Sphynx Cat: Price, Personality and Care

The Sphynx cat is an excellent breed around the family home, thanks to their loving, friendly and playful nature. They are best suited to a family dynamic where they will be given lots of attention and playtime, returning that love and then some. It certainly comes as no surprise that you are researching the Sphynx cat as the next possible addition to your family. Fortunately for you, we have compiled an all-you-need-to-know guide right here.

Characteristics Table

The following are the main characteristics shown by the Sphynx cat:

Height	8-10 inches
Weight	6-14 pounds
Lifespan	9-15 years
Colors	Brown, chocolate, lavender, cinnamon, silver, cream, tan, red, white, blue
Group	Hairless
Temperament	Sociable, brave, affectionate
Intelligence	High
Social skills	Very good with people
People skills	Sociable and loves to play
Children	Great within the family dynamiс

Breed History

The Sphynx as we know it today first appeared in 1966 in Toronto, Canada, although it was initially called a Canadian hairless cat. It came about naturally when a litter of shorthair kittens included some genetic mutation to create a hairless cat. This was not the first case of hairless kittens being born, but the Sphynx was the first case of selective breeding. Hairless cars were bred with those with regular coats, then the resulting offspring were bred with hairless cats to widen the gene pool and achieve the optimum characteristics. Despite this, it took until 2002 for the Cat Fanciers’ Association recognized the Sphynx cat for championship competitions. Fortunately, once the CFA showed recognition, others soon followed. Over the years, the Sphynx cat has appeared on screen in numerous films and TV shows. Two prime examples would be Mt Bigglesworth in the Austin Powers films and the Sphynx adopted by Rachel Green in Friends.

Interesting Facts

• The Sphynx cat still needs lots of grooming even though there are hairless.
• The cat that played Mr. Bigglesworth in the Austin Powers film was called Ted Nudegent in real life.
• All cats are rather wrinkly beneath their fur. The only reason Sphynx cats look different is that they are hairless.

Temperament and Personality

Sphynx cats have a somewhat negative reputation based on how they look, which is sad because this cat breed is among the most playful and affectionate on the planet. The Sphynx is known for being outgoing, clever, communicative, loving, and loyal. The Sphynx loves to chat with you, so be prepared to hear a lot of meows throughout the day. They also like to stay close to you, so you can expect a little four-legged friend to follow you from room to room. The silly Sphynx cat is a perfect choice if you want a fun and loving entertainer to add to the family. They are social animals and love spending time with their owners, including playtime and snuggles. However, they require much attention, so they are best suited to active/busy households. The Sphynx is also an inquisitive breed, so chances are they will roam around the house and explore every room, surface, cupboard, and space they can find. So cat-proofing certain rooms can be a good idea.

Affectionate with family	5 out of 5
Shedding	1 out of 5
Playfulness	5 out of 5
Vocal	5 out of 5
Kid-friendly	3 out of 5
Stranger-friendly	4 out of 5
Easy to groom	3 out of 5
Pet-friendly	5 out of 5
Intelligence	5 out of 5

READ MORE: Cat Breeds That Don’t Shed

Feeding and Diet

The Sphynx cat is famous for being a food lover. In fact, they usually sport a little bit of a potbelly, which is harder to hide without a fur coat. Therefore, like a Labrador, they will eat almost anything you give them. They have sensitive tummies and high metabolisms, so we recommend giving them small meals but plenty of them across the day. Fresh food would be ideal for a Sphynx, but if you cannot provide this, a brand with good protein and limited carbohydrates would serve your cat well. The main ingredient of this food should be meat or fish, the real kind, rather than filler or replacements. It is also always a good idea to purchase food targeted towards your cat’s age range to ensure they are getting all the stuff they need to remain healthy. You should also cater the portion size to the size of your Sphynx cat and their energy levels – to avoid them becoming overweight or malnourished.

RELATED: TOP-10 Best Dry Cat Food (Updated Vet Review)

Grooming and Shedding

Many assume Sphynx cats will have no grooming needs because of their lack of hair, but that is not the case. The Sphynx actually needs more grooming than most cats with normal coats. Without any hair, Sphynx cats cannot absorb as much natural body oil, so they need to be washed a lot more regularly. Otherwise, they may develop skin problems, and you may notice oil spots on your furniture. We recommend giving your Sphynx cat a bath once a week with special shampoo, something you should start from an early age to get them used to the process. Regular vet check-ups are necessary with any animal, no matter their track record of health. One thing to look out for, which is standard with many cats but even more so with the Sphynx due to a lack of hair protection, is signs of dirt building up in the ears, which can lead to a possible infection. You could also converse with your vet about a tooth-brushing plan for your Sphynx. Our general advice would be to always be on the lookout for changes in their behavior or any signs of pain/distress.

Known Health Problems

You should always get a health guarantee from any breeder, but health issues are associated with all breeds and cats. The Sphynx cat does not have hair protection from the sun, meaning they are more susceptible to UV rays. As such, they should not be allowed out in the sun as regularly as a cat with a normal coat. We recommend keeping them indoors or monitoring them outdoors to avoid burns. Sphynx cats are also commonly at risk from heart disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, periodontal disease, and the skin condition urticaria pigmentosa. As with any pet, we recommend regular health check-ups with your vet to monitor any health conditions.

READ MORE: Most Affectionate Cat Breeds

Exercise

The Sphynx kitty has a rather unique blend in that they are natural athletes but have low exercise needs. They love following you around from room to room and actively exploring but do not require too much exercise beyond that. They can entertain themselves for a decent time, although they perform best with a friend to share the house with. The best option here would be a second Sphynx cat. However, they typically get along with other animals, so you are more than safe leaving them at home with a dog, for example. The Sphynx can even be trained to play fetch and naturally love playing, jumping, and exploring. If you want to teach them, use treats as positive reinforcements for the best results.

Adoption

Of course, we always recommend giving a home to a cat who needs one rather than purchasing a bred kitten. You must research your local shelters and adoption facilities to see whether they currently house any Sphynx cats. You should always ask about the cat’s history so you are fully aware of why they are in the shelter though. It’s always good to have the information upfront. But there really is nothing better than welcoming a feline in need into your home.

Breeders

This is your best chance of finding a Sphynx local to you. Some simple research into your local area should reveal some breeding options to you. Always select a breeder with good reviews to ensure that you are getting a healthy Sphynx kitten rather than something else.

Conclusion

And there we have everything you need to know about the Sphynx cat breed. They truly are a joy to have around the family home and will be a welcome addition to your group. If you have any further questions, feel free to get in touch or post a message in the comments section below. We wish you all the luck with your new pet.

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