Sphynx
Facts & Advice

Sphynx Cats: loving, intelligent, furless felines

Sphynx cats are instantly recognisable. They’re intelligent, playful and easy to train. They crave companionship so will make a loyal and loving member of your household. Don’t let their low maintenance look deceive you – Sphynx cats need lots of care.

Vital Stats

Size:	Medium
Coat:	Fine coat
Life span:	15 years
Personality:	Clever, sociable, energetic, affectionate

Size medium Coat fine
coat Life span 15years

Sphynx Personality & Temperament

The Sphynx cat’s personality is affectionate and energetic. They’re sociable felines and a perfect match for a family household if well socialised as a kitten.

Sphynx cats have outgoing personalities so expect mischief! Whether it’s pouncing on you or affectionately bumping you with their head, a Sphynx will do anything to get your attention.
These cats have a sociable temperament with both humans and other animals so can’t be left alone for long periods of time. If you’re away during the day, it’s worth considering getting a fellow Sphynx cat, from the same litter, as they may benefit from feline company – they get on well with their own kind. Make sure to introduce new pets to your cat slowly and carefully, allowing both animals to get used to each other at their own pace.
Sphynx cats’ attention-loving personalities mean you’ll sometimes feel like you have a second shadow. They are devoted to their humans, and they will likely follow you from room to room.

It’s important to keep this intelligent cat engaged with challenging toys such as cat trees, jungle-gyms and puzzle toys. Sphynx cats need high levels of entertainment to keep them from creating their own amusement in more mischievous, possibly destructive, ways.
The Sphynx cats’ lack of fur means they seek out warmth more than other breeds. You may find your cat sneaking under your duvet or curling up on your lap. It’s important that they are provided with a choice of cosy spots around the house to keep warm.

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Food & Diet

Like all cat’s, a Sphynx requires a meat-based diet as they are carnivores. However a Sphynx cat can require more frequent meals than other breeds, so it’s important to make sure you are meeting the needs of your specific cat.

The best diet for Sphynx cats is one high in protein and calories and low in carbohydrates. Their lack of coat means Sphynx have a higher metabolism than many other breeds as their bodies work harder to keep them warm.
A grazing style diet where cats can have free access to their food all day, can work well for a Sphynx as they need to eat more food, more regularly. If you choose this method, it will need careful monitoring to ensure they’re eating the correct amount for their size, weight and age. Dry cat food works best for this feeding style as it can be left out for longer without spoiling.
When considering what to feed a Sphynx cat, it’s important to remember they are obligate carnivores. This means they require a meat-based diet. A poor diet will be reflected in their skin quality, with excess oil production leading to discomfort and other skin issues.
Sphynx cats are prone to irritable bowel syndrome (Feline Inflammatory Bowel Disease) due to sensitive tummies and intestines so it’s important to keep a close eye on their diets and toilet habits. Speak with your vet if you have concerns around this.
A Sphynx kitten diet should avoid raw meat and fish, as well as raw eggs and milk. Consuming these products can cause health issues such as diarrhoea, salmonella and vitamin B deficiency.

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Sphynx Grooming & Coat Care

While Sphynx cats do not need hours of combing and brushing, they do require a lot of attention when it comes to grooming. This should be introduced at an early stage to make sure it becomes a positive experience for the cat.

The Sphynx mostly groom themselves, and do not require brushing, but they should still be groomed by their owners weekly. It’s a good opportunity to bond with your cat and check them for any visible evidence of parasites or ill health.
Sphynx cats’ lack of hair means the canals of their bat-like ears can collect dirt and debris more easily. They also produce a large amount of dark earwax which will need cleaning weekly – you may need to ask your nurse or vet how this is done. Aside from it being uncomfortable for your cat, the wax can stain clothes and fabrics.
Their suede-like skin needs bathing regularly. Special cat shampoos should be used to avoid drying out their skin. Be sure to acclimatise your Sphynx cat to water when they are a kitten to avoid stress. They may tolerate a soft damp cloth to clean them, rather than a bath.
Sphynx cat skin is warm and soft to touch, feeling almost like a peach with their thin down covering. They may need to be kept indoors during extreme temperatures.

