The Ultimate Sphynx Cat Guide

What Is a Sphynx Cat?

The Sphynx cat is one of the most unique and instantly recognizable breeds in the feline world, not because of its color or markings, but because of what it lacks: fur. Despite their hairless appearance, Sphynx cats are anything but cold-hearted. They’re very affectionate, social, playful, and known for their dog-like loyalty. I litteraly call them dog cats.

The breed’s origin traces back to Toronto, Canada, in 1966, when a domestic cat gave birth to a hairless kitten due to a natural genetic mutation. This kitten, named Prune, became the foundation of the breed. Breeders began to selectively breed hairless cats by crossing them with normal-coated cats and then breeding the offspring back to other hairless cats, solidifying the genetic line. These early breeding programs involved not only Canadian cats but also hairless cats discovered in Minnesota and other parts of North America, helping to strengthen the breed’s genetic diversity.

With their large ears, wrinkled skin, and muscular bodies, Sphynx cats often look like little aliens or tiny ancient statues, but don’t be fooled by their exotic appearance. They are deeply affectionate lap cats that crave warmth, both physical and emotional.

Why Sphynx Cats Are Different from “Normal” Cats

Living with a Sphynx cat is quite different than living with a typical furry feline. One of the biggest difference is, yes… they’re always cold. Even if it’s the summer, if it’s about below 21 degree’s without a fur coat, Sphynx cats lose body heat much faster than other cats, which leads to a few very noticeable behaviors:

They Tremble Easily
In a room that feels fine to you, a Sphynx might be visibly shivering. That’s why they often seek out warm blankets, sun patches, or even your lap to stay cozy.
They Eat More Than You’d Expect
To help regulate their body temperature, Sphynx cats burn calories faster than most breeds. This results in a higher-than-average appetite, so they’ll often eat more than a furry cat of the same size.
They Drink A Lot of Water
Their high metabolism and active nature mean they tend to drink more water to stay hydrated. This in turn leads to more frequent litter box trips, which is something to keep in mind if you’re used to a cat that’s a way less “regular.”
They’re Cuddlers by Necessity
Warmth is everything. Sphynx cats are drawn to body heat, so they’ll snuggle into your clothes, burrow under blankets, or wrap themselves around your t-shirt. I like to think it’s 100% because they love me, but let’s be honest, they are looking for warmth too haha.

All of this makes the Sphynx cat experience highly interactive and a bit more maintenance-heavy than your average housecat. But for many, the unique bond they form with their humans is well worth it, I can guarantee you this. If your that type of person who love’s more a dog than a cat but doesn’t like all the attention a dog needs, a sphynx cat is the perfect option.

Common Health Considerations for Sphynx Cats

While Sphynx cats are generally healthy, they are prone to a few breed-specific health issues that owners should be aware of. Staying informed and proactive with care can go a long way in preventing complications.

1. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)

This is the most common heart disease in Sphynx cats, where the heart muscle thickens and can lead to heart failure if not managed. Unfortunately, it’s a genetic condition, so you can’t fully prevent it, but you can catch it early.

How to reduce the risk:

Adopt from breeders who screen for HCM
Schedule regular veterinary checkups
Consider an annual heart ultrasound if your cat is at risk

2. Skin Issues

Without fur, their skin is exposed and can be prone to rashes, fungal infections, and acne. If not bathed regularly, oil buildup can clog pores or cause irritation. Now, from my experience, bathing them once per week has really amplified the sebum of my sphynx cat, guessing that their auto immune system was lazy knowing that I was bathing them, so I stop doing it and guess what? The sebum reduce by like 80% and the rest my cat was remove it himself. So be aware of what really works for your cat.

How to prevent it:

Bathe with a gentle, cat-safe shampoo every 1–2 weeks
Avoid overbathing (can dry out the skin)
Keep their environment clean and dust-free
Use soft, clean bedding

3. Ear and Eye Hygiene

Sphynx cats have no fur to protect their ears, so wax builds up quickly. They also tend to get watery or goopy eyes, which need occasional wiping.

Care tips:

Clean ears weekly with a vet-approved solution
Use a soft cloth or cotton pad to wipe their eyes when needed
Never use Q-tips deep in the ears, that can cause damage. Wipe only what you can see in the beginning of the ear.

4. Respiratory Sensitivity

Though not all Sphynx cats are affected, their lack of fur means they’re more sensitive to cold and sudden temperature changes, which can sometimes lead to respiratory irritation.

Keep them healthy by:

Keeping your home warm
Avoiding drafts or fans blowing directly on them
Using soft clothing in cooler months (especially at night)

Staying on top of their health and hygiene may take a bit more effort than with a typical cat, but when you do, Sphynx cats can live long lives.

How to Keep Your Sphynx Cat Warm

Because Sphynx cats don’t have a fur coat, they rely heavily on their environment, (and mostly you), to stay warm and comfortable. If they’re too cold, they’ll tremble, seek out heat sources, or even get sick. Luckily, there are a few simple ways to help them stay cozy year-round.

