Sphynx cat with big blue eyes

Sphynx Cat Insurance, Care and Health Advice

Exotic, alluring and full of personality, the Sphynx Cat is proof that you don’t have to be fluffy to have the wow factor. There’s no getting away from it; a cat without a coat is always going to grab people’s attention. But beyond the striking appearance, there are lots of other things that make this a very special feline.

One of the best things about the Sphynx is their vocal side. Whether they’re playing, annoyed, hungry or just in the mood for a chat, they’ll let you know about it through a series of miaows! Inquisitive, affectionate and never afraid to speak their mind, a Sphynx could be the purr-fect new member of your family.

Sphynx Cat Facts

Cat breed type icon
Type
Domestic
Cat breed lifespan icon
Lifespan
8 - 14 years
Cat breed size icon
Size
Medium
Cat breed weight icon
Weight
3 - 5 kg
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Height
20 - 25 cm
Cat breed temperament icon
Temperament
Intelligent, curious, sociable
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Exercise
30 mins per day
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Grooming
High maintenance

Is a Sphynx Cat Right for Me?

First off, if you or someone in your home is constantly turning the heating controls down, then this probably isn’t the cat for you. For obvious reasons, the Sphynx appreciates a warm home; ideally around 21°C.

The Sphynx is perfect for anyone looking for a loyal, affectionate little housemate. If you like the idea of being followed from room to room - and are happy to have someone occupying your lap all evening, then you and your Sphynx will be a perfect match.

A Sphynx cat

What Are Sphynx Kittens Like?

Sphynx Kittens should quickly settle into their new home if they have been well-socialised before re-homing. Most are rehomed when they are around 14 weeks old. If rehomed earlier, the kittens may be more susceptible to respiratory infections if there is a change in temperature and humidity to the home they have been used to.  So, keep them warm, gently get them used to having regular baths, give them lots of playtime and you’ll be rewarded with a happy, affectionate, confident cat.

Sphynx walking on a bath tub

Life with a Sphynx

Their playful side means that a Sphynx can make a great addition to the household where there are children around; although, especially with smaller children, it’s important to teach them  to respect the cat’s private space.

And while Sphynx Cats love to live in the lap of, well your lap, that bond can come with a downside. Sphynx can get distressed (and sometimes destructive) when left alone for long periods. They’re ideally suited for homes where there’s usually someone around - or when there’s another cat present.

Caring for Your Sphynx

Sphnyx Cats can have sensitive tummies. Ask your breeder which cat food they used and continue to use this brand. If you want to change their diet, do so gradually to avoid any tummy upsets. Being an energetic breed with a high metabolism, the Sphynx might need a bit more food than the average cat. To keep any hunger pangs at bay, provide a high calorie food. If unsure what to buy, ask your vet to recommend a cat food that will fit their nutritional requirements.

Like most other cats, a Sphynx will spend a lot of time self-grooming. The trouble is a lack of fur means there isn’t anything to absorb all of that oil from their saliva. So, a Sphynx usually needs a bath once a week. They don’t always like this idea - but positive reinforcement from kittenhood can help make bathing less stressful.

Between baths, you should check the folds and wrinkles in their skin every couple of days. Clean away any build-up of dirt or grease with a slightly damp cloth to prevent infection.

The Sphynx has little or no hair in those big pointy ears. The ear canals can sometimes be a magnet for debris, so they need to be inspected and cleaned once a week (very carefully, to prevent pushing dirt in further). Nails should be inspected regularly, too; the best time to trim them is generally straight after a bath.

Sphynx Cats and the great outdoors do not mix. They can easily get sunburned and also suffer the effects of cold a lot quicker than other breeds - so this is definitely an indoors cat.

But these are clever, curious cats - and they like to be kept busy in their indoor homes. This means lots of puzzle and fetch games and plenty of one-on-one interaction.

Sphynx Cat Insurance

Making sure your Sphynx is well cared for is part and parcel of cat ownership, and with that comes thinking about Sphynx cat insurance. Cat insurance can help keep kitty happy and healthy and your pocket free of expensive vet bills.

With Everypaw’s Cat Insurance there’s a range of Lifetime cover to choose from ranging up to £10,000. And our top two levels of Lifetime Insurance are 5 Star Defaqto Rated. All our policies also come with additional features like 24/7 access to a vet team and policy management via our Pet Portal.

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Common Sphynx Cat Health Problems by Vetstream

While generally healthy and robust, there are a few breed-specific health problems that Sphynx Cats can be susceptible to. Veterinary experts Vetstream have put together the following list of common conditions Sphynx Cats are known to suffer from.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a serious heart disease that causes thickening (hypertrophy) of the heart muscle. The condition is inherited in many cat breeds and the Sphynx breed has a high risk of HCM. In those affected, heart failure, thromboembolism or sudden death can result, even in cats that don’t show any outward signs of disease. Echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart) is used to diagnose the condition. Breeding cats should be screened for the condition.

Hereditary Myopathy is an inherited condition, also known as Congenital Myotonia Syndrome (CMS) or spasticity, is similar to the muscle disease that affects the Devon Rex breed. Affected Sphynx cats will have generalised muscle weakness and may be unable to raise their head. They can have problems swallowing food which can lead to choking. As it is caused by a gene mutation, there is no cure, but a genetic test is available to determine which cats carry the gene (and so should not be bred from).

Sphynx Cats, like all hairless cats, are prone to sun damage AKA Solar Dermatitis, so it’s best to keep these cats out of the sun. Too much sun can lead to skin cancer over time. If your cat likes being outdoors, limit their time outside and avoid the sunniest time of the day. A pet-safe suntan cream can be used but make sure it is non-toxic as cats usually like to lick the cream off.

Sphynx Kittens may be more vulnerable to respiratory issues due to their lack of hair. Spotting snuffles or breathing problems early and getting any necessary treatment will help prevent any respiratory issues from becoming worse.

Quick Sphynx Q&A

Sphynx cats are relatively healthy, but owners should be aware of the health issues that can affect the breed. Sphynx kittens are susceptible to respiratory issues and the breed is prone to conditions such as Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, Hereditary Myopathy and Sunburn!

No! Lacking fur doesn’t mean that these cats are hypoallergenic. The protein Fel d1 that causes allergies is still produced in their saliva and the dander that contains dead skin cells and saliva will still be on their skin. However, it has been reported that some allergy sufferers can tolerate these cats better than other cats with fur.

If you’re wondering what’s it like to pet a hairless cat, then it just feels like touching a warm peach or chamois leather. Sphynx Cats aren’t actually completely hairless but have a downy covering. Their skin can appear wrinkled and somewhat greasy (as the oil their skin produces accumulates on their skin).

The average Sphynx cat's lifespan is typically between 8 to 14 years, though with proper care, some can live even longer. Regular veterinary checkups, a healthy diet, and maintaining their unique skin care needs contribute to their longevity.

Sphynx cats are friendly, social, and affectionate. They love attention, enjoy playtime, and often seek close companionship with their owners.

That’s All You Need to Know About the Sphynx

Sphynx Cats have big personalities, they love attention and will want to be your constant companion. They’re suited to being in families with children and other pets. If everyone is out at work or school during the day, they’ll enjoy having another pet as a companion as they don’t like being left alone for too long. Some people may be a bit wary of their unusual, hairless look but don’t worry, they’ll soon win you over.

Content provided from Vetstream's Vetlexicon Felis.

Vetlexicon is the world’s largest peer-reviewed online clinical reference source. All our content is written and peer-reviewed by over 1,000 of the world’s leading veterinarians, ensuring relevance, accuracy and quality.

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