The main feature of a Sphynx is its lack of a fur coat! The Sphynx appears to be a hairless cat, but it is not truly hairless.
The skin texture resembles that of chamois leather. It may be covered with short, thin, slight-coloured vellus hair.
Because the Sphynx has no pelt to keep them warm they huddle up against other animals and people.
They even tend to cuddle up and sleep with their owners under the covers. Lack of coat makes the cat quite warm to the touch. Whiskers and eyebrows may be present, either whole or broken, or may be totally absent.
The skin is the colour their fur would be, and all the usual cat marking patterns (solid, point, van, tabby, tortie, etc.) may be found on Sphynx skin.
Sphynxes generally have wedge-shaped heads and sturdy, heavy bodies. Breed standards mention a full, round abdomen, also known as ‘pot bellies’.
The Sphynx is an affectionate and outgoing cat.
They are very warm and soft to touch and this must one of the most appealing things about the Sphynx as to many people they are not the most attractive cats to look at.
As they have no real hair, grooming is not a problem with the Spyhnx. However, because they sweat it is necessary to sponge them down regularly to remove the oily residues, otherwise sores can appear in their skin folds.
