Sphynx Cat Breed Characteristics, Health, Care & Facts

Last Updated on March 6, 2024 by Aftab Tariq

Sphynx cat, also known as the hairless cat, is a special cat known for its wrinkly skin and peach fuzz coat. Unlike most cats, Sphynxes don’t have much fur or hair on their bodies. Even though they look royal, they’re quite playful and silly.

Sometimes, they act more like dogs than cats. These unique cats love to bask in the sun to keep warm and are great snuggle buddies.

They usually get along well with other cats, dogs, and kids, which makes them a good choice for families. But because they’re different from other cats, they have some special needs. To see if a Sphynx cat is the right pet for you, it’s important to learn all about this special breed.

Aspect	Description
Personality	Playful, affectionate, friendly, energetic, and loving
Weight	Less than 12 pounds
Length	13 to 15 inches, head to tail
Coat Length	Nearly hairless, peach fuzz
Coat Color	Any color, including white, black, red, brown, lilac
Coat Patterns	Any pattern, including solid, bi-color, tabby, tortoiseshell, calico, tuxedo, and pointed
Eye Color	Any possible feline eye color
Lifespan	8 to 14 years
Hypoallergenic	No
Sphynx Cat Origin	Canada

History Of Sphynx Cat

Sphynx cats got their name because they look fancy, like the Egyptian sphinx. A long time ago, the Aztecs had cats without fur, but the ones we see today started in Canada in 1966 when a kitten was born without hair by accident. People liked this unique cat and decided to make it more like it.

They called these cats Canadian Hairless at first. They went to America, where breeders worked to make them even better by mixing them with another kind of cat called Devon Rex. Eventually, Sphynx cats became their special type of cat with rules about their appearance.

Different cat clubs had other ideas about Sphynx cats. Some big clubs like The International Cat Association and the Cat Fanciers Association liked them. But not everyone agreed. Some thought being hairless might not be good for the cats’ health.

Sphynx Characteristics

Sphynx cats may lack hair, but they’re bursting with personality. These cats with peach-fuzz coats are super friendly and loving and enjoy cuddles. They’re often compared to dogs because they love being close to their favorite humans. Sphynxes aren’t shy around new people, kids, or pets.

They’re full of energy and love to play and explore. But when playtime is over, they’ll look for a cozy lap to cuddle in or a sunny spot to nap. While they’re great family pets, Sphynx cats prefer to be with others briefly. You might have better choices if you give those lots of attention regularly.

The Appearance Of Sphynx Cat

Sphynx cat’s appearance is striking due to its lack of fur. However, they’re not completely bald; they might have a thin layer of hair, like peach fuzz, which is very short. You’ll often find short hair on their nose and ears, although they usually don’t have whiskers.

Their skin is wrinkly, especially around the shoulders and between the ears. Their ears are quite large, giving them an “elf-like” look, and their eyes are also big and set apart on their face. Sphynx cats can have eyes of any color found in cats, like blue, green, amber, or brown, and sometimes even two different eye colors.

Even though they don’t have fur, Sphynx cats come in various colors and patterns, such as black, white, gray, brown, cream, red, or lilac, with patterns like tabby, bi-color, tortoiseshell, pointed, calico, or tuxedo. They’re medium-sized cats with muscular bodies and long, slender tails.

Care Of Your Sphynx Cat

Taking care of a Sphynx cat is a lot of work because they’re hairless and need regular grooming. Even though they don’t have fur, Sphynx cats need plenty of attention and care because of their active personalities.

Grooming

You might think a cat without much fur wouldn’t need grooming, but Sphynx cats require more grooming than furry ones. Because they lack fur to soak up their body oils, Sphynx cats need regular baths to keep their skin healthy and prevent oil spots on furniture.

Bathe your Sphynx cat every week or two with a gentle cat shampoo to remove oil buildup. Many Sphynx cats are okay with baths because they’re used to them from a young age.

It’s also important to clean your Sphynx cat’s ears weekly. Since they don’t have fur, their ears can gather wax and dirt, leading to infections. Gently clean their ears with a cotton ball once a week.

If you notice redness, sores, a lot of dirt, or a bad smell, it’s time to see the vet. And remember to trim their nails and brush their teeth regularly, just like any other cat.

Sphynx Cats Exercise

Sphynx cats are affectionate and love to be close to their humans. They enjoy snuggling and wagging their tails while following you around. Even though they prefer cuddling, they are also playful and energetic. Despite being active, they don’t need a lot of exercise.

These cats enjoy entertaining themselves, but some may enjoy having a companion. Having two sphynx cats could be a good idea if you’re away often. They also get along well with other pets, like dogs, so having another furry friend at home can keep them content.

Sphynx cats enjoy playing and jumping and can even learn to fetch. They are social and intelligent animals that respond well to positive training methods.

Diet And Nutrition Of Sphynx Cats

Sphynx cats are big food fans, as you can tell from their round bellies. They’re not picky eaters and usually gobble up whatever you give them. But it’s important to watch their weight and ensure they don’t become overweight.

Because sphynx cats have fast metabolisms and sensitive stomachs, feeding them small meals regularly throughout the day is best. This also keeps them interested in their food.

Whether you feed your cat dry food, wet food, or a mix of both is up to you. Some people prefer to give their sphynx a raw food diet, believing it offers health benefits.

