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Sphynx Kittens

Some describe the Sphynx breed as a bit like marmite. You either love it or hate it. It is perhaps one of the most extraordinary breeds and also one of the most recognisable due to the cat's distinctive lack of hair. It is a common assumption that the Sphynx is a completely hairless cat however this is not true. Although their coats certainly appear hairless, they do in fact have an extremely short fine down that feels like soft suede when stroked.

Sphynx History

Although named after an ancient mythological creature (The Sphinx), the Sphynx cat pedigree is in fact a fairly modern breed only dating back to the mid 1970s. This is almost a century later than some other cat breeds such as Abyssinian and Burmese.

Hairlessness is a rare spontaneous mutation in cats, but several early attempts in the 1960s to breed hairless offspring led to fertility problems, and it wasn't until the 1970's that a successful breeding program was established in Oregon. Due to these fertility problems the Cat Fanciers Association withdrew recognition and it was only in 1998 that they officially recognised the Sphynx for registration and competition again in the miscellaneous class and 2002 that championship status was awarded.

Today's Sphynx has been bred to normal coated cats and back again many times over the last 30 years, which has resulted in a genetically robust breed that suffers few health problems or genetic defects.

Although most Cat Fanciers welcome the Sphynx breed as an interesting addition to the world of cats, it has been rather controversial. Some would argue that hairlessness is in itself a genetic defect that should not be encouraged, but others would counter that humans are similarly deficient when compared to our primate cousins, and yet we have coped well enough.

Sphynx Appearance

The first distinctive feature you will notice about the Sphynx is its serious lack of hair and wrinkly skin. They are no wrinklier than any other breed of cat but the lack of fur accentuates the wrinkles a lot more. Wrinkles are a very desirable characteristic in competitions when it comes to the Sphynx.

The Sphynx is of medium build, males tend to be slightly larger than females and they have a bit of a belly giving the appearance they have just eaten. The Sphynx has an almost heart-shaped head with the chin much narrower than the forehead and their ears are very large compared to the size of their faces. Their eyes are oval shaped and the colour depends on the colour of their coat, hazel and green are also accepted eye colours. Their coats come in a variety of shades.

Many people assume that because the Sphynx lacks a fur coat, allergic reactions will be dramatically reduced or non existent. However, this is not the case; the dander and saliva that all domestic cats have is still present in the skin of the Sphynx. It is this and not the fur that is responsible for the allergic reactions that many people suffer from. The main difference is that your Sphynx will not moult all over your house and leave the substance you are allergic to amongst the fur.

Bathing and Grooming your Sphynx

Although the Sphynx lacks a fur coat they still need to be bathed regularly to prevent oily secretions building up on their skin. It is best to get your Sphynx used to the bath at an early age because it will be something you need to do periodically to ensure your cat's coat is well maintained and doesn't cause any irritation.

Sphynx Character and Temperament

To say that the Sphynx is a lively cat is quite and understatement, they will spend hours playing and showing off to their owners in a cute and mischievous fashion. They absolutely adore human attention and demand a lot of it but are also lovable and extremely charming. They are fun to be around, always there to greet you on your return home and will snuggle up to you when you're feeling down. It is not uncommon for a Sphynx cat or kitten to curl up under the duvet with you go off to sleep.

Sphynxes tend to get on with children and other domestic animals very well and you will be surprised at just how intelligent they are. They can be trained to do 'dog-like' activities and even be toilet trained! Sphynxes are known for their large personalities and loyalty to their owners.

  • Playfulness
  • Very High
  • Intelligence
  • Very High
  • Independence
  • Low
  • Attention Seeking
  • Very High
  • Affectionate
  • Very High
  • Activeness
  • Very High
  • Friendliness to Children
  • High
  • Friendliness to other Pets
  • High

    Sphynx Lifespan

    9 - 15 years

    Average Litter Size

    Around four kittens is an avarage number.

    Sphynx Recognition

    This breed has been given Championship Status by the following Assosiations:
  • The International Cat Assosiation
  • Canadian Cat Assosiation
  • United Feline Organistaion
  • American Cat Assosiation
  • American Cat Fanciers' Assosiation
  • American Assosiation of Cat Enthusiasts
  • National Cat Fanciers' Assosiation
  • User Comments

