When did hairless cats first appear? - briefly
Hairless cats first appeared in Mexico around 500 years ago. The earliest known hairless cat was discovered on an Aztec archaeological site.
When did hairless cats first appear? - in detail
The origin of hairless cats can be traced back to ancient times, with some of the earliest records dating back to the Aztec civilization in Mexico around the 15th century. The Aztecs are believed to have kept and revered hairless cats as sacred creatures, often associated with their goddess of fertility, Xolotl. These early hairless cats were likely a result of natural mutations that occurred over time.
However, it was not until the 20th century that hairless cats began to gain significant attention and recognition in the modern world. In the 1960s, a geneticist named Sallie Blanco discovered a colony of hairless cats living on the streets of Mexico City. She recognized the potential of these unique creatures and started breeding them with the aim of establishing a new cat breed.
Blanco's efforts led to the development of the Sphynx breed, which was officially recognized by major cat registries such as The International Cat Association (TICA) in the 1980s. The Sphynx is now one of the most popular hairless cat breeds worldwide, known for its distinctive appearance and lively personality.
In addition to the Sphynx, other hairless cat breeds have emerged over time through selective breeding. For instance, the Peterbald was developed in Russia during the 1980s by crossing Oriental Shorthairs with Don Hairless cats. The Donskoy, another Russian breed, is believed to have originated from a single hairless kitten found on the streets of Rostov-on-Don in 1987.
The appearance and popularity of hairless cats have evolved significantly since their early days with the Aztecs. Today, they are celebrated for their unique characteristics, such as their soft skin, warm body temperature, and often outgoing personalities. Hairless cats continue to captivate cat enthusiasts and pet owners alike, offering a fascinating alternative within the diverse world of feline companionship.