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About Us
We have such a long story and much of that is better told in person but
one day a very lucky thing happened to us. We happened upon a site that
had featured on its magical pages a wondrous cat that was unlike any we
had seen.
We have been in the cat fancy for many years working with various breeds
of cats. We are both very excited to be a part of the foundation
breeders working with this exciting new breed of cat. There is
also great pride taken to have our cats be a part of the Foundry lines
of Elf-Cats History.
We have been a part of CFA and TICA and other cat registry
organizations. We also raise Sphynx here in Idaho and the Sphynx and the Elf Cats are raised together with love.
This might be a good time to talk about why Elf Cats.
Both of us have long loved the world of magic and mystical beings.
We were artists for 20 years and our specialty was fantasy pieces.
Growing up reading wonderful books like what J.R.R. Tolkien wrote with
Lord Of The Rings tends to stick with you.
I still personally look for fairies when I see a mushroom ring while out in the woods. Silly some of you might say but that will not sway us. We both believe that magic exists for those that believe and dare to see. Much of our lives has been touched by many special forms of what we call Magic! Some very long stories there for certain but all the same we believe in Elfs, Fairys, Mystical places and wonder of the world! It really only seemed natural to be a part of the coming of felines in Elf from.
We have joined Karen Nelson and others that are working with her to
advance this wonderful loving breed of cat to Championship levels
in TICA and CFA. We are one of the Elf Cat Foundry Breeders.
As one of these breeders of Elf Cats we hold ourselves to a high
standard just as the other breeders do that are involved with this
breed.
Our Cattery is located in Idaho and here you will find those naked curled eared felines that steal your hearts. The Elf Cat has the wonderful loving personality of the Sphynx which is one of the parent breeds of the Elfs. The other breed the American Curl is also used and lends the curled ears to make this wonderful combination of cat. The bare hairless Elf kittens are so adorable and loving! This
bald breed of cat truly hold magical powers we believe for humans. .
A breed standard has been set and with that a strict code of ethics and
we are working together for the betterment of this new breed.
The breed needs support for those that are drawn to it. If you would
like to help the breed and are serious about it please feel free to
contact us. We need others to join us and help with promoting the breed.
Also contact us if you are interested in being a fore founder of the
breed with us. Our Elf Cat kittens are placed with fellow Elf Cat
Catteries before released as pets.
We offer to the cat fancy our love and experience raising our beloved
cats. We take great pride in our program and set high standards for
ourselves and our program. We are proud of our health, disposition and
quality of cats that we work with.
We strive to met and surpass the breed standards of the breeds we work
with to provide to you the best there is available. We offer companion
and show quality. It is also a huge responsibility to work with someone
that wants to be mentored and have some of our cats added to their
cattery.
Our cats are a part of our house hold and family. They come to you used
to kids, grandchildren (yikes, we can't believe we are old enough for
that!), and lots of other pets. Never a dull moment here and it is just
the way we love it! So when we tell you our cats are socialized this
gives you an idea of how. We have some crazy unexpected times as you
might guess but also have a life full of wondrous memories. We love to
share our passions with others.
Standard Health Testing
Eldalie Elf Cat owners are very serious
about the Health Care of our cats. We strive to provide high
quality care of all of our cats. The following is some of what we
do here to provide health happy cats. Adults are screened for the
following:
•Feline Leukemia and Feline
Immunodeficiency Virus
•Bartonella-- this is an IMPORTANT bacteria
which can be transmitted to people and result in "Cat Scratch Fever"
•Yearly fecals on the stools
•Yearly deworming program. Even
fecals that have not visible parasitess can be a source of parasites
•Vaccinations with PureVax 3 only.
•We screen for Tritrichomonas foetus
•Yearly Heart Checks and X-Rays with
followup by boarded cardiologist when appropriate
•Yearly ear mite check
ABOUT ELF CATS
Elf Cat Breed
TICA considers the Elf Cats to be a new trait
within the Sphynx Breed. So Elf cats will not be a new breed.
The Elf is known as The Enchanted Thief of Hearts
Origin: United States
Weight: 10-15 pounds depending on the sex of the cat
Average Litter Size: 1-5 Elves per litter
Grooming Needs: Medium
Life Expectancy: Unknown, due to the breed being so new
Good With Kids: Yes
Good With Other Animals: Yes
Unique People are drawn to the Elf Cat. These enchanted felines are
truly magical. While the appearance of the Elf may take some getting
used to, this thief of hearts has a personality that is unmatched. They
love their human companion and want to be with them as much as possible.
They feel like a peach and are so warm to the touch that it invites you
to hold them as much as possible. They love to sleep at night tucked
away under the covers with you! Anyone that loves an Elf considers
themselves to be some of the luckiest people in the world.
The History of the Elf Cat
Creature from fairy tales…
In science fiction, Elves are semi-divine beings, with long life, magic
powers and pointed and curved ears. The Elf cat brings these creatures
from fairy tales to reality.