Special cat outfits can be bought to help keep your cat warm in the winter and to protect them from the sun in summer, as they don’t have any fur to protect them.
As with many cats, their natural behaviour is to spend hours grooming. Having a barbed tongue, designed for a cat with fur, means that they may accidentally cause injury to themselves, so use grooming time to check for any cuts and scrapes.
It’s a good idea to monitor how much sun your Sphynx cat is exposed to, as they are prone to sunburn. Applying vet-approved cat sunscreen can help prevent this but as with any lotion, monitor their reaction closely and proceed carefully, keeping an eye out for any signs of a skin reaction including excess itching and grooming or redness.
Although some may believe Sphynx cats to be hypoallergenic due to their nude appearance, this isn’t correct. It is the dander (skin cells) of cats which can cause allergies, not the type of cat coat. As with any cat you’re thinking of adopting or buying, if you suffer with allergies, it’s important to spend time with them to see how they affect you.
Sphynx cats come in a variety of skin colours including black, red, lilac and white. Although less distinguishable than their furry family, this breed can also come in a range of patterns such as tortoiseshell, bi-colour and pointed.
From time to time – and particularly in old age - your Sphynx cat may need to have their nails clipped. It’s good to get them used to this from a young age, and you can do this yourself at home. If your Sphynx cat doesn’t like it, or if you lack confidence, your vet practice team or a professional groomer will be able to help.

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The Sphynx mostly groom themselves, and do not require brushing, but they should still be groomed by their owners weekly. It’s a good opportunity to bond with your cat and check them for any visible evidence of parasites or ill health.
Sphynx cats’ lack of hair means the canals of their bat-like ears can collect dirt and debris more easily. They also produce a large amount of dark earwax which will need cleaning weekly – you may need to ask your nurse or vet how this is done. Aside from it being uncomfortable for your cat, the wax can stain clothes and fabrics.
Their suede-like skin needs bathing regularly. Special cat shampoos should be used to avoid drying out their skin. Be sure to acclimatise your Sphynx cat to water when they are a kitten to avoid stress. They may tolerate a soft damp cloth to clean them, rather than a bath.
Sphynx cat skin is warm and soft to touch, feeling almost like a peach with their thin down covering. They may need to be kept indoors during extreme temperatures.
Special cat outfits can be bought to help keep your cat warm in the winter and to protect them from the sun in summer, as they don’t have any fur to protect them.
As with many cats, their natural behaviour is to spend hours grooming. Having a barbed tongue, designed for a cat with fur, means that they may accidentally cause injury to themselves, so use grooming time to check for any cuts and scrapes.
It’s a good idea to monitor how much sun your Sphynx cat is exposed to, as they are prone to sunburn. Applying vet-approved cat sunscreen can help prevent this but as with any lotion, monitor their reaction closely and proceed carefully, keeping an eye out for any signs of a skin reaction including excess itching and grooming or redness.
Although some may believe Sphynx cats to be hypoallergenic due to their nude appearance, this isn’t correct. It is the dander (skin cells) of cats which can cause allergies, not the type of cat coat. As with any cat you’re thinking of adopting or buying, if you suffer with allergies, it’s important to spend time with them to see how they affect you.
Sphynx cats come in a variety of skin colours including black, red, lilac and white. Although less distinguishable than their furry family, this breed can also come in a range of patterns such as tortoiseshell, bi-colour and pointed.
From time to time – and particularly in old age - your Sphynx cat may need to have their nails clipped. It’s good to get them used to this from a young age, and you can do this yourself at home. If your Sphynx cat doesn’t like it, or if you lack confidence, your vet practice team or a professional groomer will be able to help.

Sphynx Training & Behaviour

Intelligent, curious, and loyal – Sphynx cats are relatively easy to train with positive reinforcement techniques.

These furless felines are fast learners when it comes to tricks and commands, and generally take to litter tray training well. They’ll even play fetch with you, perform tricks and walk on a lead. Just ensure any training is done with patience and consideration.
Unlike some cat breeds who love to lie on laps, Sphynx cats need lots of stimulation. Make sure you can devote time to playing with your cat, training them and interacting with them every single day, as well as providing them with lots of independent toys to play with.
Sphynx cats are social butterflies and will befriend both four - and two-legged housemates. They love affection and cuddles and can be a little demanding at times, so owners need to be prepared to give them lots of attention and play time.

Bored Sphynx cats can easily become mischievous and this can lead to destructive behaviour such as clawing, climbing and digging in houseplants. Keep this at bay with frequent and varied activities, lots of interaction and positive play.
Sphynx cats may struggle with communication as they don’t have a fluffed-up tail to express emotion or sensitive whiskers to provide information about the environment. This means that they may struggle to gauge the width of spaces.

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Find out more about the conditions that we see most in Sphynxs throughout their lifetime.

More Health Information

What to know before you buy or rehome an Sphynx cat

Sphynx cats are incredibly loving and will make a loyal member of the family, but they do require a lot of attention and getting one can feel just as daunting as exciting.

