Welcome to our Sphynx Cats page! Here you will find everything you could ever want to know about Sphynx cats and a complete list of all the Sphynx catteries we have located in the USA.

The Sphynx is an odd, exotic-looking cat with peach fuzz all over its body instead of the thick fur most cats have. These curious cats don’t have the same stoic reputation as the Egyptian monument they’re named for though; they are enthusiastic and affectionate companions.

Sphynx Cat Breeders Near You

Sphynx

• Are you a cat breeder who isn’t listed? Add your information here.

We also highly recommend reading checking out our latest news articles at our blog. Find information on Cat health, nutrition, holistic healing, basic care, toys, and much more!

Sphynx Cat Breed Information

General Information:

Height/Length: 10-14 in.

Weight: 8-10 lbs.

Lifespan: 14 years

Coloring:  Any

Area of Origin: Ontario, Canada

Similar Breeds: Devon Rex, Minskin

Breed History and Origins:

When in 1966, a hairless kitten was found among the litter born to a domestic cat in Ontario, it was not the first instance of hairlessness in cats. According to the 1903 publication The Book of the Cat, the Aztecs had created a hairless breed of cat that died out. There had also been examples of hairless cats as far away as Paris, Australia, and Tennessee. The kitten born in Ontario, however, was the first hairless cat to be the foundation for a documented breeding program. He was quickly named Prune for his wrinkly skin and bred with other cats to isolate the hairless gene. By 1970, the Cat Fancier’s Association had granted Prune’s descendents recognition as the Canadian Hairless breed. Unfortunately, infertility problems plagued the fledgling breed and the CFA withdrew its recognition.

The Sphynx as we know it now began with some strays and barncats. In 1978, Ontario breeder Shirley Smith found two stray hairless kittens and took them in. These cats may have been descendants of Prune as well, but were likely the result of similar natural mutations. Smith sold the cats to Dr. Hugo Hernandez, who began breeding them to Devon Rex stock.  A few years before, in 1975, a pair of hairless kittens were born into litters from the barncat of Milt and Ethelyn Pearson. They sold the two kittens, named Epidermis and Dermis, to breeder Kim Mueske of Oregon. All of these cats became the foundation for the modern breed we know as the Sphynx.

Breeders in both North America and Europe worked for many years to perfect the Sphynx breed. In order to avoid health problems and instill hybrid vigor into the breed, they crossed their cats out to Devon Rexes, American Shorthairs, and other normal-haired cats. In the process, breeders discovered that hairlessness is a recessive gene. In 2002, the Sphynx gained full Championship status in the CFA, and it has been growing in popularity ever since as a pet with exotic looks.

In order to ensure the health of the breed, the CFA still allows outcrossing to American Shorthairs and domestic breeds, as well as any Devon Rex born after January 1, 2014.

Size and Physical Characteristics:

Upon first seeing a Sphynx cat, many people are confused—what is it? A shaved ferret? An ugly Chihuahua? Once they realize that the lithe, wrinkly figure before them is a cat, however, they become fascinated with its graceful movements and exotic appearance. To say that this cat is hairless is actually a bit of a misnomer: Sphynxes are covered in a very fine fuzz that many liken to suede or a peach. Although there is no long hair to make colors and patterns with, you can still see defined pigmentation patterns on the cat’s skin. There can be a great number of these patterns, including bicolor, tabby, and tortoiseshell. There is often still a light amount of hair on the Sphynx’s face, particularly on their nose and large ears.

The Sphynx is a medium-sized breed, with a rounded chest and stomach. Their bodies are very muscular and hard. Starting from just behind the shoulder blades, the cat’s back rises slightly to accommodate their longer back legs. They have thick, pillow-like pads on their paws, and large knuckles. Their wedge-shaped heads are set with large, wide eyes that are pointed on either side, much like a lemon, and can come in any color. The Sphynx’s tail is long and whippy, with the ability to curl in on itself.

Personality and Temperament:

Sphynxes may seem like they would be as silent and distant as an Egyptian monument, but they are actually quite affectionate creatures. They will eagerly curl up in someone’s lap (especially when it’s cold), and happily greet any new visitors. Many owners describe their cats as childlike due to their affection and inquisitiveness. The Sphynx is a bit of a contortionist that enjoys entertaining his human companions with his acrobatic antics.

These high-climbing feats are usually done in search of a warm spot, such as a windowsill or the top of a television. Once it has warmed up, though, the Sphynx can usually be found investigating every nook and cranny of the house. They have been known to upend purses and use their well-padded paws to pick up the items inside. This is a good cat for any home that won’t leave their cat alone for too long. They are very social cats who need a companion most of the day.

Nutritional and Exercise Needs:

The Sphynx has a slightly higher metabolism because of the extra heat it radiates. Because of this, you should probably feed a Sphynx a little more than you would a regular cat. However, it is important to avoid overfeeding your cat. This can seem a little difficult since the Sphynx has a naturally rounded stomach—it should always look like it has just eaten. To avoid running into problems with obesity, the best strategy is to feed the cat an appropriate amount for their age and activity level.

The Sphynx is not a very frisky breed, but they do get a good amount of exercise by climbing up and down a cat tree. While they tend to prefer a relaxed lifestyle, their intelligence and curiosity can get them into trouble. This can usually be avoided by providing intriguing toys like treat-giving puzzle toys.

Grooming and Upkeep:

Although this breed does not require regular brushing due to its hairlessness, it does require regular bathing. Hairless cats still produce skin oils that, in most cats, are spread across the hairs. These oils build up quickly on a Sphynx cat, collecting dirt along the way. This means that Sphynxes need bathing with a gentle cleanser at least once a week. Without this care, the cat can develop sores on its skin.

Depending on the severity of the allergy, this cat can be a good pet for someone who is allergic to cat dander. Since the Sphynx has no hair, it is more tolerable for these people, but it is not completely hypoallergenic. These cats still have dander, so people with more than mild allergies may still find that these cats make them sick.

Besides these baths, the Sphynx needs the typical care for a cat: regular ear cleaning, teeth cleaning, and claw trimming. Grooming activities do not have to be stressful for humans or cats, and this is easy to accomplish if you begin them from a young age.

Characteristics Unique to the Breed:

The Sphynx makes an excellent living heater! Without fur to trap the heat against their skin, Sphynxes radiate it out, making their skin a few degrees warmer than most breeds. The fact that they are happy to seek out a warm spot under the blanket with you makes them perfect companions for cold winter nights.

Health and Wellness:

The Sphynx’s hairlessness does not mean that it cannot regulate its body temperature, but it does mean that it is a little easier for the cat to get colder or sunburned. Because of this, a Sphynx cat will need suntan lotion when travelling outside, and may require a cat sweater in winter. Cats that are not properly bathed have a tendency to develop nasty sores on their skin. The Sphynx cat is otherwise a very healthy breed, without any genetic problems or diseases.

Interesting Facts about the Sphynx:

The Sphynx is named after the Greek/Egyptian mythological creature called the Sphinx, which is part lion and part human.

Although the Sphynx may seem like a very wrinkly cat, its skin does not have any extra wrinkles in it. Rather, all cats have those wrinkles in their skin, but it is not visible under their fur.