Sphynx cat: Not actually hairless after all

The Sphynx looks very unusual: without a thick coat it shows pink skin and wrinkled folds, like a tiny alien creature. Yet it is not truly "hairless" — let's get to know it properly.

Its body

The Sphynx traces back to a naturally mutated litter born in Canada in 1966. Strictly speaking, it is not completely hairless: a fine, soft fuzz covers its skin, feeling like the surface of a peach. Without a thick coat for insulation, it chills and sunburns easily: it needs a jumper in winter and shade in summer. Its skin also produces oil and needs regular wiping and cleaning.

Its personality and care

The Sphynx is devoted and sociable, loving to be with people and always seeking warmth — your lap, the space beside your computer, or a sunny corner. It is energetic and loves interaction, and is not well suited to long periods alone. Keeping one takes patience: regular bathing, warmth and sun protection, and keeping the skin clean are all daily tasks.

A note for grown-ups

You could talk with a child about what happens without fur: no insulation means a jumper in winter, no cover from the sun means care in summer. Starting from a cat's body and moving to how it adapts is a lovely way to explore the idea of adapting to an environment — and then to look back at how we should care for it.