🐱 Cat · size Medium
Sphynx
Medium feline breed, balance between independence and affection.
Photo · Dmitry Makeev (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Weight
3–5 kg
Size
Medium
Lifespan
12–18 ans
Energy
Moyen
Coat
Toutes
Maintenance
Moyen
Training
Faible
Le Sphynx is a breed of cat size medium, weighing 3–5 kg et vivant en moyenne 12–18 ans. Ses prédispositions documentées (sensibilité cutanée) demandent une attention particulière côté alimentation et suivi vétérinaire. Réputé hypoallergenic, affectionate, apartment, family, il s'adapte well to apartment livingand accompanies children peacefully.
Profile
At a glance
Energy
Modéré
Trainability
Faible
Maintenance
Modéré
Indicative profile — every animal is an individual.
⚡ Key facts in 30 seconds
L'essentiel
- 1Medium size (3–5 kg) — balance between presence and practicality.
- 2Life expectancy: 12 to 18 years on average, depending on hygiene and diet.
- 3Moderate energy — 30 to 60 minutes of exercise per day sufficient.
- 4Moderate maintenance — weekly brushing sufficient.
- 5Documented predispositions: skin sensitivity. Veterinary follow-up recommended.
Chapter 1
Getting to know the Sphynx
Origins & history
A story told
It was in 1966 in Canada that a stray cat gave birth to a litter of naked kittens. Two females were taken to the Netherlands by doctor Hugo Hernandez, where they were crossed with Devon Rex. An entire litter is imported to France in 1983 by French breeder Patrick Challain who presented them a year later at the Baltard feline exhibition. In 1985, two other cats were imported from the Netherlands to France by Aline and Philippe Noël, from their union was born Amenophis Clone. This cat served as the basis for the breed's first standard. According to the Official Book of Feline Origins (LOOF), the Sphynx can therefore be considered to be of French origin.
Character
Daily temperament
The Sphynx is described as an extremely affectionate cat, and loving to live in society. It would need the attention of its owner and would love to perch on its shoulders. However, these character traits remain perfectly individual and are above all a function of each cat's history. In Canada, the Sphynx is the 4th most popular cat breed between 2016 and 2019, according to the AFC.
Physical
Breed standard
The head is longer than it is wide with angular contours. The cheekbones are prominent, the skull flat with a slight break at the nose level. The ears are very large, carried low on the head and wide at the base. Their extremity is rounded. The eyes are lemon-shaped, wide open and expressive. All colors are admitted but they must be coordinated to the coat color. The body of the Sphynx has visible musculature and a protruding abdomen. The legs are quite long and fine, while retaining powerful musculature. The feet are oval, the toes are elongated and thin. A particularity is that the pads are thicker than in other cats, giving the impression that they are on cushions. The tail is fine, like a rat's tail. The Sphynx can be completely without fur or have a very fine down on the body and some short hairs can appear behind the ears, on the muzzle, tail and testicles. The skin has a 'peach skin' feel. According to the characteristics of the breed, its skin should present as many wrinkles as possible, especially in the young. All colors are admitted in this cat breed and their skin takes the color of the hair they would have had.
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To compensate for its lack of hair, its skin is thicker than that of other breeds and is rich in collagen and sebum. It also has a larger layer of fat under the skin. To compensate for its energy loss, it eats more than other cats.
Chapter 2
Daily life
What if you adopted your future companion?
The Sphynx of your dreams may already be waiting in a shelter. Hundreds of sphynx (and equally wonderful crossbreeds) are looking for a family in France — every adoption starts a new story.
Editorial recommendation — no affiliate links.
Âge
What human age for a sphynx ?
The calculator is already set to the breed's adult size (espérance de vie 12–18 ans). Drag the slider to see the equivalence and corresponding life stage.
Equivalent human age
28years
Adulte
Most stable period. Monthly weigh-in, annual vet visit, dental care — this determines quality of life in later years.
Method: AAFP/AAHA table: 15 human years in year one, +9 in year two, then +4 per year.
These equivalences are statistical benchmarks drawn from published veterinary tables. Every animal ages at its own pace, depending on genetics, diet and care. This calculator is neither a diagnosis nor veterinary advice.
Health
Health watch
Because it is hairless, the Sphynx requires special care. Sebum is no longer absorbed by the hair and tends to grease the skin. Baths are necessary, as well as monitoring in strong sunny conditions. They are prone to sunburn and it is possible to apply sunscreen. It is also necessary to be careful not to leave the cat outside in very cold weather.
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Despite its lack of hair, the Sphynx still causes cat hair allergies because it is actually the saliva secretions and sebaceous gland secretions (in the skin) that are the source of this allergy. However, their particularity is an asset for people with slight allergies in that it prevents the dispersal of hair and thus allergens in their environment. Furthermore, it seems to be predisposed to a heart condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, requiring lifelong medical treatment.
Documented predispositions
sensibilité cutanée — adjust diet and veterinary checks.
🐾 Products suited to this breedAlert
To avoid for cat
Our database lists toxic ingredients and problematic additives by species.
- cocoa pasteModerate
- onion piecesModerate
- low-fat cocoa powderModerate
- chilliModerate
Calculator · daily ration
How much to give a sphynx ?
Estimate based on the veterinary formula RER × DER, adjusted for cat. Adjust according to package recommendations.
Result
52 g
per day · 198 kcal
26 g / repas (2 par jour)
Calculation for food of 380 kcal/100g.
Appears in
Sphynx in our rankings
Hairless or down-coated cat breeds
Sphynx, Donskoy, Peterbald — for lovers of skin-to-skin contact.
See the rankingMedium cat breeds
74 breeds ranked by size
See the rankingCats with the longest lifespans
Maximum documented lifespan — 18 years for Scottish Fold
See the rankingHypoallergenic cats
8 breeds that produce few allergens
See the rankingBest cats for apartment living
23 compact breeds suited to urban life
See the rankingCats most comfortable with children
30 breeds recommended for families with children
See the rankingThe best hypoallergenic cats
Low Fel d 1 production — the #1 cat allergen.
See the rankingThe most affectionate cat breeds
True velcro cats that follow their human everywhere.
See the rankingFAQ
Frequently asked questions about Sphynx
Does the Sphynx adapt well to apartment living?+
How long does a Sphynx live?+
Does the Sphynx shed much?+
Does the Sphynx tolerate solitude?+
If you like this cat
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For more information
Sources & official links
Supplementary documentation on reference sites — breed clubs, encyclopedias, veterinarians.
The right score for your Sphynx.
SokoScan calculates a personalized PawScore based on breed, age, weight and your pet's sensitivities. Free, instant.