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Quiz about How Much is That Sphinx in the Window
Quiz about How Much is That Sphinx in the Window

How Much is That Sphinx in the Window? Quiz


Patti Page was not singing about a mythical part-man part-lion creature (the Sphinx) or even a cat (a Sphynx). However since I've mentioned it, let's have a look at the Sphynx cat breed.

A multiple-choice quiz by suomy. Estimated time: 4 mins.
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Author
suomy
Time
4 mins
Type
Multiple Choice
Quiz #
388,228
Updated
Dec 03 21
# Qns
10
Difficulty
Average
Avg Score
7 / 10
Plays
2332
Awards
Top 35% Quiz
Last 3 plays: Guest 165 (6/10), kingramstone (7/10), Ailyth (9/10).
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Question 1 of 10
1. What is unusual about the Sphynx? Hint


Question 2 of 10
2. Is the Sphynx breed an example of selective breeding?



Question 3 of 10
3. Where does the Sphynx breed come from?

Hint


Question 4 of 10
4. The sparsely-haired Devon Rex was originally used for outcrossing with the Sphynx. What is the purpose of outcrossing? Hint


Question 5 of 10
5. Why has the Devon Rex breed been dropped by the Cat Fanciers' Association from the Sphynx breeding programme? Hint


Question 6 of 10
6. Mike Myers played Austin Powers in the film series of the same name. He also plays Dr Evil in the same series. What was the name of Dr Evil's Sphynx cat? Hint


Question 7 of 10
7. Even though the Sphynx is more or less hairless, grooming the cat is important. Why? Hint


Question 8 of 10
8. Cat breeds sometimes considered hypoallergenic include the Sphynx. The Sphynx also produces the main cat allergen. This can be found in the sebaceous oils and in which of these?
Hint


Question 9 of 10
9. Apart from the need for regular bathing, which of the following is an issue for the Sphynx breed as a whole? Hint


Question 10 of 10
10. What behaviour is the Sphynx known for?

Hint



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Most Recent Scores
Today : Guest 165: 6/10
Mar 26 2024 : kingramstone: 7/10
Mar 13 2024 : Ailyth: 9/10
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Mar 01 2024 : Guest 173: 8/10
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Score Distribution

quiz
Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts
1. What is unusual about the Sphynx?

Answer: It is hairless

Although typically hairless, some Sphynx are covered in a gossamer-like down. This gives the skin a feeling of warm suede.
2. Is the Sphynx breed an example of selective breeding?

Answer: Yes

Naturally hairless cats have cropped up occasionally throughout history. The Sphynx as a breed however was developed through selective breeding. Such a breeding programme seeks to develop a breed with specific characteristics such as hairlessness.
3. Where does the Sphynx breed come from?

Answer: North America

It was in 1966 that the first Canadian sphynx breeding programme started, although too narrow a gene pool and inconsistent breed standards contributed to this attempt failing. Cats from the second Canadian breeding programme combined with two from Minnesota, USA, provide the foundation for the present breed line.
4. The sparsely-haired Devon Rex was originally used for outcrossing with the Sphynx. What is the purpose of outcrossing?

Answer: To reduce the probability of genetic abnormalities

Traits such as hairlessness were often preserved through inbreeding, which typically comes at a cost. In the first breeding programme, the genetic pool was too narrow resulting in many kittens dying and a problem of convulsions in many of the female cats.

Outcrossing, or outbreeding, is done to provide some genetic diversity with the introduction of unrelated genetic material into the breed line.
5. Why has the Devon Rex breed been dropped by the Cat Fanciers' Association from the Sphynx breeding programme?

Answer: Health problems started cropping up

Devon Rex cats are known for disorders such as pseudo haemophilia and spasticity. Cross-breeding was resulting in these disorders appearing in Sphynx cats. The two breeds share the same gene which in the Sphynx results in hairlessness.
6. Mike Myers played Austin Powers in the film series of the same name. He also plays Dr Evil in the same series. What was the name of Dr Evil's Sphynx cat?

Answer: Mr Bigglesworth

Mr Bigglesworth actually started off as a long-haired white Persian cat in the first film "Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery" (1997), parodying the cat associated with Ernst Stavro Blofeld of the "James Bond" film franchise. Mr Bigglesworth became hairless (and was played by a Sphynx called SGC Belfry Ted Nude-Gent) after becoming cryogenically frozen.

Of the other cats, DC appeared in "That Darn Cat!" (1965 and 1997), Jonesy survived alongside Ellen Ripley in "Alien" (1979) and Mr Jinx was in "Meet the Parents" (2000).
7. Even though the Sphynx is more or less hairless, grooming the cat is important. Why?

Answer: To remove body oil

Body oils are normally absorbed by the hair. Lacking hair, the Sphynx can have skin problems from having too much oil.
8. Cat breeds sometimes considered hypoallergenic include the Sphynx. The Sphynx also produces the main cat allergen. This can be found in the sebaceous oils and in which of these?

Answer: Saliva

The allergen is the protein known as Fel d 1 and is produced by the sebaceous, perianal, lacrimal and salivary glands. Dander and cat hair pick up body oils from the sebaceous glands and also saliva from when cats groom. Having a hairless cat, such as a Sphynx may help, especially if the cat is regularly bathed.

Other breeds sometimes considered hypoallergenic include the Siamese, Bengal, Russian blue and Devon Rex.
9. Apart from the need for regular bathing, which of the following is an issue for the Sphynx breed as a whole?

Answer: Solar dermatitis

The Sphynx is relatively healthy compared to other breeds, although it can suffer heart issues. Its hairless state, however, leaves the Sphynx prone to sunburn. Other cats can get sunburn as well on thinly-haired spots such as the tips of the ears or the nose. White-haired cats are also vulnerable to sunburn.

Persians and Himalayans are genetically prone to kidney disease, the Maine coon and ragdoll are known for heart issues and for Abyssinian, Somali and ocicat breeds the issue is blindness.
10. What behaviour is the Sphynx known for?

Answer: Friendliness

A study in the "Journal of Veterinary Behavior" reportedly found the Sphynx to be the friendliest of the 14 breeds tested and the cat may even greet you at the door. It also has a high metabolic rate, has a higher body temperature than the average cat breed and is very active. It is an extrovert.
Source: Author suomy

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor rossian before going online.
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