Written by Michael Bryan
Modified & Updated: 11 Oct 2024
Reviewed by Jessica Corbett
Ever wonder how a cat would look without hair? Why not check out Sphynx cats? Some people say their wrinkled face, big eyes, wide ears make them look like a Martian. However, the said features are the same things that make them irresistible to some. Once you spend time with a Sphynx cat, you will surely love them. They are warm, energetic, and engaging. However, at the top of the list of Sphynx cat facts owners should be familiar with is that, it needs more care than other cat breeds.
A Sphynx cat should be bathed at least once a week, preferably with a medicated pet shampoo, to ensure that bacteria and other harmful organisms are killed during the wash. Sphynx cats are susceptible to ear infections too. So, owners must keep their ears clean by removing excess wax on a regular basis. They should also keep an eye on their cat’s feet, as dirt can build up between the toes and cause infections. If you are willing to put in all the work in owning a Sphynx cat, you will not be disappointed, as they will return the love you give them tenfold. You will have a friend for life!
If you want a pet who will sleep on your lap when you watch TV, snuggle up with you at night, and welcome you at the door after work, a Sphynx cat is a cat for you. They are sweet, laid-back, and get along well with children, other cats, and even dogs! Want to learn more about this fleshy but loveable feline? Check out our list of 30 Sphynx cat facts!
- The Sphynx cat breeding began in 1966.
- If well taken care of, Sphynx cats can live up to an average of 13 to 15 years.
- Sphynx cats ranked 9th as the most popular pet in the United States.
- They weigh around six to 12 pounds.
- Sphynx cats are 13 to 15 inches long.
- The Sphynx cat is known as the hairless cat.
- It has large, lemon-shaped eyes.
- It’s essential for them to be bathed regularly.
- Sphynx cats have long, narrow, webbed feet.
- They originated in Toronto, Canada.
- Sphynx cats love to play, jump, or even fetch when trained.
- They are sensitive to sun exposure.
- Sphynx cats love to eat, and they have a high metabolism.
- Sphynx cats are known for their extroverted behavior, or for being friendly.
- These cats are generally more expensive compared to other cat breeds.
- Sphynx cats are not immune to allergies, they produce D1, a protein that causes allergies.
- Their paw pads are thicker than other cats.
- In contrast to other cats, sphynx cats do not like to hide their poop in the litter box.
- Sphynx cats have different blood types, mostly have type B while others are AB.
- They do not have eyelashes or whiskers.
A Sphynx cat costs between $1,760 up to $4,400.
Sphynx cats are pretty pricey. Their price range is from $1,760 to $4,4oo. Factors like coat color, size, quality, and rarity of the cat affect the sizeable price. Purebred Sphynx cats, and those that came from reputable breeders, are also more expensive.
Sphynx cats are not totally bald.
Contrary to what most people believe, Sphynx cats are not totally hairless. A Sphynx cat’s body is covered with tiny, fine hair. Moreover, its nose, paws, and outer edges of ears and tails have short and fine fur.
Sphynx cats are named after The Sphinx of Giza.
The Sphynx cat’s name is derived from The Great Sphinx of Giza in Egypt, though the Sphinx of Giza has an ‘i” while Sphynx Cat has a ‘y.’ They may have a resemblance with the iconic statue in Egypt, but these bald cats do not share ancestry with Egyptians.
Riyadh Bawa is one of the first breeders of Sphynx cats.
In the 1960s, University of Toronto student, Riyadh Bawa, together with his mother Yania, (a breeder of Siamese cats), was the first to notice hairlessness as the result of a recessive gene. How did they find out? Bawa mated Prune, a hairless kitten born to a black and white domestic short-haired cat. Bawa had Prune mate with his mother which resulted to more hairless kittens.
Sphynx kittens are prone to respiratory issues.
Due to lack of hair, Sphynx cat kittens are prone to lung infection and other respiratory problems. It is important to spot these illnesses early so they can have proper treatment that will help lengthen their lives.
Donskoy cat is also called Don Sphynx.
Donskoy cat or Don Sphynx is another hairless cat breed from Russia. However, Donskoy cat is not related to Sphynx cats. Unlike Sphynx cats, the hairlessness of the Donskoy is due to dominant mutation or a genetic disorder with a dominant gene.
Amsterdam is an iconic fat Sphynx cat.
Amsterdam is a six-year-old Sphynx cat that weighs 16 pounds. Jani Martinka, the owner of Amsterdam, posted a video of her cat while sitting where he resembles Buddha. Amsterdam gained a lot of fans online, not only due to his impressive size but also because of his undeniable charm.
Sphynx cats run hotter than most cats.
An average cat has a normal body temperature of 99.5°F to 102.5°F (37.5°C to 39.16°C). The Sphynx cat’s temperature is four degrees higher. This is to counterbalance their lack of hair. Even though their temperatures are high, they still love to cuddle and sometimes wear jackets.
Sphynx cats require more extensive grooming than other cat breeds.
Although Sphynx cats have no fur to shed, it doesn’t mean that they are maintenance-free. In fact, they require more grooming compared to other domestic cats. Due to their lack of hair, they tend to have more earwax, skin oil, dirt on their nails that should be cleaned properly, lest the owner wants their Sphynx to contract diseases. Just some Sphynx cat facts you need to remember if you want to have one.
Ted Nude-Gent is a popular Sphynx.
Ted Nude-Gent appeared in the 1997 spy American film Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery where he played the role of Mr. Bigglesworth, the Persian cat of Dr. Evil. Mr. Bigglesworth was transformed from Persian to Sphynx when Dr. Evil and Mr. Bigglesworth both became bald. The Sphynx star also appeared in Lindsay Lohan’s movie I Know Who Killed Me Too and in the widely popular sitcom Friends.
Was this page helpful?
Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.