Named the Elf cat because of their Elf-like appearance (slightly curved
ears).
The Elf, is a new hybrid breed, the product of American Curl with Sphynx.
Permissible out-crosses also include Domestic Short Hair, which is any
cat belonging to Felis Domesticus not registered as a recognized breed.
The foundation cats, the Sphynx and American Curl breeds, have a single
trait that makes them distinct from all other breeds. The Elf combines
these two traits to create a unique breed of cat that is different from
each of the parental foundation breeds. These two traits are independent
of each other and when combined pose no harm to the health and well
being of the new breed Elf.
The Elf Cat was established in 2007 after extensive research went into
its health and viability, and got the approval from the geneticists at
TICA. Elf breed founder, Karen Nelson of Arizona, wrote the breed
standard that a small group of dedicated breeders are working towards.
The first litter of Elf kittens were born, and all those involved
instantly fell in love with the appearance, personality and social
ability of this new breed. Breeders and cat lovers alike wait with great
anticipation and much nurturing, as the Elf cat continues on its long
journey.
The Elf Cat’s Appearance
Few people realize that the sweet-natured Elf is no more wrinkled than
any other breed of cat, but there is something about the hairless
appearance, along with the curled ears that either repels or attracts
their human counterparts.
Surprisingly, the Elf cat is really not hairless at all. Picking one up,
many are surprised by how soft, downy, and warm hairless kittens can be
- in fact, they are best compared to a warm fuzzy peach in texture. It’s
a sensation that makes you just want to cuddle them closer and, believe
it or not, the Elf cat uses that to his advantage. There’s nothing that
Elf kittens/cats like more than cuddling.
Another interesting and little-known fact is the wide variety of colors
that the Elf cat comes in. Found in a rainbow of hues, they are as
beautiful and diversified as their furry feline cousins; any color
and/or any pattern that can be found in felines is an acceptable color
and pattern for your Elf kitten.
The Elf Temperament
Elf cats are friendly, intelligent cats that are agile and have
personality plus. They respond well to being handled as they are very
interactive, not only with their humans but also with other cats and the
attention of dogs.
The Elf cat has a very unique appearance, but his personality is even
more unusual. It’s often said that Elf kittens are one part cat, one
part dog, one part monkey and one part child - and most people who have
had the good fortune to meet one of these individuals are quick to agree
with that description. The Elf is a very loving and loyal member of the
household and has a strong tendency to bond with his or her choice in
humans or the pet dog. That individual, they will follow around
faithfully, winding around legs and wagging their tail happily. The Elf
will also greet you with a happy chirp when he sees you get out of bed,
or arrive back home from a long day at work.
In addition to their love of affection, the Elf also has a great love of
mischief. They love to climb, hide and get into all sorts of trouble -
everything is a toy, regardless of whether it’s a wadded up piece of
paper that missed the trashcan, good china, or a family heirloom. If it
can be moved, knocked over, or will produce some form of sound (crashing
and breaking noises are especially fun), the impish Elf will believe it
to be a noisemaker built just for her.
Elf cats can be wonderfully patient and affectionate towards children
and other animals. The Elf is not an aggressive animal by any extent,
but they are not fighters either and their soft skin and lack of fur
means that they can be easily injured if bitten or scratched by other
playful pets. If you do intend to introduce an Elf into your home and
you do have other pets, supervision is mandatory.
Elf Grooming Requirements
Caring for an Elf cat has to be a walk in the park, right? Well, this is
a misconception that many people have about owning a hairless cat.
Unfortunately, while it’s a nice concept that there might be a cat that
requires no grooming whatsoever, in truth, it’s just not practical or
fair to your pet. All pets should be groomed at least once a week, even
if it’s just checking their ears and rubbing them down with a natural
chamois cloth; not only does it help to remove dander and dirt, but it
also feels good for your pet, is quality bonding time spent with your
cat, and it helps you to be aware of potential problems before they
arise.
The Elf cat requires regular grooming, not only for the above important
reasons, but also because it is required to remove the natural oils that
a cat’s fur would normally absorb. Failing to wipe your Elf cat down
regularly can lead to skin problems, making them sticky when you touch
them, and leading to sore patches, acne, and other skin problems. It’s
also very important to clean your Elf kitten’s ears regularly or they
will get a build-up of ear wax in their ears; left untreated, this can
lead to infection or, at the very least, run the risk of your kitten
hurting himself, scratching at his ear.
It’s also highly recommended that you give your Elf a monthly bath.
While most cats dislike water, Elf cats usually grow to enjoy their
baths, provided they are always treated with a kind and patient
mannerism and acclimated to it from the time they are kittens. Bathing
your pet Elf is no more difficult than bathing a baby and, while it
sounds like a lot of work, it can be done relatively quickly. Drying the
Elf is even quicker - a few minutes snuggle time in a toasty towel and
he’s happy and dry as can be.
