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Sphynx Cat Breed Information and Facts

This page is about the Sphynx cat breed information and what it means to own one as a companion animal. If you are considering getting Sphynx cat breed, this profile will be helpful in deciding whether or not they are right for you!

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Sphynx cat profile picture
OriginCanada flagCanada
Other Names
What other names are there for the Sphynx cat?
Canadian Hairless, Canadian Sphynx
Price
What is the cost of a Sphynx cat?
$1800 to $3000
If you choose to purchase the Sphynx cat, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and cat finder places. If you have a Sphynx cat for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Sphynx gets to a happy place.
Cost Of Ownership High
Breed Recognition The International Cat Association (TICA)Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA)American Cat Fanciers Association (ACFA)

Sphynx Size, Appearance and Physical Traits

Size
How big is a Sphynx cat?
Small
The small-sized cats usually weigh 5-11 pounds and are 7-10 inches long from the nose down.
Weight
What is the weight of the Sphynx cat?
Male: 8 - 12 pounds, Female: 6 - 9 pounds
Bite Force Weak Bite Strength: Less than or around 10 PSI
A weak cat bite strength, generally measuring less than or around 10 PSI, is often characteristic of smaller cat breeds like the Sphynx or those with less-developed jaw muscles. Cats with weak bite strength pose a lower risk of causing significant harm during a bite. Nevertheless, understanding feline body language and proper socialization are vital for pet owners to prevent biting incidents. Cat enthusiasts researching gentle-biting cat breeds, feline bite force, or specific breeds like the Sphynx will find this information valuable.
Body Type Foreign (Oriental)
Sphynx have a slender, elongated body with a narrow chest and long legs. They often have a triangular head and large ears. Examples include the Siamese and Oriental Shorthair.
Ear Shape LargePointedWide-set
Eye Color GreenBlue
Hair Color and Pattern Hairless or with a light downy coat; skin can be any colour or pattern, including solid, tabby, tortoiseshell, bicolor, tricolor, and colorpoint.
Coat
What kind of coat does the Sphynx cat have?
Hairless
Leg Lenght Medium
Whisker Length Medium
Musculature Muscular
Head Shape Triangular
Toe Count 5 front4 back
Eye Shape And Orientation Large and Prominent
Night Vision
Paw Size Medium
Nose Structure Long and Narrow
Neck Length Medium
Fur Texture SilkyLong
Bone Density Medium
Flexibility
High
Bone Structure Fine
Tail Length Long and Tapered
Sleep Patterns Moderate Sleep

Sphynx Special Abilities

Attention Span Long, social and energetic
Guarding Instinct Low
Protection Instincts Low
Climbing Ability Low
Jumping Ability Moderate
Swimming Ability Poor
Water Affinity
Rescue Capability Poor

Sphynx Health

Litter Size 4-6 Kittens
Special Needs High groomingSensitive skin
Breeding Requires careful genetic management, small to moderate litter size
Dietary Preferences High protein, low carbs
Solo Time Tolerance High
Noise Sensitivity Low
Genetic Diversity Low
Sensitivity To Changes
High sensitivity
Food Motivation Low
Feeding Schedule Two or more small meals a day
Maintenance Level Moderate
Exercise Needs Medium
Life Expectancy
What is the life expectancy of the Sphynx cats?
12-14 years
Energy Level
How energetic is the Sphynx cat?
The Sphynx cat has an average energy level.
Hypoallergenic
Are Sphynx cats hypoallergenic?
Yes
Sphynx cats do well with allergy sufferers by causing fewer allergic reactions. However there are no 100% hypoallergenic cats in the world, there are a variety of breeds that are considered to reduce or minimize the possibility of an allergic response.

Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the cat's skin) or saliva, not actually to cat hair.

