Don’t be apprehensive about the hairless Sphynx cat. When you see one in person, you’ll wonder why you ever had second thoughts about this kitty.
Sphynx cats are incredibly charming, beyond affectionate, and want to be your new BFF! How can you look into those loving eyes and not be happy? You will never be alone again once you have a Sphynx as a companion.
Give this soft and awesone cat a new furever family. Bring home a Sphynx!
Sphynx Cat Facts
- You would think with a name like Sphynx, this cat should be from Egypt. Not even close. In 1966, the Sphynx cat originated in Toronto, Canada as a natural genetic mutation.
- Like other hairless breeds, the Sphynx has a 104° F temperature (ordinary fully coated cats average 100° F). This in turn produces a higher metabolism rate which increases their appetites and helps promote faster healing.
- The Sphynx has varying degrees of skin ranging from a very fine peach fuzz to almost a soft, velvety feel. So in actuality, Sphynx cats are not 100% hairless as everyone thinks.
- These outgoing and affectionate kitties make outstanding therapy animals. With their friendly and gentle disposition, they can bring comfort to hospital patients and nursing home residents alike.
- Even though Sphynx cats are typically warmer than most cats, they often tend to get cold because they can’t regulate their body heat. So, veterinarians recommend a cat igloo in conjunction with a heating pad or blanket to keep your hairless companion warm.
- Even though you might want to put a sweater on your Sphynx, they usually don’t like it. Many Sphynx cat owners on YouTube will attest to this fact. The kitties seem to have a strange reaction when being covered with material, presumably because it irritates their skin. Nobody really knows for sure why this happens.
Physical Features
- Lifespan: This can range from 12 to 15 years with some living longer in ideal environments and having proper care.
- Weight: The smaller female weighs around 7 to 10 lbs and the larger males between 8 and 14 lbs.
- Body Type: Medium-sized with a long, lean torso and muscular frame.
- Eye Color: Blue, green, orange, gold or odd-colored.
- Coat Color: Virtually all colors and patterns are available.
- Shedding: Low to none. Transitions of the fuzzy skin can vary throughout their life because of seasonal or hormonal changes.
Personality Traits
- Activity Level: The Sphynx cat is a very playful kitty with its humans, other pets, and even by itself, only when necessary. You’ll enjoy their goofy sessions as they seem to want to entertain you.
- Breed Intellect: This cat is entirely capable of learning tricks such as fetch or even to sit on command. If you doubt their intelligence, just put an interactive toy in front of them and watch their reaction.
- Temperament: Sphynx cats can be quite demanding and vocal when they want to get their way. While they are loving kitties, you should prepare yourself for their BIG and boisterous personalities.
- Attention Needs: Yet another cat that needs constant attention from their humans. Sphynx cats don’t do well alone so if you’re away from home for extended amounts of time, try another breed.
- Caring Nature: Sphynx cats are sweet, affectionate, and loyal to their humans. When they’re not napping in a warm, cozy corner, this cat will gladly take over your open lap without even asking.
- Vocal Tendency: If you’re looking for a quiet cat, the Sphynx is not it! While you can hold conversations with this talkative feline, they will also tell you when they’re hungry, when they want attention, and sometimes, just give you a piece of their mind.
- Kids Compatible: Very much so! They will enjoy time with this whimsical kitty but please watch younger children who are not experienced with cats quite yet.
- Tolerates Pets: All cats and cat-friendly dogs are welcome with the Sphynx and, recommended when their owners aren’t around.
- Stranger-Friendly: These are extremely social cats and therefore, have no problems with friends and family coming over for cat time.
Health and Well-Being
Ideal Living Situation
The Sphynx cat needs very tolerant people to live with. It tends to be both demanding and quite vocal at times. You need to be made aware of these facts before you decide to bring this kitty home.
You will also need to devote a massive amount of time to the Sphynx as they become incredibly attached to their owners. Dedicated single people who work from home or active families with a few kids would be perfect. Those who lead a quiet lifestyle should try another breed!
Possible Health Problems
This cat can develop a genetic issue like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy later in life, which is an abnormal thickening of the heart muscle. It’s best to have a Sphynx tested regularly for any heart problems.
As with many cats, the Sphynx is prone to periodontal (gum) disease and tooth decay. Regular cleanings with a vet-approved toothpaste will help promote a healthy oral outlook.
Annual Vaccinations
There are four core vaccines and one non-core option available for all cats.
The first essential vaccine would be Rabies which is a fatal disease if exposed to it.
The second inoculation (FVRCP) is a combination of the remaining three core vaccines in one. This covers Feline Herpesvirus 1 or FHV-1 which is an upper respiratory infection, Feline Calicivirus or FCV which attacks the upper respiratory tract, and the final is Feline Panleukopenia Virus or FPV (also known as Feline Distemper) which is life threatening and extremely dangerous for young cats and kittens.
You can get the optional non-core vaccine Feline Leukemia Virus or FeLV. This is considered a core vaccine for every kitten. Make an appointment with your local vet to discuss and schedule all these vaccinations.
Grooming Routine
When caring for cats, there are four specific areas which need regular attention.
Weekly brushing is the minimum required to keep their fur healthy and shiny. This also helps distribute natural body oils, remove dead hair, and eliminate matted fur.
