Sphynx cats breed is definitely not your average feline. This breed is known for its hairless coat, wrinkly skin, and affectionate personality. Sphinx cats are often described as warm, lovingly, and loyal- but they also require a lot of care and attention.
OVERVIEW
The sphynx cat breed are relatively new, with the first breeders appearing in the 1960s and 1970s. They originated from a genetic mutation that caused hairlessness, and selective breeding created the Sphynx breed as we know it today. They require regular bathing, and they’re susceptible to cold temperatures because of their lack of fur. They’re also known for being highly social and affectionate-and they’ll often follow their owners around like a puppy! They’re great pets for families and individuals who have plenty of time to give them.
Because they’re a relatively uncommon breed, these hairless cats can cost a pretty penny. If you’re looking to buy a sphynx cat, get ready to dig deep into your wallet: A sphynx kitten from a reputable breeder usually costs between $1,500-$6,000, depending on pedigree.
Appearance
In terms of appearance, Sphynx cats are definitely unique! They’re known for their hairless bodies, large eyes, and wrinkly skin. Some people describe them as looking like an aliens, while others say they look like tiny, hairless babies. Sphinx cats can come in a variety of colors, like, black, blue, cream, red, white, chocolate, lavender, and tortoiseshell. They may also have “mitten” paws, which are paws with extra toes. They have rather large ears, which makes them look even more alien-like.
The sphynx, while considered a “hairless cat,” isn’t necessarily hairless. These felines are covered in a fine down coat that’s hard to see, but immediately apparent (as in, super soft) to the touch. The Sphynx Cat Club actually refers to this down as “giving the overall feel of soft, warm chamois leather.” A sphynx can also have a few sparse whiskers and eyebrows that give her even more personality, or none at all.
Sphynx are considered a medium-size cat; females can weigh as little as 6 pounds, while larger males can tip the scales at 14 pounds. While the defining physical feature of the sphynx cat is the apparent lack of hair, this breed has other distinctive characteristics as well, once you’ve looked past the nudity. Notable traits include piercing lemon-shaped eyes; long, finger-like toes (perfect for biscuit baking); large, bat-esque ears; and a big, rounded belly. Despite this rounded midsection, sphynx cats are actually incredibly active, athletic animals with muscular bodies.
Another sphynx trait is lots of visible wrinkles. These kitties aren’t actually more wrinkly than other cats, but the lack of thick fur highlights this universal feline trait.
Temperament
They are known for being extremely affectionate and social. They’re often described as “lap cats” and they’ll follow their owners around like little shadows. They’re known for being playful. Curious, and intelligent- but they can also be mischievous and stubborn. Because of their curious nature, they may get into things they’re not supposed to, so it’s important to keep an eye on them. And because they’re so affectionate, they don’t do well when left alone for a long period of time. These beautiful baldies are curious, outgoing, super smart, and aren’t shy about communicating their needs-literally. Sphynxes are noisy, so expect to have a lot of cat chats as your pet follows you from room to room.
Sphynx cats are silly, fun-loving, natural-born entertainers who will clown around to get your attention (and pats). These social, playful cats love to be loved and will spend hours glued to your side. On chilly mornings (or even on not-so-cold days), they won’t turn down an opportunity to snuggle under warm blankets with you. Their needy nature isn’t for every pet parent, but those who love the sphynx will be rewarded with top-notch companionship that’s hard to find anywhere else. These cats are loyal, dedicated pets who will love you endlessly.
“[Sphynxes are] part dog, part cat, part monkey, and part human,” says Blake Gipson, breeder behind Bemisu Sphynx. “They’re really, really adaptive and they’re very intelligent. They’re a very interactive breed and they haven’t met another living thing they haven’t expressed curiosity about.”
Don’t be surprised if your sphynx lets himself into any room, cupboard, or cabinet in the house. These cats are just as curious as the old proverb implies and are incredibly agile, with dexterous, finger-like toes they use to poke, prod, and open doors. You might want to do some light cat-proofing before bringing home a sphynx kitten!
Living Needs
Sphynx cats have specific living needs that their owners need to be aware of. Because of their lack of fur, they’re more sensitive to temperature changes than other cats. They’ll need a warm environment to stay comfortable, and you may need to invest in a heating pad or a heated cat bed. They’ll also need to be bathed regularly, since they can’t groom themselves like other cats. In terms of diet, Sphynx cats are prone to obesity, so it’s important to feed them a high-quality diet and monitor their weight closely.
Being an energetic breed, sphynx cats require a lot of mental and physical activity. With toys and scratching posts, they can (and will) amuse themselves, but in order to be truly happy, they want the care and affection of their favorite people. These outgoing animals require an owner who has plenty of time and affection to give since they don’t survive well on their own for extended periods of time.
