Introducing the Sphynx Cat Breed

The Sphynx cat has to be the most unusual breed in existence, as, unlike other cats, the Sphynx is hairless. The Sphynx is said to be named so because early breeders felt that there was a similarity between their cats and the Egyptian cat sculptures in the British Museum and the Louvre. The Sphynx is also known as the Canadian Hairless Cat. First bred in Canada, the Sphynx cat originated from a mutant hairless kitten that was born in a litter of shorthaired cats in 1966.

Sphynx cats of today are highly affectionate, sociable and intelligent. They get along well with other animals in the household. Sphynx cats have an alert, affectionate and inquisitive nature that makes them a truly wonderful pet. They were described in TICA 86 Show program as the most loving cat it is possible to meet. Sphynx cats come in a variety of colors. The skin and down can be any recognized color and pattern, and the eye color should harmonize with the coat.

Sphynx Cat and Kitten Central is pleased to offer this insightful Sphynx Cat Facts and Information article to assist you in learning about the Sphynx cat breed and deciding if a Sphynx cat or kitten is the right choice for your family. Enjoy!

Sphynx Cat History

Hairless cats have been around for ages - caused by a recessive gene, they can appear in virtually any cat breed known to man. Documentation of hairless cats can be found in France, Morocco, Australia, throughout the United States and Canada, and even Mexico had record of a hairless cat. In 1966, a hairless kitten was produced in a litter from two domestic shorthair cats in Canada, and a breeding program was established around this unique cat. The CFA granted provisional status to the breed, then called the Canadian Hairless, but it was short-lived.

The following year, the CFA withdrew the acceptance, due to the fact that the breed had numerous health problems and the breed was allowed to fade into extinction. 3 hairless cats were discovered during the late 1970’s, however, and while the male was neutered, the females were sent to Holland, where they would be crossed with Devon Rex cats in an attempt to further develop the line.

In Minnesota, a hairless kitten was discovered by farm owners, Milt and Ethelyn Pearson, in 1975. This kitten, a little female, was named Epidermis and her hairless brother, Dermis, would be born a year later. Both kittens were then sold to a cat breeder, in Oregon, by the name of Kim Mueske. Kim tried to breed these cats to various shorthairs, hoping to produce more hairless kittens, but her efforts only resulted in more shorthaired kittens. It was only after turning to a genetics expert, Dr. Solveig Pflueger, that it was suggested to breed Epidermis, the female hairless, back to one of her male offspring. Success!

The next litter included 3 beautiful hairless kittens, proving that the hairless gene was recessive and, in order for it to appear, had to be present in both parents. This idea was put into motion and, in 1978, Georgia Gattenby of Minnesota purchased 3 of the Pearsons’ hairless cats and began to develop her own bloodline. By out-crossing with Rex cats and then crossing back in to the hairless varieties, she was able to improve and develop the body type of the Sphynx as we know it today. While she was forced to sell her cats during the 1980’s, her stock would contribute greatly to the Sphynx as we know it today.

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Sphynx Cat Grooming

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Sphynx Cat Health

The Sphynx cat is surprisingly a very robust and healthy breed of cat. Despite the concerns that many cat breeders first voiced when the breed was in its infancy, the Sphynx has far fewer health concerns than most purebred cats. The reason for this is generally attributed to what is known as “hybrid vigor,” where out-crossing to another breed helps to stabilize and strengthen the existing line when bred back.

One problem that the Sphynx cat can encounter, however, is that they are susceptible to what is known as feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM. The most common variety of heart disease found in felines, HCM can be found in various other breeds, as well as cats of mixed ancestry.

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Quick Sphynx Cat Facts

Sphynx Cat FAQ

Do Sphynx Cats Shed ?

No, Sphynx cats do not shed. These hairless cats are the answer to your dreams if you hate to vaccuum.

Are Sphynx Cats Hypoallergenic (Allergy Free)?

No - It is a common misconception that any cat is allergy free. All cats, whether hairless or not, product dander, which, combined with proteins from cat saliva, can cause allergy symptoms in some allergy sufferers. The Sphyx cat, like it's furry cousins, does groom itself often, depositing saliva containing this protein, that in turn can be shed as dander.

If you have cat allergies and are thinking about a Sphynx cat for your home, you may well be able to tolerate feline cohabitation through regular vaccuuming, grooming your cat, and by keeping kitty out of your bedroom. The best way to find out if the Sphynx cat is for you is to spend a few hours visiting a Sphynx cattery in the midst of Sphynx cats and kittens and their environment.

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Sphynx Cat Breed Pictures

A picture is worth a thousand words, and our growing gallery of Sphynx cat pictures and kitten photos is well worth a peek! We showcase photos of Sphynx cats and kittens from reputable Sphynx breeders who are members of Cats and Kittens Central, as well as images sent to us by our visitors. Feel free to purr-uze our Sphynx pictures gallery by clicking here!

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Sphynx Cat Appearance

Some say that the Sphynx has a face that only a mother could love and, truth be told, it takes a very special person to be taken in by these unique little cats. Few people realize that the sweet-natured Sphynx is no more wrinkled than any other breed of cat, but there is something about the hairless appearance that either repels or attracts their human counterparts.

Surprisingly, the Sphynx kitten is really not hairless at all. Picking one up, many are surprised by how soft, downy, and warm hairless kittens can be - in fact, they are best compared to a warm fuzzy peach in texture. It’s a sensation that makes you just want to cuddle them closer and, believe it or not, the Sphynx cat uses that to his advantage. There’s nothing that Sphynx kittens like more than snuggling.

