Cat · Hairless
Sphynx
A warm, velvety, attention-loving cat with no fur but plenty of personality.
- Origin
- Canada
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- 3–5 kg
- Lifespan
- 8–14 years
- Apartment-friendly
- Yes
The Sphynx has almost no hair, just a fine peach-fuzz down that makes its skin feel like suede. It is extroverted, curious, and famously affectionate, often greeting visitors at the door.
No fur does not mean no care. Skin oils build up without a coat to absorb them, so regular bathing is part of life with a Sphynx, and they need protection from cold and sunburn.
With children: Very good — outgoing and playful, loves attention.
The full profile
Temperament, exercise, grooming, training, feeding, health watch-list, and the ideal home.
💛 Temperament
Social, clownish, and devoted. Sphynx cats dislike being alone and enjoy other pets and people.
🎾 Exercise
Very active and playful. Provide climbing space, interactive toys, and daily play sessions.
🪮 Grooming
Weekly baths or wipes to remove skin oil, plus regular ear cleaning and nail care.
🎓 Training
Intelligent and food-motivated; many enjoy learning tricks and harness walking.
🥣 Feeding
Sphynx cats burn extra energy to stay warm and often eat more than furred cats; a vet can guide portions.
Health watch-list
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
A heart disease common in the breed; responsible breeders scan hearts.
Skin problems
Oil buildup can cause acne or irritation without regular cleaning.
Sunburn and cold
Keep indoors, limit sun exposure, and provide warm beds.
Dental disease
Regular dental checks help.
The ideal home
Indoor homes where people are around a lot and happy to handle bathing and skin care.
Is a Sphynx right for you?
✅ Often a great fit for
- Owners who want an affectionate, outgoing cat
- Indoor homes kept warm
- People who can bathe a cat regularly
- Some people with mild allergies, after testing their reaction
⚠️ Think twice
- If you have cat allergies and assume the breed is allergy-free — it is not
- If you cannot keep the cat warm and out of the sun
- If you will not bathe and clean ears regularly
- If you cannot budget for heart screening
History of the Sphynx
The Sphynx began with a hairless kitten called Prune, born in Toronto in 1966 from a natural genetic mutation. Further hairless kittens born in Toronto and Minnesota in the 1970s became the foundation of the modern breed.
Breeders outcrossed to Devon Rex and domestic shorthairs to broaden the gene pool.
Fun fact
The modern Sphynx breed began with a hairless kitten born in Toronto in 1966.
Breed profiles describe general tendencies — every animal is an individual. Health information here is general and not veterinary advice. Ask your veterinarian about screening, diet, and care for your own pet, and choose breeders or rescues who health-test and can answer your questions openly.