Although sphynxes enjoy playing with feather toys and chasing ping-pong balls, two of her favorite activities are climbing and perching. She can sit on any ledge or bookcase, no matter how high or low it is. The athletic sphynx is an excellent option for houses with plenty of room for movement, cat trees, and owners who don’t mind their homes turning into jungle gyms.
Sphynxes are often prone to light and cold sensitivity because to their constant outside activities in their undies. Throughout the house, warm areas like sunny windows, warm vents, or even just wriggling under the blankets with you are likely to be frequented by your sphynx. Put your cat in a warm (and fashionable) coat or sweater if you live in a cold climate.
But there are benefits to their nudity: Considering how often its hairless body needs to be bathed, a sphynx is probably more tolerant of water than the majority of cats. The sphynx is also regarded as hypoallergenic due to their lack of fur. Furthermore, although genuinely hypoallergenic pets don’t exist, they can nevertheless be beneficial choice for cat-lovers who tend to sneeze or itch around kitties.
Though active and playful, sphynxes are gentle, easygoing souls who get along well with kids, family dogs, and other cats, especially if they’re introduced as kittens.
Care
Before taking a sphynx home, there’s one thing you should know: her hairless coat doesn’t equal less grooming. She really is going to require a lot of maintenance. Without cat fur, oil discharges can become soaked up and separated, causing your cat’s skin to become oily, unclean, and even malodorous. To keep them feeling and looking their best, sphynxes require regular nail cutting, ear cleaning, and bathing—at least once a week. And be aware that you will still need to take the standard flea preventive measures because this hairless cat is still just as prone to fleas as its furrier relatives.
“Cat owners should inquire with their veterinarian about the best kind of shampoo or soap to use for a sphynx,” advises board-certified veterinarian Catherine Lenox, DVM, DACVN.
As sphynxes are inherently energetic creatures, you won’t have to do anything special to keep their paws going. You may anticipate that they will follow a similar routine to most other cats, alternating high-energy periods of playing, running, and jumping with lengthy periods of sleep, as long as you provide them an abundance of cat toys to keep them occupied.
These perceptive, intelligent cats are keen learners who enjoy picking things up. Teaching your cat directions and skills requires lots of attention and positive reinforcement—a sphynx would adore learning how to retrieve!
Sphynx cats are social butterflies that get along with practically every member of the household, including two- and four-legged ones. In fact, their voracious appetite and need for attention can get them into problems; watch your sphynx to make sure she doesn’t venture out to investigate the area. She should never be left outside unattended, just like any other cat.
Spyhnx cats need more food than other cats since they have a voracious appetite to match their large tummies. Although their rounder midsections are a completely healthy trait of this breed, keep a check on their weight. To find out what food, when, and how often to feed your sphynx, consult your veterinarian.
Health
Sphynx cats are generally healthy cats with an expected lifespan of 9-15 years. But, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health issues.
“Common health conditions diagnosed in the sphynx include dental disease, skin problems such as oily or greasy skin, and heart problems,” Lenox explains. “HCM, or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, is the most common heart disease in cats, and sphynx cats can be affected.”
Hereditary myopathy is another ailment that sphynx cats are prone to, according to the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare. This results in muscle weakness, which may make it difficult for the cat to walk or even exercise.
Reputable sphynx breeders will screen for health issues in your kitten. It’s important to stay on top of your cat’s vet appointments and screenings-HCM and other health problems can go undetected until later in your cat’s life.
History and Origin
A domestic shorthair cat named Prune gave birth to a hairless kitten in Ontario, Canada, in 1966. Her unique genetic makeup was acknowledged, and she underwent breeding with a Devon rex in an effort to produce a hairless breed.
Because of their similarity to the cats in Egyptian hieroglyphics, the offspring of this pairing were subsequently dubbed sphynx, replacing its original name, the Canadian Hairless Cat. Prune’s line died extinct in the early 1980s despite efforts to restore it, as the cats that came from some of these early mating operations had a thin gene pool and were therefore more susceptible to health problems.
Actually, two spontaneous, spontaneously occurring mutations of shorthair cats led to the current sphynx cat. The first occurred in 1975 when a pair of farmers in Minnesota discovered that their farm cat, Epidermis, had given birth to a hairless kitten. The following year, a bald sister named Dermis joined her brother Epidermis. Both were purchased by a breeder in Oregon, who used the kittens’ crosses to create the Sphynx line.
Three hairless kittens named Bambi, Punkie, and Paloma were discovered wandering the streets of their Toronto neighborhood by a Siamese breeder in 1978. After crossing those kittens with Devon rexes, the breed was at last taking off! Breeders persisted in advancing the Sphynx until the cats developed into the powerful