In the mid 1960s a kitten was born that had no hair. This was a mutation that was totally unexpected and started the breed known as the sphinx. Hairless cats had been born before and documented dating as far back as the 1800s but it wasn’t till the last 50 years that people had strived to create and reproduce this rare cat.

Sphynx cats have hair but it’s thin, fine, and creates a suede feel. Their skin is visible and you can see all the wrinkles and true body that a cat has by looking at a sphinx. Some spyhnx cats have short, tightly packed fur around their muzzle and feet. Their skin has pigmentation that can vary from cat to cat and their fur may also reflect the pigmentation.

What kind of personality do spyhnx cats have?

Sphynx cats are social cats. They are curious, playful, and enjoy being the center of attention. They are very bonded to their human companions and will try to get your attention by either doing something silly, sticking their face in your face, or doing something clumsy. Those who love the breed believe the sphinx may do some antics on purpose as a way to say, “look at me!”

These cats seem to get along well with other cats and dogs and may snuggle up to their fellow four-legged siblings or you. Be prepared to find the cat under the covers with you at night as they do get chilly and will want to be right next to you. They may even want their own pillow to try to nudge you off yours!

Health-wise these cats have not shown any dominating issue. They are hearty and have a good bone and muscle structure. They do require extra care and attention since they do not possess fur like many of their feline friends. The sphynx do not shed but they do get oily. These cats need baths or wipe downs on a regular basis to prevent them from becoming too dirty and greasy. No one wants a “cat print” left on their couch from where an oily sphynx was sitting. Their ears also need to be cleaned frequently as well.

Because they have virtually no fur, these cats should be indoor only to protect them from the elements. They can also be prone to sunburn do to lack of fur that can deflect the rays. This doesn’t just apply to letting the cat outside but also if they dose in the sunshine coming in through the windows.

Myths about the Sphynx:

Many people believe that because this cat lacks fur that it is hypoallergenic. This is not true. It is not the fur that people have allergic reactions to but rather the dander and oils that a cat’s body exudes. If you are allergic to cats, you may find that this cat is easier to tolerate as long as you are vigilant about keeping the oils and dander to a minimum.

If you’ve always thought about getting a rare breed like the sphynx, there are several organizations that you can contact and learn more about their adoption process. Having one of these funky felines will amuse you and may inspire you to take up knitting and make sweaters and booties for your bald buddy!