Are you considering getting a Sphynx cat as a pet? Look no further, as we have gathered expert insights from Brooke Arnold, the co-owner of the popular cat site Catington Post and proud pet parent to four Sphynx cats. In this article, we will explore the question on everyone’s mind: is a Sphynx cat a good pet?
Brooke Arnold shares her personal experience with Sphynx cats and highlights their unique characteristics, from their affectionate nature to their naughty and curious personalities. We will also address common concerns such as health problems and whether or not Sphynx cats need to wear clothes. Stay tuned to learn all about the Sphynx cat breed and if they make good pets.
Key Takeaways
- Sphynx cats are a unique breed known for their affectionate and curious personalities.
- Health problems and clothing are common concerns for potential Sphynx
cat owners . - Expert insights from Brooke Arnold provide valuable information for those considering a Sphynx cat as a pet.
RELATED: Unlocking Feline Anatomy: Do Cats Have Eyelashes?
Before we dive into the bald babes, I want to take a moment to provide a public service announcement about Brooke. Not only is she a Content Creator, she is also a Pet Photographer. I know first hand she is extremely good at both!
Brooke provided my commercial images for the Kritter Kommunity Pet Lodge. Her baby kittens (okay adult cats) were the wonderful models too. I highly recommend Brooke for any and all of your pet photography needs.
What Is Special About Sphynx Cats?
Sphynx cats are a unique breed of cat known for their hairless appearance, wrinkly skin, and lack of fur. They are a medium-sized cat breed that can weigh between 6-12 pounds and stand 8-10 inches tall. Sphynx cats are a result of a genetic mutation that occurred in Canada in the 1960s. They were first bred in the 1970s and have since become a popular cat breed.
Appearance
Sphynx cats are known for their hairless appearance, but they do have a fine layer of hair that can be seen and felt. They come in a variety of colors and patterns, including solid colors, tabby, tortoiseshell, and calico. Their eyes can be different colors, and they have distinctive large ears and whiskers.
Hypoallergenic
Contrary to popular belief, Sphynx cats are not completely hypoallergenic. They still produce some allergens, but they have less fur to shed, which can make them a better option for people with allergies.
Ears
Sphynx cats have large, wide-set ears that give them a distinctive appearance. They are prone to earwax buildup, so regular cleaning is necessary.
Heart Disease
Sphynx cats are prone to Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), a genetic heart disease that affects many cat breeds. Breeders can now test for the gene responsible for HCM in Sphynx cats and remove positive cats from their breeding programs.
Shedding
Sphynx cats do not shed much because they have little to no fur. However, they still produce some oil, so regular bathing and cleaning is necessary to keep them clean and healthy.
Size
Sphynx cats are a medium-sized cat breed, weighing between 6-12 pounds and standing 8-10 inches tall.
Origin and History
Sphynx cats are a Canadian breed that originated in the 1960s. They were first bred in the 1970s and have since become a popular cat breed.
Genetic Mutation
Sphynx cats are a result of a genetic mutation that occurred in Canada in the 1960s. The mutation causes the cats to have little to no fur.
Pigment
Sphynx cats have a unique pigment that gives them their distinctive color. The pigment is found in the skin and is responsible for the cats’ color.
Whiskers
Sphynx cats have distinctive long whiskers that are curly and wiry. They play an important role in the cats’ sense of touch and balance.
Length
Sphynx cats are a medium-sized cat breed, standing 8-10 inches tall.
Sphynx Kittens
Sphynx kittens are born with a fine layer of hair that falls out as they grow older. They are playful and curious, and they require regular grooming to keep them healthy.
Canadian Hairless
Sphynx cats are also known as Canadian Hairless cats because of their Canadian origin and hairless appearance.
Coat Length
Sphynx cats have little to no fur, which makes them a unique and distinctive breed.
Eye Color
Sphynx cats can have different eye colors, including blue, green, and gold.
Wrinkly Skin
Sphynx cats have wrinkly skin that gives them a unique appearance. The wrinkles are more prominent around their neck and legs.
Different Colors and Patterns
Sphynx cats come in a variety of colors and patterns, including solid colors, tabby, tortoiseshell, and calico.
Canadian Sphynx
Canadian Sphynx cats are a variation of the Sphynx cat breed that has a fuller coat of hair. They are also known as the Devon Rex breed of cat.
In conclusion, Sphynx cats are a unique and distinctive breed of cat known for their hairless appearance, wrinkly skin, and distinctive features. They are a medium-sized cat breed that can weigh between 6-12 pounds and stand 8-10 inches tall. Sphynx cats are a result of a genetic mutation that occurred in Canada in the 1960s and have since become a popular cat breed.
