Sphynx Cats - Reasons Not To Buy One
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Sadly most of the information about Sphynx Cats on the internet are written by people who have never owned one. In fact most of it isn't even written by people at all, but created by article spinning software that takes the information from real Sphynx cat owners like myself and remix it into something that looks like it is written by a person.
I own 3 Sphynxes and have written a book on the subject. I can assure you that i am a real person who knows what they are talking about when
Now that the rant is over let's talk about why you shouldn't buy Sphynx Cats
Sphynx Cat Care
Do not consider buying a Sphynx if you are not prepared to perform at least weekly grooming of the animal. What?!?! you say...but it's hairless, why does it need grooming? Think of Sphynx cats in the same way you would think of a baby. It's hairless, close to the ground, not designed to clean itself and has special needs.
Bathing
A Sphynx cat needs a bath at least once a week, and preferably in something like Malaseb to ensure any bacteria or other nasties are killed during the bath. Despite the Sphynx cat videos of hairless kitties happily playing in the bath, a Sphynx may retain its cat instincts and really dislike getting wet. Make sure your breeder has worked at acclimatising your kitten to a regular bath, and continue regular bathing to reinforce the habit. Special rewards during and after will help.
Even with the bathing your Sphynx will leave brown marks on furniture, sheets and your fluffy white towels just out of the drier if they sleep there for any length of time. If you cannot deal with that, do not buy a Sphynx.
Ear Cleaning
Sphynxes have no hair in their ear canals but do produce copious amounts of dark ear wax that is quite unsightly, can stain furniture and clothes. and will block the ear canal if left uncleaned. Again be prepared to take a Q-tip a couple of times a week and clean the gunk out of their ears. I won't lie to you, it is quite disgusting, if you are totally grossed out by the thought then do not buy a hairless cat .
Nail Clipping
Yep just like babies, you have going to cut the nails of your Sphynx Cat once a week. If you are of the opinion that declawing (cutting the end of each cat "finger" at the first joint) is an acceptable solution for trimming claws then I am afraid you do not deserve any type of cat, let alone a Sphynx. Shame on you!
Sphynx Cat Temperament
Sphynxes do not like being left alone. If you are not prepared for a Sphynx to be sitting all over you (leaving brown marks on that white top) then time to get something more standoffish, like a Siamese.
If you are leaving the house for long periods of time your Sphynx's heart is going to break. Unless you have a companion for your Sphynx it is going to become depressed and stressed. If you don't have other friendly animals it can interact with while you are not around then you are going to need to buy two Sphynxes.
The Need For Heat
When was the last time you ran round naked? In countries that have cold winters your power bill will need to rise as a Sphynx needs to be warm all of the time (not just when humans are in the house). If you don't leave the heaters on then you will need to purchase a heated cat igloo or similar .
If you look through Sphynx cat pictures on the internet you are bound to find some of a Sphynx cat dressed in a warm jumper or t-shirt. The clothing really is for the human and not the cat, as a Sphynx becomes confused when clothing is applied. They are likely to tip over, freeze in one place like a statue, and their personality can change. If you want to dress your Sphynx up like a doll for your own amusement then you shouldn't buy a Sphynx.
Sphynx Cat Toilet Habits
Lastly, you must be able to love your Sphynx even when they
- don't cover their poop in the kitty litter
- their poop smells like the worst thing you have ever smelt and now you have visitors at the door
- they have trodden on their soft poop and cuddled up to you in front of the guests, leaving poopy marks all over you
- let an eyewatering fart go when you are cuddling them in front of the guests and explaining how gorgeous they are as a breed.
If you cannot even contemplate being able to do those things then do not buy a Sphynx Cat.
But if you can... then welcome to the best breed in the cat family !
Sphynx Kittens - Love Them
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As a roommate, but not owner, of a Sphynx Cat I truly appreciate your honesty in describing the breed. We really love our cuddly, silly, smelly, oily little guy. But so many people out there just don't understand the special needs of this breed and often buy one as a status pet. I'm glad if even a few people read this and make an informed decision. It will lead to a few less unhappy Sphynx owners and a few more happy, healthy Sphynx Cats.
i love sphynx cats and kittens
honest and insightful.. best article i have read on this subject! all the best to you and your beautiful cats! :)
wow!!!! thnk you soooo much for this!! I have been lookig into the sphyx breed for a couple of months now and thought that I had been informed of everything! Definitely need to re-think my purchase on this beautiful breed. Although sad, very glad that I did not get into something that I could not end up handeling. Thanks again.
