Sphynx Cat Insurance | Cat Breed Guide

Sphynx cat breed

Notorious for its lack of fur, the Sphynx cat is a unique breed that is intelligent and loyal. Find out about the Sphynx cat temperament, diet, exercise and more.

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Sphynx cat breed information and advice

Despite its name and resemblance to the cats of ancient Egypt, the Sphynx cat breed was developed in the 1960s in Canada. A kitten called Prune was born in Ontario with a natural genetic mutation for hairlessness and through selective breeding, the Sphynx breed was created.

Bred specifically to be hairless, this furless feline might not appeal to everyone. But their happy and sociable personality will soon win you round. Sphynx cats love company but can be high maintenance, so they will need a family that can devote the time that they need. With no protective fur coat to keep them warm, Sphynx cats are ideally suited to being kept indoors.

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Sphynx facts
Lifespan	8 – 14 years
How much	£250 – £1700
Size	20 – 25 cm
Weight	3 – 4 kg (female); 4 – 5 kg (male)
Colours	Colour is determined by their skin, including white, black, chocolate lilac, red
Grooming	Weekly baths
Temperament	Intelligent, curious and affectionate
Exercise	Low – around 15 – 30 minutes a day

Insurance for your Sphynx cat

While your Sphynx may be an indoor cat, accidents and illnesses can still happen. That’s why it’s important to protect them with cat insurance. This will help with the cost of any unexpected illnesses, accidents or necessary treatment.

With cat insurance, new conditions, veterinary treatment, medication, prescribed treatment or surgery will be covered.

Common health problems that can affect Sphynx cats include:

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
Hereditary myopathy
Solar dermatitis

Sphynx cats are relatively healthy and can expect to live long, healthy lives if their basic needs are met.

Sainsbury’s Pet insurance

Protect your sweet Sphynx with Sainsbury’s Pet insurance. We’ll cover your cat for accidents, illnesses, straying, pet theft and more. You’ll also get access to vet nurses 24/7. If you have a family of felines or precious pups, take out multi-pet insurance and get a discount.

Choose from our flexible pet insurance options, including:

Time limited – covers vet bills for short-term health conditions of up to £3,000.
Maximum benefit – covers your feline for accidents, illnesses and conditions up to £3,000 or £6,000.
Lifetime – covers your Sphynx cat for total vet costs of up to £10,000 a year and any ongoing issues throughout their lifetime.

You can take out kitten insurance with Sainsbury’s Money if your Sphynx cat is over eight weeks old. Please note that we won't cover any pre-existing conditions and that terms, conditions, excesses, exclusions and limitations apply.

How to care for a Sphynx cat

Being hairless, the Sphynx will feel the heat or cold more than other cat breeds. The lack of coat means they’re prone to sunburn so any time spent outdoors should be monitored.

Diet can affect your Sphynx cat’s skin too, so it’s important to provide them with the right level of nutrients and a balanced diet to keep them healthy.

Feeding and nutrition

The Sphynx cat has a high metabolism and is an energetic breed, so they might need a bit more food than the average cat. You may find that it’s always hungry so make sure you provide food that is high in calories and protein and low in carbohydrates . Ask your breeder which cat food they use and continue to use the same brand.

Sphynx cats can have sensitive tummies, so if you want to change their diet, this should be done gradually. You can ask your vet to recommend a cat food specifically designed to meet the nutritional requirements for this breed.

Grooming

Sphynx cats may seem low maintenance because of their lack of fur, but it’s actually the opposite. They have a downy covering, and their skin has the texture of a peach or chamois leather. While Sphynx cats don’t have hair to groom, they will need their skin wiped with a damp cloth once a week. They’ll also need a regular bath to remove the body oils that are normally absorbed by hair.

Don’t forget about their ears! Sphynx cats’ lack of hair also means their ear canals can collect dirt more easily. Make sure that their ears, skin folds, and nails are cleaned every week.

Exercise

Sphynxes are very active and energetic. They’re always on the go so their exercise needs are low. These athletic cats like to jump, so it’s handy to provide them with perch or cat tree to keep their bodies moving.

