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.
Facts & advice
Sphynx
Sphynx Cats: loving, intelligent, furless felines
Vital stats
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| Size: | Medium |
| Coat: | Fine coat |
| Life span: | 15 years |
| Temperament: | Clever, sociable, energetic, affectionate |
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.
Sphynx 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.
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.
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.
Common Sphynx health conditions
As a cat owner you will want what’s best for your pet’s health so they can live a long, happy life. Like all breeds, Sphynx cats are prone to certain health conditions. To help you be more aware and prepared for these potential ailments if they should arise, we have put together information on the health issues that we see the most in Sphynx cats.
Like most breeds, Sphynx may suffer from gum and dental disease during their lifetime. Gum disease occurs when some (or all) of a tooth’s deep supporting structures become inflamed. This begins when food, bacteria and minerals accumulate along the gum line, leading to the build-up of a brown scale known as tartar. When this undermines the gum the condition is called gingivitis. Eventually, small spaces can form between the gums and the teeth creating pockets of space for bacteria to grow, resulting in what is known as periodontal disease. The bacteria from infected gums can spread around the body and damage the liver and kidneys. This condition can be prevented with basic routine care such as feeding cats dry food and brushing their teeth, helping them to lead a normal, pain-free life.
Like all cats, the Sphynx can suffer from eye problems such as conjunctivitis (inflammation of the insides of a cat’s eyelids); glaucoma (caused by increased pressure inside the eyeball); cataracts (opacity of the lens); entropion (inward rolling of the eyelids); or retinal problems. Treatment depends on the type and severity of these various problems, but many are treated using eye drops. Conjunctivitis, for example, may be treated using a combination of anti-viral, lubricant and anti-inflammatory drops depending on the exact cause.
Heart disease in cats refers to when the heart’s structures aren’t working as they should be. There are two categories of heart disease: congenital (meaning the cat is born with it) and acquired (meaning the disease develops later in life). Congenital heart diseases include defects in the wall of the heart, abnormal valves and blood vessels. Sphynx are prone to a disease called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which can lead to heart failure. Whilst this condition is not curable, it can be treated with lifelong medication.
Sphynx, like other cats, can suffer from problems in the lower respiratory tract (the trachea and the lungs). Feline asthma, for example, occurs when allergies and irritants cause the lower airways (bronchi) and lungs to become inflamed and sensitive. Symptoms include coughing and wheezing. While asthma is not curable, it is manageable with various long-term medications including tablets, injections and even inhalers.
The Sphynx, like all cats, can suffer from problems affecting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The GI tract is a long, winding tube that starts at the mouth and ends at the anus, with various twists and turns along the way. Conditions such as gastroenteritis caused by infections (like feline enteritis), poisoning or an obstruction within the bowel (due to the cat eating string for example) commonly cause vomiting and/or diarrhoea. Treatment depends on the exact cause, but prompt intervention usually results in a full recovery.
What to know before you buy or rehome a 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 cat 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.
Sphynx frequently asked questions
Sphynx cats were first discovered when a natural genetic mutation led to a hairless kitten being born among a litter of domestic shorthair cats in Canada in 1966. This line later died out and most modern Sphynx cats have been selectively bred from two kittens found in Minnesota in 1975, and three kittens from Toronto, 1978.
Hairless cats have been known through history and it’s said the ancient Aztecs kept them. However, the Sphynx cat as we know it today probably has its roots in the 1960s.
Yes! Sphynx cats are incredibly easy to train due to their intelligence and loyalty.
Sphynx cats are very affectionate, friendly felines. They have a strong need for attention and require their owners to return the love they give.
Sphynx cats were originally called the Canadian Hairless. Later, they were named after the Egyptian Sphinx (with the ‘i’ being changed to a ‘y’) to acknowledge the cats’ elegant and graceful appearance.
Sphynx insurance considerations
Sphynx cats sometimes suffer with certain health conditions and may require treatment. Petplan cat insurance offers peace of mind that they will always be protected.
We always offer these things as standard:
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy & pet therapies
Along with physiotherapy, which is covered within the Vet Bills benefit, we also cover Pet Therapies like herbal medicine, homeopathy and acupuncture. You can also claim for hydrotherapy, up to £500 per illness/injury in dogs and cats (no additional limit for rabbits).
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