Sphynx
Warm and clingy hairless cat, playful, extroverted and very attached. Size Medium, life expectancy 12–15 years, energy High. Expect CHF 1'500 – 2'500 to buy and CHF 60–110 / month upkeep.
See available Sphynx
The profile at a glance
- Ultra affectionate, velcro cat
- Playful and extroverted
- No loose hair
- Regular baths (greasy skin)
- Sensitive to cold
- Copes poorly with being alone
Temperament
Warm and clingy hairless cat, playful, extroverted and very attached.
Daily needs
Regular bathing (greasy skin), warmth, ear care.
Health & care
Heart (HCM), skin, teeth. Testing advised.
Ideal for
Owners who are around, warm indoors.
Origin & history
The Sphynx is famous for its almost bare appearance, resulting from a natural genetic mutation that greatly reduces the coat. The modern breed developed from hairless kittens born in Canada in the late 1960s, then selected and crossed to fix the trait. Its skin, soft and warm to the touch, is often compared to suede and sometimes retains a fine down. Sociable, playful and very demonstrative, the Sphynx actively seeks warmth and contact. Attached to its owners and curious, it needs special skin care and is sensitive to cold owing to its lack of a protective coat.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Sphynx require special skin care?
Yes, the absence of hair to absorb sebum makes regular skin cleaning necessary to keep it from becoming greasy.
Does it get cold easily?
Yes, without a protective coat it is sensitive to cold and seeks out sources of warmth and contact.
Is the Sphynx hypoallergenic?
No: even without hair, it produces allergens through its skin and saliva, so it is not guaranteed to be risk-free for allergy sufferers.
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