Elf Cat Health Concerns
The Elf cat is still a relatively new breed and, because of this, we are
still learning things about them, coming from the American Curl which is
known to be the most genetically free of defects purebred cat and the
Sphynx now has far fewer health concerns than most purebred cats. The
reason for this is generally attributed to what is known as “hybrid
vigor,” where out-crossing to another breed helps to stabilize and
strengthen the existing line when bred back. So with the two breeds
combined the Elf should be a very stable cat.
Is the Elf Cat the Right Breed For You?
If you’re looking for a new pet, one should always give the matter
careful consideration. What is your home like? How much time do you have
to spend with your pet and, when you are home, how much of that time
will be quality time, involving things like grooming or clipping
toenails. Adopting any pet is a big responsibility and the Elf is no
exception to this rule.
Known for being athletic and naked in appearance, active and robust,
out-going and very affectionate feline aka enchanted thief of hearts,
the Elf cat is sure to give you and your family hours of entertainment
and love.
One of the common misconceptions about Elf cats is that, just because
they’re “hairless,” they are hypoallergenic. Not true! First off, the
Elf cats is not completely hairless but, more importantly, it all
depends on what people are allergic to - some are allergic to fur or
dander, but a large variety of people are allergic to an protein that is
found in the saliva of our feline friends, and then spread over the fur
when a cat grooms himself. If you have allergies, be sure to spend an
extensive period of time around Elf cats before determining whether or
not to bring one home.
The Elf Cat Breed Standard
The development of the Elf has been under the guidance of the breed
founder Karen Nelson. The foundation cats come from the Sphynx and
American Curl breeds. Domestics are also allowed which are cats from
unrecognized breeds.
Each of these two breeds have a single trait that makes them distinct
from all other breeds.
The Elf cat combines the traits from the two breeds to create a unique
breed of cat that is different from the two foundation breeds of Sphynx
and American Curl. These two traits are independent of each other and
when
combined pose no harm to the health and well being of the new breed Elf.
Head:
Shape: The head is slightly longer than it is wide with prominent cheek
bones and a distinctive
whisker break with prominent whisker pads. The skull is slightly rounded
with a flat plane in front
of the ears.
Eyes: Shaped as a walnut, oval on top and round on the bottom.
Placement should be at a slight angle between base of ear and tip of
nose . Wide set with a
minimum of one eye width apart. Color should be clear and brilliant with
no relation to cat color,
except that blue eyes are required on all pointed cats.
Body:
Torso: Medium in length, hard and muscular with broad rounded chest and
full abdomen as if just
finished a meal.
Legs: Medium in proportion to the body. Sturdy well muscled with rear
legs being slightly longer
then the front. Front legs widely set. Females may have slightly finer
boning.
Feet: Medium in size, oval shape with long slender toes. The paw pads
are thick giving the
appearance of walking on cushions.
Tail: Slender, flexible and long while maintaining proportion to body
length. Whip-like, tapering to
a fine point.
Musculature and Boning: Hard and muscular, not delicate. Medium boning.
Coat/Color/Pattern:
Length: Appears hairless. Short fine hair may be present on feet, ears,
nose, tail and scrotum. The
remainder of the body can range from
completely hairless to a covering of down-like fur whose length doesn't
interfere with the
appearance of hairlessness. Whiskers if present are sparse and very
short.
Texture: Can be chamois-like to smooth skin. A feeling of resistance may
be felt when stroking the
skin of some cats. The skin is very wrinkled in kittens. Adults should
retain as many wrinkles as
possible, especially on the head.
Color and Pattern: Any color or pattern genetically possible.
General Description:
The Elf is a medium to large size cat with sturdy boning and good muscle
development and
should have a bit of a belly as if they just finished a meal. Whiskers
and eyebrows may be present
but sparse. Males can be up to 25 percent larger so long as proper
proportions are maintained.
The most distinctive features of this cat is it's appearance of curled
ears and hairlessness, although
it is not truly hairless. The skin may be covered with a fine down which
is almost imperceptible to
both eye and touch. The Elf by nature is very people-oriented and
affectionate. They are extremely
inquisitive and love to be the center of attention. They are active and
alert with gentle and even
dispositions.
Penalize:
Hair: Other than described Delicate or frail appearance. Should not
resemble the Oriental body
type. Lack of wrinkles on the head.
Ears: Abrupt change of direction without smooth curve, pinch,
horizontal/vertical crimp, interior
surface which appears corrugated. Non-amenable disposition.
Allowances:
Lockets.
Disqualify (DQ):
Any evidence of debilitating, plucking, shaving or clipping or any other
means of hair removal.
Inability to handle. Kinked or abnormal tail. Extreme curl in adult
where tip of ear touches back of
ear or head. Ears that are straight, severely mismatched, thick or
having inflexible tips. Lack of firm
cartilage in base of ear. Ears in which the lower portion of the ear is
abnormally flattened, has
compressed ridges of cartilage and does not have a normal, visible ear
cavity. Inability to handle.
Elf Standard, 02/22/2008
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