Concluding Purrs and FAQ
As a Sphynx cat owner, you may have some common questions about your feline friend. Here are some frequently asked questions and their summary answers:
| FAQ | Summary Answer |
|---|---|
| What is the best way to keep a Sphynx cat warm? | Sphynx cats are susceptible to cold temperatures, so it’s important to keep them warm with blankets, heated beds, and clothing. |
| How often should I bathe my Sphynx cat? | Sphynx cats have no fur to absorb oils, so they need to be bathed regularly, about once a week. |
| Do Sphynx cats get along with other pets? | Sphynx cats are generally social and can get along with other pets, but it depends on the individual cat’s personality. |
| Are Sphynx cats hypoallergenic? | Sphynx cats produce less dander than other cats, but they are not completely hypoallergenic. |
Remember, every cat is unique and may not fit the general qualities of their breed. It’s important to get to know your Sphynx cat and their individual needs. Happy purring!
Is The Sphynx Cat Breed A Good Pet
If you’re looking for an affectionate, intelligent and playful family pet, the Sphynx cat breed may be a great choice. They are friendly, sociable, and loyal companions that get along well with other pets and children. However, keep in mind that they require a bit more attention and care than other breeds due to their need for body temperature regulation. Providing them with toys, scratching posts, and a cat tree can help satisfy their energetic and playful nature. They are also known to be vocal, so be prepared for some meows!
Do Sphynx Cats Have Health Problems?
Sphynx cats are generally healthy, but they are highly affected by Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), a heart disease that has a genetic component. Other than that, they have a high metabolism, big appetite, and require a nutritious diet. Here are some health-related things you should keep in mind if you own a Sphynx cat:
- Regular exercise is essential to keep them healthy.
- Sphynx cats are prone to periodontal disease, so regular dental checkups are necessary.
- Their nails grow quickly, so you need to trim them regularly.
- Sphynx cats are prone to sunburn, so you should protect their skin from the sun.
- They have a tendency to scratch, so provide them with a scratching post.
- Sphynx cats can have allergies, so be careful with their food and grooming products.
Overall, Sphynx cats are healthy, but it’s important to keep an eye on their heart health and provide them with proper nutrition and care.
Do All Sphynx Wear Clothes?
Not all Sphynx cats wear clothes. While some hairless cats may require garments to stay warm, others are fine without a coat and prefer it off. It is best to start a Sphynx kitten out wearing clothes so that their skin gets used to the clothes being on, and they will grow accustomed to a loose hanging shirt.
If you are interested in learning more about Sphynx cats, here are some other blog posts you might love to read:
Here is the exact interview, enjoy!
ME: When did you first become a hairless cat owner and what made you adopt this breed?
BROOKE: You’d be surprised to learn that I was a dog person before I got my first hairless cat. So when my beloved heart dog Virgil was in the emergency room back in 2008 after being attacked by another dog, they had cats that lived in the clinic. He was there for a couple of weeks, so I would go visit with him every day and noticed he had a certain affinity for these office cats. I told him if he survived and got to come home, I’d get him a kitty friend. Well, he did get to come home. And the cat that I found for him was a 5-year-old Sphynx boy named Harold. Virgil sadly passed away a few months later, and Harold would forever change me. He was the first of a long line of sphynx cats that would grace my life. I can’t imagine not having one (or four) in my life now. People often call them a cross between a cat, dog, monkey, and baby. They are a very interesting cat. Hairless cats are naughty, smart, hilarious, snuggly, sweet, outgoing, and curious. Sphynx cats and Sphynx kittens are a very affectionate cat breed!
What Is Special About Sphynx Cats?
They are naughty, smart, hilarious, snuggly, sweet, outgoing, and curious.
ME: How old are your Sphynx cats and what are their names?
BROOKE: I have had 9 Sphynx cats over the years. Right now I have 4 Sphynx cats. Walter is 15, Baldar and Olivia are 12, and Norman just turned 10.
RELEVANT: Do Sphynx Cats Meow?
ME: What is most challenging about having this cat breed?
