Sphynx
Also called hairless cat.
Not actually bald — the skin carries a fine down and the pattern underneath is visible in the pigment. The lack of coat means it loses heat fast and needs bathing, because there is no fur to absorb skin oils.
- Coat
- Apparently hairless
- Build
- Ordinary cat shape
- Head
- Wedge
- Weight
- 3–5.5 kg
- Origin
- Canada
What it looks like
Apparently hairless, though covered in a fine down like suede. Wrinkled skin, very large ears, prominent cheekbones, a barrel chest and a rounded belly.
The characters that confirm it
- Skin like warm suede rather than bare — a fine invisible down over the whole body.
- Very large ears and prominent cheekbones.
- Wrinkling on the head, shoulders and between the ears.
- Warm to the touch, and it seeks heat constantly.
Temperament
Extrovert, attention-seeking, and physically clingy — heat-seeking as much as affectionate.
Health
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is common and screening matters. The skin needs weekly bathing to manage oil build-up, sunburn is a genuine risk, and they should not be outdoor cats. Not hypoallergenic — the allergen is in saliva and skin, not fur.
Confused with
A different hairless mutation, from Russia, and dominant rather than recessive. Often has webbed toes and may grow a partial coat in winter.
A Sphynx-Oriental cross with a longer, finer wedge and much more slender build.
Questions about this breed
How do you recognise a Sphynx?
Skin like warm suede rather than bare — a fine invisible down over the whole body. Very large ears and prominent cheekbones.
What is a Sphynx like to live with?
Extrovert, attention-seeking, and physically clingy — heat-seeking as much as affectionate.
What health problems do Sphynxs have?
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is common and screening matters. The skin needs weekly bathing to manage oil build-up, sunburn is a genuine risk, and they should not be outdoor cats. Not hypoallergenic — the allergen is in saliva and skin, not fur.