FAQs

What is the Sphynx history?

There is record of a Mexican Hairless cats that lived in the early 1900's. The cats from that lineage became extinct. All current Sphynx can be traced back to "Epidermis", a bald cat born in Toronto, Canada in 1966. The Sphynx gene for baldness is a mutation and recessive.

Are Sphynx truly hairless?

No, Sphynx appear hairless, most have a fine down, there is usually some hair on the bridge of the nose and there is an allowance for hair on ears, paws, tail. Sphynx feel like a warm peach. Some Sphynx are hairier than others and that is perfectly normal.  Sometimes the hairier Sphynx are less maintenance and less oily than the "more" bald ones!

What are the Sphynx supposed to look like?

Sphynx are regal looking cats and their most distinctive feature is their appearance of baldness. While appearing bald, they have a fine down that feels like peach fuzz. They are medium sized cats with oversized ears. Sphynx should look like they just ate a really big meal. They come in ALL colors.

Also read these links for further information:

CFA Standard    CFA Breed Profile    TICA Standard

Do Sphynx get cold and need to have the house at a warmer temperature?

Sphynx are like humans - if you are cold, they are probably cold. I keep warm blankets around the house and they will burrow in those. My house is keep at 68 in the winter and fairly cool in the summer too. They do need access to something to keep them warm in the winter. Just like humans, being too cold can be a stressor!

Are Sphynx allergy-free?

NO! NO! and NO!  The saliva contains the dander which causes the allergic reaction in most people. Sphynx still have that. However, many people with OTHER allergies can tolerate the Sphynx.

What is the cost of Sphynx?

Pets kittens are usually $1000-$1500. Young adults held back to see if they develop into breeders may be reduced to around $800-$1000.  Retired breeders are usually around $400-$800 and it depends on the age and health of the animal too. There are some special needs cats but that is on a case by case basis and one should realize that a special needs Sphynx demands a lot more in time and money in the long run. Special needs cats should also have all vet documentation available for you to see and you should call your vet to see what his/her opinion of the *special needs* are.

Please remember these prices are just general!

What should a *rare* color cat or a blue eyed cat cost?

THE SAME AS THE OTHERS! If someone is charging MORE for a blue-eyed cat or for a certain color... go to another breeder. Sphynx are not bred for color, but type, temperament and health!

Why are Sphynx so expensive? You must make money off of them!?

First of all, they are rare and that makes them harder to breed. All cats take a great deal of time and money to care for properly. As with any pure bred animal, you can expect them to be more expensive because usually the breeder spends more time and money to ensure she is improving the breed. While $1200 a kitten seems like a lot... I spend at least $60 a week at Petsmart on food and litter, I have to buy all the tools necessary to breed (thermometers, shampoo, queening cages, extra blankets, towels, cleaning products, vitamins). Yearly heart scans done by a cardiologist are about $350 a breeder cat. Show entry fees are about $60-80 per cat per show. Unexpected vet bills can be in the thousands of dollars. Then the vet bills, the shots, the cost of premium food, the altering - I could go on and on.

I spend hours cleaning up after my cats, scooping litter boxes, feeding them, sometimes newborns have to be supplemented every 2 hours for a few weeks. Breeding is a lot of time and dedication, it can be rewarding, but it is not easy and can be heartbreaking too. There are much better and easier ways to make money than breeding any sort of animal. This is something I do because I love my Sphynx.

My point is, good, ethical breeders do not make "profit" from the sale of their kittens, the money from the sale of pet kittens only supports the process. Kitten mills or those that have too many cats, they may make money - I am not sure. Breeders that sell too many breeder may make money. Breeders like myself do not.

$1200 to adopt a loved, well socialized, well bred cat from good lines is a great deal, especially when it is backed up with a written contract.

Are Sphynx fragile or sickly?

The answer is NO to both! Sphynx are just cats without cloths.  Sphynx do have a tendency to get scratches on their skin, but they are by no means fragile. Sphynx are generally as healthy as any other cat.

What is a Sphynx F1, F2 or F3?

Please see Sphynx Outcross page

If you have any questions you would like answered, please feel free to send me an email at:

citizenkat@hotmail.com