The elf cat is a mix 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, curved backwards. Although these two characteristics of the elf cat require more exhaustive care to prevent pathologies, it is a medium-sized cat with an exceptional character, being a wonderful companion for life, affectionate, friendly, active, intelligent and very sociable, which adapts easily. to new situations and gets along with all kinds of people.
Continue reading this article on our site to find out all about the elf cat, its origin, characteristics, character, care, possible problems and where to adopt it.
Origin of the elf cat
The elf cat is a feline from United States It is quite rare as it was recently created and there are not a large number of copies per the world. The first elf cat was born in 2007, when two enthusiastic American feline breeders, Kristen Leedom and Karen Nelson, joined forces to cross sphynx cats with curl cats Americans, resulting in a kitten with the desired physical attributes, i.e. hairlessness and backward curved ears, in addition to the best personality traits of both breeds. The elf cat is something like the perfect cross between these two wonderful feline breeds.
Currently, these cats are beginning to be introduced in the salons of the International Feline Association (TICA), but have not yet been recognized as a breed by the World Cat Federation (WCF).
Features of the elf cat
The elf cat is a medium-sized feline, whose weight ranges between 3.5 and 7 kg and height at cross about 30 cm. Undoubtedly, the most characteristic of his physical appearance is his absence of hairand his large ears curved backwards
The body of the elf cat is very similar to that of the sphynx, so it is semilinear and well built, compact, with an athletic bearing, muscularand some thin and long legs , but well developed. The tail is long and thin, being wider at the base and thinner at the tip.
The head of the elf cat is elongated, with triangular shapeand with prominent cheekbones. Whiskers can be very short and curly or absent, eyes are large and slanted and can be any color.
Elf Cat Colors
The elf cat has no hair, so the color will be the one that naturally inherits its fur, and it can be any color and pattern, i.e. white, black, cream, bicolor, tricolor, etc. In addition, the skin is made up of numerous wrinkles all over the body (especially on the head) and, despite not having hair, they do have onevery fine layer of short hair imperceptible to the eye. Some hair on the nose, tail and feet is 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 better tolerates changes that for other cats cause major episodes of stress. He is a very sociable and affectionate cat who loves attention and likes to be pampered by the whole family. He does not hesitate to request anything at any time and is always ready to play.
The elf cat has great energy, is very intelligent, mischievous and curious. Due to this, he does not usually like to be quiet resting for a long time, like other races, and he does not tolerate loneliness very well either, since he loves human company.
Elf cat care
Because they are hairless, it is extremely important for elf cat keepers to be very conscientious about the care and protection of their sensitive skin The The skin is more exposed to high and low temperatures, to damage from UV rays from the sun and to the most common skin problems in cats. For this reason, it is important that these cats do not go out in the hours of maximum sunlight and they should always be applied a sunscreen to avoid burns and other damage caused by the sun's rays, such as squamous cell carcinoma. In winter, to protect them from the cold, the house must be tempered and it is not a bad idea to put a cat coat on them and cover them with blankets when they are resting.
You don't need to brush these cats, of course, but it is a good idea to give them a bath, as long as it isn't a traumatic process for them and they don't catch cold, toRemove the grease and dirt that naturally occurs on the skin. If they do not tolerate bathing or the temperatures are very cold, they can be passed with a damp cloth or a cleaning wipe for cats in order to eliminate it. It is also important to maintain good ear hygiene to prevent those folds in the ears from accumulating excess wax and debris, which can predispose to otitis, as well as sanitizing the eyes and teeth to prevent infection and inflammation of these structures.
As they are very active, dependent, energetic and playful cats, in the care of the elf cat it is important that guardians are aware and dedicate enough time daily to attend, play and interact with them In addition, when they are alone at home, it is essential that there be enough measures of environmental enrichment to avoid boredom and frustration with high places, enough interactive toys, scratching posts, etc.
Due to the absence of hair and great activity, the energy requirements of these cats are higher than those of other medium-sized feline breeds, so the food it must be given in greater quantity This food must be complete and balanced, intended for the feline species. Water should always be available and, to encourage consumption, you can buy a fountain for cats.
Elf Cat He alth
The elf cat is a strong and he althy feline, with a life expectancy of up to 15 years and without genetic or hereditary diseases. It should be noted that they are sensitive to otitis or inflammation of the ear canal due to the morphology of their ears, so hygiene and control of them is important for 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.
Of course, to keep them in good he alth they require a series of veterinary check-ups to be able to diagnose and treat any disease they may suffer from, as well as carry out good preventive medicine through vaccinations, deworming and sterilization.
Where to adopt an elf cat?
The elf cat is not a frequent cat, so its adoption becomes very complicated. It would also be difficult to find it in sphynx or american curl cat rescue associations due to its rarity. However, you can always go to nearby shelters or protectors, since any other cat that is there needs and deserves a responsible adoption. Remember that a cat is a living being that must be cared for, loved and maintained daily, it is not a toy or something that you have and return, so before adopting a cat, stop to think if you are a good candidate and have time and interest real in sharing your life with a small feline.
