Hairless cat Medium size 3-5 kg

Sphynx

A warm, attention-loving hairless cat that craves constant company - the bare skin needs regular bathing and care.

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Find out how this breed matches your household

Quick overview

Medium
Size
3-5 kg, 20-25 cm
High
Activity
Playful clown that stays busy
Low
Alone-time tolerance
Very people-dependent, hates being alone
Easy
Handling
Smart and eager to engage
Moderate
Coat care
Bare skin needs weekly bathing
Good
Fit with kids
Affectionate with children
Good
Other pets
Sociable with other pets
Moderate
Health burden
HCM, skin and dental care

The Sphynx typically weighs 3-5 kg, stands 20-25 cm, and lives 12-15 years.

Consider this breed if…

you want an extremely affectionate, in-your-lap, under-your-blanket cat,
someone is home a lot, or a second pet keeps it company,
weekly skin care, ear cleaning and nail wiping sound fine to you,
you can keep the home warm and budget for heart screening.

Do not consider this breed if…

you assume hairless means low-maintenance - it is the opposite,
you expect a hypoallergenic cat; Sphynx still produce allergens,
the home is cool, drafty or empty most of the day,
greasy skin marks on bedding and clothes would bother you.

A typical day with a Sphynx

  1. 7:00 · Morning
    Emerges from under your blanket, breakfast
  2. 9:00 · Midmorning
    Sunbathing spot or heated bed, recharging
  3. 13:00 · Noon
    Nap pressed against a warm person or pet
  4. 17:00 · Afternoon
    Clown hour - zoomies, shelves, your shoulders
  5. 19:30 · Evening
    Skin wipe or bath night, then lap time
  6. 22:30 · Night
    Under the covers with you, radiating heat

Temperament and training

Sociability Very high
Playfulness High
Vocality Moderate
Independence Low
Tolerance of handling High
Attention seeking Very high
Common owner mistakes
Overbathing and stripping the skin, which makes the oil problem worse · Letting it sunbathe unprotected - bare skin sunburns · Skipping regular HCM screening in a breed where it matters

Family and environment

Kids Good
Loves the attention; teach kids the skin is delicate.
Other cats Good
Welcomes a warm companion to sleep against.
Dogs Good
Usually happy to share a home with friendly dogs.
Apartment Ideal
Warm indoor living is exactly what it needs.
Seniors Good
Devoted heat-seeking lap companion; care is hands-on.
First cat Conditional
Wonderful temperament, above-average care routine.
Busy household Poor fit
Alone all day is misery for this breed.
Health data provided by RealVetCost
Overall health burden Moderate

Detailed health data - inheritance, prevalence, course, and typical treatment costs - lives in a separate expert database. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice - confirm any decision with your vet.

View the full health profile
Top health concerns
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) Thickening of the heart muscle; genetic screening exists for some lines
Dental disease Plaque and gum inflammation; routine dental care helps
Skin and allergy issues Skin sensitivity and irritation; bare-skinned cats need regular bathing
Luxating patella Kneecap that slips out of place, sometimes needing surgery

Similar breeds - by reason

Not visually similar - similar in what they mean for you.

Hairless with an oriental build, similar care
Peterbald
A warm, attention-seeking cat that wants to be with you constantly - the skin and coat need regular care.
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The other hairless breed, same warmth-seeking life
Donskoy
An affectionate hairless cat that craves warmth and contact - the bare skin needs regular wiping and sun care.
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Thin wavy coat, same clownish people-focus
Devon Rex
A mischievous, people-obsessed pixie of a cat with a soft wavy coat - endlessly playful but really dislikes being left alone.
View profile →

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Sphynx cost in the US?
This is one of the pricier breeds: kittens from reputable breeders commonly run $1,500-$3,500. Lifetime costs also run above average - extra food for a fast metabolism, skin-care supplies, heated beds and regular cardiac screening can push 12-15 years of ownership to $18,000-$30,000 or more, and treating HCM or dental disease adds thousands.
Is a Sphynx low-maintenance since it has no fur?
No - the opposite. The skin still produces oils that fur would normally absorb, so the cat needs wipe-downs or baths roughly weekly, plus frequent ear cleaning and nail-fold care. Skip it and you get greasy skin, blackheads and oil stains on every fabric it touches.
Are Sphynx cats hypoallergenic?
Not reliably. Cat allergy is mostly to the Fel d 1 protein in saliva and skin secretions, which Sphynx produce like any cat; the lack of fur changes how it spreads, not whether it exists. Some allergic people react less, others just as badly - spend time with an adult Sphynx before committing.
Do Sphynx cats get cold?
Yes, quickly. With no coat, they lose heat fast and actively seek warmth - laps, blankets, radiators, sunny windows. Keep the home comfortably warm, provide heated or enclosed beds, keep them strictly indoors, and mind both drafts in winter and sunburn in summer.