Sphynx

Sphynx Cat: Cat Breed Information Guide

One of the most famous hairless cats, the Sphynx is a dignified but lovable kitty who could make a great addition to your home. They might not be Egyptian, but this domestic cat is worthy of our respect and love regardless.

Continue reading to learn more about why cat lovers adore these cute cats.

Contrary to what their name suggests, Sphynx cats are from Canada. The first one recorded, a hairless kitten named Prune, was born in Toronto in 1966 to two domestic shorthair cats. There were other hairless cats before, but they don’t have a relation to the Sphynx.

Of course, the cat attributed as the first Sphynx didn’t really look like the ones we have today. Sphynxes today are a combination of many other breeds, like the Devon rex, which helped create a strong bloodline.

The Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) put this breed of cat in the miscellaneous class in the 1990s. They attained championship level in the early 2000s. These little champions could be the best friends you’ve ever had, but do you know if you can be a good friend to them?

At Spot Pet Insurance, we know that to be a good pet parent, it's beneficial to know about your kitty’s needs, whether physical or emotional. You’re their family. We’ve gathered the information you need to know about the Sphynx cat.

What do Sphynxes look like?

These cats have big eyes, large ears, and of course, their signature lack of hair.

Why is the Sphynx hairless?

Although there are quite a few hairless cat breeds, there are many more cats with fur. So you’re probably wondering, what’s up with the Sphynx’s lack of fur?

The reason for this is a genetic mutation. Sphynx cats have a genetic trait that causes them to have no hair or a light, barely visible fuzz. They can still have the same patterns on their skin that other cats have on their fur.

Sphynx cats were bred with the Devon rex and American shorthair cats, allowing the Sphynx to have a bloodline that would last since there was more variety in the gene pool.

What are the potential health issues for Sphynx cats?

Like humans, our pets can become ill from a virus or bacteria or inherit a condition from one of their parents. Although reputable breeders do their best to screen their purebred cats or dogs, having all pets be problem-free is a difficult goal to obtain.

Although Sphynxes have their fair share of hereditary issues, if you know what to look for, you can help them get the treatment they need as soon as possible. If you want to learn more about other Sphynx health problems, check this article out.

Below we have listed some other diseases that are common to Sphynx cats.

Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), occurs when the heart muscle thickens.

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), which is caused by a dietary deficiency.

If your Sphynx has cardiomyopathy, it is much more likely that they will have HCM. Most cat foods will add the amino acid that your cat could have a deficiency in.

What are other conditions the Sphynx is at risk for?

Sphynx cats come with their own set of heredity issues, such as:

The personality of the Sphynx

Are Sphynxes aloof or affectionate? 

Sphynx cats are very affectionate creatures. Most people expect cats to be aloof; Sphynxes, and many other cat breeds, are actually super sweet and kind.

All a Sphynx wants to do is be around you and your family. They like having your attention and might even do silly things to get you to pay attention to them. They are pretty extroverted cats.

Are Sphynxes intelligent? 

Most kitties are pretty smart; the Sphynx is no exception. They especially like to explore and learn new things about the world around them. They are little acrobats and are willing to do pretty much anything to get your attention.

They’re little show-offs, too, although they may tend to do so in a comedic way. They like to be the center of attention, and they know how to get that attention, too.

Do Sphynxes do well with children? 

Sphynx cats are very good with kids. They love being the focus of attention, and they are very gentle and loving. You just need to make sure kids will be good to your kitty since some small children have trouble understanding the word “gentle.”

How are Sphynxes with strangers? 

Most cats are usually pretty reserved when meeting new people, but the Sphynx is the opposite. They like having the opportunity to greet new people and show off to someone new. As long as they’re being appreciated, they should be fine.

Do Sphynxes get along with other pets? 

Sphynx cats get along very well with other pets. They can even get along with some dogs. It’s actually a good idea to get another cat if you tend to be away from home most of the day.

Because Sphynx cats are so extroverted, they do best when they have someone to hang out with them at all times. That’s why they’ll end up following you everywhere. If they have other animal friends around, particularly another Sphynx, they’ll stay around them until they feel comfortable in their new homes.

How to care for Sphynx cats

What is the Sphynx’s coat like?  

Sphynxes may have some fuzz or be completely hairless. They don’t shed. However, their lack of hair makes them susceptible to cold and sunburn.

Potential Sphynx coat colors: 

Lavender, red, black, tabby, white, tortoiseshell, chocolate, calico.

Are Sphynxes hypoallergenic? 

Technically, no. They don’t shed, but they still produce dander and the allergen that causes humans to be allergic to them.

What are the grooming needs of a Sphynx? 

They may not need brushing, but they need frequent baths to prevent body oil buildup — around once a week. They need ear cleaning for the same reason. They need teeth brushing and nail clipping regularly.

How to be the best pet parent for a Sphynx

Every cat breed is going to have their own needs and wants. It’s your job as a pet parent to provide for your fur (or furless, in this case) baby’s needs. What do they need you to do?

Being a pet parent can be pretty overwhelming, but we’re here to help make it easier. Not only do we provide coverage for conditions that aren’t pre-existing, but we also try to help you out by providing you with educational materials.

What do you need to do to take care of a Sphynx? How much does it cost? Let’s find out.

Behavior etiquette for your cat 

What type of foods should a Sphynx never eat? 

Many human foods can be toxic to cats. Some breeds even have foods specific to that breed that can be toxic to them. The Sphynx breed is not one of them, but they can be harmed by foods that are harmful to all cat breeds.

Some such foods include:

Exercising tips to keep your cat to stay fit and healthy 

Most cats are pretty good at exercising themselves; the Sphynx is no exception. However, it wouldn’t hurt to play with them every so often. They might enjoy chasing after a toy mouse or a laser beam.

One thing you shouldn’t do is take your Sphynx outside. They’re sensitive to cold weather and tend to overheat. They may also get sunburned, which can also happen inside if they’re in the sun for too long.

Sphynx life stages 

Kitten: 0 – 12  month     |       Adult: 1 – 10 years      |      Senior: 10+ years