Cat breed
Sphynx
Sphynx: active, affectionate. The “hairless” cat; rare.
Updated October 15, 2026 · 9 sources · see sources
| Weight | 6–14 lb [1] |
|---|---|
| Height | 8–10 in [1] |
| Coat | Hairless (some fuzz) [2] |
| Look | The “hairless” cat; rare [2] |
| Personality | Active, affectionate [2] |
| CFA popularity (2025) | No. 9 pedigreed breed [3] |
Activity and exercise
CFA describes them as curious, outgoing and anything but shy, keeping up steady chatter as they follow you around. [2]
Grooming
Not always totally hairless: CFA says some short hair is usually on the nose, ears and tail. PetMD lists skin care and ear care as key parts of grooming this breed. [2] [1]
Health issues to budget for
PetMD's vet-reviewed breed guide lists these conditions to know about: Ear infections, Skin and coat disorders, Dental disease, Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). [1]
Heart imaging (ultrasound) costs →Ear infections costs →Allergies & skin costs →Dental cleaning costs →
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Routine vet visit, any cat (owner bills) | $190–$525 | [4] |
| Yearly cost of a cat, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,149 | [5] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, cat (US 2025) | $435/year | [6] |
| Cat dental cleaning (owner bills) | $350–$1,450 | [7] |
| Cat heart disease treatment (owner bills) | $525–$1,250 | [8] |
| Cat ear infection treatment | $190–$800 | [9] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for cats in general or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- Today's Sphynx trace to a spontaneous mutation in 1966, when a domestic cat in Toronto gave birth to a hairless kitten. [2]
- Two American hairless cats from Minnesota in 1975, whimsically named Epidermis and Dermis, were added to the gene pool. [2]
- CFA accepted the Sphynx for registration in 1998 and gave it championship status in 2002. [2]
- CFA calls them “body heat magnets” that will spend hours glued to your side. [2]
Good fit for
- ✅ People who want a very affectionate, attention-seeking cat (CFA)
- ✅ Owners ready for regular skin and ear care
Common questions
How big does a Sphynx get?
PetMD lists a weight of 6–14 lb.
More cat breeds
Sources
- PetMD – Sphynx cat breed health and care (vet-reviewed)
- CFA – Sphynx breed profile
- CFA – Most Popular Breeds for 2025
- VetReceipt – Cat Routine Vet Visit Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- ASPCA – Cutting Pet Care Costs (2021 table)
- NAPHIA – State of the Industry 2026 report highlights (2025 premiums)
- VetReceipt – Cat Dental Cleaning Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- VetReceipt – Cat Heart Disease Treatment Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- VetReceipt – Cat Ear Infection Treatment Cost (owner bills, 2026)