Sphynx cat

They are intelligent, loving, friendly, committed, and enjoy being around people. However, these breeds might be too costly as there are few hairless breeds of cats that you can find.

Sphynx Appearance

These breeds, though regarded as hairless, are not necessarily the case. Because once you touch them, they have a very fine, soft coat. Some Sphynx cats may have a few mustaches and eyebrows, boosting their personality. Their skin is patterned or pigmented, the same as the coat of a regular house cat, that is presented in various colors, from a patterned dark black color to tortoiseshell felines.

They are medium-sized breeds that weigh only 6 lbs. for females and 14 lbs. for males. Aside from their unique hairless appearance, they have distinct eyes that are lemon-shaped, long toes that are great for kneading, ears that are large, bat-like, and a substantial rounded tummy. But even with their round appearance, these breeds are amazingly active with sporty, well-built bodies. Another visible appearance of the Sphynx is their wrinkles, which are not an exception compared to other cats since it is being highlighted with them due to the absence of thick fur.

Sphynx Personality

These breeds are clever, outgoing, and curious and do not hesitate to tell their owners what they need. You can expect a lot of cat conversations with these breeds because they are noisy as they follow you around the house. Their friendly, committed, loyal, and playful personality makes them a great companion. But they have a needy personality and will devote hours bonded to their owner's side. If you are not up to this, another cat breed may be an option. 

Sphynx Living Needs

These breeds must be kept inside the house since they need to be protected from the cold and sun because they do not have fur. You can give them a sweater to keep them warm during cold weather. They usually find warm spots around the house, such as the windows, or snuggling under blankets. 

Sphynx cats love playing with ping-pong balls and feather toys but are big fans of climbing and perching. They'll happily sit on high bookshelves or narrow ledges. So, it's a good idea to have plenty of space for them to move around, some cat trees, and be prepared for your home to become their playful jungle gym.

Sphynx Care 

Being hairless does not necessarily mean they need less care and grooming. The cat's fur aids in absorbing and spreading out oils that their skin produces. And because of the Sphynx's absence of fur, their skin can get dirty, greasy, and smelly. So bathing them once a week, regular ear cleaning, and nail trimming are all necessary. And yes, they can also be infected with fleas, and standard protections are essential.

They have huge appetites, and matching their round tummies requires more food than other cat breeds. But there is no need to worry about their fat waist since this is a healthy characteristic of the Sphynx. Suppose you want to ensure feeding your cat the precise quantity, frequency, and type of food. In that case, it will be best to consult the veterinarian for guidance.

Sphynx Health 

Sphynx cats are generally healthy breeds that can live for 9 to 15 years. However, like other cat breeds, they can face health problems such as dental and heart problems with their skin, including genetics on muscle weakness that gives them difficulty walking or exercising. A visit to a veterinarian is essential to ensure the well-being of your Sphynx cats. 

Sphynx Exercise Requirements

Sphynx cats have a lot of energy and need exercise to stay happy and avoid troublesome behavior. The good news is they enjoy playing with toys and are skilled climbers. To keep them content and healthy, make sure they have tall spots to jump climb on and spend time playing with them regularly. 

Sphynx Training

Sphynx cats are highly trainable due to their high intelligence and love for learning new things. Positive reinforcement and giving them lots of attention are essential in teaching them directions or tricks.

Being one of the most intelligent breeds of cats, mental stimulation is also needed to prevent boredom and unnecessary behaviors. You can give them food puzzles, clicker training, or interactive toys to keep them busy and entertained.

Sphynx History 

It was in 1966 that these breeds started when Prune, a hairless feline, was born from a domesticated short-haired cat. Creating a hairless breed of cat has been difficult since it was rare. When they tried to, they usually had kittens with fur, and since a limited number of cats were used to breed, it has caused several health problems. The first try to create a Sphynx was restrained in 1971 because the Cat Fanciers' Association canceled the breed status because of concern regarding its fertility.

However, a few years later, there were two hairless kittens found in Minnesota that a cat breeder took in. While in Toronto, two more hairless female kittens, Paloma and Punkie, were born in different litters. These four felines then come to be the cornerstone of our Sphynx breed. To boost its gene pool size, breeders crossbred them with the Domestic Shorthair Devon Rex and American Shorthair. These three breeds can still be used for breeding Sphynx cats. Still, starting from the 31st of December 2023, the Cat Fanciers' Association plans to oblige that all Sphynx kittens will born only with Sphynx parents to be recognized as purebred.

Sphynx Fun Facts

One of the most well-known Sphynx cats in recent pop culture is Ted Nugent, who starred as Mr. Bigglesworth in the famous movie "Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery."

The wrinkles you see on Sphynx cats aren't unique to this breed. All cats have wrinkles on their skin; you can't see them because they're hidden under their fur.