This puss is one smooth operator

Rodney McGregor’s Sphynx cat, Manis Flame Bringer. The breed is proving popular with allergy sufferers.

Sarah Harvey

INCREDIBLY affectionate and warm to the touch, this fur-free feline is fast becoming big business in south-east Queensland.

Ipswich residents are spending top dollar on the allergy-friendly Sphynx cat, putting aside its creepy appearance in favour of its soft-natured, loving and quirky nature.

Nine-month-old Manis Flame Bringer is ready for breeding, and if his mate produces the usual average of six kittens in her litter, he will fetch his owners a whopping $10,200.

Owner and breeder Rodney McGregor said the Sphynx was ideal for people with chronic allergies.

“Almost half the people who purchase Sphynx from us do so because they are allergic to cat hair,” Mr McGregor said.

“We've even found people with regular sinus infections and hay fever have also responded well to purchasing a Sphynx over a regular short hair.

“People can still be allergic to cat saliva unfortunately, but at least those with a hair allergy can now enjoy the benefits of a pet cat.

“It is also good from a cleaning point of view, especially for those who don't like vacuuming.”

Raceview resident Jade McKee purchased her black and white Sphynx Poh in May after falling in love with the breed at a cat show.

She said he was a wonderful addition to her home.

“The breed is very energetic, playful and curious,” Ms McKee said.

“They always need to know what you're doing.

“They follow you around and supervise things.”

The Karalee Cat Show will be held on July 31 at Karalee State School from 9am.

More than 30 other breeds of cat will be on show, including the rare Laperm, Bengal and Cornish Rex.

Sphynx specifics

• Originated in Canada by accident in 1966.
• Sphynx must be kept indoors and require a fortnightly bath.
• Their skin feels like natural chamois or a warm, fuzzy peach.
• The skin on the legs, body and head is wrinkled, but elsewhere it is taut.
• The Sphynx has a slender, long whip-tail often described as a ‘rat’ tail.