Sphynx FAQ

Not quite! Most Sphynx are covered in a fine, warm peach fuzz that feels like suede or a warm chamois leather. The mutation in the KRT71 gene that causes their hairlessness makes the hair follicles too weak to support a proper coat, so only this soft down grows. Some cats have a little more fuzz on the nose, ears, toes and tail. Most Sphynx also lack whiskers, or have only short, brittle ones — it's part of the same gene at work.

Sadly, no — this is the biggest myth about the breed. Cat allergies are caused by the Fel d 1 protein found in a cat's saliva, skin and dander, not by the fur itself. Sphynx groom themselves just like any other cat, so the allergen is still very much present.

That said, some allergy sufferers do report milder reactions around Sphynx, since there is no fur to spread dander around the house. If you are allergic, please spend proper time with a Sphynx before committing to one — we'd much rather you find out at our house than after your kitten has moved in.

We describe them as embodying the best traits of a cat, a monkey, a dog and a little sprinkle of fairy dust. Sphynx are outgoing, mischievous, endlessly curious and utterly devoted to their people. They greet you at the door, follow you from room to room, insert themselves into whatever you're doing and then melt into your lap (or under your blanket) the moment you sit down.

They are a very high-energy, high-affection breed — this is not a cat that decorates the couch. If you want an independent, aloof pet, a Sphynx will overwhelm you. If you want a shadow, a supervisor and a hot water bottle in one, there is nothing better.

Without a coat, Sphynx lose body heat faster than other cats, so they actively seek warmth — sunny windowsills, laptops, blankets, other pets, and most of all, you. In a normal South African home they regulate themselves just fine, provided there are warm sleeping spots, soft blankets and beds available.

On cold winter nights or chilly outings, a soft jersey is a welcome help — and for outdoor adventures in summer, a light sun suit protects their skin. Have a look at our Shopping Spree page for the outfit makers we personally use.

Only with protection! Sphynx skin sunburns just like ours, and repeated sun damage is dangerous. We keep sun exposure short, use a pet-safe sunscreen (Dermoscent SunFree SPF30+ is our go-to) or a sun suit for outside adventures, and always provide shade. Indoors, lounging in a sunny spot through a window is their favourite pastime and perfectly fine in moderation.

More than you'd think! The oils that a coat would normally absorb sit on the skin instead, so Sphynx need a regular care routine: a weekly wipe-down or occasional bath, weekly ear cleaning (those big ears collect wax and dust), nail trims and nail-bed cleaning. We've written a full guide on our Grooming & Care page.

Sphynx skin produces the same oils as any cat's — there's just no coat to absorb them. Excess oil can block pores and cause feline acne and blackheads, especially on the chin. A regular skin routine, and swapping plastic food bowls for ceramic or stainless steel, goes a long way to preventing breakouts. And yes — they will occasionally leave little oil marks on your favourite white bedding. We consider it a signature.

Cats are obligate carnivores, and Sphynx have famously fast metabolisms — all that heat production burns fuel, so they eat noticeably more than a coated cat of the same size. We feed a balanced, high-quality raw diet as the largest portion of our cats' meals, and we also teach our kittens to eat a premium kibble so they can adapt to whatever works best in your home. Whatever you choose, quality matters: lots of meat protein, minimal fillers.

A well-bred Sphynx is a robust, long-lived cat — 12 to 16 years is common. The breed's most serious known health risk is HCM (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy), a thickening of the heart muscle that affects many cat breeds.

There is no guaranteed way to eliminate HCM, but responsible breeding dramatically reduces the risk. All of our breeding cats receive regular heart scans by a specialist, and any cat with concerning results is removed from our breeding program. When you enquire about a kitten, please ask us about our health screening — we love that question.

Wonderful, in our experience. Sphynx are social to their bones — they generally adore children, get along famously with cat-friendly dogs, and are happiest with company. Because they crave companionship, they do best in homes where someone is around a good part of the day, or where they have another pet to snuggle and scheme with.

A normal workday is fine — a lonely life is not. Sphynx bond intensely with their people and genuinely suffer when left alone for long stretches day after day. If your home is empty most of the time, we strongly recommend a second cat for company. (Warning: Sphynx are like potato chips. Very few people manage to stop at one.)

Yes. Between the sun, the cold, and their absolute trust in every human and animal they meet, Sphynx are strictly indoor cats. Outdoor time is wonderful — on a harness, supervised, dressed for the weather. Our crew are enthusiastic adventurers on leash and it's one of our favourite things about the breed.

Start by sending us a message telling us a little about yourself, your home and what you're looking for. We plan our litters carefully around health screening, so kittens are limited and we keep a waiting list. Kittens leave us fully vaccinated, dewormed, vet checked, litter trained and utterly convinced that humans are the best thing ever invented.

You can also follow our Facebook and Instagram for litter announcements, or visit the Kitten Gallery.