Cleopatra, a hairless, traveling cat, has become the Jacksons' best furless friend.
The family was primarily a dog family. Kerri Jackson just had a cat once -- when her roommate from college came home with one.
After realizing her family wasn't home enough to keep their dogs company and the recent loss of their dog, the Jacksons started researching cat breeds that were child-friendly and could travel easily. That's when the family found Cleopatra, a beautiful calico Sphynx.
"My husband had one request," Jackson said. Her husband had never had a cat before, and when she mentioned getting a hairless one, he said, "As long as it's not all white."
"So I had to shop all over to find one," Jackson said, "she's actually a calico, which is also rare. I found her in Dallas, so we went down and got her."
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Sphynx cats require more maintenance than regular, furry cats. According to BeChewy, hairless cats need regular weekly shampooings, as well as regular ear cleanings. With the lack of hair, the breed is also prone to sunburns, and they tend to get cold faster.
Cleopatra has a variety of snuggle spots, though, such as on top of Jackson's daughter, Goldie.
"When I'm putting Goldie to bed, she lays right on top of her and purrs," she said. "And she'll sleep right next to her all night."
The Sphynx breed tends to be more "dog-like," according to BeChewy. Cleopatra is no exception, as she often displays some dog-like characteristics.
"She greets you at the door, and she's excited to see you," Jackson said. "She's very playful. ... She has her toys and actually fetches like a dog would fetch."
Jackson said that Cleopatra is "healing" and that she brings the family happiness.
"It's just -- she's very healing," Jackson said about Cleopatra. "I've said so many times like she could be a therapy cat, you know, just peaceful, but she brings us a lot of joy."
"She's just been a great addition to our family," Jackson said, noting the breed often gets a bad reputation, but Cleopatra seems to be a great fit for the Jackson family.
Cleopatra is a calico Sphynx, more commonly known as a hairless cat. (The Sentinel-Record/Donald Cross)
Since Cleopatra is hairless, the Jacksons often find her snuggled into blankets to keep warm throughout the day.(The Sentinel-Record/Donald Cross)