The Sphynx cat, also known as the Canadian Hairless cat, has a history dating back to 1700 when it was kept by indigenous people in Mexico, South America. However, it wasn't until its success in cat shows that people began to notice and develop an interest in the breed. The TICA recognizes the breed, and in 2005, it was designated a rare breed. 
The earliest recorded Sphynx cats were a pair of littermates named Nellie and Dick. In 1903, Sinnick, a New Mexico resident, purchased them from Native American Indians in Pueblo. In 1966, Sphynx cats were rediscovered in Toronto, Canada, hence the name Canadian Sphynx. Shortly thereafter, Sphynx cats were also discovered in Minnesota, USA.
As the fame of hairless cats grew, reports of their discovery spread around the world. Consequently, some cat lovers bred the Sphynx cat, a breed less susceptible to genetic diseases and not a result of inbreeding resulting in disabilities.
