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Canada•mutation
Sphynx
moderateHypoallergenicApartment FriendlyGood with KidsGood with Pets
Affectionate, energetic, and attention-loving. Sphynx cats are hairless wonders known for their warmth and social nature.
Weight2.5-5.5 kg5.5-12 lbs
Height20-25 cm8-10"
Lifespan8-14 yrs
Overview
Personality and care at a glance
AffectionateEnergeticSocialCuriousMischievous
Height
20-25 cm8-10"
Weight
2.5-5.5 kg5.5-12 lbs
Lifespan
8-14 yrs
Breed Traits
Size
Medium - Size category based on typical adult weight
Energy Level
Active - needs regular exercise and mental stimulation
Trainability
Eager to please - loves learning and responds well to training
Grooming
High maintenance - daily brushing
Vocalization
Meows when needed
Attachment Style
How much this breed typically wants to be near their people versus enjoying time on their own.
IndependentHighly Dependent
Strongly bonds with family
Size Comparison
🧍
Human~6ft / 183cm🐱
Sphynx20-25 cm8-10"Compatibility
How well Sphynx matches your lifestyle
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Your Match Score
Take our 2-minute lifestyle quiz to see how well Sphynx matches your lifestyle.
Good Fit
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Things to Consider
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Colors & patterns
Sphynx comes in 5 recognized colors
Black
White
Cream
Blue
Black and White
Bicolor
Black·White
Exercise
Activity requirements for Sphynx
high energy60-90 min/day
The Sphynx is energetic and requires substantial daily exercise. Plan for dedicated activity time to prevent behavioral issues from pent-up energy.
High - very active and playful
Recommended Activities
Moderate intensity
Long Walks/Hikes
Extended walks or hiking adventures to burn energy.
45-60 min
Moderate intensity
Swimming
Low-impact but excellent full-body workout.
20-30 min
High intensity
Running/Jogging
Running alongside you for cardiovascular exercise.
20-30 min
High intensity
Active Play Sessions
High-energy games like fetch, frisbee, or tug-of-war.
20-30 min
High intensity
cat Sports
Agility, flyball, or other organized activities.
30-45 min
Grooming
Coat care and maintenance for Sphynx
High Maintenancehairless coat
Sphynxs require significant grooming commitment. Daily maintenance prevents matting and keeps their coat healthy and beautiful.
Daily Brushing
Daily brushing is essential to prevent painful matting and tangles. Use appropriate brushes for the coat type.
Daily
Regular Bathing
Bathe every 2-4 weeks with quality products. Proper drying is crucial to prevent skin issues.
Every 2-4 weeks
Professional Grooming
Regular professional grooming every 4-6 weeks for thorough coat maintenance. Trimming needs vary by breed.
Every 4-6 weeks
Mat Prevention
Pay special attention to areas prone to matting: behind ears, under legs, and around the collar.
Daily check
Ear Cleaning
Check and clean ears weekly to prevent infections, especially in breeds with heavy ear furnishings.
Weekly
Nail Trimming
Keep nails trimmed to a comfortable length. Long nails can cause pain and affect gait.
Every 2-3 weeks
Training
Training approach for Sphynx
Eager to Please
The Sphynx is highly trainable and eager to please. They pick up commands quickly and thrive on positive reinforcement.
Best Approach
Use positive reinforcement consistently. These cats are motivated by praise, treats, and play. Keep sessions engaging and varied to prevent boredom.
Training Tips
Essential
Positive Reinforcement
Reward good behavior immediately with treats, praise, or play. This breed responds exceptionally well to rewards.
Essential
Start Early
Begin training as soon as you bring them home. Their eagerness makes early kittenhood an ideal training window.
Recommended
Teach Varied Commands
Take advantage of their trainability by teaching a wide range of commands and tricks.
Advanced
Consider Advanced Training
This breed excels in obedience, agility, and other cat sports. Challenge them with advanced skills.
Nutrition
Feeding guidelines for Sphynx
Medium Breed2 meals$27-55/month
Medium-sized breeds typically do well on twice-daily feeding with a balanced, high-quality diet appropriate for their age and activity level.
Feeding Tips
Balanced Nutrition
Choose a complete and balanced food appropriate for their life stage (kitten, adult, senior).
Adjust for Activity
Active cats need more calories; less active cats need fewer. Adjust portions accordingly.
Quality Protein Source
Look for foods with named meat sources as the first ingredient for optimal nutrition.
Consistent Schedule
Feed at the same times each day to support digestive health and training routines.
Health
Common health conditions to watch for in Sphynx
2
High Risk
2
Common Issues
Understanding breed-specific health risks helps you provide better preventive care. Regular vet checkups and health screenings can catch many issues early.
High Risk Conditions
Common Issues
This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult with your veterinarian about your pet's specific health needs.
Ownership costs
Estimated expenses for Sphynx
Monthly costs
Food
$27-55
Insurance
$19-50
Supplies
$10-20
Grooming
$11-22
Litter
$20-30
Monthly total
$87-177
Annual costs
Veterinary care
$144-432/yr
Annual total
$144-432/yr
Estimates based on 2024-2025 research, adjusted for Sphynx's size. Actual costs vary by location and provider.
Regional insights
Local factors affecting pet ownership costs in United States
- •Pet industry expenditure reached $152B in 2024, projected $157B for 2025
- •66% of households own pets (86.9 million homes)
- •Pet CPI continues to outpace general inflation
What's not included
- •Initial adoption/purchase fees
- •One-time equipment purchases (beds, bowls, leashes)
- •Emergency veterinary surgeries
- •Boarding/daycare services
Sources
2 references for Sphynx
Cat Fanciers' Association Breed Information
Registry·Cat Fanciers' Association
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in Cats
Veterinary·Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
Information sourced from breed registries, veterinary organizations, and peer-reviewed research