Owing to its distinct beauty, long and rich history, and warm, loyal disposition, the Sphynx is easily one of the most iconic cat breeds. But, is the breed’s reputation overblown and should an average cat owner consider adopting a Sphynx cat?
Let’s take a closer look at the renowned Sphynx and find out why so many owners have chosen to adopt one of these cats!
1. Unique and Captivating Appearance
Though Sphynx cats have an immense store of virtues, their most obvious stand-out quality is their famous appearance. When you meet a Sphynx, the first thing you notice will likely be the cat’s almost complete absence of fur. While some members of the breed have a tiny bit of fur, the mostly-hairless cat breed displays a striking, soft, and somewhat wrinkly look and touch.
In addition to their (already rare!) hairlessness, Sphynx cats have other distinct visual traits that set them apart from other breeds. These traits include the breed’s unusually big ears, large and far-apart eyes, and medium-sized build.
2. Most Sphynx Are Very Healthy
Aside from their magnetic beauty, Sphynx have another physical advantage over many breeds: Health. While many purebred cats have a tendency toward developing genetic disorders, Sphynx cats are relatively unlikely to suffer from these conditions. Likewise, due to their unusually high metabolism, obesity is less likely to become a problem for Sphynx than with some other cats.
That said, the breed is far from immune to diseases or other health issues. Sphynx cats fairly commonly develop health conditions like respiratory illnesses, feline dental disease, skin disorders, digestive sensitivity, and heart disease. As a result, Sphynx (like all cats!) require routine veterinary visits and a watchful eye for any developing health concerns.
3. Less Likely to Cause Allergies
Now, let’s clear up one thing right off the bat: There’s no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic cat. Even largely hairless cats like the Sphynx still excrete proteins and dander through saliva and small hair strands that can cause an allergic response in humans.
However, due to its almost total lack of fur, the breed is still much more allergy-friendly than many other cat breeds. Sphynx cats won’t shed large clumps of fur all over the home, so there are fewer sources of troublesome proteins to provoke allergic responses. But, those with severe cat allergies should still avoid the breed on account of the pervasive possibility of a reaction.
4. A Highly Intelligent Breed
Another key draw of the Sphynx breed is the cat’s unusually high intelligence. In fact, Sphynx cats are among the most intelligent cat breeds. Generally, these cats are highly curious about their environment and easily adapt to new information. The breed’s overall trainability level is also very high, and, with a little effort, it’s possible to teach them positive behaviors and even impressive tricks.
Of course, intelligence can also be a double-edged sword. Sphynx are known to get a bit mischievous, especially when bored, so it’s a good idea for owners to provide plenty of mental stimulation. Fortunately, this can easily be achieved with exercise, along with cat toys and puzzles. So long as you keep your Sphynx mentally occupied, they’re unlikely to decide to make your life difficult!
5. Sphynx Cats Are Friendly and Affectionate
Along with their razor-sharp intelligence, most Sphynx cats also display a remarkably warm, loving temperament. Not only are members of the breed generally extroverted and eager to meet new people, but they also tend to form strong, loyal bonds with their owners.
Sphynx also usually respond well to pets and cuddles. This is partly a result of the cats’ friendly personalities, but also a consequence of their lack of hair. These cats don’t have the fur other breeds grow to keep warm, so close contact and cuddling help generate body heat.
But, Sphynx cats are plenty capable of making other friends besides their owners! Most Sphynx can easily get along with strangers, other cats, dogs, and children. Their highly sociable temperament helps them stand out in the crowd of feline breeds and even makes them somewhat comparable to dogs.
6. Lack of Chronic Shedding
One clear advantage of the Sphynx cat is the breed’s more or less total lack of shedding. Unlike with long-haired breeds such as the Norwegian Forest Cat, Sphynx don’t have much fur to shed in the first place. While, as we covered earlier, this is a plus for those with allergies, it provides benefits as a homeowner too.
Cleanup around the house, for example, gets a whole lot simpler with Sphynx cats as compared to other cat breeds. There’s no need for extensive vacuuming and sweeping to get rid of excess hair, as there’s no excess hair to clean in the first place!
7. Quirky, Entertaining Personalities
Finally, we come to arguably the most appealing aspect of owning a Sphynx: Their personalities! Sphynx cats, as a rule, have a lot of quirks and idiosyncrasies, but these fortunately tend to be benign and entertaining traits.
You might, for instance, notice your Sphynx exploring the house as a result of their insatiable curiosity. This can lead to strange phenomena like opening cupboards, climbing up to high places, and even moving small pieces of furniture around.
Many owners also notice that their Sphynx cats love attention more than most breeds, and will go out of their way to attract notice. Even if this means causing a bit of (usually harmless) mischief!
