Sphynx Cat Breed Information

Group

Hairless

Weight

4-5 kg

Length

20-25cm

Lifespan

9-15 years

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About the Sphynx Cat

Reviewed by:

Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe

Veterinarian

With no whiskers, eyelashes, or fur coat, Sphynx cats don’t exactly share the characteristics commonly associated with feline friends. But what they lack in appearance, they make up for in love and playfulness!

Not that there’s anything unappealing about their striking look; these ‘hairless cats’ actually have a very thin layer of hair, which gives them a unique feeling that makes them all the more satisfying to pet.

It’s their uniqueness that convinces many families to take them home. That, and their unparalleled desire for human interaction and fun! No matter what age they reach, a Sphynx will always approach the world with a kitten-like sense of wonder, ready to pounce into new adventures, communicate with their owners, and initiate playtime at all times!

In this breed guide, we’ll explore the history of this iconic hairless cat and uncover what it takes to raise a Sphynx kitten.

What Is the History & Origin of the Sphynx Cat?

The first-ever Sphynx was born in 1966, which is relatively recent compared to other breeds. The name leads many to believe they came from ancient Egypt, but they actually originated from Toronto, Canada.

Born as the result of a mutation, the first Sphynx was aptly named Prune. His long legs, wrinkled skin, and adorable eyes caught the attention of the breeder, who decided to breed him back with his mother to produce the first-ever litter of Sphynxes. This was also the first-ever instance of kittens bred specifically for hairlessness.

They soon after became a popular breed throughout Canada, North America, and the rest of the world under the title ‘the Canadian Sphynx’.

What Is a Sphynx Cat Breed?

Sphynxes remain popular today throughout the world, including in Australia. Their appearance goes way beyond baldness, with the hair that they do have often appearing in striking colours such as gold, silver, blue-cream, tortoiseshell, and cameo. Fur patterns can vary, from smoke to tabby.

The shade of their nose, tail, tips, and ears is often darker than the rest of their body. They have huge, pointed ears and lemon-shaped eyes.

Physically, they have a barrel chest, bowed legs, and a long, slender build. Their level of baldness varies, but they tend to have a soft fuzz of hair at the very least.

Who Is a Sphynx Cat Best For?

A Sphynx is not an independent cat. They thrive on human attention and generally require the presence of an owner most of the time. If left alone for longer than a few hours, they can become troubled.

If you work from home and can keep a Sphynx company throughout the day, then you should consider getting a hairless kitten.

If you’re a cat mum and have plenty of other pets around the home already, a Sphynx will be able to fit right in and socialise with other cats and dogs. They also don’t mind a child or two being around.

They are not hypoallergic but are a better option for some allergy sufferers than other breeds.

What Does a Sphynx Cat Look Like?

The Sphynx cat is renowned for its hairless appearance, which showcases its unique, wrinkled skin and prominent cheekbones. This medium-sized breed has a muscular build, large ears, and expressive eyes that add to its distinctive charm.

Coat

While Sphynx cats lack fur, their skin feels warm and soft to the touch. They may have a fine layer of downy fuzz, and their skin comes in various colours and patterns, including solid, tabby, and colour-point.

Colours

Sphynx cats display a wide range of colours, from black and white to chocolate and lilac. They can also have striking combinations, such as bicolours or patterned variations.

Patterns

Common patterns include solid, spotted, and patched variations. Their unique lack of fur combined with their playful personality makes each Sphynx cat truly one-of-a-kind.

Sphynx Cat Grooming & Shedding

A Sphynx cat needs to be groomed once a week due to its lack of hair. A Sphynx is prone to self-grooming; however, due to their lack of hair, there is nothing to absorb the oil on their skin.

As a result, oil and dirt can build up over the cat’s body. A Sphynx, therefore, needs groomed more than other cats.

It’s also important to regularly inspect and clean their long, pointy ears. Dirt and grease easily get built up in their ear canal, which, if left alone, can cause infection.

Shedding is not a big concern to Sphynx cat owners as the breed does not have a lot of cat hair to shed.

How Do Sphynx Cats Behave? A Look at Their Temperament and Personality

A Sphynx is naturally sociable, with a penchant for talking and following its owners from room to room. They have an extroverted personality, a lot of curiosity, and will interact with new visitors. An affectionate cat breed, they typically require regular cuddles and attention.

They are unlikely to cause harm or damage unless provoked. It’s important to give a Sphynx space if needed and to teach children how to treat them with affection.