1. Soft, Warm Cat Clothing

A well-fitting cat shirt or sweater can make a big difference, especially during colder months or in homes with air conditioning. Just make sure it’s:

Stretchy and breathable
Free of zippers or buttons they could chew on
Easy to remove if they get uncomfortable

👉 Check out these warm cat shirts that are perfect for Sphynx cats.

2. Heated Cat Beds and Blankets

Sphynx cats love heat, and not just during winter. Providing a heated cat bed or self-warming blanket gives them a safe, cozy place to nap throughout the day. My cats are ALWAYS in their bed with a heated blanket. I’ve mixed a big cozy round bed with a heated blanket in it, and they really, really like this.

👉 Take a look at these self-warming cat blanket
👉 This is the blanket my cats can’t live without

Pro tip: always buy the color BLACK. Because of the sebum everything turns brown (its easy to wash though)

Place these in their favorite nap zones, like by a window or on your bed, and watch them melt into comfort.

3. Keep Their Environment Cozy

Avoid cold tiles or drafty areas
Give them access to blankets, pillows, or fleece-lined hideouts
Let them cuddle up under the covers with you (they’ll do it anyway!)

Keeping your Sphynx warm isn’t just about comfort, it’s about keeping them healthy. With a few thoughtful products and setup changes, you’ll have a very happy (and toasty) little alien-cat. If you ever wonder where is your cat, think heat. You will find him easily then.

Litter Habits: Why Sphynx Cats Need a Clean Box Daily

So yeah, they go to the litter box a lot. Like, multiple times a day.

Because their bodies burn more energy to stay warm, they eat more… which means they pee and poop more, too. If you don’t stay on top of it, the litter box quickly becomes a swampy mess, and you’ll find yourself dumping the entire thing just to start fresh.

Pro Tip: If possible, scoop daily or do the litter every 1–2 days. Not only does it keep your home smelling clean, it also keeps your Sphynx happy and avoids the risk of accidents or litter box avoidance.

👉 My go-to litterbox: Stainless Litterbox
👉 Budget-friendly but solid option: Basic Litterbox

If you have more than 1 cat or intend to have more than 1 I highly suggest you have atleast 2 litterbox. My cats will often urine in one litterbox and poop in the other.

Cheap Litter vs. Quality Litter: Worth the Upgrade?

Not all cat litters are created equal, and when you’re cleaning this often, the type you use really matters. Cheaper litter may seem fine at first, but it often:

Turns to sludge with too much urine
Smells quickly
Tracks everywhere

Cheap Litter

In comparison, a higher-end litter (like clumping clay, natural crystal, or unscented silica) may cost more upfront but:

Lasts longer
Controls odor better
Clumps more effectively, making cleanup faster and less wasteful

Good Litter

Here’s a side-by-side of what I use:

👉 My go-to litter: Dreylser Ultra
👉 Budget-friendly but solid option: Tidy Cats Litter
👉 If you hate changing the litter, I’ve had decent results with Crystal Litter, no need to change it everyday. Simply change it completly every 2-3 weeks, but it’s a bit more pricy.

If you’re scooping every day anyway, trust me, investing in good litter pays off in time, smell, and less frustration.

Why Nutrition Matters for Sphynx Health

High metabolic rate and lack of fur = need for nutrient-dense, protein-rich meals read more
Taurine, omega fatty acids, and lean proteins support heart, skin, and muscle health read more
Grain-free, minimally processed food helps prevent digestive upset and obesity

Top-Rated Foods for Sphynx Cats

Here are some excellent food options backed by expert picks and owner feedback:

Smalls Fresh Ground Bird – Human-grade, meat-first, low-carb; customizable subscription read more
Stella & Chewy’s Freeze‑Dried Raw Dinner Morsels – 98% meat with organ-rich nutrition and added probiotics read more
Royal Canin Sphynx Adult Formula – Tailored specifically for the Sphynx breed with skin-nourishing fats and kibble shaped for their anatomy read more

Feeding & Diet Tips

Mix food types: combine kibble, wet, or freeze-dried to keep diet balanced and engaging.
Feed small, frequent meals to support their active metabolism. read more
Check labels for
- ≥40% protein (dry matter basis)
- Taurine & omega‑fatty acids
- No artificial fillers or excessive carbs. read more
Veterinarian check-ups regularly to catch early signs of HCM or obesity.

Final Take

For your Sphynx, skip the junk, for the main food, of course. Opt for high-protein, heart-supporting, minimally processed foods, whether premium kibbles or raw/freeze-dried blends, paired with regular vet check-ups. A healthy diet is a cornerstone of a long, vibrant life for your fur-less friend.

Yes of course just like us we eat junk sometimes, I do mix the food with low quality bags and give treats, pretty sure this isn’t going to kill them instantly. We love our pizza so why couldn’t they have one time to time right? Try to find the perfect balance between healthy food and your wallet. If there’s a very good deal on a cheaper food, instead of buying two healthy bag, buy one of each and mix them up!

That being said, I really wish you the best if you intend to buy a sphynx cat, you will not regret it. I have to warn you though, you might be addicted to them after. They are truly unique!

affiliate disclosure: i may earn a small commission if you purchase through links in this post, at no extra cost to you.