Sphynx cat Insurance
Is the Sphynx the right cat breed for you?
Our guide to living with a Sphynx
As hairless as a kitten, the Sphynx may not look cuddly, but is actually one of the most affectionate and sociable cats going. Learn more about their temperament and origins.
Sphynx cat quick facts
- Size: Height 25-40cm, body length 33-38cm
- Lifespan: 8 - 14 years
- Weight: 3 - 5kg (adult male 4-5 kg, adult female 3-4 kg)
- Colours: Solid (white, grey, black etc), tabby patterns or tortoiseshell
- Characteristics: Affectionate, playful, intelligent, loyal
- Common diseases and health problems: Heart disease (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy), respiratory issues & skin problems
- Country of origin: Canada
Where does the Sphynx come from?
Not actually from Egypt, the Sphynx originated in Canada in the 1960s. A genetic mutation caused a domestic kitten – called Prune – to be born hairless. Prune became the foundation of a selective breeding programme aimed at creating a healthy, stable hairless breed. The name Sphynx was inspired by its resemblance to Egyptian sphinx statues though.
Looking for pet insurance for your Sphynx cat?
Protect your Sphynx cat with peace of mind from Agria.
What is a Sphynx’s temperament?
The Sphynx is a confident, loving cat with a big personality. Their temperament is outgoing, affectionate, warm, friendly and very social. You’ll often find them following their owners from room to room, happily curling up on laps or under blankets.
Social
Sphynx cats thrive on human companionship and love to be at the centre of attention.
Dog-like
Described as ‘dog-like’ for being warm and friendly, they enjoy being handled and are typically welcoming to guests.
Interactive
They can be energetic and playful, they have a curious, mischievous streak and enjoy climbing, exploring and interactive play.
Sphynx training and exercise
Here’s how to keep your Sphynx active, and a little light training:
- 1
Play daily
These guys are energetic and playful, so get stuck in with some interactive toys and play sessions every day if you can. They love climbing trees too, so let them do so if you have the chance.
- 2
Use positive reinforcement
The Sphynx is very intelligent, and responds well to calm, reward-based training with treats or praise. Simple commands like coming when called can be taught with consistency.
- 3
Enhance their environment
Make toys and puzzle feeders available, and mix them up frequently. They also love climbing, so create an environment where it’s safe for them to do so.
- 4
Keep their social battery charged
They thrive on attention, so schedule regular bonding time and fussing. This’ll help reinforce good behaviour and keep them emotionally balanced.
Find out more about how to train your cat or read more blogs by Anna Jönsson Bergstedt.
Sphynx appearance and size
The Sphynx cat is striking and unmistakable. For a start, they don't have fur. Rather, they have soft wrinkled skin which is slightly downy, and feels like warm suede.
Sphinx cats have a medium-sized body which is muscular and well defined, with prominent cheekbones, a broad chest and a bit of a pot belly. The Sphynx has large, wide-set ears, a narrow face and expressive, lemon-shaped eyes that give them an alert and curious expression.
Buying a Sphynx kitten
Sphynx kittens grow and develop relatively slowly, reaching full maturity between 2-3 years old.
When you pick up your new Sphynx kitten, be sure to ask the breeder what food to give them when you first take them home.
All kittens should be vet-inspected, vaccinated against feline distemper and cat distemper, and dewormed when you pick them up. You should also ask when their next vaccination and deworming treatment is due.
Learn more about caring for your kitten, including how to settle them into their new home.
Sphynx cat insurance with Agria
With Agria, it's lifetime, every time
At Agria, we believe pet insurance should last your pet’s lifetime. Our policies provide lifelong vet fees cover for illnesses and injuries. This means that, provided your policy is renewed each year, your maximum benefit will be refreshed, providing cover for ongoing conditions.
So, whatever happens throughout your Sphynx cat's life, we’ll always be there for you and your cat!
Agria Pet Insurance has been awarded 'best pet insurance overall' from The Telegraph.
Up to £20,000 towards vet bills every year
So your cat can get the care they need.
We pay 98% of claims*
And we can pay your vet directly, so you can focus on your cat.
No increase in your premiums when you claim
So you don’t have to worry about the cost of insurance when you go to the vet.
Free vet video calls, 24/7
Which means help is always on hand if you’re worried.
Get a 5% multi-pet discount when you insure more than one pet with us.
*Based on all Agria Pet Insurance claims received between November 2023 and May 2024.
Want to know about our insurance policies? From multi-pet coverage to pre-existing conditions, we have lifetime insurance options for cats, rabbits, horses, and dogs, including older dogs.
Sphynx FAQs
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