Description

The first thing you’ll notice is that this bald breed has prominent cheekbones and huge ears, giving it a bat-like appearance. The eyes are large and lemon-shaped. The Sphynx has a nicely muscled neck and a barrel chest, with a slight pot belly. The tail is whip-like, sometimes with a tuft of fur at the end. The Sphynx’s paw pads are thicker than those of most cats.

Look

The Sphynx looks as bald as a boiled egg, but they often have an extremely fine layer of hair, soft as gossamer, that gives the Sphynx’s skin a texture similar to that of chamois. The Sphynx’s “coat” can be any colour or pattern. These cats look very wrinkly, which is not abnormal for a cat: most cats have wrinkly skin, but their fur hides it. The Sphynx may or may not have whiskers and eyebrows, but if present they tend to be very sparse. Although the Sphynx is more or less bald, it might not be the ideal cat for those with allergies, as cat allergies day be triggered by the cat’s saliva, oils, or dander.

Health

Although Sphynxes are generally healthy cats, they are prone to certain health conditions.

• Urticaria pigmentosa

• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

• Mitral valve dysplasia

At KittenGuru.com, we recommend that you buy your kitten from reputable breeders, who use genetic testing and good breeding practices to remove genetic conditions from their breeding lines. KittenGuru.com’s Health Guarantee certifies that all promoted kittens are in good health.

Temperament

The Sphynx is an extrovert. This cat is like a little monkey who is sure to grab your attention with its awesome acrobatics. The Sphynx loves to climb and play, and is a bit of a show-off too. As a rule, the Sphynx is very friendly, clever, and curious. They will happily meow hello at strangers, and is a loving, loyal friend to its family.

Living with

The Sphynx may seem like a low-maintenance pet, but they actually do require some grooming. Cats with normal coats have fur to absorb body oils, but the bald Sphynx has trouble with regulating its body oil. You’ll need to bathe your Sphinx at least once a week to keep your Sphinx clean and comfortable – and to prevent oil spots on the furniture! You’ll also need to make sure that your Sphinx doesn’t get sunburnt on hot sunny days. Your Sphynx may also need a little sweater or a heater to curl up next to on cold days. For these reasons, your Sphynx will probably be most comfortable as an indoor cat. The friendly Sphynx is a favourite with all the family. They get on well with children and other pets, including dogs. They’ll happily show off in return for a treat or a pat, and will keep your children entertained with their antics.