Common Health Issues
Are Sphynx cats a healthy breed?
Low
Very healthy cat breed. The Sphynx rarely meets with the veterinarian.
Health Problems Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)Skin Diseases (due to lack of fur)Hereditary Myopathy
Climate Temperate
Cold Tolerance Medium
Heat Tolerance Medium
Breeding Difficulty Medium

Sphynx Characteristics and Personality

Common Vocalizations Loud and energetic sounds
Interaction With Other Pets Excellent, very social and friendly
Facial Expression Outgoing and energetic
Tail Behavior Outgoing and energetic tail movements
Explorer Instincts Low
Attention Needs High
Protectiveness Low
Territoriality Low
Independence Moderate
Response To Commands High
Adaptability To Indoor Life High
Hunting Drive High
Play Style CuriousInteractivePlayful
Escape Tendencies High
Curiosity High
Hunting Skills Low ⬇️
Reaction To Strangers Friendly 😊
Stalking Behavior High
Aggression Level Low
Training Difficulty Moderate
Agility High
Travel Compatibility Medium
Activity
Moderately Active
Compatibility With Other Animals PlayfulMedium
Household Noise Tolerance Medium
Playfulness
Active Adventurer. Sphynx are quite playful and enjoy frequent play sessions. They are curious and active, often engaging in interactive games and activities.
Trainability
Are Sphynx cats easy to train? How hard is it to train a Sphynx?
Difficult to Train: Sphynx cat breeds are the least responsive, most stubborn, and hardest to train, often requiring professional guidance and extra effort to achieve even basic results. Examples of difficult-to-train cat breeds include Norwegian Forest, Manx, and Turkish Van.
Lap Cat
Are Sphynx cats lap cats?
Yes
This cat loves to sit on his owner's lap.
Temperament
What personality do Sphynx cats have?
Loyal
Adaptability
Are Ragdoll cats adaptable?
Sphynx cats adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Affection Level
Are Sphynx cats more affectionate?
High: Sphynx cats are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving and affectionate cats toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy cats for those in need.
Child Friendly
Are Sphynx cats good with kids?
The Sphynx cat is a child-friendly breed. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Dog Friendly
Are Sphynx cats good with dogs?
Very dog-friendly: Sphynx owners often find that their cats get along very well with the family dog.
Intelligence
Are Sphynx cats intelligent? Are Sphynx cats smart?
Outstanding: Sphynx is one of the brightest cat breeds.
Social Needs
Are Sphynx cats social?
Lots: this cat breed needs lots of social interaction.
Stranger Friendly
Are Sphynx cats friendly to strangers?
Very: this cat breed gets on very well with strange people.
Vocalization
Do Sphynx cats vocalize?
Frequent
This cat breed meows very often. Cats typically start to meow at around six weeks old, when they are old enough to start venturing away from their mother. Meowing is thought to be a way for them to solicit food or attention from their owner. However, cats can also meow for other reasons, such as when they are bored, lonely, or in pain. Indeed, a cat's meow can often be a sign that something is wrong and they require our help. As such, it is important that we take the time to learn how to interpret our feline friend's vocalizations. By doing so, we can provide them with the love and care that they need to thrive.

Sphynx Grooming

Seasonal Shedding Low
Grooming Tools Needed BrushNail ClipperCombDeshedding Tool
Dental Care High
High dental care needs cat breeds, including the Sphynx, are more susceptible to a wide array of oral health challenges due to genetic factors, distinctive skull structures, or other breed-specific features. These feline breeds necessitate more attentive and frequent dental care routines to maintain proper oral hygiene and avert dental complications. Pet owners should prioritize consistent teeth brushing, professional dental cleanings, and veterinary dental check-ups to tackle potential issues like overcrowding, misaligned teeth, gingivitis, and periodontal disease in these high-risk breeds.
Grooming
How to groom your Sphynx cat?
Low Maintenance
Occasional grooming is recommended to keep the Sphynx coat in good condition.
Shedding
Do Sphynx cats shed a lot?
Minimal
This cat breed sheds much less than the average. Brushing your cat daily will help remove loose hair before it gets on furniture or clothing. It is also recommended that you make sure your Sphynx cat gets plenty of good quality food and water. A healthy diet will help keep your cat's coat in good condition and reduce shedding.

Sphynx Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Adaptability: Sphynx cats adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Affection Level: High: Sphynx cats are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving and affectionate cats toward their handlers.
  • Child Friendly: The Sphynx cat is a child-friendly breed.
  • Dog Friendly: Very dog-friendly: Sphynx owners often find that their cats get along very well with the family dog.
  • Intelligence: Outstanding: Sphynx is one of the brightest cat breeds.

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