Profile
Despite appearances, the Sphynx isn't fully hairless — it has a fine down that gives a warm, suede-like feel to the touch. Extremely sociable, it constantly seeks human contact.
Feeding
- Faster metabolism than average (no coat means more calories burned for thermoregulation)
- Slightly larger portions than a coated cat
Grooming & care
- Weekly bathing required: without fur to absorb sebum, skin gets oily quickly — too infrequent and blackheads/odor build up, too frequent and the skin dries out and gets irritated
- Sun protection if exposed (sensitive to sunburn, even through a window)
- Must stay indoors, sensitive to cold — a sweater is often a real necessity in winter, not just a fashion choice
- More frequent ear cleaning (sebum builds up there too, just like on the skin)
Like the Maine Coon, the Sphynx is among the breeds with an increased risk of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) — regular cardiac screening with a vet is recommended, especially from adulthood onward.
Daily life
Strictly indoor cat. Very affectionate, doesn't handle prolonged solitude well — not ideal if you're away for long stretches regularly.