Sphynx

Is a Sphynx right for you?

The Sphynx is one of the most debated breeds because of its hairless appearance. As important as its looks is its character: it is one of the most people-oriented, affectionate cat breeds known. But if it is acquired on the expectation that "grooming is easy because it has no hair", it will be a great disappointment; this is among the most grooming-intensive cats.

Important information for anyone with allergies: the protein that causes cat allergy (Fel d 1) is not in the hair but in saliva and skin secretions. The Sphynx produces this protein and spreads it over its skin by licking. It is not a "safe" breed for an allergic person.

Before you adopt

When buying a kitten, ask for HCM (cardiac) screening results; heart disease is a known risk in this breed.

Also ask about hereditary myopathy in the line.

Sphynx cats appear in breed rescues, often surrendered because of the skin care workload. Adopting an adult means the skin condition is already visible.

Temperament

The Sphynx does not fit the classic definition of a cat. It is not aloof but clingy. It follows its owner, sits in laps, gets under the duvet, and climbs onto shoulders. Its search for attention never ends.

It is extremely social; it greets guests, plays with children, and makes friends with dogs. It does not like being left alone, and a second animal is often the right decision with this breed.

It is energetic, playful, and mischievous. Its intelligence is high; it learns to fetch, opens cupboards, and pushes doors.

It seeks warmth. This breed finds the warmest spot in the house and lives there: the top of a radiator, on top of a computer, under the duvet, in a person's lap.

Health issues and lifespan

Average lifespan is 12 to 14 years.

• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM): The most serious health risk in this breed. Thickening of the heart muscle; it progresses silently, and the first sign may be rapid breathing, lethargy, or sudden paralysis of the hind legs. Regular echocardiography from adulthood is important.
• Skin problems: Because there is no coat, skin oil accumulates on the surface. Greasiness, blackheads (particularly on top of the tail), yeast infection, and acne occur. It is managed with regular bathing.
• Temperature regulation: There is no insulating layer; it chills easily and burns easily. Heating and clothing are needed in winter and protection from sun in summer. Left in the sun at a window for a long time it will genuinely get sunburned.
• Ear wax: Because there is no hair in the ears, wax builds up quickly; weekly cleaning is needed.
• Hereditary myopathy: Muscle weakness has been reported in some lines, presenting with difficulty holding the head up and fatigue.
• Dental and gum disease: Common in this breed; gingivitis often starts early.

Feeding

An adult Sphynx (3-5 kg) needs more calories than other cats; it constantly spends energy maintaining body temperature. The energy equivalent of 60-90 g of dry food per day is typical.

• Kitten (2-12 months): Kitten food, three to four meals a day.
• Adult: High protein, high-calorie formula. The mistake made in this breed is restricting food "so it does not gain weight"; in fact the Sphynx does not gain weight easily and burns a great deal.
• Senior (9+ years): Cardiac and renal monitoring.

Its appetite is good and generally causes no problems. Water intake is normal; wet food is still helpful.

Grooming and skin

The part assumed to need "no grooming because there is no hair" is in fact the most demanding.

• Bathe once a week with a gentle, cat-friendly shampoo. If the oil build-up is not removed, the oil the coat would have absorbed ends up on furniture and bedding, and the skin becomes inflamed.
• Wipe with damp cloths (unscented, alcohol-free) between baths.
• Ears must be cleaned weekly; build-up is rapid in this breed.
• Nail beds need particular attention; oil and dirt collect there.
• Skin folds (neck, armpits) should be wiped and dried.
• Nails every two weeks, teeth several times a week.
• Sun protection: do not let it sunbathe at a window for long periods.

Living space and enrichment

1. Warmth. When the room falls below about 22 °C, a heated bed or clothing is needed. Shivering, curling up and hiding, and constantly seeking heat are signs of being cold.
2. Soft surfaces. Because the skin is unprotected, hard and rough surfaces cause irritation.
3. Height and climbing. An active breed; a cat tree and shelves are needed.
4. Active play twice a day. A high-energy, intelligent cat; the need for play is real.
5. A companion. If it will be alone for long periods, a second cat should be seriously considered.
6. Strictly indoors. Because of sun, cold, and injury risk this breed must not be let outside.

History

Hairless cats have appeared through natural mutation in different places throughout history; such cats are known from Aztec records and from early 20th-century Mexico. The beginning of today's Sphynx breed, however, is Prune, a hairless kitten born in 1966 to a house cat named Elizabeth in Toronto, Canada.

Prune and other hairless individuals found in Minnesota and Toronto in the 1970s were crossed with Devon Rex cats to widen the breed's genetic base. That crossing was decisive for both the health and the character of the breed; the Sphynx's sociable and playful temperament rests largely on the Devon Rex contribution.

Its name comes from its resemblance to Egyptian statues, but the breed has no historical connection to Egypt. TICA recognised it in 1979 and CFA in 2002. Nor is it entirely hairless: the body is covered with a fine peach fuzz and feels like warm suede to the touch.