Sphynx Basics
Learn about about Sphynx basics like where Sphynx come from, how many different types of Sphynx you can find, and what other breeds mix with Sphynx.
Sphynx cats have an average lifespan of around 12 to 15 years. However, they can live even longer with proper care and attention to their health. Some Sphynx cats have been known to reach their late teens or early twenties, which is considered quite a good age for a cat.
Yes, there are different types of Sphynx cats that can be categorized based on their coat color and pattern. While all Sphynx cats share the distinctive hairless trait, their skin can have various colors and patterns, including: Colorpoint Sphynx, Mink Sphynx, Solid Sphynx, Bicolored Sphynx, Calico Sphynx, and Tabby Sphynx. Several other breeds of hairless cats have also been bred from Sphynx cats.
Sphynx cats were not bred for a specific purpose, such as working or hunting like some other breeds. Instead, their development was primarily focused on creating a distinctive and unique appearance.
Sphynx cats typically stop growing between 12 and 18 months. While their bodies may continue to fill out and develop muscle tone beyond this age, their overall size in terms of length and height stabilizes by the time they reach adulthood.
Yes, Sphynx cats are often considered hypoallergenic, which means they are less likely to trigger allergies in some people compared to other cat breeds. Sphynx cats may be less allergenic to some individuals because they lack a traditional fur coat, which can trap and release allergenic proteins into the environment.
However, it’s essential to understand that no cat breed is entirely hypoallergenic, as allergens are primarily associated with proteins found in a cat’s skin cells, saliva, and urine. Sphynx cats still produce these proteins on their skin, so it’s possible for people with cat allergies to react to them.
Individual reactions to cats vary greatly, and what might be tolerable for one person may not be for another. If you have allergies and are considering bringing a Sphynx cat into your home, spend time with one before making a decision.
Sphynx cats are from Canada, specifically Toronto, Ontario, where the breed originated accidentally when a hairless kitten was born in 1966 due to a genetic mutation. The kitten, named Prune, started the first hairless cat breeding program of the breed originally called the Canadian Hairless.
Sphynx Appearance
Learn about about the Sphynx general appearance like their size, colors, and grooming needs.
Yes, Sphynx cats can have whiskers, but not all do. Whiskers, also known as vibrissae, are specialized sensory hairs that play a crucial role in a cat’s perception of its environment. Whiskers are found not only on a cat’s face but also above their eyes and on the backs of their forelegs.
Though Sphynx cats do not have fur, their skin comes in a variety of colors and patterns, including white, black, red, chocolate, lavender, various tabby patterns, tortoiseshell, calico, bicolor, and pointed and mink patterns.
No, Sphynx cats don’t shed, given their lack of a full fur coat. But the fine layer of fuzz on their skin can accumulate oil and dirt, which means regular bathing is necessary to keep them clean and healthy.
Sphynx cats are hairless due to a naturally occurring genetic mutation. This mutation affects the development of hair follicles and results in a lack of fur on their bodies. The hairlessness trait in Sphynx cats is a recessive gene, which means that both parents must carry the gene for their kittens to inherit the hairless trait, so breeders carefully select and pair cats with this gene to produce Sphynx kittens.
No, Sphynx cats are not typically polydactyl, meaning they do not have an excessive number of toes on their paws. However, like all cat breeds, individual variations can occur, so it’s possible to find Sphynx cats with a slight variation in the number of toes, but this is not a characteristic trait of the breed.
When it comes to Sphynx cats, one of the rarest and most sought-after colors is known as calico. Calico Sphynx cats have a spotted black or brown coat with a white undertone, creating a unique and striking appearance.
Sphynx cats can have a range of eye colors, including green, blue, yellow or gold, copper, or even odd-eye (heterochromia) with two different-colored eyes. Their eye color is not linked to their coat color or pattern and can vary from one cat to another.
Sphynx cats are a medium to large-sized breed that typically weighs between eight and 12 pounds and are 8 to 10 inches tall. Their size can vary, but on average, male Sphynx cats tend to be larger than females.
Sphynx cats have a very fine layer of downy fuzz or extremely short, sparse hair on their bodies. This fine hair gives them a unique and unusual texture compared to most other cat breeds with traditional fur coats.
Instead of a traditional fur coat, Sphynx cats have a fine layer of downy fuzz or very short, sparse hair covering their skin. However, this nearly naked appearance doesn’t provide the same insulation as a full coat, so this breed is sensitive to temperature changes and requires extra care to stay warm in cooler weather.
Sphynx Temperament
Learn about about the Sphynx temperament and how well they fit into your lifestyle, home environment, and family.
Yes, Sphynx cats are more sensitive to cold temperatures compared to cats with fur. Due to their lack of a fur coat, Sphynx cats have less insulation against the cold, which can make them feel chilly in cooler weather. You might catch them seeking warm spots like sunbeams or your cozy lap.
To keep your Sphynx cat snug as a bug, consider investing in some stylish cat sweaters or creating a warm and toasty kitty sanctuary at home.
Yes, Sphynx cats can be considered somewhat high maintenance due to their unique characteristics. They require regular grooming, protection from temperature extremes and sunburn, and may have specific health considerations. Additionally, their social and attention-seeking nature calls for ample interaction and monitoring of their diet to prevent obesity.
