Elf cat is a feline that adapts very well to different environments, situations, people and animals. Unlike other breeds, it is more tolerant of changes which, for other cats, cause great episodes of stress. He is a very sociable and affectionate cat who adores attention and likes to be pampered by the whole family. He doesn't hesitate to ask for anything at any time and is always ready to play.
The Elf cat has a lot of energy, is very intelligent, mischievous and curious. For this reason, he generally does not like to rest for long periods of time, like other races, nor does he tolerate loneliness very well, as he likes human company.
Elf Cat Care
As these cats are hairless, it is extremely important that those caring for Elf cats pay close attention to the care and protection of their sensitive skin. The skin is more exposed to high and low temperatures, damage caused by UV rays from the sun and the most common skin problems in cats. This is why it is important that these cats do not go out during the hours of maximum sunlight and that they are always protected with sunscreen in order to avoid sunburn and other damage caused by the sun, such as squamous cell carcinoma. In winter, to protect them from the cold, the house must be kept warm and it is not useless to put a coat on them to make sure that it does not get cold.
It is not necessary to brush these cats, of course, but it is fine to bathe them once in a while, as long as it is not a traumatic process for them and that they do not don't catch cold.If they can't take baths or the temperatures are too cold, you can wash them by wiping them with a small damp cloth or cat cleaning wipe. It is also important to maintain good ear hygiene to prevent the creases of the ears from accumulating excess earwax and detritus, which can predispose to otitis.
As they are very active, dependent, energetic and playful cats, it is important that their guardians are aware of their needs and devote enough time each day to care for them, play with them and interact with them. In addition, when they are home alone, it is essential to take environmental enrichment measures in order to avoid boredom and frustration, by placing the cat in height, by offering him enough toys interactive, giving him scratching posts, etc.
Due to the lack of hair and high activity, the energy requirements of these cats are higher than those of other medium-sized feline breeds, and therefore food should be given more quantity.This food must be complete and balanced, intended for the feline species. Water should always be available and to encourage drinking a cat fountain can be purchased.
Elf Cat He alth
The Elf Cat is a strong, he althy feline with a lifespan of up to 15 years and no genetic or hereditary diseases. It should be noted that they are susceptible to otitis or inflammation of the auditory canal due to the morphology of their ears, hence the importance of hygiene and control of their ears to prevent them. They are also susceptible to skin problems such as dermatitis due to direct exposure of their skin to any environmental agent or temperature.
However, to keep them he althy, they need a series of veterinary examinations to diagnose and treat any disease they may be suffering from, as well as good preventive medicine through vaccinations, deworming and sterilization.
Where to adopt an Elf cat?
The Elf cat is not a common cat, which makes its adoption very difficult. It would also be hard to find in sphynx or American curl cat rescue associations due to its rarity.
However, you can always approach the shelters or rescue associations near you, because any other cat that is there needs and deserves a responsible adoption. Don't forget that a cat is a living being that needs to be taken care of, that needs to be loved and nurtured on a daily basis, it's not a toy or something that you have and return. , so before adopting a cat, ask yourself if you are a good candidate and if you have the time and a real interest in sharing your life with a little feline.
Elf Cat Pictures
