Despite their alien-like appearance, the Sphynx cat is one of the friendliest and most playful, energetic, and loyal companions. These furless felines are motivated by people and want to impress and snuggle up to their humans. Many people say these affectionate cats are part dog, part cat!
People are often initially drawn to the Sphynx cat because of their hairless appearance and the fact that you don’t need to brush them. They may look completely bald, but that’s not always the case.
You’ll be surprised to find out that the Sphynx’s coat feels smooth and suede-like, similar to how velvet feels. These medium-sized cats are more than just their unique coat—and even though it might be what draws you in, you should be prepared to groom and take care of the rest of their needs.
The Sphynx cat is just like any other cat (although they were made famous in the “Austin Powers” movies), and they will develop their own personality over time. Not all Sphynx cats will behave the same, but there are certain traits that many of them have. If you are looking for a spunky and loving kitten, the Sphynx is a lovely addition to any family.
Origins of the Sphynx cat
Hairless cats exist in many breeds, as a genetic mutation can result in some kittens being born without hair. The Sphynx breed may have originated from domestic cats birthing hairless kittens randomly, but they were selectively bred to have their hairlessness become the dominant gene.
The first reported hairless cats in modern times were born in Ontario, Canada, in 1966 and in a barn in Minnesota in the 1970s. After many tries and some failures, two breeders and Sphynx cat lovers out of Toronto and Oregon worked together to help maintain the hairless trait.
In the 1980s, the first Sphynx cats were establishing their place in the cat world. However, the Cat Fanciers’ Association didn't fully recognize the Sphynx cat until 2002. After this, the Sphynx cat shot up in popularity and was entered into competitions worldwide.
Now the Sphynx cat is a prominent breed and sought after all over the world due to their unique looks and bright personalities.
Appearance of the Sphynx
You can usually tell a Sphynx cat from other domestic cat breeds because of their hairlessness. The Sphynx stands out with large ears and eyes, a strong, muscular body, and a whip-like tail. They have many wrinkles all over their bodies and appear to be naked.
The Sphynx cat is a medium-sized breed but is more compact than one might expect. Despite their smaller frames and lack of fur, they are very muscular and heavy. Sphynx cats build notable muscle from their love of being active and playing. They can jump high and move quickly. Despite the lack of fur, the Sphynx breed comes in various colors and patterns, including white, black, blue (grey), calico, tabby, pointed, and mink.
Are they really hairless?
Not all Sphynx cats are completely hairless, and many of them will have light fur around their ears, tails, paws, and faces. Along with this fur, the skin of the Sphynx is actually like peach fuzz.
And while Sphynxes don’t shed, they do have very particular grooming needs.
You need to wipe down or sponge-bathe your Sphynx cat's coat and creases at least once a week. This is to ensure there isn’t oil build-up that can lead to skin infections. You should also check their ears for oil build-up, as this can influence an ear infection.
Keep in mind that for people with allergies, no cat is truly hypoallergenic.
Personality attributes
The Sphynx cat might be awkwardly adorable, but they will absolutely win you over with their friendly and outgoing personalities. Some people might assume that the Sphynx cat is shy or wary of humans.
Nope! This is quite the opposite of the typical Sphynx. Getting to know a Sphynx is all it takes to completely change the way that you view these felines.
Energy level
Sphynx cats are extremely energetic and will want to play with you all the time. They love to stay entertained with toys and will run around the house all day long looking for something to get into.
Having plenty of activities for your Sphynx will ensure that they get all the exercise they need in a day. They will want to climb on a cat tree, chase mice on a string, and play directly with their humans.
You may even want to walk them on a leash! Just be sure to keep your Sphynx out of harsh midday sunlight or apply cat-safe sunscreen first. The Sphynx’s coat does not do well in direct sunlight, which can lead to sunburns or even skin cancer. When the air grows chilly and the temperature drops, they should be kept indoors at all times. This will ensure they stay safe and happy.
Friendliness
The Sphynx cat is extremely friendly and playful with all people. They get along great with children who want to play with them. They adapt to other animals in the household easily, both dogs and cats. Some will even say that their Sphynx cat reminds them more of a dog than a feline because of how friendly and people-motivated they are.
Intelligence
The Sphynx cat can learn quickly and wants to impress their humans. They are apt to learn new tricks and are very motivated by food. Because your Sphynx is so smart, they are likely to get into things if they get bored.
They have a mischievous side to them; this means they might run around causing trouble if you don’t give them enough mental stimulation throughout the day.
Need for attention
The Sphynx cat is known to be needy and lack independence. They don’t want to spend much time on their own and prefer to be around another creature, whether it's a fur friend or their human.
Sphynx cats get so lonely that if you are someone who spends several hours a day away from your home, it’s recommended that you get your pet another friend. This will help with separation anxiety and allow your cat to remain social when you're away.
Sphnyxes will follow you around and try to curl up on your lap whenever you sit down. They may get into trouble in order to get your attention, but they really just want to be the center of your world.
Loyalty
Your Sphynx will follow you to the ends of the earth. They are known to be extremely loyal companions, staying by your side, greeting you when you come home, and trying to learn ways to impress you. They will purr when they see you and frequently knead on you to show how much they love you.
A new family member: the Sphynx cat
The Sphynx cat isn’t for everyone. To provide them with a happy life, you need to be prepared to take care of all their needs. This includes getting excited about playtime, feeding them frequently throughout the day, and grooming them properly.
All cats love a clean space and a clean litter box. Many Sphynx cat parents prefer an automatic, self-cleaning litter box like Litter-Robot.
Grooming
Because they don’t have hair, the oil on the Sphynx cat's skin is not absorbed, leading to oil build-up. You should wipe down or sponge-bathe your Sphynx on their coats and in between their many wrinkles once a week.
It's essential that you groom your Sphynx properly to avoid skin infections. Bath time can be stressful for some cats, but you can find ways to make the experience more pleasant.
Grooming is an ideal time for inspecting your cat for any changes in their health. For example, Sphynx cats are prone to urticaria pigmentosa, resulting in crusty sores on their skin.
Nutrition
Sphynxes will need to be fed smaller portions several times a day to maintain their body heat and energy levels. They have to emit more energy throughout the day to stay warm, which creates a faster metabolism.
By eating several times in one day, Sphynxes can refuel and recharge.
Bald and beautiful
The Sphynx is an affectionate cat breed—no fluff needed. People who have the pleasure of loving a Sphynx know just how adoring and well-tempered they actually are, making them one of the best cat breeds to have as a pet family member.
Building a relationship with a Sphynx is quite the journey and well worth it when you get to experience their loyalty and spunk.
Sources:
- Solar Dermatitis in Cats: How to Prevent Cat Sunburn | PetMD
- What it means when cats knead with their paws | CNN
- Do Hypoallergenic Cats Exist? | WebMD
- The Sphynx Breed | TICA
Photo credits:
- Erin Agius via Unsplash
- Dan Wayman via Unsplash
- Kanashi via Unsplash
- Max Simonov via Unsplash
- Frankie the Sphynx
