Sphynx
Size
Medium
Lifespan
12-15 years
Weight
3-5 kg
Price
HK$15,000-25,000
📺 32-second video · Cantonese narration
The Sphynx story, in one take
From Canada to Hong Kong homes — how did the Sphynx become one of Hong Kong's most popular cat breeds?
- ✓Origin story: starting in Canada
- ✓Personality: Extremely affectionate, Lively
- ✓Lifespan 12-15 years · Size Medium
PetChill Pet Encyclopedia
Key facts
Origin
Canada
Lifespan
12-15 years
Size
Medium
Weight
3-5 kg
Coat
Hairless
Price range
HK$15,000-25,000
Personality
Care essentials
Grooming
Weekly bath
Exercise
High; needs plenty of play
Training difficulty
Easy to train
Sphynx everyday food & supplies
Chosen by species (cat) from products PetChill stocks — not a breed-specific formula. Actual suitability depends on age, weight and health.
Special offerNutriplan Cat Food Complete Health Nutritional Formula 5kg (64352)
HK$123HK$128About HK$24.6 per kg
Price checked 2026-10-21; the store page shows the live price, stock and offers.
Bella & Molly's Dutch Berry Royal Selected Cat Food AAFCO Anti-Aging Grain-Free Single Protein Salmon Formula 50g (Limited Time Experience)
HK$10About HK$200 per kg
Price checked 2026-10-21; the store page shows the live price, stock and offers.
Hills Cat Food Life Stage Series Adult Formula Chicken 490g (609885)
HK$55About HK$112.24 per kg
Price checked 2026-10-21; the store page shows the live price, stock and offers.
History & origin
The Sphynx is the famous hairless cat, and its origin was in fact a natural genetic mutation. In 1966, an ordinary domestic cat in Toronto, Canada gave birth to a hairless kitten called Prune; breeders realised this was a unique mutation and began breeding deliberately, and that kitten is the ancestor of today's Sphynx.
In fact the Sphynx is not completely hairless - it carries a layer of very fine down that feels like warm suede or peach skin. Because there is no coat to hold heat in, its body temperature runs about 4 degrees higher than other cats, so it feels like a hot water bottle and is especially comforting to hold in winter.
The Sphynx is extremely outgoing, affectionate and full of energy, and is nicknamed the 'dog of the cat world' - it follows its owner around, greets strangers, and will even play fetch. Keeping a Sphynx does need special care, though: its skin gets greasy and needs regular bathing or wiping down; and with no coat for protection it needs a jumper in winter and sun protection in summer. If you want a cat that doesn't shed at all and is intensely clingy, the Sphynx is the perfect choice.
Health & care
Common health issues and care advice for the Sphynx
Heart disease
Book regular veterinary check-ups so problems are caught and treated early. Keeping a healthy weight, a balanced diet and plenty of fresh water is the basis for preventing most health problems.
Skin problems
Book regular veterinary check-ups so problems are caught and treated early. Keeping a healthy weight, a balanced diet and plenty of fresh water is the basis for preventing most health problems.
Respiratory problems
Book regular veterinary check-ups so problems are caught and treated early. Keeping a healthy weight, a balanced diet and plenty of fresh water is the basis for preventing most health problems.
In short, an annual check-up and attentive day-to-day observation are the best way to protect your Sphynx's health. See a vet as soon as something looks wrong — do not wait.
Want to see more cat breeds?
Besides the Sphynx, you can also compare Maine Coon, Ragdoll and Siamese (Siam Cat) — breed guides that compare personality, size and care difficulty.
Frequently asked questions
The questions people ask most about the Sphynx
Not completely. A Sphynx carries a layer of very fine down that feels like warm suede or peach skin - you just can't see it.
Because there is no coat to hold heat in, a Sphynx's body temperature runs about 4 degrees higher than other cats; it feels like a hot water bottle, which is especially comforting to hold in winter.
Yes. Because there is no hair to absorb the oils, a Sphynx's skin gets greasy; bathing every 1-2 weeks or wiping down with wet wipes is recommended.
Yes! With no coat for protection, a Sphynx needs a jumper or a warm mat in winter, and in summer needs shading from direct sun to prevent sunburn.
Extremely outgoing, affectionate and full of energy - nicknamed the 'dog of the cat world': it follows its owner around, greets strangers, and will even play fetch.
Sphynx articles
6 articles
Sphynx Colour Guide: Every Skin Colour and Pattern Explained for Hong Kong Owners
How many colours do hairless cats come in? As many as coated cats — because the colour is written on the skin. Sphynx skin can show every feline colour system: solid, tabby, bicolour and pointed, all recognised by CFA. This guide breaks down the seven colour families on skin, the care differences between light and dark coats, the tanning phenomenon, and the biggest myth of all — that hairless cats are white. Includes commonness and picking tips.
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Sphynx Cat Disadvantages, Personality, Price and Care: A Hong Kong Guide
What are the downsides of a Sphynx cat? Oily skin needing a bath every 7–10 days, cold sensitivity requiring year-round warmth, sunburn risk, a big appetite and lots of waste, HCM heart gene risk, extreme clinginess, and high purchase price plus monthly costs — seven points in total. This article breaks down the root causes and solutions for each, with 2026 Hong Kong prices (around HK$15,000–30,000) and monthly costs (around HK$1,000–1,800). Do the maths before you bring one home.
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How Long Do Hairless Cats Live? Sphynx Health Risks and Longevity Guide for Hong Kong
Hairless cats generally live 12 to 15 years, but behind that number are two key defence lines: hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and skin health. This article breaks down the Sphynx lifespan range, influencing factors, breed-specific diseases (HCM, hereditary myopathy, skin folliculitis), and provides a health management checklist from kitten to senior years plus concrete ways to extend lifespan. A must-read for Hong Kong cat owners.
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Sphynx Cat Personality Revealed | Hong Kong Cat Owner's Must-Read: How Smart Is This Clingy Dog-Like Cat?
What is the personality of a hairless cat really like? The Sphynx is described as a 'dog in a cat suit': affectionate with everyone, follows you around and paws at doors, fetches toys, and ranks above average in cat intelligence. This article breaks down five key personality traits, how they get along with children and other pets, differences between males and females, ability to be left alone, and strategies for separation anxiety, helping you decide if this 'clingy to the point of no friends' cat is right for you.
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Sphynx Cat Price 2026: Hong Kong Cattery and Adoption Guide
How much does a hairless cat cost in Hong Kong? Sphynx cattery prices typically run HK$15,000–25,000, with pedigree-level cats costing more; for adoption, local SPCA and rescue groups occasionally have hairless or hairless-mix cats. This article breaks down Hong Kong price ranges, the genetic risks behind cheap sales, adoption routes and a verification checklist, with monthly cost estimates, so you can find a healthy cat on a reasonable budget.
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Sphynx (Hairless Cat) Complete Guide | Skin Care, Personality, Keeping in Hong Kong
The Sphynx hairless cat is eye-catching and clingy, but its oily skin, cold sensitivity and sun sensitivity need special care. This article covers skin care steps, health risks and Hong Kong four-season care tips so you can raise a Sphynx with ease. A must-read for Hong Kong cat owners!
Read the full article →You may also like
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