While their care demands attention, however, many Spynx pet parents find their distinctive personalities make the extra effort worthwhile.
Yes, Sphynx cats can jump well. Despite their hairless appearance, these felines have strong muscles and are agile jumpers. They can leap onto countertops, shelves, or just about anywhere they set their sights on.
Yes, Sphynx cats are indoor pets due to their vulnerability to sunburn and temperature extremes, need for reduced exposure to diseases and accidents, cleanliness, safety, and the prevention of potential harm to wildlife. It’s essential to provide indoor Sphynx cats with mental and physical stimulation to ensure their well-being.
Yes, Sphynx cats, like most cats, can scratch furniture if they are not provided with suitable alternatives and proper training. Scratching is a natural behavior for cats that helps them maintain their claws, stretch their muscles, and mark their territory.
Although Sphynx cats have strong hunting instincts and a natural drive to catch prey, they are generally more focused on social interactions and play with their human companions. While individual Sphynx cats may occasionally catch small insects or engage in playful hunting behavior, they are not usually as driven or skilled hunters.
Yes, having two Sphynx cats is better because these kitties are known for their social nature so having a friend can prevent loneliness and provide entertainment for both cats. Cats often feel more secure when they have a companion, reducing stress and anxiety.
Yes, Sphynx cats like to cuddle. Their hairless bodies crave warmth, and they seek it out in the form of human cuddles. They are often described as "velcro cats" because they can’t resist snuggling up to their human companions.
Yes, Sphynx cats are good pets. Whether it’s thanks to their personality or their lack of fur to keep them warm, this breed is highly affectionate and loves to cuddle up with their families. The old French breed standard describes the Sphynx as “part monkey, part dog, part child, and part cat.” They love to run, jump, chase, play, and are quite acrobatic.
Yes, Sphynx cats are known for being a vocal and chatty breed. They are often described as having a wide range of vocalizations and being quite expressive in their communication with their human companions. Sphynx cats may meow, chirp, purr, and make various other sounds to convey their needs, desires, or simply to engage in a conversation with their pet parents.
Sphynx Health
Learn about about the Sphynx health outlook and what diseases they may be prone to at various stages of their life.
Yes, Sphynx cats, like all cats, can get fleas. Fleas are external parasites that can infest cats of any breed, regardless of whether they have fur. Fleas can cause discomfort, itching, and skin issues in cats.
Sphynx cats are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they may be prone to specific health issues.
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM): HCM is an abnormal thickening of the heart’s left ventricle that leads to improper blood flow. It is the most common cause of heart disease in cats and can result in sudden death.
Hereditary myopathy: Hereditary myopathy is a rare inherited disease that affects muscle function and can cause tremors, problems with chewing, muscle weakness, and collapse. Symptoms come and go, and many cats live a normal life with the disease, though there is the potential for sudden death from asphyxiation.
Others: Urticaria pigmentosa, an itchy skin condition that causes red and brown discolorations on the body; and periodontal disease, a gum infection that can cause teeth erosion and gum damage.
Yes, Sphynx cats need to be groomed despite their lack of a traditional fur coat. Grooming is essential to keep their skin healthy and free from oil buildup and debris. These kitties need weekly baths, their claws trimmed every two weeks, and should have their teeth brushed two to three times a week.
Many adult cats, including Sphynx cats, are lactose intolerant, meaning they may have difficulty digesting lactose, the sugar found in milk, which can lead to digestive upset, such as diarrhea. It’s generally best to avoid giving milk to Sphynx cats or any other cats unless you have specifically formulated cat milk products that are lactose-free and designed for cats, and even then, only as a treat.
Yes, Sphynx cats can enjoy wet food in their diet, and many cat parents choose to include wet canned food as part of their Sphynx cat’s nutrition. Wet food can provide additional moisture, which is beneficial for their overall health, especially considering their sensitivity to temperature and their need for hydration.
Sphynx cats have similar dietary needs to other cat breeds. They require a balanced diet that includes high-quality cat food, either dry kibble or wet canned food. You can also choose to feed them a combination of both, following the feeding guidelines. Discuss the best diet for your Sphynx with your veterinarian.
No, Sphynx cats do not smell when they’ve been provided with proper grooming and hygiene. But, their skin produces oils that can accumulate and lead to a slightly odd odor compared to cats with fur when not cared for. Some have described it as similar to mushrooms, cheese, or dirty feet.
Adopting a Sphynx
Learn about about acquiring a Sphynx –the pros and cons of adopting versus going through a breeder, and associated costs.
Adopting a Sphynx cat costs between $75 and $100, whereas buying one from a breeder can be as much as $1,000.
Sphynx cats are generally considered one of the pricier cat breeds due to their rarity, health testing, spaying/neutering, pedigrees, and initial vaccinations. Adopting a Sphynx cat involves not only the initial cost but also ongoing expenses for grooming, veterinary care, and premium cat food.
The easiest way to adopt a Sphynx is through a rescue that specializes in Sphynx cats. A great place to start is by starting a breed search on Adopt a Pet. The search will show you all the available Sphynx cats in your area.
