Description

The Elf is a relatively new cat breed that was developed by American breeders by cross-breeding American Curl cats with Sphynxes. The Elf’s ears have a distinct curled shape, inherited from the American Curl. From the Sphynx, they have inherited athletic builds, prominent cheekbones, and large whisker pads. Their eyes are large and almond shaped, often with a blue or green colour. In general, the Elf has a sleek appearance, with a long neck, muscular limbs, and a tapered tail. The back of the body appears larger than the front, due to the cat’s musculature and medium-sized torso.

Look

The Elf is usually hairless or semi-hairless. Usually if there is any fur, it is restricted to the tips of the ears and tail, and a little on the paws. They also have distinct curly eyebrow whiskers. The skin has a soft, “grainy” texture. The Elf can be any colour, including spotted and colour-point patterns.

Health

The Elf may have a few health issues:

• Sensitivity to cold/heat

• Skin injuries (due to their delicate skin)

• Heart disease

• Gum disease

At KittenGuru.com, we recommend that you buy your kitten from reputable breeders, who use genetic testing and good breeding practices to remove genetic conditions from their breeding lines. KittenGuru.com’s Health Guarantee certifies that all promoted kittens are in good health.

Temperament

Elves adore all of their family members without exception. They will happily follow you around to get affection and attention. Elf cats are very cuddly, and also sociable. They are happy to make friends with new people. Although they are sweet-tempered, Elves are also very active, and love to play.

Living with

Elf cats are sweet, friendly, and playful. This makes them a great family pet, and a wonderful companion for any child. If you want a cuddly cat, the Elf could be your ideal pet. Elves hate to be left alone. If you live alone, need to leave your home for work or travel a lot, your Elf cat may become upset. Elf cats have been known to become apathetic without their humans. Some will lose their appetite or even become ill with stress. As this is a hairless breed, you will need to dedicate some time to grooming. Elf cats should have a bath once a week to remove excess oils from the skin. Between baths, you can wipe down your cats body with a damp cloth; this is ideal on warm days to help your Elf cool down. Elf cats can be very fastidious and picky, especially when it comes to food and litter trays. Make sure to keep the litter tray clean, as some Elves will not deign to use the tray unless it is virtually spotless. As Elves can be picky about food, you may need to try a few different brands to see what your Elf enjoys.