Sphynx

The hairless Sphynx is muscular with broad ears and a wide-eyed, friendly expression. This sweet-natured, lively cat is inquisitive and loves being the centre of attention. A devoted, affectionate feline, the Sphynx follows her human companions everywhere, purring with delight. This breed does not do well when left alone all day. The Sphynx is a healthy, hardy cat.

DID YOU KNOW? Though mostly a hairless breed, some Sphynx have a fine down on their body. Despite being hairless, the Sphynx requires weekly sponge baths to remove sebaceous oils from their skin, as they do not have hair to absorb the oils like most cats. If the oils are not wiped down, these cats could feel sticky to the touch and could develop skin problems.

The need-to-know

Highly active and inquisitive cat
Sociable and dependent cat
Very talkative cat

Lean and elegant cat breed
Requires grooming once a week
Hypoallergenic breed

Indoor cat
May require familiarisation before living with children

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Pet Card

Living Considerations: Good in multi-pet households, not hypoallergenic
Size: Medium to large, with males weighing 4.5 to 7 kilograms and females weighing 3 to 5.5 kilograms
Coat: Hairless, though some have a fine down
Temperament: Loyal, inquisitive, lively
Grooming: Rarely/Never
Shedding: No
Vocalisation: Loud

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Personality

The Sphynx cat is outgoing, mischievous, people-orientated and loves attention. These cats often greet their owners when they come home and are very talkative. They are highly intelligent, playful and cuddly. Sphynxes are champion purrers. They like to sleep with their owners - under the covers. Their body temperature is a degree or two above the average for normal cats and they have voracious appetites to compensate for the heat loss. With little protection against the elements, these cats cannot be left out in the cold, they don't like to sit on cold surfaces and they do appreciate central heating! Those that do go outside in the sun may need sun protection on pale skin.

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Sphynx cats are having a nap on the sofa

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History and Origins

Country of Origin: Canada

Other Names: Canadian Hairless Cat

Hairless cats have been known for generations; the Aztecs are said to have kept hairless cats. The Sphynx cat is the first hairless cat breed that has been bred specifically for that trait. The breeding programme began in 1966 in Ontario, Canada when a pet cat gave birth to a hairless male kitten. However, most Sphynx cats born today are descended from three hairless kittens found in Toronto in 1978.

Health and Common Issues

The breed is prone to skin problems including the development of rashes and fungal infections. Care must be taken to protect the Sphynx cat from sunburn. As with all cats, Sphynx cats benefit from protection against disease through vaccination and need annual veterinary health checks.

Nutrition and Feeding

Every cat is unique and each has their own particular likes, dislikes, and needs when it comes to food. However, cats are carnivores and every cat must obtain 41 different and specific nutrients from their food. The proportion of these nutrients will vary depending on age, lifestyle and overall health, so it's not surprising that a growing, energetic kitten needs a different balance of nutrients in her diet than a less active senior cat. Other considerations to bear in mind are feeding the right quantity of food to maintain 'ideal body condition' in accordance with feeding guidelines and catering to individual preference regarding wet or dry food recipes.

Grooming Sphynx

Owners must pay meticulous attention to keeping the Sphynx cat's skin clean and supple. The skin needs to be bathed or sponged every week to remove its oily secretions. The oily secretions must also be cleaned from the outer ear on a regular basis to prevent ear infections.

Best Cat Breeds for Children

While this breed is not widely recognised as one of the best breeds for children, all cats are different and with the proper familiarisation may still be able to live with children.

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Sphynx

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