An extremely rare new crossbreed, the Elf is a playful and intelligent cat that combines the physical and personality traits of a Sphynx and an American Curl. Elf cats are very sociable and friendly, and make excellent pets because they can easily fit into and be part of any household. History of the Elf Cat Because the Elf cat is a new and extremely rare breed, its history is somewhat limited.
Breeders and cat lovers Karen Nelson and Kristen Leedom are credited as the breed’s creators; in 2004, Nelson and Leedom shared the vision to breed a cat with curly ears that kept their beloved sphinx Personality and physical characteristics of cats. Elf cats were successfully developed from crosses of the Sphynx and American Curl breeds. Both breeds have a unique trait, and the Elf cat is designed to combine them. The most distinctive feature of this cat is the curly ears, taken from the American Curly, and hairless, taken from the Sphinx.
However, like sphinxes, elf cats aren’t actually completely hairless. Its skin may be covered with a very fine layer of fur that is almost imperceptible to the naked eye and touch. Medium to large elf cats have athletic, muscular bodies similar to sphinxes, and they also inherit prominent cheekbones and whisker pads. Elf’s beards and eyebrows are sparse and short, while the skin around their shoulders, ears, and muzzle is wrinkled. The ears of this breed are curled back and come from the American Curl, which is caused by a naturally occurring genetic mutation. The earrings are also missing. Elf Cat Care Elf cats are generally considered a low cost cat breed to keep.
Since Elf cats are hairless, potential owners don’t have to worry about shedding. However, these cats require routine bathing or wiping. Regular grooming is important to remove secretions from the skin, otherwise Elf cats may become sticky and even develop skin problems. Many elf cats tolerate (and even enjoy) the occasional bath. The Elf cat is a very sociable, gentle breed, which means it can easily adapt to most home environments and home structures. They also adapt well to other pets in the house. However, they have no hair, which means they must stay in an indoor car for comfort and safety.
Elf cats were bred to continue the best personality qualities of the Sphynx and American Curl, such as friendliness and affection. They are also considered to be the smartest of all cats. Because they are very outgoing and social, they crave human contact and interaction more than the average cat and are best suited for homes where they will not be left alone for long periods of time. They will also be more willing to play with a feline. Elf cats are active and gentle cats who love to be the center of attention, and they are also very curious and playful (and known to be a little mischievous). Potential elf cat owners should be aware that these cats love to climb and want to play with just about anything within reach, so there is plenty of playtime and plenty of toys — and a high shelf or other safe space to climb on — – -It is necessary to prepare some.
Due to their hairless bodies, sunburn, sensitivity to hot and cold weather, and other skin problems are potential concerns for elf cat owners. Their delicate skin can also be easily injured, such as when playing with cat companions. The Elf cat is considered a healthy cat, and as a relatively new breed, genetic health issues have not been identified. However, they may be susceptible to health conditions that affect their parent breeds, such as heart and gum problems. Diet & Nutrition Like all breeds, Elf cats are susceptible to weight-related problems such as obesity or heart disease, so they should be fed a high-protein, high-quality diet and receive plenty of exercise during their feeding period.
