Sphynx

Not all cats are created equal. The Sphinx is the most extraordinary cat. Really, it has no hair?! And it is the most typical of atypical felines. Not only are they good-natured, but they also have a great character. They radiate affection from their lemon-shaped eyes crowned by several centimeters of tall ears. It can be said louder, but not clearer: it’s a delight of a cat.

Although the breed seems to come from the ancient world, its origin is in the cold climates of Canada: in 1966, the first Sphinx was born from a domestic cat due to a genetic mutation. The breed is also known as the Canadian hairless cat or the sphynx cat.

The Sphinx’s temperament borders on the divine. They are always ready for a hug or a turn on your lap. Undoubtedly, they are a lap cat, as cheerful as they are affectionate. The breed loves to be cuddled and craves attention. When they don’t get it, they will practically get in your face to ask for more. Although not a great conversationalist, the breed is communicative, though everything revolves around their desire to be part of the family.

Now, let’s talk about that coat... that fur... that covering... The Sphinx is covered in a soft, fine layer similar to suede, which is rare in the animal kingdom. It can sometimes be completely bald, showing only skin. It’s necessary to apply a veterinarian-approved moisturizer or odorless oil to protect the coat, which means weekly baths with a pet-safe moisturizer or shampoo to prevent oils from dirtying the furniture. The skin naturally folds over the Sphinx’s body.

As if all that weren’t enough, the Sphinx’s coat comes in a range of elegant color combinations, from blue, black tortoiseshell, and white to red and white.

And don’t they look super-intelligent? It’s because they are. Their wise gaze gives them an air of feline superiority, as if they possess all the knowledge of the world, so to speak. We’ll never know for sure. And that’s perfectly okay.

Meet the Sphinx

Two facts about Sphinx

Not a Hypoallergenic Breed

Despite its lack of fur, the Sphinx cat is not a hypoallergenic breed, meaning it can still cause allergies in humans when interacting with them.

A Living Hot Water Bottle

One might think a hairless cat would feel cold to the touch, but in the case of the Sphinx, nothing could be further from the truth. This breed emits a lot of body heat: it has a higher body temperature and burns calories faster than other felines. However, the cat will still need to stay warm to maintain optimal health.

Aspects to take into account

They Can Be Prone to Heart Issues

When properly bred, Sphinx cats are healthy and robust. However, the breed is at risk of developing hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a hereditary heart condition characterized by thickening of the heart walls. It sounds dangerous, but it can be managed with medication if it arises. Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to rule out any possibilities.

How Hairless Are They?

The interesting part of the Sphinx’s hairlessness is that there are different degrees of baldness. The skin of some Sphinx cats resembles suede, while others feel soft and oily to the touch. Some Sphinxes have patches of slightly thicker fur on their noses, ears, or on their toes and tails. The Sphinx's covering is like silky down, but it doesn’t mean there’s no fur at all.

Why the Big Belly?

The Sphinx has a solid anatomy from every angle, even though it may appear quite delicate. Perhaps it’s the lack of fur, but these cats are actually quite sturdy, including their midsection. Their round belly is noticeable; it’s firm and gives the impression that they’ve just finished a large bowl of kibble. So what should you feed a Sphinx cat? Ironically, due to their lack of fur, they need to eat more than other cats, which normally have enough fur to keep them warm. Because of this, breeders allow them to eat kibble freely and ensure there is always food available.

Caring for your Sphinx

That agile body looks remarkably slender. Sphinx cats are, in fact, natural athletes with a strong inclination to climb, especially to objects that are out of reach. They are enthusiastic about play. They’re not the type of cats to sit and lounge on the sofa for long periods. Their need for movement makes them even more fascinating and keeps them fit. The breed benefits from having a high metabolism, which is a blessing given their large appetite. A word of caution: while many cats exercise outdoors, it’s better for Sphinx cats to stay indoors as their delicate skin is better protected from the sun.