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Sphynx

Hairless Sphynx cat with wrinkled skin and large ears
Photo: Dmitry Makeev — CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The famous hairless cat — warm, wrinkled, suede-soft skin and an extrovert, attention-loving personality.

SizeMediumPersonalityAffectionateCoatHairlessOriginAmericas

How to spot it

A medium, muscular cat 3.5–5 kg that appears hairless but is covered in a fine, warm, suede-like down. It has large ears, prominent cheekbones, a pot belly and wrinkled skin, especially over the head and shoulders; the skin colour and pattern mirror what the coat would have been.

Personality

Exceptionally affectionate, energetic and extrovert — it craves warmth and company, seeks out laps and shoulders for heat, and is one of the most people-dependent of all breeds.

Grooming & coat care

No fur to brush, but the skin produces oils that a coat would normally absorb, so it needs regular bathing to avoid greasy build-up, plus routine ear cleaning.

Health & lifespan

Around 12–15 years. The breed is prone to HCM and to skin problems; without a coat it chills easily indoors and sunburns outdoors.

Living with one in India

The lack of coat cuts both ways — a Sphynx overheats and sunburns in direct sun, so it must stay out of it, yet it also chills quickly in strong air-conditioning and seeks warmth. Its oily skin needs more frequent bathing in a hot, humid, dusty climate.

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