Another interesting and little-known fact is the wide variety of colors that the Sphynx come in. Found in a rainbow of hues, they are as beautiful and diversified as their furry feline cousins; any color and/or any pattern that can be found in felines is an acceptable color and pattern for your Sphynx kitten.

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Sphynx Cat Personality Temperament

The Sphynx cat has a very unique appearance, but his personality is even more unusual. It’s often said that Sphynx kittens are one part cat, one part dog, one part monkey and one part child - and most who have had the good fortune to meet one of these individuals are quick to agree with that description. The Sphynx is a very loving and loyal member of the household and has a strong tendency to bond with his or her choice in humans. That individual, they will follow around faithfully, winding around legs and wagging their tail happily. The Sphynx is also a very vocal individual and will often scold you if left alone too long, or greet you with a happy chirp when he sees you get out of bed.

In addition to their love of affection, the Sphynx also has a great love of mischief. They love to climb, hide and get into all sorts of trouble - everything is a toy, regardless of whether it’s a wadded up piece of paper that missed the trashcan, good china, or a family heirloom. If it can be moved, knocked over, or will produce some form of sound (crashing and breaking noises are especially fun), the impish Sphynx will believe it to be a noisemaker built just for her.

Sphynx can be wonderfully patient and affectionate towards children, though it’s important to note that they can run into problems when introduced to other animals. The Sphynx is not an aggressive animal by any extent, but they are not fighters either and their soft skin and lack of fur means that they can be easily injured when bitten or scratched by other playful pets. If you do intend to introduce a Sphynx into your home and you do have other pets, supervision is mandatory.

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Is the Sphynx Cat or Kitten the Right Choice for You?

If you’re looking for a new pet, one should always give the matter careful consideration. What is your home like? How much time do you have to spend with your pet and, when you are home, how much of that time will be quality time, involving things like grooming or clipping toenails. Adopting any pet is a big responsibility and the Sphynx is no exception to this rule.

The Sphynx is not for everyone and the cost one must pay to adopt a Sphynx is often a good deterrent for the less-than-committed. Being that they are a rare breed, quality Sphynx are very expensive (usually $1,000.00 or more for a kitten), are usually sold already spayed or neutered and, more than likely, you will have to answer a lengthy questionnaire or attend an interview before you are even considered as a possible placement for one of these beautiful little Sphynx kittens.

Ready to add an exquisite Sphynx cat or kitten to your family? Visit our Sphynx Cat Breeders Showcase where you can find contact information for responsible Sphynx catteries and view photos, detailed information and litter announcements for Sphynx kittens for sale. Click here!

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Sphynx Cat Breeders & Sphynx Cats Kittens For Sale

Responsible Sphynx cat breeders offer healthy, home-raised Sphynx kittens for sale to approved buyers. If you have your heart set on a purebred Sphynx kitten, a responsible breeder is usually the best source. Reputable Sphynx catteries focus on producing kittens that are healthy and free from common cat diseases and hereditary (congenital) health problems that can affect the Sphynx cat breed. In addition, responsible Sphynx breeders try their best to produce kittens that are as beautiful to behold as they are affectionate and sound in personality and temperament.

Sphynx Cat Kitten Prices

Sphynx cat prices vary according the the breeder, and the kitten you are considering. Usually pet quality Sphynx kittens cost between $500 and $1000 to purchase, while show quality Sphynx kittens can be considerably more expensive. Keep in mind that the price involved in purchasing a kitten from a reputable breeder generally includes health screening, vaccinations, de-worming, early socialization (so the kitten grows up to be of sound temperament and affectionate nature), ongoing advice and support - and - most importantly - a reasonable health guarantee.

Sphynx Cats and Kittens Central is proud to showcase a number of reputable Sphynx cat breeders on our Sphynx cat breeders directory. To view information, contact details and photos of available Sphynx kittens for sale, please click here to view our Sphynx cattery list.

Sphynx Rescue Organizations

Sphynx cat rescue organizations specialize in placing purebred Sphynx cats and kittens, as well as mixed Sphynx cats and kittens with loving owners. Sphynx cats and kittens can end up in shelters and rescues for a variety of reasons, and there are many purrfectly nice Sphynx or Sphynx mix cats and kittens waiting to be adopted into loving homes.

Sphynx Cats and Kittens Central is pleased to provide a directory of Sphynx cat rescues to help you locate one near you. To view information, contact details and photos of available Sphynx cats and kittens, please click here to view our Sphynx cat rescue guide.

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Sphynx Cat Clubs

Sphynx cat breed clubs can be an excellent resource for learning more about the Sphynx cat breed, finding a reputable Sphynx cat breeder, locating Sphynx rescues, viewing Sphynx pictures and more. You'll often find a schedule for cat shows, in case you want to attend a show near you, and meet Sphynx breeders and their cats in person.

Sphynx Cats and Kittens Central is pleased to provide a directory of Sphynx cat clubs to help you locate one near you. Please click here to view our Sphynx cat clubs guide.

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1000 Cat Names
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Sphynx Cat Kitten Names

Finding a suitable name for your new Sphynx cat or kitten can be a daunting task and not something to be taken lightly. Your Sphynx will be saddled with the name you give it for many years to come, so it's a good idea to give plenty of thought and consideration to the name you choose. 

If you would like some unique Sphynx cat kitten names suggestions to help you get started, our Cat Names guide is an excellent resource. Click here to view our Sphynx cat names guide.

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