If left alone, unwashed, or forced to endure cold temperatures, a Sphynx may become destructive.

Living Needs

Given their lack of fur, they need to be kept warm most of the time. This is particularly the case with hairless kittens. When not on their owner’s lap, you will likely find a Sphynx seeking a heat source. They like to sleep next to radiators and computers.

A Sphynx does not enjoy temperatures below 15°C. They will avoid cold surfaces at all costs and may climb on top of furniture to avoid it.

To keep them warm, you can invest in clothing, such as a cat hoodie or sweater.

Due to their trouble retaining heat, they like to sleep with their owners, normally tucked up and under the covers.

What Are Common Habits and Activity Levels of Sphynx Cats?

Habits

Besides their social life and heat-seeking activities, Sphynxes love playing, and demand both mental and physical stimulation from play sessions. You can provide this by playing light games with them, regularly buying them new toys, and hiding treats throughout the house for them to find. They love ping pong balls and feather toys.

Activity Level

The acrobatic build of a Sphynx supports the highly active lifestyle they lead. Given how human-orientated they are, they will often perform daring leaps and run at a fast pace in a bid to gain their owner’s attention!

Like most cats, a Sphynx needs plenty of exercise to remain at a healthy weight. Luckily, they love playing and have a lot of energy to burn.

Vocalness

Sphynxes are amongst the most vocal of all cat breeds, who never shy away from communicating their needs to their owner, whether it be for food, a bath, or some playtime. A Sphynx may also just be looking for a cat chat. It’s a good idea to give them a vocal response in return whenever they meow at you!

What Is the Weight, Height, and Size of a Sphynx Cat?

Height

The average height of a Sphynx is 20-25cm, and the average length is 33-38cm.

Weight

A healthy weight for a male Sphynx is between 4 and 5 kilograms and between 3 and 4 kilograms for a female. It’s important to regularly monitor your cat’s weight, as Sphynxes can easily gain weight due to overeating.

Size

A Sphynx is considered to be a medium-sized cat, with a lean physique, fine bones, and muscular body.

Are Sphynx Cats Easy to Train?

Being an inherently curious cat, a Sphynx takes to training very easily. Positive reinforcement may be necessary in some cases, but for the most part, a Sphynx can learn how to play fetch and respond to commands without it.

A Sphynx can easily be toilet trained as long as the litter box is placed in a quiet place, away from loud noises and household appliances.

Does the Sphynx Cat Have Any Common Health Issues?

Being a hairless cat, a Sphynx is often prone to developing rashes and suffering from fungal infections.

Sphynxes commonly suffer from a heart disease called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which concerns the thickening of the left ventricle and other areas of the heart.

Like all cat breeds, Sphynxes can be subject to eye diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma, and conjunctivitis. They can also suffer from feline asthma and gastrointestinal disorders.

What Is the Lifespan of a Sphynx Cat?

A healthy Sphynx, who is kept both mentally and physically stimulated, can live for around 15 years. One of the longest living cats was a Sphynx named Grandpa Rex, who reached the age of 34!

How Much Does a Sphynx Cat Need to Be Fed?

Sphynxes need more calories than the average domestic cat, as more energy is required to keep their skin warm. Their daily intake of dry food should be around 5-6% of their overall body weight. For a 5 kilogram Sphynx, you should aim to feed them between 65 and 95 grams per day.

Sphynx kittens should be fed wet food for one month before switching to dry food.

Feeding typically costs Sphynx owners $10 per week.

How Much Can You Expect to Pay for a Sphynx Cat in Australia?

In Australia, the price of a Sphynx can range between $2,000 and $4,000.

Sphynx Cat FAQs

Do Sphynxes suffer from separation anxiety?

A Sphynx suffers from separation anxiety more than other household animals. Being left alone for long periods will likely induce them to behave destructively by scratching the floor and destroying furniture.

Are Sphynx cats hypoallergenic?

Sphynxes are not completely hypoallergic. However, being a hairless breed, they are a better pet option for those who suffer from allergies than other cat breeds.

Do Sphynxes get along well with other household pets?

Sphynxes are amongst the most social of cat breeds. Not only will they get along with other cats, but they will also try to form a connection with dogs, too.

Can Sphynx cats get sunburned?

Sphynxes are easily sunburnt due to their lack of fur. For this reason, it’s a good idea to apply them with sunscreen whenever they venture outside. To protect them from the elements, it’s best to keep your Sphynx inside as much as possible.