    Comment by Jennhi, Friday 8th August 2008
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    If you want a cat who you don't care what it looks like, these are the one's to get. Real Cheap. And the second picture is cute!!!
    Comment by Aryn, Monday 4th August 2008
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    I also think that the Sphynx is an ugly cat, but now that I know they're affectionate and intelligent, I'm considering getting one in the future.
    Comment by Emma, Wednesday 30th July 2008
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    i love these cats they may be unsightly but they're very loving!
    Comment by Rikki, Friday 25th July 2008
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    these cats are the cutest things i have ever seen i want one dearly the only problem i have is finding one and one that is in my price range so my only question is how much do they normally run for as kittens????
    Comment by Sophiee, Monday 7th July 2008
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    Hi Everyone, I sadly have to sell my sphynx cat :-( hes 3yrs old and hes pink with some black spots like a cow! Would anyone be interested in buying him? only thing is he needs to go by THIS FRI. Not my choice.... were moving house and cant take any pets :-( gonna miss him so much. Email me, ilovemayonaiseyum@hotmail.com
    Comment by jessica, Sunday 29th June 2008
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    helo the cat looks so cute but the wrinkly skin and no furr is a big put of maybe you like it but im not sure i would think the price of this cat would be about 200 im not sure!
    Comment by curious, Monday 16th June 2008
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    Wasn't there a new breed of cat that was a sphynx and munchkin mixed?
    Comment by alexis, Friday 13th June 2008
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    i want to take sphynx home on monday!
    Comment by jo, Tuesday 27th May 2008
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    iv recently been researching sphynx kittens and desperatly want one but they seem to cost so much, as i am only 15 i cant afford one. i have wanted a cat for ages but am alergic to there fur. If any one can help, it would be much appreciated. thanks
    Comment by Sarah, Sunday 25th May 2008
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    My male Tai is now 5 and he is the best pet i have ever had. People said i was mad to pay the £800 that he cost me, but he is worth every penny. He is such fun and has given me hours of pleasure and comfort. Yes he is totally loopy but so am i and i love him to bits wrinkles, man boobs fat belly an all. Anyone who says they are ugly hae never spent time with one. He's my baby.
    Comment by Julie, Tuesday 22nd April 2008
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    I have 2 sphynx kittens aged 8 months, and they are brilliant. They are a cross between a dog a kangaroo, a parrot... they love to sit on youer shoulder, and a cat, so intelligent, would not have any other breed of cat since having a sphynx.
    Comment by Olivia, Friday 18th April 2008
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    My mums friend breeds these cats and they may not appeal to some people but i think they are cute
    Comment by claudia, Wednesday 2nd April 2008
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    i love these cats, because its good if you have hay feever!
    Comment by Jo, Tuesday 11th March 2008
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    That kitten is so beautiful, I want one!!!
    Comment by Ollie, Monday 10th March 2008
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    These cats are awesome, i really want one after spending so much time with my friends, there the best cats in the world and the most beautiful and unique
    Comment by Gemma, Saturday 8th March 2008
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    every1 has their own veiws but i dont no what to think bout it.how much are they?. they may be lovin and all that but u should never judge a book by its cover
    Comment by Ellie, Friday 7th March 2008
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    every cat on this planet is beautiful, the sphinx is no exception. I love them all, from tigers to domestic. Gorgeous creatures.
    Comment by Simon & Belinda, Friday 7th March 2008
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    We have three of these chaps aged 5,4 and 2. Each one craves love and attention and we will always have these delightfull companions as part of our life. The only downside is having three cats (plus a miniture poodle) following us around means at night time our bed is like Noah's ark. Two of the chaps are walking back and forth over the keyboard now.
    Comment by bel, Tuesday 26th February 2008
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    My son has allergies, and loves cats, so this type of cat would be the perfect pet for our family. Can anyone tell me how much this breed costs to buy please? I have been reading up on them, and they would be well suited to our family and lifestyle.
    Comment by Gillian, Monday 25th February 2008
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    I love, I love, I love. I think they are the most beautiful looking cats and I am seriously thinking about getting one to join our family.
    Comment by Janie, Wednesday 13th February 2008
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    All people saying that Sphynxes are ugly or scary have obviously not met one yet, and I hope for the Sphyx's sake they never meet you braindead- idoits!! Obviously the Sphynxes have more brains than the humans critisizing them. Dont judge a book by its cover. They are lovely, and no pet in the world will ever be able to take a Sphynx's place. If it has hair, well, than its just another cat!!
    Comment by courtney anderson, Friday 8th February 2008
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    i think these kittens are so cute. How much do they cost?
    Comment by Ashley, Wednesday 6th February 2008
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    I have a sphynx cat and she's awesome!! I recommend her to everyone!! She's so loveable and sweet! You'll never want another kind of cat!
    Comment by Jessie, Friday 1st February 2008
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    i cant w8 2 find my own little sphynx! there so beautiful!
    Comment by danee, Wednesday 30th January 2008
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    i want one!!! they are soo cute!!!