If you’ve never owned a cat before, there’s a lot to consider when bringing a new cat home. It’s a good idea to get as much advice as you can, from expert online resources, from the Sphynx cat breeder and your vet, before you get your cat.
Sphynx cats are not ones to be left alone for long periods so if you are out at work all day, it’s worth considering a different breed, such as a moggy or Persian cat with outdoor access.
They also need regular grooming despite their low maintenance appearance. Be prepared for weekly ear cleaning to reduce oil build up and ear unblocking to remove wax. Even with regular cleaning your feline friend may leave occasional oily brown stains on furniture and bedsheets.
There are also a number of common illnesses which can affect all kittens. If you’re ever concerned about the health of your cat, you should always speak to your vet.

As with most cats, Sphynx cats will benefit from outdoor access. Some owners may worry about theft, and therefore may prefer to offer supervised access or provided an enclosed cat safe garden.
Being given access to the outside is very beneficial for a cat’s welfare. If you decide to keep your cat indoors, it’s beneficial to provide a secure outdoor area, not too cold or sunny, with access to the house at all times so they can choose where they want to be.
It’s important to take out reliable pet insurance for your Sphynx cat quickly to ensure you can access the best care for your Sphynx cat should they need it, no matter their age.

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FAQs

Where does the Sphynx cat breed come from?

Is the Sphynx cat an old breed of cat?

Can Sphynx cats be trained?

Do Sphynx cats have a friendly temperament?

Do Sphynx cats have another name?

Help & Support page

FAQs

Where does the Sphynx cat breed come from?

Is the Sphynx cat an old breed of cat?

Can Sphynx cats be trained?

Do Sphynx cats have a friendly temperament?

Do Sphynx cats have another name?

Help & Support page

Sphynx insurance considerations

Sphynxs sometimes suffer with certain health conditions and may require treatment. Petplan cat insurance offers peace of mind that they will always be protected.

Physical & online
consultations

Diagnostic
tests

Prescription
medicine

Surgery &
specialised care

Physiotherapy &
pet therapies

Hereditary
conditions

Behavioural
conditions

Congenital
conditions

Dental illness
& injury

Cancer
treatments

Get a Sphynx quote

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Sphynx
Facts & Advice

Sphynx Cats: loving, intelligent, furless felines

Vital Stats

Sphynx Personality & Temperament

Sphynx Personality & Temperament

Food & Diet

Food & Diet

Sphynx Grooming & Coat Care

Sphynx Grooming & Coat Care

Sphynx Training & Behaviour

Sphynx Training & Behaviour

What to know before you buy or rehome an Sphynx cat

What to know before you buy or rehome an Sphynx cat

FAQs

Where does the Sphynx cat breed come from?

Is the Sphynx cat an old breed of cat?

Can Sphynx cats be trained?

Do Sphynx cats have a friendly temperament?

Do Sphynx cats have another name?

FAQs

Where does the Sphynx cat breed come from?

Is the Sphynx cat an old breed of cat?

Can Sphynx cats be trained?

Do Sphynx cats have a friendly temperament?

Do Sphynx cats have another name?

Sphynx insurance considerations

Physical & online
consultations

Diagnostic
tests

Prescription
medicine

Surgery &
specialised care

Physiotherapy &
pet therapies

Hereditary
conditions

Behavioural
conditions

Congenital
conditions

Dental illness
& injury

Cancer
treatments

Dog Breeds

Cat Breeds

Sphynx Cats: loving, intelligent, furless felines

Vital Stats

Sphynx Personality & Temperament

Sphynx Personality & Temperament

Food & Diet

Food & Diet

Sphynx Grooming & Coat Care

Sphynx Grooming & Coat Care

Sphynx Training & Behaviour

Sphynx Training & Behaviour

What to know before you buy or rehome an Sphynx cat

What to know before you buy or rehome an Sphynx cat

FAQs

Where does the Sphynx cat breed come from?

Is the Sphynx cat an old breed of cat?

Can Sphynx cats be trained?

Do Sphynx cats have a friendly temperament?

Do Sphynx cats have another name?

FAQs

Where does the Sphynx cat breed come from?

Is the Sphynx cat an old breed of cat?

Can Sphynx cats be trained?

Do Sphynx cats have a friendly temperament?

Do Sphynx cats have another name?

Sphynx insurance considerations

Physical & online consultations

Diagnostic tests

Prescription medicine

Surgery & specialised care

Physiotherapy & pet therapies

Hereditary conditions

Behavioural conditions

Congenital conditions

Dental illness & injury

Cancer treatments

Physical & online
consultations

Diagnostic
tests

Prescription
medicine

Surgery &
specialised care

Physiotherapy &
pet therapies

Hereditary
conditions

Behavioural
conditions

Congenital
conditions

Dental illness
& injury

Cancer
treatments