But regardless of what you choose, make sure their diet is high in protein, moderate in fat, and low in carbohydrates. You can also give them treats that help prevent hairballs, clean their teeth, and keep their gums healthy.

Sphynx Cat Purpose

Sphynx cats are often considered completely hypoallergenic, but that’s not entirely true. Even though they seem hairless, they have a very thin, suede-like covering. Some doctors suggest getting a sphynx cat for people who love cats but are allergic to them, as they tend to have fewer allergens on their fur than other breeds.

Common Health Problems Of Sphynx Cat

When getting a sphynx kitten, it’s important to ask the breeder for a health guarantee, as with any purebred pet. When bred responsibly, sphynx cats are generally healthy.

Because they don’t have fur to protect their skin, sphynx cats can easily get sunburnt if exposed to too much sunlight. Limiting their time in direct sunlight and keeping them indoors or supervising them closely when they’re outside is best.

Sphynx cats can be prone to certain health issues, including:

• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a heart disease where the heart muscle thickens
• Periodontal disease or gum problems
• Urticaria pigmentosa, a hereditary skin condition that causes itching and rashes

Regular checkups with the vet are important to catch any potential health issues early on. And if your cat shows any signs of illness, it’s best to contact the vet immediately.

Sphynx Cat Behavior

The Sphynx Cat, known for its distinctive hairless appearance, exhibits a playful nature alongside its unique physical traits. Characterized by wrinkly, soft skin and large lemon-shaped eyes, this medium-sized breed is easily recognizable. Additionally, their warm touch and prominent ears contribute to their distinct charm.

Sphynx Cat Lifespan

Sphynx cats, originally known as Canadian Hairless, are from Canada. They’re not too big, usually weighing between 6 to 12 pounds. On average, they live around 8 to 14 years. These cats are lively and devoted; some even say they act like dogs.

Sphynx Cat Personality

Sphynx cats are loving and lively. They enjoy being around people and make great pets for families, especially if they’re introduced to many people when they’re young. These cats are quite outgoing, so be ready for some playful antics.

Sphynx Cat Black

Sphynx cat black are just as common as their pink counterparts and just as charming and full of personality. While there are many different colors and patterns of Sphynx cats, the black ones are quite special because they have a specific name.

They’re often called Canadian Sphynx cats because of their origin, adding an extra layer of uniqueness. It’s believed that the very first Sphynx cat was either entirely black or a mix of black and white, which might mean that black Sphynx cats are the founders of this fascinating breed.

Sphynx Cat Fun Facts

Sphynx cats, with their unique angular features, large ears, and sleek bodies, redefine feline charm without fur. Here are some Sphynx Cat Fun Facts:

• Sphynx cats thrive on companionship, especially from their human owners. They often get along well with dogs and other cats.
• These cuddly creatures enjoy playtime and make wonderful companions for anyone seeking a loving pet.
• However, if left alone for extended periods, they can become sad or depressed.
• Sphynx cats may not resemble your typical feline friends – some say they resemble moles.
• Despite appearances, these cats are far from nervous or dull. Don’t be fooled by their lack of fur; Sphynx cats are loving and affectionate.
• Experienced breeders will tell you that they have a friendly nature.
• It is essential to provide warm places for them to snuggle up, especially if you’re away from home. Consider investing in a heated cat bed to keep them comfortable.
• Sphynx cats are best kept indoors to protect their delicate skin from sunburns.
• While they may enjoy basking in the sun, staying indoors or shaded areas is safer.
• Owners can install sunblock shades on windows to shield them from harmful UV rays.

Hypoallergenic Potential

While no cat is entirely hypoallergenic, people with cat allergies often find Sphynx cats more tolerable. Allergies in cats are typically triggered by pet dander and saliva.

Since Sphynx cats lack fur to shed, the risk of allergenic contact with humans is reduced. However, it’s essential to note that they still produce saliva and dander, albeit in smaller amounts.

How Do You Adopt Or Buy A Sphynx Cat?

Sphynx cats are really popular, but finding one might take some effort. They’re rarely found in shelters or rescues, but it’s worth a try. You can search on websites like Petfinder and Adopt-a-Pet.

Cats from shelters might not be purebred Sphynx. If you’re set on getting a purebred one, your best bet is to contact breeders. You can find them at cat shows, online, or on breeder lists from cat association websites.

Pros

• Sphynx cats lower dander than other breeds, making them allergy-friendly.
• Sphynx cats love cuddling and being close to their owners.
• Active Sphynx cats love interactive toys and games.

Cons

• Due to their scarcity and distinctive traits, sphynx cats cost more than other breeds.

Frequently Asked Question

Are Sphynx Cats Expensive?

Yes, Sphynx cats can be quite expensive. Since they’re uncommon, you might have to spend much money to bring one home. If you’re considering getting a Sphynx cat, be prepared to pay anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000 per kitten.

Do Sphynx Cats Smell?

Sphynx cats are known to have a distinct smell, which some people find unusual. Even when they’re clean, they can have a slight earthy scent. This smell can become more noticeable when they need a bath, as bacteria and yeast can build up on their skin.

Is A Sphynx Cat A Good Pet?

Absolutely! Sphynx cats are incredibly friendly and make wonderful pets. They get along well with children, and other pets like dogs make great therapy cats because they’re comfortable handling them. They eagerly greet their owners at the door and are welcoming to visitors.

What Is Sphynx Cat Price?

Sphynx cat price is between $1,500-$6,000.