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15 Reasons to buy a Sphynx cat

The Sphynx is well-known as the cat with no fur. Who would desire such a cat you might ask? Many people!

These gorgeous naked kitties are in high demand. You should NOT get one if you’re not prepared to provide it with the excellent care it deserves.

People are fascinated by Sphynx cats and give a variety of reasons for wanting to get one, though not all are informed choices. We explain what owning a Sphynx cat really involves and why many people might not want to get one after all.

Reasons to get a Sphynx

15 reasons why a Sphynx could be the cat for you

1. You want an unusual looking cat

You shouldn’t buy a cat just based in it’s looks but there is something quite endearing about the appearance of a Sphynx.

This gorgeous no coat kitty needs a caring home so make sure you are prepared to give it an excellent one.

Sphynx Cats can be quite expensive. You may need to save up to afford one!

2. You like an excuse to heat your home 24-7

This breed likes a cozy home as it has no fur coat to keep it warm. You know how cold you feel undressing when there’s no heating on? A Sphynx feels the cold like that too!

The lowest temperature a Sphynx is comfortable at is 68 °F. Whereas you might usually have your heating on 8 hours per day when it’s cold, if you have a Sphynx you might need it on more of the time. The bonus is you can feel warm all the time too.

You might think you can just put a few layers of clothing on your cat but many Sphynx cats really don’t like wearing clothes because of how they restrict their movement.

You could buy a heated bed like this Thermo Kitty Heated bed (click the link to read reviews on Amazon) but a Sphynx won’t be as comfortable and happy as it is if the ambient air temperature is lovely and warm.

PIcture above is of a Sphynx cat in a jumper

3. You are prepared to invest in a cat’s health care

Like all cats, Sphynx cats need annual health checks along with booster vaccinations to protect them against diseases, even if they never go outside – so more expenses that some people can’t afford.

Sphynx cats are prone to a genetic form of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). An HCM scan is recommended to rule this out or to catch any developing symptoms.

Pet insurance is highly recommended. We have used Petplan for more than 15 years and have been glad of it on many occasions. We have definitely claimed far more than our premiums have cost. Get an instant quote now.

4. You want to brush a cat’s teeth every day

Like all cats, Sphynx cats are susceptible to periodontal disease. If you don’t clean their teeth regularly you might need a vet to do this occasionally.

Looking after a cat’s teeth will hopefully keep them healthy and avoid the need for extractions.

5. You are prepared to invest in the right diet for a special cat

Sphynx cats need good quality cat food to keep them healthy – so no leftovers from your plate! If you buy food, make sure it contains the balance of protein and nutrients cats need.

If you opt to make your own food, add all the relevant nutrients so your cat doesn’t become deficient in any vitamins or minerals.

6. You love smelly cat poop!

One thing many owners say about their Sphynx cat is that they don’t cover their waste after eliminating in the litter box.

Another thing they say is their waste is really smelly. So if you gag at the scent of cat litter boxes you might want to rethink owning a Sphynx.

Picture above is of two Sphynx kittens

7. You’re at home enough to keep it company

If you have a job that keeps you out of the house for long hours every day a Sphynx might get lonely and sad. They are the ideal cat for someone who spends a lot of time at home. If you can, get two Sphynx to keep each other company.

8. You love bathing cats

I’m not an advocate of bathing cats but with Sphynx cats, it’s often necessary. With no fur to absorb the oil produced by their skin, they become quite greasy.

You might find a Sphynx more likely than the average cat to stain everything it sleeps on. You have to discipline yourself and bathe a Sphynx cat every week. If you don’t like the sound of this, get a furry cat instead.

Picture above is of a Sphynx cat in a tin bath

9. You long to clean goo out of cat’s ears

The lack of hair in the ears of a Sphynx means lots of wax can build up which can block their ear canals. Owners might need to gently remove this wax at least twice a week and it’s quite an unpleasant task that some people might not be able to stomach.

10. You can see yourself regularly cleaning a cat’s feet

A Sphynx might get filthy feet.

Apart from the fact they are prone to stepping in their poop in the litter box, dirt can accumulate between their toes and should be cleaned out regularly to remove the risk of infection occurring.

If you aren’t delighted at this idea you are definitely not looking at your ideal cat.

11. You enjoy clipping claws

A Sphynx cat’s claws generally need trimming on a regular basis. Owners can learn how to do this but have to be careful to trim just the right amount at the correct angle.

If you don’t want to do this yourself, a groomer or a vet can do this but obviously this can work out expensive.

Please DON’T EVER have a Sphynx (or any) cat declawed to avoid having to trim their claws.

It’s a painful amputation procedure that leaves a cat having to relearn their whole way of walking without their first toe joints, and can also lead to behavioral issues such as scratching, biting and refusing to use a litter box.

12. You have a cat allergy

Most allergies triggered by cats are related to their dander (dead skin cells), urine, and saliva, not their fur. So the less fur a cat has the more likely you are to be exposed to these allergens.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) states there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic cat (click the link to their site to read more).

If you think a Sphynx will not aggravate your cat allergy you’re probably wrong – but do spend a few hours schmoozing with one before you buy – as long as your cat allergy isn’t life-threatening of course.

Picture above is of a Sphynx cat staring

13. You want a dependent cat

Sphynx cats love to be close to their owners a lot of the time. If you envisage spending endless hours relaxing with a cat on your lap (stealing your heat and your heart) a Sphynx is definitely the cat for you.

14. You are not house proud

Even when a Sphynx is bathed on a regular basis, it can still leave oily sphynx-shaped imprints wherever it snoozes.

You can attempt to cover your chairs and sofas but you can’t possibly cover every inch of your home. Anything white will not remain white for long.

If you love cats, you have to accept a little mess and scratched furniture – it goes with the territory.

15. You want an indoor cat

Sphynx cats are really best kept as house cats. They can’t go out in the cold and they are at risk of sunburn in summer. If you like a cat to have the freedom to come and go, a Sphynx won’t really suit you.

But if you want to turn your home into the perfect environment for an indoor cat, a Sphynx will love you for it.

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