Sphynx

By 1000 Ventures · Last reviewed

The famous hairless cat: wrinkled skin, huge ears and a warm, outgoing nature.

A Sphynx cat sitting, full body
Size
Medium
Weight
6 to 12 lb (2.7 to 5.4 kg)
Lifespan
9 to 15 years
Coat
Hairless or a fine peach-fuzz down
Colors
Any skin color or pattern
Origin
Canada (Toronto), from a hairless kitten born in 1966
100% of the time, our scanner puts a Sphynx in its top three. It names it first 99% of the time. How we tested

What does a Sphynx look like?

The Sphynx looks hairless, though many have a fine down that feels like peach skin. The skin shows the color and pattern the coat would have had, and it wrinkles around the head and shoulders. Very large ears, lemon-shaped eyes, prominent cheekbones and a rounded belly complete the look.

Sphynx personality

Sphynx cats are affectionate, extroverted and attention-seeking. They love warmth and often sleep under blankets with their people.

How to care for a Sphynx

Bathe weekly to remove skin oils, clean the ears often and keep them warm. They sunburn easily.

How do I know if my cat is a Sphynx?

A fully hairless, wrinkled cat is a Sphynx (or a close relative like the Donskoy or Peterbald). A Lykoi has patchy fur, and a Cornish Rex has short waves.

A photo can only tell you what your cat looks like. Pedigree papers from a breeder, or a cat DNA test, are the only ways to prove a breed. For a quick first answer, upload a photo to our free cat breed identifier. It compares your cat with 31 breeds and the ordinary house cat and shows the three closest matches.

Curious which breed your own cat looks like? Upload one photo to the free cat breed identifier and see the three closest matches in seconds.

Identify my cat

Breeds that look like the Sphynx

Lykoi LykoiThe 'werewolf cat': a partly hairless coat of mixed black and white hairs and a bare mask around the eyes. Cornish Rex Cornish RexA slender, greyhound-shaped cat with a coat of tight, soft waves and huge ears. Oriental Shorthair Oriental ShorthairA Siamese in every color but points: very slim, huge ears and a loud voice.

Or browse all 31 cat breeds side by side.

Frequently asked questions

Are Sphynx cats hypoallergenic?
No. The allergen is in saliva and skin oils, not the hair, so a Sphynx can still cause allergies.
Do Sphynx cats need baths?
Yes, about once a week. Without fur to absorb skin oils, they get greasy.

What breed is your cat?

Upload one photo and the free cat breed identifier shows the three closest breeds in seconds, or tells you it is a classic house cat.

Identify my cat