10 Things You Didn’t Know about Sphynx Cats

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Maybe it’s just me but it seems awareness of Sphynx cats before the Austin Powers movies was less than it is now. I know that seems odd to those of us who love and adore all felines, but it is true. That was the first time many people were exposed to Sphynx cats on a commercial level. Sadly, the poor cat was just the butt of a running joke about how no one had seen anything like it before. We decided that this is one breed many of us just clearly do not really know enough about. So here, presented in no particular order, are 10 things you didn’t know about Sphynx cats.

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Very Chatty: People see a cat like the Sphynx cat and already go at the breed with many wrong assumptions. One of those assumptions is that they are quiet (perhaps, regal) cats that just sat quietly and always seemed like they were deep in existential thought. Nope. The reality is, these kitties are chatterboxes. Keep in mind, we are not just talking about meows here and there. We are talking about everything from the usual “talking back” to even some chirps. They seem to have a lot on their mind, and are very opinionated. Not a bad thing, just a fact about the breed.

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Skin Can Get Dirty, Sweaty, Oily: These cats need a lot of baths. I know there are people who got this breed thinking less hair meant less work on their end (we dislike those kinds of people), the reality is, the hair of a cat is used to absorb natural skin oils and filter other things. This means the skin of a Sphynx cat can get quite oily and the cat will need to be bathed regularly as a result. Just make sure you treat this cat like any other cat when it comes to water. You may need to use water on it more than other breeds, but don’t mistake that into thinking this means they like water. Outside of a few exceptions, they are still cats, and most cats hates water.

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They are NOT Hypoallergenic: We have brought up this issue many, many times on this site and other animal sites. Do not let the lack of fur fool you. The Sphynx cat still produces dander, almost as much as any other breed. Do not forget, dander is pretty much just dead skin cells, and all animals shed those. So to those who think this is the “perfect breed” for people with allergies, do a little research.

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They Get Very Cold: Believe it or not, even though most cats adapt, the Sphynx cat is still a hairless cat. That means it has a natural penchant to get quite cold. You will often find it curling up under blankets or laying in a warm spot. Thing is, unlike other cats who do it because they love it, the Sphynx will require work to stay warm. We recommend a heated cat igloo as the best option, or just keep your cat’s favorite area of the house a little warmer. But this leads to our next point…..

(Photo by Oli Scarff/Getty Images)

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They HATE When People Put Clothes On Them: Keep in mind, many Sphynx cat owners have tried this, and noticed some very odd reactions in their cats. This cat breed really dislikes being put in clothing, and will often have their personality change instantly. Some of them will go rigid and fall down. Some will just sit on one place, staring at you. We know you only want to put them in clothing because it will help keep them warm, but just be aware how much most Sphynx cats hate it.  It seems like it feels very foreign and uncomfortable to them.  Just be aware.

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Extremely Lovable: It felt important for me to mention this now, because I don’t want the top few selections to turn people off on just how wonderful this breed of cat is. They may take some extra work, but they are a breed that will repay you in love. Most of the above things are skin and health related. The cat itself is as warm and loving as can be. They enjoy being around people, are very social, and are so social and smart, it leads to our next point…

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 They Enjoy Leash Walking And Take To It Quickly: This also felt important to bring up, because if you have ever tried to put a leash on a cat and walk it, you know that the cat doesn’t always respond to that in the most positive manner. We are not implying the leash wont be foreign to your Sphynx at at first, but they honestly take to it and adapt to it quicker than most breeds. I’m sorry, but the person who is walking a leashed Sphynx cat down a street is the coolest person on the street that day. I really believe very few people would argue that logic.

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Get Them A Cat Bed: If you get a Sphynx cat and it curls up with you in your bed one night, and you are feeling all lovely dovey for a moment, just wait until you wake up with it. No disrespect meant to this breed here, but you will have a cat-sized oil stain on your sheets. As mentioned above, they tend to get a little oily, and oil slicks are not easy to clean (or fun to sleep near). Get your Sphynx its own little cat bad. It will take to it quickly, you’ll see. Just make sure you wash that thing every few days so it does not become one huge, oil slick for the cat to sleep on.

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Love Them Lots (or Get Them A Fellow Sphynx Friend): So they take a lot of work, yes, but there’s more. They require a lot of love. You leave them alone or walk away from them or go away for extended periods, they will get sad. They want to be near you, curled in your lap, or even following you into your bathroom (we all know how cats love doing that.) My genuine advice if you plan on getting a Sphynx cat and also plan on working a lot, get a second Sphynx. Otherwise, your cat will get very lonely and very bored, and those never have good outcomes.

(Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

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Different Looking or Not, They are Still Cats (So Don’t Let People Be Mean to Them): There is a certain pedigree of “laughing at” Sphynx cats that seems to be allowed in culture, and it is just not cool. It would be like laughing at someone in public because they look different. It is classless, and no matter what some lame duck psychologist wants to tell you about animals not having feelings, look at how sad he is in that pic up there. He does not like being the butt of the joke. So be nicer to this awesome breed.

(Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)