Sphynx cat breed

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.

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. 

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. 

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.