    Comment by Johnster, Saturday 26th January 2008
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    I have one and he is amazing. He isn't just another cat and when you are used to them cats with fur look strange. He can be a little monster and if anyone tells you they seem to be possessed by a demon on occasions I would agree. I am always worried he is going to hurt himself he goes so mad sometimes.
    Comment by jaye, Thursday 24th January 2008
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    i want a sphinx(y)! beautiful and amazing little creatures! i can't wait to find one....x.x.x!!!!
    Comment by leidy vasquez, Sunday 6th January 2008
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    Reading and seeing a spinx cat makes me want have one. My boyfriend and i are planning to buy one which will be a perfect friend for my English Bulldog.
    Comment by JRB, Wednesday 2nd January 2008
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    Anyone who thinks they are ugly should look in the mirror because my sphynx cat is the most beautiful cat in the world and I'm sure he is better looking than you are. You're just jealous!!! Sphynx Cats Rock!!!!!!!!Especially mine, Wasabi
    Comment by Kirk, Tuesday 1st January 2008
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    Gawjus amazing beautiful creatures that were ever here to walk this earth. Deffinatly a 5 sta.r
    Comment by mandi, Monday 24th December 2007
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    i want a sphinx catt!!! how do i get one..and how much would they bee....how adorable... x.x.x.
    Comment by Squigs, Friday 21st December 2007
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    They are some of the ugliest creatures I have ever seen but there is a certain majestic beauty to them too, there is great beauty in unconventuality... which is why I will certainly be getting one of these cats when our current cats die. If I had known what a great natured cat they were, I would have got two of these instead of the tom cats we have atm.
    Comment by megan, Friday 21st December 2007
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    i am so excited my mom is getting me one for christmas!! but a little concerened... my boyfriend (live in) is not a big cat fan... and has commented on the looks of this particular cat... well i guess we will just have to see~!
    Comment by Charlie, Friday 7th December 2007
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    why are some of you so mean to these creatures, they are lovely creatures that deserve love and care and if you cant give them that then why bother getting any pet.
    Comment by j-dog, Tuesday 4th December 2007
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    my mom thinks there the uglyst thing but i think there so cute thats why im doing a speach about them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    Comment by hairless cat lover, Tuesday 27th November 2007
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    i love cats without fur who cares what other people think?!?!?!?!!?!
    Comment by Hakase, Tuesday 27th November 2007
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    I have a three-year-old sphinx which I looked into when I found out my cat-loving boyfriend had never owned a cat due to his hair allergies. The sphinx cat provokes no allergies, and of all the cats I've ever owned, is by far the smartest, cutest, and most affectionate one. He's also strikingly beautiful - muscular and limber, in a dark blue color that I've never seen before. Truly something to brag about - you never end the sentence with "I have a cat." There is always something more exceptional to say about them!
    Comment by lisa, Monday 19th November 2007
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    If people are really stupid enough to buy a pet based upon looks solely without doing research on the breed, they do not deserve a pet. The Sphynx has a great rep as a sweet and loving pet. The lack of fur only adds charm. Also, judging from some of the comments on here it would propably be accurate to note that the Spynx is more intelligent than some people.
    Comment by Denise, Tuesday 13th November 2007
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    I love these cats!! everybody has thier own opinion, so it's ok what they think... i love them, thier so smart, and beautiful!!!! i love the fact that you can really see thier personality. :)
    Comment by audrey, Monday 12th November 2007
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    I have had cats my whole life and now I am proud to say I have 2 of these little guys. They are now almost 2 years old. They are by far the most intelligent cats I have ever owned and the sweetness factor is off the charts. Always wanting to snuggle or play. They are very needy boys. I have had several problems with their eyes and ears, but at the moment, we are good....I love my little hairless buddies!
    Comment by Mary, Wednesday 7th November 2007
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    Acquired a Sphynx 15 months ago, have had great fun with him, love his personality took him to a cat show was disappointed with comments from judges. I would not "change a hair on his head" as they say.
    Comment by carol, Monday 22nd October 2007
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    I am blessed to own 2 Sphynx cats and they are wonderful friends! They feel dreamy to touch and they have huge personalities. I have also had Devon and Cornish Rex cats as well... love the way they all look. Not your standard, boring, sleepy kind of a cat!
    Comment by zoe, Thursday 18th October 2007
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    I love these cats! I don't see why people think they're ugly. I think being wrinkly is cool.It doesn't matter how it looks it's their personality which counts.
    Comment by jessica, Saturday 13th October 2007
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    i don't care, if their animals i love them. yeah most of you people are ugly so are some of these creatures so what is the madder with that? that is just the way you look and you were born like that, so don't be mean to people that are ugly just like animals some are cute and some are not. It is just the way they llok, i axcasly think that cat and dog is cute.
    Comment by Tameka, Monday 8th October 2007
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    I love my cat, everyone who has seen him in a pic thought he was ugly but when they meet him in person they think he is gorgeous, even just for his personality. So meet a Sphynx before you make the call that they are ugly!!!!!
