Pictured: Best of Breed GC, BW, NW WHITEWEB QT PATOOTIE OF PRETTY BALD, Calico Sphynx Female
Photo: © Jim Child
We might think that such a de-furred cat must not be a cat in some significant way. As so often happens in life, first impressions can be wrong. While the Sphynx is not what we expect a cat to look like, they are delightful clowns who prove that it is personality which counts.
And they do have fur. It can more of a “peach fuzz,” or the texture is described as that of chamois leather, depending on the individual cat. Their whiskers can be full, scant, or entirely absent. While the genetic history does trace back to Canada, there have been reports of different kinds of hairless cats in other areas around the world, indicating that this gene lurks in all cats, waiting for the right combination for it to pop up. This theory is supported by the fact that Sphynxes can be any color or pattern seen in other cats, reflected in their skin colors rather than more obvious fur.
While Sphynxes have the reputation of being hypoallergenic cats, it’s not the fur which triggers most people’s allergies, it’s the dander, which all cats have to varying degrees. Allergy sufferers might want to expose themselves to a Sphynx cat to see if their allergy would be triggered this way. Sphynxes also need a weekly bath to care for their skin properly; this alone can help allergic humans.
But while their looks may be exotic, their fun-loving ways and affectionate nature have won many hearts. Since they don’t have the insulating properties of fur to fall back on, they can be prone to sunburn and chills. But this is rarely a problem, because a Sphynx loves to cuddle with their person, or under a blanket with them. Part of their charm is their outgoing, curious mind which shrugs off the outside world’s misunderstandings. They are Alphas who find people to be the most interesting object in their home.
A well-bred Sphynx will be free of genetic problems, despite their unusual appearance. Good breeding programs have created a sturdy cat with a wedge-shaped head, large ears, and a natural “pot belly,” especially after a meal. Anatomical features of other cats which are hidden under their fur are on proud display with a Sphynx.
If all there was to a Sphynx was an unusual appearance and possible help for allergy sufferers, this cat breed might not have become so popular. But Sphynx fans like to point out the loving devotion, love of cuddling, and love of getting themselves into funny situations, (both accidentally and on purpose,) that they enjoy by having a Sphynx.
So we shouldn’t view a Sphynx by noting what they are missing. We should regard them as looking just a little funny, and remembering their personality is more than a little funny; and that both their people, and themselves, wouldn’t have it any other way.
If you are intrigued, find an ethical breeder, check out this Petfinder link, or visit the different Sphynx rescue organizations.
Looking for a Sphynx in a shelter? They are rare cats. But easily identifiable. Mixes will have varying levels of fur, depending on how the mix occurred.
Looking for a hypoallergenic cat? See my post on Cats and the Allergic Human.
Love certain breeds?
There’s more about getting the cat you dream of at The Way of Cats than the article you are reading now. See MORE ABOUT CAT BREEDS.
The Sphynx is one of my holy grail breeds, one I would love to own. I find them absolutely charming to look at, and everything I have heard and read about them makes me think that I would get along with one really well.
People complain that they are ugly, but I just don’t understand. How can you not adore something that is so delightfully bizarre? They are like little gremlins or goblins. Adorable!
It’s tough when we have our heart set on a particular breed, but you keep sending those open heart wishes out there, Naamah. I hope one day that special Sphynx turns up, needing your home.
Naamah, I remember seeing pictures of Sphynxes when I was a kid and I thought they were scary! But what does a little kid know? That’s what all cats look like under their fur and I can even feel the wrinkles on some of our cats. Nowadays I think they’re adorable and would love to be free of cleaning up cat hair!
If only I could make sure that everyone who wanted a Sphynx got one, because they really are incredible companions and smart little people.
Like babies, the positives outweigh the negatives when you own one (or as mostly happens you own 2 or 3 or 4…) because there are the requirements for grooming at least weekly, and the need for premuim cat food or you are going to have a nasty litter box…. and the farts, well you haven’t smelled till you have smelled some Sphynx love gas (lol!)
I hope you all find your Sphynxes soon
Allison Reynolds´s last blog ..Sphynx Cat Holiday Part Two
Has anyone with allergies to cats bought a sphynx? If so how are your allergis since owning one?
Yes they are special creatures indeed!
Sphynx Cat Forum
hello has anyone had any experiences, with getting a sphynx cat or kitten from a rescue?
Your description is so very accurate.
Our Sphynx, Kitsy, is classic. He’s a total clown and announces every move he makes at the top of his lungs and he’s furious head bonker. He will also ham it up for the camera. His brother-by-another-mother is a smoky tabby named Tito and he’s a total sweetheart, the phobic about shoes. He’s never been kicked or stepped on. We adopted him from the shelter as a kitten. They inspired the name of our blog. 
For anyone, do check on the pure bred rescues. In our area, a lot of the catteries have been hit very hard by the recession. A lot of pets are victims of foreclosures and whatnot. Rescue groups do a wonderful job for these creatures.