Sphynx
The Good
- Incredibly affectionate and devoted companions who love human contact
- Dog-like personality - follows you around and genuinely enjoys your company
- Minimal shedding means less fur on your favourite black work clothes
- Excellent with children and other pets, making wonderful family additions
The Real
- High maintenance grooming needs with weekly baths and special skin care
- Sensitive to temperature extremes - needs heating in winter and sun protection
- Prone to specific health issues including heart conditions and skin problems
- Requires constant companionship and doesn't cope well being left alone
Gallery
Breed Overview
The Sphynx is Australia's most distinctive feline - a cat that feels like warm suede when you pet them and acts more like a devoted dog than a typical independent cat. Don't let their hairless appearance fool you; these cats are covered in a fine peach-fuzz coating that gives them their characteristic warmth and soft texture.
Originally from Canada, Sphynx cats have captured Australian hearts with their outgoing, attention-seeking personalities. They're the ultimate lap cats who'll follow you from room to room, chat throughout the day, and insist on being involved in every household activity. Whether you're working from home in Melbourne or relaxing after a long day in Brisbane, expect your Sphynx to be right there beside you.
These medium-sized cats are natural entertainers with high intelligence and curiosity that sometimes gets them into mischief. They're excellent with families, forming strong bonds with children and getting along beautifully with other pets. However, their lack of fur means they're strictly indoor cats in Australia's varied climate, requiring special care during both scorching summer days and chilly winter nights across our diverse regions.
History
Despite their name suggesting ancient Egyptian origins, the Sphynx cat is actually a thoroughly modern Canadian creation. The breed began in 1966 in Toronto when a domestic cat gave birth to a hairless kitten aptly named Prune - the result of a natural genetic mutation that would change the cat world forever.
This wasn't the first time hairless cats appeared in history; the ancient Aztecs bred hairless cats centuries ago, and similar mutations had occurred sporadically. However, the modern Sphynx we know today was deliberately developed through careful breeding programs that began with that original Toronto kitten.
Canadian and American breeders worked together to establish the breed, initially crossing Sphynx cats with Devon Rex cats to create genetic diversity while maintaining the hairless trait. Over the decades, breeders focused not just on the distinctive appearance but on developing the breed's remarkable personality - selecting for cats that were social, affectionate, and psychologically stable.
The breed gained international recognition through various cat associations, with The International Cat Association (TICA) recognising them in 2005 and The Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) in 2002. Today, Australian Sphynx enthusiasts continue this legacy of careful breeding, ensuring these remarkable cats maintain their health, temperament, and distinctive characteristics that make them such beloved companions across our continent.
Traits & Characteristics
Sphynx characteristics and temperament traits.
Caring Guide
Sphynx cats are generally healthy when bred responsibly, but their unique physiology does create some specific health considerations that Australian owners need to understand. The most significant concern is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a heart condition that causes thickening of the heart muscle. Reputable breeders should provide DNA screening results for breeding cats, and regular veterinary check-ups with echocardiograms can help detect this condition early.
Their hairless skin makes Sphynx cats particularly vulnerable to skin issues. Without fur to absorb natural skin oils, they're prone to acne, fungal infections, and bacterial skin problems if not bathed regularly. Their large ears also accumulate more wax and debris than furred breeds, making weekly ear cleaning essential to prevent infections.
Australian Seasonal Care: Our diverse climate presents unique challenges for Sphynx owners. During summer months, especially in regions like Perth, Adelaide, or western Sydney where temperatures soar above 35°C, these cats need air conditioning and should never be exposed to direct sunlight - they can literally get sunburned. Consider UV-blocking window film and pet-safe sunscreen for any supervised outdoor time.
Winter care is equally crucial, particularly in cooler regions like Canberra, Melbourne, or Tasmania where morning temperatures can drop to 5°C or below. Heated pet beds, warm clothing, and draft-free sleeping areas are essential. In humid coastal areas like the Gold Coast or Darwin, ensure good ventilation to prevent skin problems, while in dry climates like Alice Springs, focus on maintaining skin moisture. Always maintain indoor temperatures between 20-25°C year-round for optimal Sphynx comfort.
