Sphynx
Complete UK breed guide

Sphynx

The Sphynx is the hairless, wrinkled, famously warm-to-the-touch cat that people either fall for instantly or find faintly alien. Underneath the lack of coat is one of the most sociable, attention-seeking and mischievous breeds in the UK — a cat that will sit on your keyboard, burrow under your duvet and greet visitors at the door. They are also one of the higher-maintenance breeds to own, both in weekly care and in vet bills.

History and background

The modern Sphynx traces back to a hairless kitten called Prune, born in Toronto in 1966, and to further natural hairless kittens found in Minnesota and Toronto in the 1970s. Outcrossing to Devon Rex cats gave the breed the genetic diversity it needed. The GCCF and TICA both recognise the breed today, and UK registrations have risen sharply over the past decade as the look has become fashionable. Sphynx are not truly bald - most carry a fine down like warm peach skin.

Temperament and family life

Sphynx are relentlessly social. They follow their people from room to room, sleep under the covers for warmth, and are usually happy to be handled by children. They are also loud, opinionated and inventive - a bored Sphynx will open cupboards and knock things off shelves. They cope badly with being alone all day, so most UK breeders prefer to home them in pairs or into households where someone is usually in.

Common health issues

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the biggest concern in the breed and responsible breeders scan parents by echocardiogram. Skin problems are the day-to-day issue: without a coat to absorb oils, the skin gets greasy and needs bathing roughly weekly, and ears build up wax quickly. Sphynx are prone to sunburn and lose heat fast, so they should be kept indoors. Some lines also carry hereditary myopathy, and dental disease is common.

Costs of owning a Sphynx in the UK

Kittens from registered breeders typically cost £900-£1,800, among the highest of any UK cat breed. Running costs are higher than average too: extra heating, bathing products, more frequent ear cleaning and a higher food intake because of their fast metabolism. Budget roughly £100-£150 a month all-in. Annual vet spend commonly lands between £500 and £900 once dental checks and skin issues are counted.

Insurance considerations

Sphynx premiums are high because of the HCM risk and the breed's dermatological and dental claim history. Take a lifetime policy with at least £7,000 of annual vet-fee cover, insure from kittenhood before anything can be excluded as pre-existing, and check the wording does not exclude heart disease or skin conditions. Cardiology referrals for HCM can run to several thousand pounds.

Frequently asked questions

Are Sphynx cats hypoallergenic?
No. They shed almost no hair, but allergies are triggered by the Fel d 1 protein in saliva and skin oils, which Sphynx produce like any other cat. Some allergy sufferers tolerate them better, but there is no guarantee.
How often does a Sphynx need bathing?
Most need a bath every one to two weeks, plus weekly ear cleaning. Without a coat to absorb them, skin oils build up and can stain bedding and block pores.
Can a Sphynx go outside?
They should be indoor-only or restricted to a secure, shaded garden. They burn easily in sun and lose body heat quickly in British weather.
Why are Sphynx cats so expensive to keep?
Higher purchase price, more heating, bathing supplies, a bigger appetite and higher insurance premiums driven by the breed's heart and skin claim history.

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By The Vet Price Comparison Site editorial team · Last reviewed 2 August 2026. Sources: RCVS, The Kennel Club, RVC VetCompass, ABI, and our live UK practice pricing dataset.