I'm sorry but I feel you paint a very bleak picture of owning one of the most person like animals I have ever known. I am a cat person, my great avunt had over 100 on her farm of different breeds.
Maybe it is the breeder I got mine from but he is amazing! so loving and wonderful! And as long as I don't feed him strange stuff he is fine with his poop. He goes a lot and I scoop the box everyday but that's ok too me. As for brown marks smuges and other yuck, don't have it. He like the water, talks to me while I take my bath and is fine when I bath him and clean his ears. The nail thing was a surprize because they seem to grow so fast but that is the only thing I worry about. I get a bit scared cutting his nails. We love him and will get him a sibling as soon as we can. I think the breeder makes a differance ours spent lots of time with her kittens.
I have to agree with everything the writer said here. I own a female and a male sphynx. I love them to death. But they are work to keep up.
1. Since they don't have fur on their toes they drag kitty litter all over the house between their toes
2 Their bottoms always look dirty.
3.They leave grease spots in the bed and on furniture where they lay.
4. If you have a male expect people to ask you what are those things hanging? This one cracks me up
5. People ask me how often I shave my cat. LOL
I have owned many breeds but not one breed has been half as entertaining, loving, and amusing as these two.
It's great to see such honesty about Sphynx cats. In my opinion only, a Sphynx is nothing short of a dog that uses a litter box. Ours is a great companion, happy to see you when you get home from work, LOVES to play fetch, and will snuggle up with you no matter the situation. For me, I can easily preform this maintenance in return for such love and affection.
I had to laugh when you mentioned the eye-watering farts part as hes done that a few times, and as I write, I do believe I'm going to have to go clean the litter box! The smell is wafting. But I wouldn't trade a Sphynx for the world!
Love the idea of owning one of these beautiful animals. but have been hesitant for many reasons. Thank you so much for your advice. It has allowed me to realize I probably do not need to be an owner no matter how much I am intrigued by their appearance.
I own a sphynx cat, and they are the best! they are very friendly, ok the do need washed, ears and nails done. They are worth it!
I have 1 sphynx male cat and can honestly say that the information you have provided is totally accurate !! All you describe fits my little baby perfectly. I wouldnt be without him though for the world, hes adorable. There is information out there as you suggest but this is the most accurate i have seen. Thank you .
really appreciate this honest post. especially since so many people are so happy-go-lucky about getting new pets when they're not truly committed to caring for it completely.
Thank you for the great article! I am a proud owner of 2 sphynx. And, people have seen my cats and suddenly get interested in purchasing one and I always scare them away with all of the responsibility! People DO NOT understand how this breed is like a child in many ways. I wouldn't trade mine for the world
I also have 3 sphynx cats 2 that I purchased and one that rescued.They are alot of work, but more than worth it. I love my cats, even with the dirty sheets.So heed the warning and think about another pet if your not willing to sacafice.
I have a handsome stinky sweaty non covering poopy sphynx cat and hes the best pet ever loving sweet and a great companion yesss like a child hes s good boy
Great article! I am the happy owner of two bald babies. MILO a four year old black and white male,and RUBY a one year old pure white little girl. Although they are harder work than most people think,they are the most loving, loyal and funny little creatures. At 6mths old, I almost lost Milo to a serious birth defect and consider myself the luckiest girl in the world that he survived! He is such a strong and brave boy, and everyday he and Ruby show me so much love and make me laugh! Sphinx cats are truly amazing and special!
After having "cats" all of our lives, we were fortunate enough to be blessed with a 2 yr old female Sphynx about a month ago. She is the sweetest, most loving cuddly child, and such a joy! Yes, she is more high maintenance, but the return is so worth it. She loves everyone in the family, and I can't wait to get in bed at night because I know she is going to come snuggle up next to us. I can't see ever adopting any other animal...we have spoiled her and she has spoiled us in return!