Another genetic condition seen in the breed is Congenital Myasthenic Syndrome (CMS), also known as spasticity. This is a hereditary neuromuscular disorder that can cause muscle weakness and fatigue. Reputable breeders conduct DNA testing for CMS and should provide clearances for their breeding cats, effectively preventing this condition from being passed to kittens.
Sphynx cats have notably higher metabolic rates than most breeds, combined with their naturally plump build and excellent appetites - a combination that requires careful nutritional management. These active cats burn energy quickly and need high-quality protein to fuel their playful personalities and maintain their muscular bodies.
Feed your Sphynx several small meals throughout the day rather than leaving food out freely. This prevents overeating (which they're prone to) while accommodating their fast metabolism and sensitive digestion. Choose premium cat food that meets nutritional guidelines with high protein content, moderate fats, and minimal carbohydrates. Many Australian Sphynx owners find success with both wet and dry food combinations, though some opt for raw diets under veterinary guidance.
Their intelligence makes mealtime an excellent opportunity for mental stimulation. Use puzzle feeders, lick mats, and food-dispensing toys to engage their clever minds and dexterous paws. This mimics natural hunting behaviours while preventing the boredom that can lead to overeating or destructive behaviour.
Australian Considerations: During our hot summers, especially in northern regions like Darwin or Cairns, ensure fresh water is always available and consider wet food to increase hydration. In cooler months, some Sphynx cats may need slightly increased portions to maintain body temperature, particularly in regions like the Blue Mountains or Grampians where temperatures drop significantly.
Monitor your cat's body condition carefully - while Sphynx cats naturally have rounder bellies than other breeds, obesity can exacerbate heart conditions they're prone to. Your local Australian veterinarian can help establish the right portion sizes for your individual cat's age, activity level, and ideal body condition.
Contrary to what you might expect, Sphynx cats are among the highest maintenance breeds when it comes to grooming. Their lack of fur means there's nothing to absorb the natural oils their skin produces, requiring weekly baths to prevent skin problems and oily residue on your furniture.
Use a gentle, cat-specific shampoo and lukewarm water - never hot, as their sensitive skin can burn easily. Most Sphynx cats actually enjoy bath time since reputable breeders accustom kittens to regular bathing. After washing, wrap your cat in warm towels immediately to prevent chilling, especially important during Melbourne's unpredictable weather or Hobart's cool conditions.
Weekly ear cleaning is crucial due to their large ears and lack of protective hair. Use cotton balls (never cotton swabs) with veterinary ear cleaner to gently remove wax buildup. Their eyes may also need daily attention to clear any secretions, and regular nail trimming and teeth brushing complete their grooming routine.
Coat Specifications:
- Coat Length: Nearly hairless with fine peach-fuzz texture up to 1/8 inch long
- Coat Colours: Any colour possible in cats including black, white, red, brown, cream, and lilac
- Coat Patterns: All patterns including solid, bi-colour, tabby, tortoiseshell, calico, tuxedo, and pointed
- Hypoallergenic: No - allergens are present in skin and saliva, not just fur
Australian Climate Considerations: In humid coastal areas from the Sunshine Coast to the Mornington Peninsula, pay extra attention to preventing fungal skin infections. In drier inland regions, you might need moisturising products recommended by your vet. Always protect from sun exposure - even brief periods on a Canberra balcony can cause burns.
Sphynx cats are exceptionally intelligent and food-motivated, making them ideal candidates for training - often more like dogs than typical cats. Their strong desire to please their humans, combined with their high intelligence, means they can learn commands, tricks, and even walk on leads with patience and positive reinforcement.
Start with basic commands and gradually introduce more complex tricks. Many Australian Sphynx owners successfully teach their cats to fetch, sit, come when called, and even navigate agility courses. Clicker training works particularly well with this breed, as they respond enthusiastically to the combination of mental stimulation and rewards.
Mental enrichment is crucial for preventing boredom-related behaviours. Rotate puzzle feeders, interactive toys, and climbing structures regularly. Consider multi-level cat trees, window perches for bird watching (safely indoors), and hidden treat games throughout your home. These cats love exploring, so cat-proof your home thoroughly - they're masters at opening cabinets, drawers, and doors with their dexterous toes.
