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Science & Nature • Cat breed

Sphynx

The Sphynx is a cat breed known for its hairless or nearly hairless appearance, wrinkled skin, and large ears.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Sphynx is a cat breed known for its hairless or nearly hairless appearance, wrinkled skin, and large ears. The modern breed originated in Canada in the 1960s from a natural genetic mutation and was developed through selective breeding. The breed was originally called the Canadian Hairless.

History

The modern Sphynx originated in Canada after a hairless kitten was born in Toronto in 1966 from a natural genetic mutation. Breeders later developed the line through selective breeding, and the breed became known as the Sphynx.

Appearance

Sphynx cats are best known for their lack of fur, though many have a fine peach-fuzz-like coating. They usually have wrinkled skin, prominent ears, and a muscular, medium-sized build.

Breed characteristics

The breed is often described as affectionate, intelligent, and attention-seeking. Sphynx cats can appear in a range of colours and patterns despite their sparse coat.

Care and health

Because they lack a full fur coat, Sphynx cats require special care related to skin oils, temperature, and grooming. Breed profiles commonly note a lifespan of roughly 7 to 14 years, though estimates vary.

Key facts

  • The modern Sphynx breed began with a natural hairless kitten born in Toronto in 1966.
  • The breed was originally called the Canadian Hairless.
  • Sphynx cats typically have wrinkled skin, large ears, and little to no visible fur.
  • The breed was developed through selective breeding of hairless cats with coated cats.
  • Despite the name, the breed has no direct historical connection to ancient Egypt.
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Canadian context

The Sphynx is strongly associated with Canada because the modern breed originated in Toronto and was first known as the Canadian Hairless.

Frequently asked questions

What is a Sphynx?
The Sphynx is a cat breed known for its hairless or nearly hairless appearance, wrinkled skin, and distinctive large ears.
Where did the Sphynx cat originate?
The modern breed originated in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, in 1966.
Why is it called Sphynx?
The breed was named for its resemblance to the Egyptian Sphinx statue, not because it comes from Egypt.
Are Sphynx cats completely hairless?
Not always. Many have a very fine down-like coat or peach fuzz rather than a full fur coat.
Is the Sphynx a natural breed?
Its hairlessness began with a natural genetic mutation, but the breed itself was developed through selective breeding.

References

  1. Hill's Pet Nutrition — https://www.hillspet.com/cat-care/cat-breeds/sphynx
    Supports: Origin in Toronto in 1966; original name Canadian Hairless; selective breeding background
  2. The Spruce Pets — https://www.thesprucepets.com/sphynx-cat-4176530
    Supports: Canadian origin; hairless appearance; natural mutation history
  3. Chewy — https://www.chewy.com/education/cat-breeds/sphynx-cat
    Supports: Breed origin in Canada; original name; CFA recognition in 2002; naming explanation
  4. The International Cat Association — https://tica.org/breed/sphynx/
    Supports: Breed traits such as hairless coat, friendly temperament, and coat colors/patterns
  5. Purina — https://www.purina.co.uk/find-a-pet/cat-breeds/sphynx
    Supports: Physical description including peach fuzz, wrinkles, and body build
  6. ASPCA Pet Health Insurance — https://www.aspcapetinsurance.com/resources/sphynx-cat-breed-information/
    Supports: Canadian origin, medium size, and lifespan range