When the nails are getting a little too sharp and ripping furniture or carpet, it’s time to trim them. Be sure not to trim off too much of each nail as this can cause pain.
Cats are prone to periodontal disease and gingivitus so brushing their teeth with veterinarian-approved toothpaste once or twice a week should suffice. You can also give them dental treats to clean their teeth in between brushing.
Finally, you’ll want to address the ears. While cats have a built-in mechanism for cleansing their inner ear canals, the visible portion of their ears should occasionally be very gently swabbed to remove foreign matter.
Please consult a veterinarian for the proper procedures when grooming your cat.
Feeding Advice
Cats are known as obligate carnivores or strict meat eaters. Their diets should primarily consist of high protein and a few fats.
While carbohydrates are not usually a part of feline nutrition, scientists have concluded they are able to be used for energy in small amounts. On the other hand, if a cat is continuously fed too many carbs, diabetes can actually develop later in their life.
When choosing a wet or dry food, you need to read the caloric information labels to ensure your cat is being fed the appropriate nutrient levels.
Normally, wet foods should contain around 70% to 80% moisture as cats from past feral generations obtained most of their liquids from the animals they killed and ate.
Proteins are ideal when they’re between 10% and 20% in grain-free wet food. Seafood varieties are typically the highest in protein.
Two of the best dry food formulas on the market would be Natural Balance Limited Ingredients Diet with High Protein and Orijen Biologically Appropriate Cat Food. These specially made dry food products include healthy amounts of prepared raw meats, some needed fats, and minimal carbohydrates.
Exercise Tips
You should plan to play with your cat at least 15 minutes everyday, although, more is encouraged with certain active breeds.
Feather toys and laser pointers are a great choice to keep them moving. This helps relieve their boredom and reduces the chance for depression as well.
For a really cheap play session, simply buy a ball of string. Cut off a ten foot section at a time and drag it around the house behind you. Your kitties will love attacking the end of the string! Big fun for a small price.
Catnip is another way to offer an edible distraction in their lives. Don’t worry, the effects typically wear off in about 15 minutes or so.
One of the best items you can acquire for exercise would be a cat tree or cat condo. This is basically a jungle gym for cats which provides a place for climbing, relaxing, and sharpening their claws instead of using your furniture.
There are a couple other alternatives including an exercise wheel, which can be somewhat expensive, and a simple body harness with a leash for outdoor walks. Your cat may or may not like this option but, you can give it a try.
Sphynx Cat Price
The Sphynx is quite a popular hairless cat with an extravagant price. A simple pet quality, non-hairless kitten costs around $800 to $1500.
For a registered purebred, this will run in the neighborhood of $1500 to $2500 depending on the breeder.
For a completely hairless pedigree with show potential, champion bloodlines, and breeding rights, expect to pay as much as $6000 from a high-end cattery.
With luck, you may be able to adopt a Sphynx which will most likely be a mixed breed however, the fees of $30 to $175 are affordable.
Registered Sphynx Breeders
Adorabalds Sphynx Cattery – Arizona
Beautiful Bennett Sphynx – Arizona
Joy of Sphynx – Arizona
Platinum Sphynx – Arizona
Rambunctious Cattery – Arizona
Barenuddles Sphynx – California
California Sphynx Cattery – California
Purrxotics – California
Royal Sphynx Cattery – California
Rumpled Bare Skin Sphynx Cattery – California
Sphynx Bambinos 4ever – California
Sphynx Kittens in California – California
Besimu Sphynx – Ohio
Legacy Sphynx – Colorado
Lucid Sphynx – Florida
No Coat Kitty – Florida
Ratatat Cattery – Florida
Serene Sphynx Cattery – Florida
Sunshine Sphynx – Florida
The Purr Without the Fur – Florida
Skinzin Sphynx – Florida
Snazzy Sphynx Cattery – Georgia
Little Sphynx Cattery – Hawaii
Glamour Cattery – Illinois
Pink Palace Sphynx – Illinois
Victorian Sphynx – Illinois
J-Sphynx Cattery – Indiana
Adora Sphynx – Kansas
Sphynx Cattery – Kansas
Beebes Sphynx – Michigan
Beeblebrox Sphynx & Lykoi – Michigan
Katteycasa Sphynx – Minnesota
KyTy Kittens – Missouri
Lady Godiva’s Cat House – Missouri
Show Me Sphynx – Missouri
No Coat Kitty – New Jersey
Swanky Sphynx – New Jersey
Go Sphynx – New York
Bare Mews – Nevada
Wicked Sphynx – New Hampshire
B-Bald Sphynx – North Carolina
Passionada Cattery – North Carolina
Pantheon Sphynx – Ohio
Pharoah’s Treasures – Ohio
StoneCroft Cattery – Ohio
Southern Sphynx – Oklahoma
Furless Feline Sphynx Cattery – Texas
Luna Kats – Texas
Sphynx Kittens Cattery – Texas
Sophisticated Sphynx – Utah
Annie’s Sphynx Cattery – Virginia
Pearlhearts Sphynx Cattery – Washington
Shammi Cats – Washington
Badgerland Sphynx Cattery – Wisconsin
Scheherazade Sphynx Cattery – Wisconsin
SGG Sphynx Cattery – Wisconsin
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