A person does have to be responsible and dedicated to own a Sphynx cat, with all the care that they need. A cat looks different without fur. Altering a cat like delclawing it doesn't seem natural at all, obviously because of the cat being born with claws of course. Great advice.
Super article! My mum has one and cares for him like for a baby, poop and all! Sleeps with her every night.
I have to add one thing tho. If you are allergic to cats, dogs etc, then you might suffer even more with a Sphynx! Remember that most people are allergic to the dander and not the fur and because they're hairless, there will even more of it!
So in short, unlike some speculation that they do not cause allergies, they do and much worse.
Sorry but I think they're ugly. They're part of humankind's obsession with reshaping nature into something we desire rather than let it be. I love cats but I wouldn't have one of these.
Soupie- you need to spend some time with one. I am a sphynx breeder and can honestly tell you- every single kitten I have sold has been totally sweet and dog-like. If you like dogs, but don't want the hair and taking them outside all day- than a sphynx is for you! They WANT to be with you- even when you go to the bathroom! For people who are all by themselves at home all day- you couldn't ask for a better companion! Every bit of effort you have to put up with is so unbelievably worth it! They love you like no other animal!
Soupie - you obviously have never met a sphynx or you wouldn't be saying such a sad, generalised comment. everyone that i know who had any doubts about my two has left my house with a smile on their face, completely won around by the wonderful, individual personalities that my sphynx have. the sphynx hairless strain occurs naturally and i'm of the understanding that many breeders use F1 cats (hairy cats that carry the sphynx gene) to keep the lines strong. these are amazing animals. they are like cats, only better. The breed as a whole are more affectionate than regular cats and while they may look a little odd, after a while you don't notice. ,my friend has 5 regular cats which i think look wierd. they have whiskers and everything....... my advice would be to meet a sphynx. if you can still say that you think they're ugly then fair doos but if you like cats at all i reckon you'll be won over too like i was :)
I don't understand why people are saying such rude things to the author of this article. She was not trying to tell the reader about the Sphynx cats positive points, but merley aproach the Sphynx cats more negitave side because a lot of owners and breeders only like to talk about the good. Usually because they love there pet so much the negitave seems to slip there mind when they are bragging. She even stated at the end how amazing the Sphynx cat breed is.
And yes, as it is well known the sphynx breed is more likely than the "average" house cat to enjoy bath time. Dont make a blanket statment because you own a Sphynx cat that enjoys bath time, that all Sphynx cats do. Also Sphynx cats are prone to having smelly, and non-solid poop. They are also prone to not covering there poop in the box. So just because your Sphynx cat has normal poop, and covers it every time does not mean all sphynx cats do. The Author was just saying be prepared in case this happens, because it is very common with the breed. Hey you can easily luck out :)
There are a few things they did annoy myself about the article though. Most cats do not enjoy wearing sweaters, and yes they are also for the owners enjoyment but they do help retain body heat. My sphynx only wears sweaters in the winter because they do help keep him warm. Also I have no idea what the auther is talking about when they reffer to "the cat leaving brown marks where ever it goes" Yes Sphynx cats get dirty very easily, and are more greasy than most cats however if you bathe your cat regularly and give him/her sponge baths almost daily you will not have that propblem unless the cat has a actual skin condition.... wich Sphynx cats are prone to lol.
It's all about commitment.
Anyway there is plent of information out there about how amazing Sphyhnx cats are, and yes they are human-monkey-dog creatures. I will never own another cat breed. This article did bring attention to some of the more truthful negitave about the breed though.
I own male sphynx cat...i found the article very interesting extremely helpful for people who are thinking about buying a sphynx cat.
I know that this is not a rule my cat wears clothes, we once tried it at first he didnt like it and as soon as he realised how warm he felt in the clothes he started to request it. He cannon even go to sleep without his favourite t-shirt...which is strange
Also a little note: if you hate the smell of the toilet do not change the sand too often. On the package it is said that one package is enough for cat for the whole month...but our cat toilet is in our bathroom so the smell was not really nice.
We decided to change the sand every week and guess what...if we do not change it every week simply by not having time he poops in the flower pot in the hallway so that whole house would smell like his poop...