    Comment by A. J., Tuesday 2nd October 2007
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    It's been my experience that people that say Sphynx are ugly haven't had the opportunity to see on in person. After the opportunity most people change their narrow view.
    Comment by Anonymous, Thursday 13th September 2007
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    Looks like an elaphants butt!It doesn't even deserve a rating of 1 star!!
    Comment by rem, Saturday 8th September 2007
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    Stylish cat, classic ancient forms and most important - great, intelligent, people-loving personality. A gem in the cat kindom, along with devon/cornish rexes. A gift of gods
    Comment by anna, Friday 7th September 2007
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    my sphynx is so sweet. they are such great pets. i hate when people say they are ugly! dont these people wonder why they are worth so much!?
    Comment by Rhiannon, Wednesday 5th September 2007
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    They are sooooo cute!!! Can't wait until i get one. people think they are ugly but i love them!!!
    Comment by Emma Taylor (kitten and Queen Lover 4 eva), Tuesday 4th September 2007
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    i hate these kittens! they are very ugly!
    Comment by tara, Sunday 2nd September 2007
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    Dont diss the beautiful sphynx cats , they are lovely
    Comment by Lily, Thursday 16th August 2007
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    they are cute. i like how they look so different, so unique. and the people who say they are ugly, well you are shallow! so what they're not perfect, no one is!
    Comment by Catriona Smith, Tuesday 14th August 2007
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    how can so many people think that this cat is ugly i think its ideal for someone who isn't aloud fury animals an i think there wierd but in a good way you may say ewww that things ugly but just look at how many nice coments he has an think before you act i would deffentley like one of these for my mom an me there soo cute
    Comment by Charlie, Friday 10th August 2007
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    Did you know that Sphynx cats are the most cute cat in the world!
    Comment by Savanah, Monday 6th August 2007
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    Aw! They are so cute, I love this breed. They are expensive though, and rare, which is a good thing because you don't see them out in the alley ways begging for food. Not that any cat should be home-less..........
    Comment by Rachel, Wednesday 25th July 2007
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    Awww! How cute are they! this is definitely on my list of unusual pets which I must own. I think he needs a coat though! Sweeeeeeet.
    Comment by Hailess Chinese Crested Lover, Sunday 22nd July 2007
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    Aw thoes are so cute! There much more wrinkly then hairless dogs.
    Comment by stephanie, Saturday 21st July 2007
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    i think it is cute beautiful and sweet i love animals so make fun of me stephanie 10 years old but i love every kind of animal on the plant thats y i am go in to be a vet when i grow up and i am goin to stop the endangerd things that is happening to animal and u should to
    Comment by Pauline Bunner, Saturday 21st July 2007
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    I absolutely adore these Sphynx Cats and I would love to have a Kitten when I retire from work.
    Comment by Cats rule!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, Thursday 5th July 2007
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    Okay, It seems wierd, but I think its cute! Even though it dosen't have fur dosen't mean it's beautiful! I don't care if nobody agrees with me. I love cats! Fur or not!
    Comment by caitlen, Tuesday 3rd July 2007
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    it looks like dog dung (yuck)
    Comment by chris s, Saturday 23rd June 2007
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    They are the most beautiful babies ever ..they dont need fur to make them pretty .they are already ..
    Comment by leah, Saturday 9th June 2007
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    I think they are soo cute! they got character. I would love to have one.
    Comment by kittens, Friday 8th June 2007
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    I will stick with the fluffy cats from now that things wierld!
    Comment by krishna, Friday 8th June 2007
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    This cat is so beautiful it made me cry!!!!!!!
    Comment by alexis, Wednesday 6th June 2007
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    they're so ugly...and slightly unpopular but that's a good thing because they're very loved amongst their owners. there aren't any sphynx alley cats.
    Comment by momna, Tuesday 29th May 2007
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    doesnt tsketime for u to give a comment abt the cat it is UUUGGGGGLY!
    Comment by Lauren Acton, Wednesday 23rd May 2007
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    i think day r well cute i wud luv 1 lol jst coz day aint fluffy dusent meen day aint cute Helen Wats Ya Last Name..? How dare evry1 say dat day is ugly i will bag yas x..Cyoo..x Ickle Baybee Loz
    Comment by Jamie - lee, Thursday 17th May 2007
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    i think they are the cutest cats i have ever seen! georgeous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    Comment by haley, Wednesday 16th May 2007
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    I think it's cute!!!
    Comment by Leasley, Thursday 3rd May 2007
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    It looks like an aliens pet cat! Freaky!!
    Comment by helen, Friday 27th April 2007
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    i think they are lovely just because its not fluffy, its still cute. id love one!
    Comment by lyndsey, Tuesday 17th April 2007
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    i think i'm gona be sick just looking at it!!!!!!!!
    Comment by chelsea, Monday 26th March 2007
    This is the most uglyist cat i have ever seen in my life!!!

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