RELATED: Everything You Need to Know About Calico Cats
BROOKE: Sphynx cats are generally extremely robust and healthy, just like their furry counterparts – with one major exception. Heart disease. Like a few other breeds (Maine Coons, Ragdolls, and others) Sphynx cats are highly affected by Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), which has a genetic component. Of the 9 sphynx cats I’ve had, 4 of them had it. Recently, one of the genes that is responsible for 60% of the cases of HCM in sphynx cats was identified and a genetic test was created, so breeders can test for it and remove positive cats from their breeding programs. Hopefully, this will start to reduce some of the prevalence of the disease in our beloved cats. For years, I (and so many sphynx owners and breeders) send blood donations for research. When my cat Nelson died of HCM, I had a tissue sample of his heart sent for research, too.
RELEVANT: Why Do Cats Purr? What Is It A Sign Of?
ME: Do your cats wear Sphynx cat clothes? Those adorable little outfits are so cute, do they share each other’s shirts and sweaters?
BROOKE: Most of my Sphynx don’t wear clothes. They will wear them, but they prefer to just cuddle under a blanket. However, Walter, the 15-year-old is a skinny old man who needs to wear clothes now to stay warm. The funny thing is, he always hated clothes when he was younger, but now he loves them!
ME: Do they get along with each other?
BROOKE: For the most part, yes. They love to cuddle. But just like any other kitties, they have a hierarchy and will smack each other from time to time. The difference is, when they slap each other, it sounds really funny! But they are a feline friend to me and to each other for the most part.
RELEVANT: Do Sphynx Cats Meow?
ME: I read in a forum that gunk gets in between their toes. Have you found this to be so and if yes how do you clean them?
BROOKE: Only one of mine gets gunk between his toes! I clean it out with cat wipes. You just extend the nail, peel back the extra skin and swipe the gunk out. And then clean the gunk off the nail while you’re at it. He hates it, but he deals with it. These cats are so easygoing.
Each cat is different in the amount of oil they produce, how dirty they get, and how often they need to be cleaned. This is really due to genetics, environment, and diet. Some people think you need to bathe sphynx cats every week, but this is simply not true. If you bathe them every week, you’ll wash away their natural oils and they, in turn, produce extra oil and will get dirtier between baths. My cat Olivia hasn’t had a bath in years and she’s as clean as can be. I usually only bathe them 3-4 times a year. Baldar, however, is a pig pen. He is also the one with the toe gunk.
ME: Do you have other cats too or just sphynx?
BROOKE: I only have Sphynx cats but I love furry cats, too. I also have a gray-banded kingsnake named Cadbury.
ME: Wow Brooke, you have been a wealth of hairless cat information! Thank you and I will be seeing you again over at Catington Post!
Concluding Purrs
This concludes our interview with Brooke. I hope you enjoyed reading about her adventures with the baldies and all her excellent, expert information. She really touched on a few FAQ that I see in Sphynx cat forums, so enjoy the professional tips!
It should be noted that just because a breed of cat has general qualities, not all cats are going to cooperate. Just like people and other animals, each cat is different and cannot be put in a box. Well, cats love boxes, but not the kind that are restraining! Just because a breed of cat tends to have certain qualities, not all cats necessarily do or will.
RELEVANT: What Is The Life Cycle Of A Cat?
Other Sphynx blog posts you might love to read:
“Sphynx Cat Clothes That Match Color Of The Year 2023”
“8 Unique Gifts For Sphynx Cat Lovers On Etsy”
“Are Sphynx Cat Butts Sticky?”
“What Types Of Health Problems Do Sphynx Cats Have?”
“A Purr To Remember: Do Sphynx Cats Meow?”
For information about a sphynx cat’s skin, this blog post: How To Treat A Sphynx Cat With Dry Skin
OTHER CAT BREEDS YOU MIGHT LOVE TO READ ABOUT: Do Main Coon Cats Get Along With Dogs?
Why Is Kritter Kommunity Your Trusted Pet Partner?
Lisa Illman is the Founder of Kritter Kommunity, LLC. Not only does she have one tuxedo male adult cat currently, she has had him since he was a baby kitten; so she knows well the kitten lifecycle, the teenage cat lifecycle and the adult cat lifecycle (he is currently 11 years old). Prior to her cat Finnegan, Lisa had two FIV positive cats for over a decade. Lisa’s love for animals her entire life (she also had a poodle and parakeet growing up plus was a caretaker for her roommate’s 3 pets during college) and networking with the pet community for over a decade, enable her to find top content for her readers.
Brooke Arnold is currently a pet parent to 4 Sphynx cats. Brooke has enjoyed a total of 9 hairless kitties her entire life. Brooke is a cat lover and also the owner of a popular blog, The Catington Post. Brooke is a professional pet photographer and content writer for pet related topics. Brooke considers herself to be an over the top, but very sane cat lady!