What can i say? they are really smart creatures...but we still love them
hi, I have just recently rescued a sphynx cat.She is a black and white.I researched them for a year before i even started looking. Had intended to buy one from a breeder that has high standards and friendly kittys like most of you describe the breed. Bunny however is not a friendly kitty. She is very grumpy.Bunny has been declawed at some point in her life.When she is picked up and rubbed she will bite you if you get to close to her backend or tummy.
I was told by someone that declawing her, is why she is grumpy. I do not know if that is true.
I have never had a declawed cat.I think it is inhumane.I though maybe its because she is female. I know that some female cats aren't as lovey as males, sometimes. She does not like to be picked up at all. Bunny likes to be under the covers all the time. She comes out to eat, go potty and right back to sleeping. She hates water and is not pleasent in the bath. Has anyone had a female sphynx like this.I have taken her to a vet .She is very healthy. She came to me fixed,declawed and up to date on shots. She was given to the lady who gave her to me. I do not know how many homes she has had but i am her last. She is now in her forever home.We love her even if she is grumpy.For the love of Bunny, someone send me some hope that she will become trusting.That someone has had a kitty like her. Thanks, for listening.Bunny's Mom
Thanks for the info!
This is great and I agree with most of it. So here is my problem, I LOVE MY SPHYNXY and can't imagine not having her around. However all of the sudden and after 3 years with her, I was diagnosed with chronic sinus infection and I'm allergic to cats. WTF!!!??? I'm shocked but lets just say that I would take root canal on daily bases over this chronic sinus b.s. and allergy. I was on steroids for two months, largest dose of antibiotics and anything and everything u can buy from pharmacy. Advil cold n sinus from pharmacist and sinus rinse work best, however I'm still in pain. Can bathing her often help or any suggestions u may hqve will be appreciated. People may think it is silly but this animal grew on me so much, I'm shocked to develop allergy to her... one thing is for sure, she isn't going anywhere. Please email me if u can lukasz_sobczak@yahoo.com thx ;)
I've had my Sphynx for a little over one month now. I've always had house cats, for the last 25 years, and currently have one haired cat who is 12 yrs old. I bought my sphynx to be a companion to my older cat, not knowing how energetic the sphynx is, or that much about the sphynx.
I can honestly say that after having my Sphynx for just a few days, I knew that I would never have another 'haired' cat again.
I don't care if I have to bath him once or even twice a week if needed, clean out the skin between his toes twice a week, and clean out his ears twice a week. Yes, he does leave smudge marks on my white bath robe, which he loves to sleep in. so, I just gave him the bath robe and bought myself a new one. My Sphynx is well worth any extra maintenance required.
My Sphynx was well trained and came from a great cattery where he was handled daily, and loved.
About the smelly poop - feed your cats raw. Yes, Raw Meat. Poop doesn't stink when your cat eats raw. Did God provide dry food to our cats before they were domesticated and adopted into homes? NO - when we domesticated cats that is when we created dry food to feed them.
The idea might sound disgusting, I was disgusted at first too. But it is true - no stinky poop with a raw meat diet.
My husband and I have just recently adopted a Sphynx cat and have given him his forever home. We are now in love with the breed!! I Don't think we will ever go back to any other breed again. Yes they are more work, but we don't have to clean hair off of everything anymore and our cats personality is so outgoing. He likes to meet and greet everyone and he loves to snuggle. His bowel movements are completely normal and do not smell anymore then a regular cat (he covers them too which is nice). We do not feed him anything that has grain in it (so only very high quality foods) and only freeze dried fish and liver treats (100% natural). Their stomachs are very sensitive and with a very strict and proper diet they will do much better.
