I just did a pretty extensive internet search and the pictures I found of Sphynx cat shows in the United States do not show this, nor do they judge the skin by anything other than how many wrinkles it has- so perhaps this is a cultural thing over in Russia?
That is not how judges any where judge cats. The lady is holding HER cat that way but that is her choice. When judges look at or handle a cat they pick them up themselves. This lady may have been doing htis if she saw a camera or something just for shock value. But please dont think this happens routinly at cat shows.
Denise
I keep hearing that cuddling with a Sphynx is like snuggling a hot water bottle... I would like to test that out! Poor baby, let's hope that sort of behavior is aberrant.
Just to let you know - this picture is taken from the Moscow Times. It's one of our headlines this week (you can see them on the main page). I emailed that newspaper, told them the picture was offensive and asked if they can give me the email address for that Russian association that ran the show. I'll let you know if I hear anything from them.
You can also contact them yourselves - just visit the article in the Moscow Times.