Mexican Hairless Cat facts for kids

The Mexican Hairless cat, also known as the Aztec cat or New Mexican Hairless, was a special type of cat. People first heard about them in 1902. A man named Mr. E. J. Shinick owned two of these unique cats.

These cats were unusual because they didn't have much fur. They only grew a light coat on their backs and tails in the winter. They also had long whiskers and eyebrows. Since they had little fur, they felt very warm to touch. This was because their bodies lost more heat than cats with thick coats. They loved to find warm places to rest. Many newspapers wrote about these cats in the early 1900s.

What Made Them Special?

The Mexican Hairless cat was known for its unique look. They had very little fur, making their skin feel warm. These cats were also smaller than regular short-haired cats. They were about 25% smaller.

Their Fur and Whiskers

Even though they were called "hairless," they weren't completely bald. In colder months, they grew a thin line of fur. This fur ran down their back and along their tail. They also had long whiskers and eyebrows.

How They Felt

Because they had no thick fur, their bodies lost heat easily. This meant they always felt warm to the touch. They also loved to find warm spots. They would often cuddle up in cozy places.

How They Behaved

Mr. Shinick, the owner of these cats, said they were very smart. He also described them as friendly and loving towards people. They enjoyed being around their human families.

Their Favorite Things

These cats loved warm baths. They also liked to sleep in warm spots. Sometimes, they would even sleep under the blankets with a family member. They were very playful and quick.

A Look at Their History

In 1902, a couple in New Mexico got two hairless cats. They received them from local Pueblo Native Americans. People believed these cats were the last of an ancient Aztec cat breed.

The First Famous Pair

The two cats were brother and sister. They became quite famous. Before them, other hairless cats had been shown in the U.S. But Mr. Shinick's cats became the most well-known.

In 1903, a book called "The Book of the Cat" shared a letter from Mr. Shinick. He wrote about his special cats. He said they were the smartest and most loving pets he had ever had. He also mentioned they were very fast.

Life with Mr. Shinick's Cats

Mr. Shinick called his cats "Nellie" and "Dick." Nellie weighed about eight pounds, and Dick weighed ten pounds. They were never allowed outside the house. This was because Mr. Shinick worried dogs might hurt them. Sadly, Dick did get out one night and was killed by dogs.

Mr. Shinick tried to find another mate for Nellie but couldn't. He never let Nellie and Dick mate because they were siblings. He also worried it might change Nellie's beautiful shape. He said Nellie had a small head and large amber eyes. Her voice sounded like a child's when she was young.

These cats loved to eat. Fried chicken and good steak were their favorites. Mr. Shinick said they were never sick. He even had an old photo showing the wrinkles in their soft skin. Dick was a very strong cat. He could even fight off dogs. Mr. Shinick valued Nellie at $300. He hoped she would go to a museum.

What Happened to Nellie?

Mr. Shinick's cats were often called "Aztec cats." People thought they were the last of their kind. Sometimes, unique cats were shown off like celebrities. It's possible the story about them being ancient Aztec cats was made up. This would make them seem even more special.

In 1903, Mr. Shinick even gave a photo of his Aztec cats to President Roosevelt. The male cat, Dick, died around 1902 or 1903. Nellie, the female cat, died in 1908.

The New York Times reported Nellie's death. She was on her way to a cat show in New York. Dr. Cecil French of the Atlantic Cat Club said Nellie's body might go to a museum. This was to show that cats were important in Aztec history.

Later Hairless Cats

After Nellie's death, other hairless cats appeared. They were also sometimes called "Mexican Hairless" or "Aztec" cats. This name became a general term for any hairless cat.

For example, a hairless cat named "Jesuit" was shown in England. This cat was likely just another random hairless cat. Nellie was too valuable to have left the U.S.

In 1919, Dr. Cecil French was said to own a hairless Aztec cat named "Moko." He kept Moko in a special glass case. This case had a controlled temperature. This was because Moko was from Mexico.

Searching for More Hairless Cats

In 1926, a man named Mr. H.C. Brooke wanted to find more of these cats. He wrote letters asking for information. He was very eager to find more Mexican Hairless cats.

Mr. Shinick's daughter, Mrs. Michael Palladino, replied in a letter. She said her father had two hairless cats. She thought the male was stolen. She kept the female until she was about 13 years old. Then, her father sent the cat to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington. The cat died soon after arriving. Mrs. Palladino believed the body was put on display in the museum.

In 1956, there was another request for information. John White, from New Mexico A&M College, received a letter. Someone wanted to know about the Mexican Hairless cat. Mr. White couldn't find much information.

Mrs. Palladino wrote again in 1956. She confirmed her father gave her two hairless cats around 1894. She called them Dick and Nellie. She said Dick was stolen by the milkman. When Nellie was about 15, her father sent her to the Smithsonian. Nellie died a month later. Her body was then shown as a stuffed animal.

This shows that the Mexican Hairless cats were likely just two hairless siblings. Their story was made more exciting. People said they were the last of an ancient breed. The term "Mexican Hairless Cat" then became a general name for any hairless cat. This changed in 1931. That's when hairless kittens were born to regular cats in France.