Hi all you sphynxs lovers, I have had my boy for 6 months, yes the maintance is high for these incredible cats, but they are such a wonderful companion if you have only one bewear leaving them alone is not a good idea, my boy gets aggressive when I come home he's very strong and has inflicted some deep bits. I am collecting another boy so he has company and hopefully will stop attacing me. Still a wonderful breed.
nteresting comments. Of course, as a breeder I am always interested in what affects the breed. As I started to read this article, I have to admit, I immediately bristled. The furr on the back of my neck stood up. I calmed myself and continued to read the rest with an open mind. While I understand where this person was somewhat coming from, I had to conclude that the delivery was cold and callused and if this had been one of my pet owners, I would most likely be contacting her to see if she was having second thoughts about owning sphynx cats and telling her I would be most happy to take them back. Seriously. No pet should be considered "maintenance free"... what is she thinking? Consider the Persian or the Maine Coon. They do not require "weekly" maintenance, they require DAILY maintenance. If you don't,,,, they require a trip to the groomer to have the matted hair removed or completely shaved. Not to mention the ongoing trips to the vet to treat them for hairballs that can go on to cause potentially fatal bowel obstructions. Persians are rated as the number one most popular breed. Maine Coons are number 3. Sphynx number 5. And lets not forget to mention about the excessive hair that needs to be removed from furniture and clothing on a daily basis with this long haired breed. All in order to own a cat that, for the most part, is simply ornamental. They do not interact with humans, except when its feeding time. Oh, and the mention of sphynx with litter between their toes... LOL.... every see how much litter gets stuck to a long haired cats toes and furr? And I get cold much quicker than my sphynx do. There is no truth to sphynx needing a heated cat bed. That is just nonsense. Or need to wear clothing. Lets face it.... we all love to see them in those adorable outfits and I agree some are OK with wearing them and actually stay warm, but to be honest, I don't dress any of mine except for fun occasions, and none of them are cold without the clothes,
Bunny, don't give up on your new girl. Being a rescue could have a lot to do with her personality at this time. Being declawed, spayed and moved from home to home, with possible neglect or abuse in some of those homes, is a full plate to cope with. That could change with lots of love and reassurance. Sphynx are very sensitive and this girl may have gone through some really tuff situations before you got her. Including the declawing. It could be she was not well socialized as a kitten, then went to a home that didn't spend the time with her that she needed. Being passed from home to home has not given her the safe, secure, loving environment she needed and she has now shut down and just copes by sleeping all day. It could take her months or nearly a year to change. She needs stability and needs to know you are her forever home, and she is not going to be moving again soon. That will most likely just take time. She may have some scar tissue around her spay incision that causes her discomfort, so she is protective of that area. Hopefully that will eventually clear up or at least not be as painful. Many cats of all breeds are protective of their tail and the back end tail area. I had a DSH (barn cat) that hated anyone messing with his tail, or even near it. He would bite also.
It's a shame that such a loving and wonderful cat can be so much work to take care of. Definitely not your typical cat as far as care. Thank you for this very accurate painting of the joys and burdens of having a sphynx. Unfortunately, we already have one since a month ago and love him to death, but wish I had read your article before getting him.
Thank you.
Ive had my Bella for 10 years, she's now 12. The breeder did not give me the understanding you need to take care if a sphynx; the initial 2 years with working with my vet I got her health and trust to a childlike attachment. 8 years later I learnt an additional lesson about their total attachment; Bella would get so stressed by me leaving overnight for work (I did have a career in the home with her) that, and later I would discover that the herpes virus would have been passed on by her mother, well due to the stress, it triggered the herpies virus which started killed her cornea. After a successful operation she thankfully didn't loose her sight, but she now travels everywhere with me when staying away; this is somewhat tricky when attempting to sneak her in to some hotels!
She deals with my routine of going to work etc but if I'm late she will be extra dirty from starting to stress; but if I pop back before going out she copes much better.
When going overseas she now stays at a friends house but makes quite sure she shows her absolute disgust and feeling of betrayal when she arrives home; that first time was absolutely dreadful, she treated me like a stranger. The second time is coming up and I pray this time is easier on her and me!
I may not bath her as regularly as I should because she of course carries on as if I'm abusing her, after all these years she still carries on and in fact is getting worse. Don't get me wrong she will sit there; I do not place her in water, I'll use a flannel, but she meow as if I'm hurting her; and of course she lives the stroking as I lather her but she quickly hides any satisfaction. Even after shes cleaned and looks and feels her best, she'll hide just long enough to pull at my strings; amazing aren't they!
A new vet has put me onto Dermoscent Essential 6, so I alternate between this and baths.
