WHAT IS AN ELF CAT? UNIQUE BREED? YOU NEED TO KNOW

by The Pets Pampering
elf cat

Have you ever seen an Elf cat? Well, if you have not, allow us to introduce you. You’re probably wondering what makes an Elf cat different from other breeds. Well, they’re a new breed of cat made by crossing two existing breeds. The American Curl and Sphynx played the starring roles in this creation!

If you’re unfamiliar with the breed, it shouldn’t be hard to understand why it has such a mouthful of a name. The Elf refers to the “feline theory of evolution,” and is also known as a Chubby. Unfortunately, there are plenty of myths and misconceptions about this rare feline. Let’s examine them, and if we answer “what is an elf cat” based on the facts, you may find out more than you ever wanted to know about the mysterious feline.

WHAT IS AN ELF CAT?

The Elf cat is an extremely rare breed that was developed in 2004 by curious breeders and cat enthusiasts named Karen Nelson and Kristen Leedom. Elf Cats are the result of a genetic mutation that occurred in the Sphynx breed. They are a relatively new breed, first being produced in 2006. The Elf cat resembles a typical Sphynx cat but has folded ears and a short tail. If you’re looking for a cat with an exotic appearance and an outgoing, affectionate personality, this might be the breed for you.

The Elf Cat is a cross between the American Curl and the Sphynx. These cats were originally called “Curled Ear Hairless” by their creator, Kristen Leedom. However, people started to call them “elf cats”, because of their pointy ears and small elfish faces.

ELF CAT BREED CHARACTERISTICS:

APPEARANCE

All cats have a special place in our hearts, but there are some breeds that seem to come straight from a fantasy world. The Elf cats are an unusual breed. It’s not often that you hear about a breed that has been developed over just one single generation.

But rather than featuring a cat-sized Hobbit lying in the grass, this cat’s distinctive appearance is believed to have evolved from a mix of random recessive genes.

Elf cats have large eyes, long slender tails and pointy ears that curl over at the tip. Their eyes are often green, but they can come in other colors such as gold or blue. Their skin is wrinkled on the face, and there may be a few small hairs around the forehead. The ideal Elf cat has quite a distinctive look, with an extremely short and rounded muzzle, short legs, and huge ears.

An Elf cat can be 9 to 12 inches tall and weigh from 10 to 15 pounds. They are available in all colors and patterns with a hairless or semi-hairless body when it comes to colors.

The Elf cat has the face and ears of a charming little elf, and it has a short and hairless body. They are a “rex” breed, which means that their coats are very short, and their skin is wrinkled.

TEMPERAMENT 

They’re affectionate and curious, and they’ll happily spend hours playing with you. Elf cats have a dog-like personality, so they are often compared to canine companions. They love to play with their toys and they are always up for a challenge. They are highly intelligent and active and will get bored if they do not have enough stimulation in their lives. Elf cats require daily exercise and mental stimulation.

Elf cat kittens also love to cuddle, which makes them a great choice for families with children. If you make sure your Elf cat gets the kind of mental and physical exercise it needs every day, it should grow up to be a loving and affectionate member of your family.

The Elf cat’s willingness to play games makes it an ideal family pet. This breed does well around children and other pets, but you should always monitor interactions between young children and your Elf cat until you’re sure that they know how to treat your furry friend gently. If you’re looking for a mellow lap cat or a pet that you can put in a cage, an Elf cat is probably not for you.

elf cat
elf cat

EATING

A hairless cat has a sensitive digestive system and that goes for the Elf cat as well. Ensure you ask the breeder what type of food you should feed the elf cat and try as much as possible to maintain the same. 

To maintain their body temperature, Elf cats need to burn off calories that haired cat breeds. To support this, incorporate high food quality to make them feel their best such as meat and food free from flavors and artificial colors.

They inherited the belly shape from their co-parent Sphynx, so they have quite an appetite but take them for regular vet visits to keep them at a healthy weight. Excess fat is not suitable for the Elf cat’s body.

EXERCISE AND TRAINING

For they feel cold quickly they stay indoors a lot. But to keep them engaged, you can add things to the house such as high shelves, scratching posts, and other items that your Elf cat can climb and sit on. Find them rising to the window to watch birds or the neighborhood.

You can easily train them by using positive reinforcement and rewards such as food since they are intelligent. Enrich them through training or walks in the park. 

HEALTH

Elf cats tend to be healthy cats, but they have some genetic health issues specific to their breed. That’s why it’s essential to buy your Elf cat from a reputable breeder who performs genetic testing on their cats and kittens before breeding them. This helps reduce the risk of health problems in the breed and ensures that every Elf cat born has the best chance at a long and healthy life.

Elf cats may be prone to: gum disease, sunburn, heart conditions, skin lacerations, heat sensitivity, and other severe conditions such as heart conditions and cat + line divider.

Elf cats need special care.

With their hairless bodies, you won’t need to brush your Elf cat’s fur, but their skin requires special attention. Elf cats naturally are sensitive to changes in temperature and must be kept indoors for they feel cold quickly and get sunburns often. Also, wipe your cat down to remove any oily substances and give them a bag regularly. 

Are These Cats Good for Families?

These cats are sociable and affectionate – some might say intrusive – and they love nothing more than to be with people. If you’re looking for a cat that will hang out with you while you watch TV or read a book, this could be the perfect breed for you.

Elf cats are even-tempered and laid-back. They may enjoy playing with toys, but they don’t become overly excited as some other breeds can. They tend to move slowly, too; don’t expect your Elf cat to run around the house at top speed! These cats enjoy playing games though (especially fetch), so if you want a kitty that will be happy to join in with your family activities, consider an Elf cat. With their need to be the center of attention, an Elf cat will happily entertain everyone with their antics.

elf cat
elf cat

Final Thoughts

If you’re considering purchasing an Elf cat, you need to be aware that they have precise requirements. They’re also not a common breed, so finding one might be challenging. Make sure you’re aware of what you’re getting into before taking on the responsibility. But if you can provide your cat with proper care, both physical and emotional, these captivating and adorable cats will soon have your whole household wrapped around their little paw!

FAQs

What’s the Price of Elf Cat Kittens?

The cost of Elf cat kittens varies from breeder to breeder and the kitten’s sex, coloring, and pedigree. There aren’t many breeders specializing in Elf cats, but once you’ve found a breeder that you feel comfortable with, then it’s time to ask some questions! These questions could include; How long have they been breeding Elf cats? What is their experience with breeding Elf cats? Do they have references from previous Elf cat buyers? And how much do they charge? It would be best to ask about any health problems that your future kitten might be prone to having. A reputable and experienced breeder will be able to answer all these questions easily without hesitation.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?

Elf cats also get along well with other felines. Just remember that, unlike some breeds, these cats don’t have a huge prey drive and so usually won’t mind sharing your home with other pets, such as rodents. Just don’t leave a minor pet unattended – or let any pets roam free – while you are out of the house.

Do Elf Cats Shed?

Elf cats don’t shed like haired cats because they don’t have any fur. However, their bodies may still produce dander (dead skin cells) that can cause allergic reactions in people or pets who share a home with them.

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