In 1966 in Canada, a Domestic Shorthair gave birth to a liter of kittens with a naturally occurring mutation of hairlessness. This liter became the ancestors of today's Sphynx, created through inbreeding and crossbreeding over time. Interestingly, the same genetic mutation that causes hairlessness in a Sphynx is the same mutation that causes the curly and sometimes nearly absent coat in a Devon Rex. Oftentimes, a Devon Rex is inbred to strengthen the gene pool of the Sphynx. A Sphynx, sometimes referred to as a Canadian Hairless, is not always totally hairless; many have a fine downy coating. However, a Sphynx is the color of his skin, not his 'fur'. Contrary to popular belief, a Sphynx is not a truly hypoallergenic cat, particularly if he has a peach fuzz coating.

All Sphynx will still produce some amount of dander, the usual culprit for causing allergic reactions. However, most people with cat allergies find they are able to tolerate a Sphynx. This breed of cat is very hearty and healthy, despite its almost sickly appearance. They are muscular and slightly larger than the average cat, but do require special care due to their lack of a coat.

A Sphynx will become colder more easily than the average cat and requires the occasional bath, as they have no hair to absorb naturally occurring oils in the skin. They are also more prone to sunburn and heatstroke since they lack a protective covering. A Sphynx is a very patient and adaptable cat, making them an excellent choice for apartment dwellers and those with children or other pets. They are loyal to their families and enjoy their attention and company, which includes playing with them.

Thanks to a careful breeding program, the Sphynx breed does not suffer from any major medical concerns beyond normal health care.

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about Sphynxs and me.

Are they Totally Hairless?

No, the Sphynx is not totally hairless. They are covered with fine down like a peach. There are different degrees of hairlessness, some feel like a soft peach, others feel like warm velvet, and some are sticky to the touch (sticky bald).

How do I care for a Sphynx cat?

Sphynx cats do require special care due to their hairlessness, and have some unique needs.

Skin - Sphynx cats should be bathed once a week. Generally cats don't like water, but can learn to tolerate it if you start from an early age. All our sphynx cats and kittens are bathed from an early age so they are used to their bath when they go to their new home. We recommend you wash Sphynx cats ith Natural Shampoo in combination with Malaseb once a month, these products are extremely good for Sphynx cat skin as it contains an anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and aids in the treatment of most skin conditions such as dermatitis.
Ears - Sphynx cat ears should be gently cleaned with ear cleaning solution and a cotton tip once a week. Sphynx cats develop 'sphynx gunk' in their ears (as we call it), which is a mixture of ear wax, skin oils and dirt. It is best to clean Sphynx cat ears whilst the Sphynx are wrapped up in a warm towel. This should be completed on a regular basis, and like our Sphynx cats they have come to learn that it is just part of the weekly routine.
Eyes - The Sphynx cats also lacks eyelashes, which results in a build-up of dirt and eye irritation. Sphynx cat eyes should be gently cleaned with a damp tissue. NEVER use baby wipes or anything containing alcohol or emollients as this will irritate the eyes of a Sphynx cat.
Nails - Sphynx cat nails need to be trimmed once a week to prevent your furniture / carpet possibly becoming a scratching post! It is best to trim their nails once they are sleepy or wrap them up in a warm towel. You will also need to clean their nails after bath time. We have found a scratching post is essential to maintain good nail health, and prevents other furniture issues.

How often should you bathe a Sphynx?

This really depends on the individual cat. Some Sphynx produce more oil than others and would need to be bathed more frequently, while others produce little to no oil and can go several weeks without a bath. As a rule most breeders suggest a weekly bath as a starting point and you can alter the schedule to fit the needs of your particular Sphynx.

What is the black 'gunk' a Sphynx gets at the base of it's claws and how do you remove it?

This black 'gunk' is created by a combination of the natural oils produced in the skin, dirt caught between the toes when walking around, litter dust, etc. You can remove it by extending the cat's claws and wiping the dirt away with "Baby Wipes", purchased at Target or Walmart. This specific brand has lanolin in it. For some reason lanolin removes the "gunk" much easier than anything else we have tried.


What do you use instead of declawing your cats?

Well since I don't believe in declawing my cats and think that you shouldn't either I use "SoftPaws" for my cats and they really work. They are soft caps that go over the nail once clipped and can stay on up to 4 months. This prevents them from clawing up the furniture and my family.


What type of temperament do Sphynx have?

Sphynx are a very intelligent breed of cat. If they have been properly socialized as kittens they are extremely friendly and people-oriented, to the point of following you around the house and wanting to be involved in everything that goes on. They normally get along very well with other cats and dogs as long as the other animal is willing to accept them and proper introductions are made. Children who have been taught to respect and appreciate animals are also quite compatible with Sphynx. Many Sphynx are easily leash trained and most of them love to ride in the car and to be included in your vacation travel. They have an out-going personality and love attention, often times demanding it! 

Do Sphynx need special circumstances to keep from getting cold?

A general rule of thumb is to consider your comfort level. If you are comfortable in your home then they are usually comfortable. If you are bundled up in a sweater or under a blanket to keep warm, a Sphynx would probably appreciate the same treatment. If they do get a chill a Sphynx will seek out a place to get warm such as on top of the TV or computer monitor, under the covers on a bed, in a sunbeam, or in a covered pet bed. Many people keep (pet) heating blankets or pads, wrapped with a blanket, turned on low so their Sphynx can find a warm spot if needed. You can also find heated pet beds which most Sphynx love.


What should you feed a Sphynx?

Sphynx, like all cats, should be fed a high quality, nutritionally complete diet made for felines. The first ingredient will hopefully not have "bi-products" attached to it.  When feeding Sphynxs it is best to feed them dry food because they have very sensitive stomachs and teeth.
 
What colors do Sphynx come in?

Sphynx come in all colors and patterns found in the cat world including pointed, mink, sepia, tabby, and bi-color. A cat's color isn't just in it's fur but goes completely down to the pigmentation of it's skin as a Sphynx easily demonstrates.

What is the lifespan of a Sphynx?

Sphynx have a normal lifespan and don't suffer from any special health problems. Although, as in any breed, there are unfortunate early deaths, many Sphynx have enjoyed a full life into their late teens or twenties.

What is the average size of Sphynx cats?

Generally adult females weigh 6-8 pounds while males are 8-10 pounds, however this can vary to some extent either way.

What causes some Sphynx to grow fuzz?

Much depends on the genetic background of the particular cat, but hormone changes may sometimes cause your sphynx to grow a small amount of fuzz as it matures. Early spay/neuter will lessen the chances of this happening. It may come and go with the changing seasons or remain intact. Mother Nature will often have the last word.

How much do Sphynx cats cost?

The average cost for my pet Sphynxs are between $1,000-$1,500. I may have kittens/adult Sphynxs avaliable for more or less than this. However, acquiring a Sphynx from a responsible and ethical breeder is far more important than the cost considerations, and is the best way to assure your new friendship gets off to a great start. Sphynx who are show prospects and/or placed with breeding rights can cost any where from $1,500 up to $3,000, while retired breeding adults are usually placed for a nominal fee or sometimes even for the cost of spay/neuter and shipping.