Sphynx cats are famous for their (nearly) nude appearance, but there is so much more to these charming, intelligent, and affectionate cats.

The sphynx cat breed is striking and utterly unmistakable, thanks to their natural baldness. Their unconventional looks have gained the sphynx a fair share of fans-and a few who are less than impressed by the breed's nakedness. But no matter how you feel about their head-turning appearance, these clownish cats are intelligent, engaging, and devoted pets. The sphynx is a loving and friendly breed who craves your attention and affection-especially the scritches that come with your love.

Because they're a relatively uncommon breed, these hairless cats can cost a pretty penny. If you're looking to buy a sphynx cat, get ready to dig deep into your wallet: A sphynx kitten from a reputable breeder usually costs between $1,500-$6,000, depending on pedigree.

Breed standards

The breed standards are defined by The International Cat Association (TICA)

Wedge-shaped heads with prominent cheekbones

Large, lemon-shaped eyes

Very large ears with hair on inside, but soft down on outside base

Well-muscled, powerful neck of medium length

Medium length torso, barrel-chested, and full, round abdomen, sometimes called a pot belly

Paw pads thicker than other cats, giving the appearance of walking on cushions

Whiplike, tapering tail from body to tip, (sometimes with fur all over tail or a puff of fur on the tip, like a lion)

Muscular body

History of the cat breed

The contemporary breed of Sphynx cat is distinct from the Russian hairless cat breeds, like Peterbald and Donskoy. Although hairless cats have been reported throughout history, breeders in Europe have been developing the Sphynx breed since the early 1960s.[3] Two different sets of hairless felines discovered in North America in the 1970s provided the foundation cats for what was shaped into the existing Sphynx breed.

The current American and European Sphynx breed is descended from two lines of natural mutations:

Dermis and Epidermis (1975) barn cats from the Pearson family of Wadena, Minnesota

Bambi, Punkie and Paloma (1978) stray cats found in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and raised by Shirley Smith

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