Social Enrichment: Sphynx cats are extremely social and shouldn't be left alone for extended periods. If you work long hours in Sydney's CBD or travel frequently for work, consider getting a second cat or arrange for regular companionship. They often thrive with other pets, including dogs, making them excellent additions to multi-pet households.
Australian Lifestyle Integration: These cats adapt beautifully to apartment living in cities like Perth or Adelaide, provided they have enough vertical space and enrichment. They're perfect companions for work-from-home arrangements, often becoming beloved "colleagues" during video calls with their tendency to appear on screen and chat with meeting participants.
Who is an ideal owner?
The perfect Sphynx owner is someone who genuinely wants a feline companion that acts more like a devoted friend than an independent pet. These cats suit Australians who work from home, retirees with time to dedicate, or families where someone is usually around - they simply don't cope well with being left alone for eight-hour workdays.
You'll need to embrace their high-maintenance grooming requirements without complaint. This means weekly baths, regular ear cleaning, and skin monitoring - not tasks you can skip or delay. If you're renting in competitive markets like Melbourne or Sydney, ensure your lease allows pets and that you can maintain consistent indoor temperatures year-round.
Sphynx cats are perfect for people who want an interactive pet that participates in daily life. Whether you're binge-watching Netflix during a Brisbane storm, working from your kitchen table in Adelaide, or hosting weekend barbecues in Perth (with your cat safely indoors), expect your Sphynx to be your constant companion and conversation partner.
Ideal Situations: Empty nesters who want companionship, young professionals working from home, families with older children who understand gentle handling, or anyone wanting a truly social cat that greets visitors enthusiastically. They're excellent for apartment dwellers who can provide adequate enrichment and don't mind neighbours occasionally hearing their chatty personalities.
Consider Another Breed If: You want a low-maintenance cat, travel frequently for work, prefer independent pets, have very young children who might handle them roughly, or can't commit to their extensive grooming and social needs.
Interesting facts about the Sphynx
Interesting Fact
The first Sphynx cat was named "Prune" - quite fitting for a wrinkled, hairless kitten born in Toronto in 1966
Interesting Fact
Despite appearing completely bald, Sphynx cats actually have a fine layer of downy fur that feels like warm suede or a ripe peach
Interesting Fact
They have higher body temperatures than other cats due to their lack of fur insulation, making them natural heat-seekers and perfect winter lap warmers
Interesting Fact
Sphynx cats are often described as "dog-like" because they'll follow their owners around, come when called, and even play fetch
FAQ
Expect to pay $2,000-4,000 AUD for a quality Sphynx kitten from a reputable Australian breeder. Show-quality cats from champion bloodlines can cost significantly more. Factor in ongoing costs like specialised grooming supplies, heating, and potential pet insurance given their health predispositions.
No, despite popular belief, Sphynx cats aren't hypoallergenic. While they shed minimally, allergens come from proteins in their skin and saliva, not just fur. Some allergy sufferers do find them more tolerable, but spend time with the breed before committing if you have cat allergies.
Absolutely! Sphynx cats are excellent apartment dwellers and should be indoor-only anyway due to their temperature sensitivity. Ensure your lease allows pets, you can maintain consistent temperatures, and provide adequate vertical space and enrichment for their active personalities.
Weekly baths are typically necessary to remove oil buildup and prevent skin problems. Some cats may need bathing twice weekly, while others can go 10 days between baths. Your individual cat's skin condition and your local climate (humidity levels) will determine the exact frequency.
Yes, Sphynx cats are generally excellent with children and other pets. They're patient, playful, and rarely aggressive. However, young children need supervision to ensure gentle handling of these cats' sensitive, exposed skin. They often prefer having other pets for company when owners are away.
They need careful climate management year-round. In summer, they require air conditioning and sun protection - they can literally sunburn. In winter, especially in cooler regions like Tasmania or the Blue Mountains, they need heating, warm bedding, and possibly clothing. Indoor temperatures should stay between 20-25°C consistently.
They're the ultimate lap cats! Sphynx cats live for human contact and will seek out the warmest spot available - usually your lap. They're perfect for people who want a truly affectionate, cuddly companion that participates actively in family life rather than maintaining typical feline independence.