Sphynx
Hairless, warm, and astonishingly affectionate clowns.
Sphynx cats are hairless, warm to the touch, and famously social. They follow their humans everywhere, demand attention, and have a goofy streak. Despite the lack of fur, they need regular bathing and warmth.
Key facts
| Origin | Canada |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium |
| Weight | 6–12 lbs |
| Lifespan | 12–15 years |
| Energy | High |
| Vocality | Medium |
| Grooming | Bathe weekly to remove skin oils |
| Shedding | Low |
| With children | ●●●●● |
|---|---|
| With other pets | ●●●●● |
| For beginners | ●●●○○ |
| Apartment life | ●●●●● |
Pros & cons
✓ What's great
- Minimal shedding
- Extremely affectionate
- Great with kids and pets
- Often allergy-tolerable
✗ Things to know
- Need warmth and clothing in cold homes
- Regular bathing required
- Can get sunburned
Ideal owner
A Sphynx may suit you well if you:
- Have children or a busy, sociable household
- Already have dogs or other cats at home
- Live in an apartment or smaller home
- Enjoy interactive play and can dedicate daily activity time
- Have mild cat allergies and need a more allergy-friendly option
A Sphynx may not suit you if you:
- Have a busy schedule with little time for interactive play
Health considerations
Like all breeds, Sphynxs can be predisposed to certain conditions. A reputable breeder will screen for these, and regular vet check-ups help catch issues early.
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- Skin conditions
- Sensitivity to cold
Is a Sphynx right for you?
The best way to find out if a Sphynx suits your lifestyle is to take the What Cat? breed quiz — it weighs your living space, schedule, household, and preferences against all 68 breeds in our encyclopedia.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Sphynx a good cat for first-time owners?
Sphynxs can suit first-time owners who do their research. Extroverted, affectionate, and endlessly entertaining. Make sure you can meet their specific care needs before committing.
Are Sphynxs good for apartments?
Yes — Sphynxs adapt well to apartment living. They don't require a large territory and are content indoors provided they have adequate enrichment and attention.
Are Sphynxs good with children?
Sphynxs are generally excellent with children. They are patient, tolerant of handling, and social enough to enjoy the energy of family life including young children.
Are Sphynxs hypoallergenic?
Sphynxs are considered more allergy-friendly than most breeds. Often considered a top choice for allergy sufferers, though they still produce Fel d 1 in saliva and skin oils.
Does a Sphynx suit your lifestyle?
Take the free 18-question What Cat? quiz to find out — and get a full ranked list of breeds matched to your real life.
Take the free quiz →Further reading: Sphynx on Wikipedia