Bella had to take on the transition of me having a baby too, my daughter is nearly 7 and it's taken 6 years for them to develop a true attachment; as much as Bella can in any case, I'm her number 1 and my daughter still gets jealous!
So how about the continued marks; I've always thought it from their scratching, can you give any guidance on this?
and OMG that was funny re their very stinky poo! I always know when Bella has done one, firstly she races away, and shortly after the smell permeates the house! I always thought she was smellier then any other lol
I don't use a q-tip for her ears, that makes me a little netvousr, I use cotton balls with paw gentle ear cleaner.
I'm noticing shes getting age spots; the first time a spot appeared I raced her to my vet, this was 10 years ago, the vet assured me it was a freckle lol and now these lighter spots appearing must be age spots, just like I'm getting!
I pray she's with me for many more years to come; it was reported somewhere that a sphynx had been known to live to 38...
What is a typical age? Maybe I'm better off not knowing...
Enjoy your sphynx but be sure you're prepared to commit to them as you would your own child :) and all will be good...
I am well into my 30,s so lets just say IM not a kid. That being said, I have had cats in my house since I was a child and have always loved them. This year 2012, I bought a new kitten [ a sphynx] and I want to say he is the most loving amazing playfull creature Ive ever seen in my life. i will never be without a sphynx from now on!
Good article but I do have to say that a lot of this applies to regular cats as well. I foster, and have occasionally done sphynx kitties. However I still often get regular kitties who tread poo across the house or make a mess everywhere. Cleaning ears and cutting nails is a chore most people don't realize applies to all cats. The exception is that they leave hair EVERYWHERE and even medium furred varieties need weekly brushing. A sphynx is hard work but so are most other cats if you care for them properly. It's just easier to see when a sphynx is not being cared for appropriately; trust me, I know.
I have always been a dog person but I fell in love with my groomer's hairless cats. We bought one and life hasn't been the same. Moxie, our kittie, is a combination of human, dog, monkey and cat. She follows me everywhere responds to my commands better than our dogs. She has me wrapped around her little paw! She isn't as much hassle as the author of this article describes...I bathe, clip her nails and clean her ears once a month. I loooooove her!!!
Hi, great article, it is informative. However, Siamese cats are anything but stand -off-ish. They very much like attention, I am aware that it's possible that the odd Siamese cat could be stand-off-ish but it is not what the breed is supposed to be like & I've only ever see attention seeking Siamese cats, I realize this article is about Sphynx, I'm just saying.
yea the poop stinks, the baths take getting used to, they get whites dirty (comes out with a regular wash for me), and they cry like a baby 24/7.... but despite all that this is still one of the most amazing pets you'll ever own. Really you just have to think of the breed as less of a cat and more of a cat/dog/monkey/parrot.
You are right on!! I must add that they are VERY prone to Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy(HCM) which requires all sphynx cats to have at least yearly echocardiograms by veterinary cardiologists (approximately $400 each time). I don't know for sure that this is an accurate statistic, but I have heard that up to 80% of Sphynx develop HCM, and it is a devastating disease that will cause death by the age of 6yo. I lost a sphynx at the age of 15 months to HCM. Even if breeders screen their Sphynx parents for HCM, this does not, by any means, guarantee that the parents will not develop HCM in later years, and therefore give their offspring the gene. I agree that they are a wonderful breed, but I would never again support their breeding. Instead, to satisfy my want for the breed, I will rescue unwanted Sphynx in the future. Be ready for expensive vet bills, but lots of love!! Further, a raw food diet will greatly decrease the Sphynx oils leading to less baths and no more smelly poops. We are going to be making our own raw food from the recipe on catinfo.org in the future, but currently our cats are eating Nature's Variety - Instinct Raw - Organic Chicken or Duck. I promise, I am NOT a paid advertiser for this brand; I am truly just a VERY VERY happy customer!!! :) Thank you!!
Aleks 23 months ago
thank you very much for being the first person on the internet that takes pet ownership seriously. you painted a truly honest picture of the sphynx cat. the good qualities and the not so great ones too :) . i think that many people that are exploring the breed as a possibility (including myself) will find it truly helpful.