Sphynx

Sphynx cat breed details

Unique physical features

• Very large bat-like ears
• Striking lemon-shaped eyes
• Thick paw pads and dexterous toes

The Sphynx can come in a variety of colors, even though it has no fur coat. The color of the skin shows what color their coat would have been, and the breed standard allows for any color and pattern. You might see a Sphynx in the recognizable white (which can be a bit pink), black, or tabby patterns, but some Sphynx might be a lavender color or have a mackerel tabby pattern.

Unique personality

The Sphynx is a curious and sociable cat, often described as being very dog-like because they love attention and do well with being handled. They revel in finding a nice, warm lap or curling up in bed with their owner to stay warm. Intelligent and curious, these kittens need attention and lots of play but are loyal and incredibly affectionate cats.

Because Sphynx cats are considered to be hairless, they should be kept exclusively indoors to protect them from cold temperatures and sunburn. They like to sunbathe in windowsills (as long as your windows provide UV protection, which most do), or on top of warm appliances and snuggle with their human companions for warmth. However, Sphynx kittens are also highly active and intelligent — a trait that they keep into adulthood. They like to explore vertical spaces (shelves, high perches, and other locations that provide them with a sense of height) and can keep themselves entertained with toys. But beware, if they are not provided with toys or opportunities to keep themselves occupied, they will seek out activities to stave off boredom (which could be the reason some consider them to be somewhat mischievous). Many cats of this breed will follow their humans around and can be considered a bit “needy” in terms of attention from their guardians.

Similar breeds to the Sphynx cat

• Peterbald
• Donskoy
• Minskin
• Elf Cat

History of the Sphynx

The Sphynx breed began in 1966 with a hairless kitten (named "Prune") born to a domestic shorthair. The kitten, named Prune, was used to establish the first attempt at creating a hairless breed. Since the hairless gene was a recessive gene, litters often resulted in both hairless and cats with fur, and the small gene pool being used for breeding resulted in many health complications. In 1971, the breed’s status was revoked by the Cat Fanciers’ Association due to worry about fertility, and the first attempt at creating a Sphynx breed was abandoned.

However, only a few years later, two naturally hairless kittens were born as strays in Minnesota and taken in by a cat breeder, who dubbed them Dermis and Epidermis. Back in Toronto, two female hairless kittens were born in separate litters, named Paloma and Punkie, and it was these four cats that became the foundation of the Sphynx breed as we know it today. Breeders crossed the new breed with the Devon Rex, American Shorthair, and Domestic Shorthair breeds to increase the size of the gene pool. These three breeds are still allowed in outcrossing when breeding the Sphynx cat, but the CFA plans to require all Sphynx kittens born after December 31st, 2023 to have only Sphynx parents in order to be considered purebred.

Sphynx cat behavior and training

Because Sphynx cats are friendly and outgoing, they get along well with other kittens, adult cats, pets and new people. Rough play with other pets should be avoided, however, because even unintentional scratches can result in skin injuries due to the lack of protective fur.

Exercise and mental enrichment needs

Sphynxes are a high energy breed that requires exercise to stay happy, healthy, and help prevent unwanted behavior. Luckily, they love to play with toys and are quite the climbers. Give them an outlet for their energy by providing them with plenty of high places to perch and jump and having lots of play sessions together.

The Sphynx is one of the most intelligent of any cat breed and, combined with their very playful kitten-like nature and high need for attention, requires mental enrichment to keep it happy and out of trouble. This breed was described as “part monkey, part dog, part child, and part cat” in an old French breed standard, and reflects the agility, attention-seeking, and devotion to its guardians that the Sphynx demonstrates. If the Sphynx is not provided with suitable enrichment activities, they will seek out its own entertainment, which may result in mischief. Rotate toys to keep them novel, and seek out enrichment activities that provide opportunities for learning and puzzle-solving, such as clicker-training and food-puzzles.

Activities for Sphynx cats

• Napping in warm spots, such as cat cubbies or heated cat beds.
• Climbing cat trees, cat shelves, and perching in locations up high.
• Playing with small toys, including learning how to “fetch”.
• Toys that move fast and far can be exciting - try wand toys, laser pointers, and some battery-operated toys.
• Agility training and obstacle courses.
• Clicker-training to encourage new behaviors (such as giving high-fives or fist-bumps, and other “tricks”) and exploratory behavior (e.g., reward new actions to a novel object with a click and treat).
• Food puzzles that encourage problem-solving and manipulation. “Expert-forager” puzzles that have drawers that must be opened with a button, lever, or pull can be a good challenge!

Sphynx cat grooming and care

This feline is famously hairless, although the Sphynx does have a velour-like fuzz covering its body. This fuzz is often more obviously on the nose and back of the ears. It may or may not have whiskers.

Due to its lack of fur, Sphynx cats frequently feel cold and need plenty of warm, cozy spots to retreat to. This cat breed is also prone to skin conditions, and they need routine care to remove wax, dirt, and sweat buildup. Many Sphynx cats benefit from regular baths because of this, but they will need to be dried and warmed up quickly afterward.

Sphynx cats in pop culture

Even if you don't personally know a Sphynx cat, there's a good chance you've seen one on TV.

Famous Owners of the Sphynx

• Kat Von D (Reality TV Star/Tattoo Artist)
• Steven Tyler (Singer)
• Jane Fryer (Journalist)

Famous Sphynx cats

• The Dark Lord is a social media celebrity hypnotizing his audience with the most muscular cat knees you’ve ever seen
• Ted NudeGent the cat played Dr. Evil’s cat, Mr. Bigglesworth, from the movie Austin Powers International Man of Mystery