Sphynx cats thrive on human company. They’ll love to play and get involved with whatever you’re doing. Puzzle games, laser pointers and other cat toys can help you both to bond.

Training

Sphynx cats are intelligent and curious. They’re also incredibly fast learners, so they’re relatively easy to train. That means toilet or litter training will be picked up quickly. Positive reinforcement works wonders for Sphynxes. They’ll perform tricks, play fetch and even walk on a lead.

Puzzle games and independent toys can keep your Sphynx cat stimulated. But they also love human interaction. Don’t forget to devote some time to playing with your cat and giving them a cuddle every now and then. A bored Sphynx cat can quickly become naughty – watch out for clawing and climbing!

Temperament and behaviour

Despite their haughty appearance, Sphynx cats are affectionate, playful and attention-loving. They have loads of personality, but they’re curious and full of mischief, so give them plenty of toys to keep them occupied. Although Sphynxes can keep themselves entertained if they’re left alone for part of the day, they also enjoy the company of other cats or a cat-friendly dog.

Sphynx cats always want someone or another pet to snuggle up to. They like to keep warm, so they won’t pass up the opportunity to curl up on your lap. They might even climb onto your shoulders.

Common health problems

Generally, Sphynx cats tend to be quite healthy but there are a few health conditions which can affect the breed. From skin problems to respiratory issues, there are a few problems to watch out for.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)

HCM is a heart disease that is inherited in Sphynx cats and other cat breeds. The condition causes thickening (hypertrophy) of the heart muscle, which can lead to heart failure. Symptoms of HCM in Sphynx cats include weakness, tiredness, breathing issues or a loss of appetite. If spotted early, there may be a chance to prevent blood clots and heart failure . There is no cure, but long-term medication can slow the disease down.

Hereditary myopathy

This hereditary condition can affect Sphynx cats and is similar to the myopathy (meaning muscle disease) that affects the Devon Rex breed. It’s also known as congenital myotonia syndrome (CMS) or spasticity. Along with generalised muscle weakness, affected cats may be unable to raise their head. They can also have problems swallowing food which can lead to choking.

There’s no cure as it’s caused by a gene mutation. A genetic test is available to determine cats that are carriers for the gene; affected cats shouldn’t be used for breeding.

Solar dermatitis

Hairless cats are prone to solar dermatitis, a skin disease caused by sun exposure. This condition can lead to skin cancer, so Sphynx cats and other non-pigmented breeds shouldn’t spend too much time out in the sun.

The skin may look pink and scaly in the early stages of solar dermatitis, with the ears, nose and eyelids among the most commonly affected areas. This can lead to crusted skin, lesions and bleeding . A pet-safe suntan cream can be used but it must be non-toxic as cats tend to lick the cream off.

Is a Sphynx cat right for you?

If you are looking for an indoor cat with unusual looks and a big personality, then the Sphynx is the cat for you. Playful, affectionate and energetic, they will demand attention and can be a bit of a handful. Be prepared to have a constant companion. They’re a great pet for families with children and other pets, but they don’t like to be left alone all day so may not be the best pet for working households.

Frequently asked questions

Are Sphynx cats hypoallergenic

Lacking fur doesn’t mean that Sphynx cats are hypoallergenic. They still produce the protein Fel d1 in their saliva and the dander that contains dead skin cells and saliva will still be on their skin. If you’re allergic to the proteins in a cat’s saliva, you will be allergic to the Sphynx. However, some allergy sufferers have reported that they can tolerate these cats better than other cats with fur.

What are the different types of Sphynx cat?

Hairlessness is an inherited trait caused by a recessive mutation. The Sphynx cat is sometimes called the Canadian Sphynx and was bred specifically for this trait. But not all bald cats are Sphynxes. Other hairless breeds include the Peterbald, Donskey, Bambino, Elf, Lykoi and Ukrainian Levkoy breeds.

How long do Sphynx cats live?

Sphynxes are robust cats with plenty of energy. They’re also relatively healthy, with the average Sphynx cat lifespan between eight and 14 years. They’re prone to certain health conditions, but with the right level of care you should be able to enjoy your affectionate Sphynx for years to come.