Are Sphynx Cats Vocal? Breed History and Description

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Are sphynx cats vocal? Many cats, sphynx included like to communicate with their owners. While sphynx aren’t considered the most talkative breed they often develop a close relationship with their owners and meow to communicate their needs or just to attention seek.

Some cats are more vocal than others. Tortoiseshell cats, for instance, while not a specific breed, are famously chatty. Siamese and Burmese cats also enjoy a bit of conversation.

But are Sphynx cats vocal? In this article, we’ll answer that question and several others you may have if you are considering adopting a member of this remarkable cat breed.

Are Sphynx Cats Vocal?

Yes, Sphynx cats are vocal. While there are more talkative cats, they are still chatty compared to many other breeds.

They like a good sing, whether it be late at night or joining in with your afternoon phone call.

Sphynxes have a variety of vocalizations, ranging from purrs to meows to crying for attention. That makes them ideal pets for owners who enjoy the companionship of an expressive feline. However, depending on your living arrangements, they may be unsuitable if you have neighbors who wouldn’t welcome a bit of ceremonial wailing in the small hours of the morning.

Why Are Sphynx Cats So Vocal?

Science shows that left to their own devices, cats don’t meow at each other. It’s a kitten instinct designed to get their mother’s attention. Cats outgrow this as they mature, except, interestingly, around humans. The only reason domestic cats like the Sphynx keep the habit up is to talk to you.

And if your Sphynx feels neglected or overlooked, they won’t hesitate to say so. Keep this in mind because if you are getting a cat in the hopes they will be less physically demanding than a dog, the Sphynx is the wrong type for you.

Keep in mind that vocal cats communicate for all sorts of reasons. These include:

Contentment
Nervousness
Health problems
Attention-seeking

Humans with vocal cats quickly learn to distinguish between the self-soothing nervous and contented purrs. For instance, in the case of vocal cats like the Sphynx, the more they talk to you, the faster you learn how to interpret what they’re saying.

Sphynx Breed Description

So, that answers, “are Sphynx cats vocal.” Hopefully, it also explains why they are more vocal than other moggies.

But, besides their lyrical habits, what are Sphynx cats like, and where do they come from?

History of the Sphynx

The first Sphynx was Canadian. It was also a genetic mutation born to a Toronto litter of kittens in 1966.

Due to this, the Sphynx was initially called the Canadian Hairless, which, while accurate, lacked the dignity we associate with them today.

Since these first hairless cats were genetically anomalous, breeders cultivated that gene by repeatedly cross-breeding these kittens to normal domestic shorthairs and then breeding the resultant kittens back together.

The result is a hardy breed of cat with only a handful of health problems. Some of these, like the Sphynx’s propensity for skin cancer, owing to their hairless state. Others, like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, have nothing to do with skin and more to do with generations of breeding for specific genes and appearance.

The Sphynx is also known to cat-lovers because of its prominence in popular culture. It is the cat of perennial Austin Powers villain Dr. Evil and the adoptive cat of choice for Rachel from Friends.

Sphynx Cat Temperament

One of the primary reasons Sphynx cats are so vocal is that they have a warm, affectionate disposition.

A typical Sphynx is energetic, even acrobatic. If serenading you doesn’t catch your attention, expect some acrobatic antics to prove your Sphynx’s superiority to you and everyone around them.

What’s more, they are clever, curious, and have an opinion on everything from when and what you eat to how best to entertain them.

All of this contributes to the Sphynx being the exception to feline aloofness. They make excellent lap cats and often perch on their humans’ shoulders.

So, while this cat might be named after a mythical enigma, they are loyal, affectionate, and friendly by nature.

Sphynx Cat Appearance

Sphynx cats come in a range of colors. Some of the most prevalent include:

White
Black
Blue
Red
Cream

You also get variants in mottled coat patterns, like tortoiseshell or calico. Whatever the color, it usually appears as pigment on the skin or as fine fuzz.

Several distinctive features make the Sphynx unique, with the most dramatic being hairlessness or nearly hairlessness. The degree of baldness varies, and some Sphynxes have close-cropped, fuzzy coats, while others have skin.

Additionally, Sphynxes are recognizable by their large ears and proportionately large eyes. These sit in a triangular face with pronounced and elongated cheekbones.

Combined with the eyes, these features give the Sphynx a look that harkens back to the Sphynx’s Egyptian predecessors and gives these felines their name.

Are Sphynxes Hypoallergenic?

Because Sphynxes have so little hair, it’s a popular misconception that they are hypoallergenic cats.

This is untrue. Cats are made hypoallergenic not by how much fur they possess but by how much dander they shed.

And the amount of dander Sphynxes have is no more or less than any other non-hypoallergenic cat.

Related Article: Cats That Don’t Shed

What Are a Sphynx Cat's Grooming Needs?

Another assumption about Sphynxes is that they only need minimal grooming due to having no fur.

In fact, the opposite is true. The Sphynx’s unique coat means that while they don’t require much brushing, they need frequent bathing. That’s because their skin gets oily. Left untreated, this can cause blackheads, which, while primarily cosmetic, can sometimes inflame the hair follicles.

Moreover, because Sphynxes are almost entirely hairless, their large ears have nothing to catch dirt and other detritus the way other cats do.

That makes it crucial that you pay special attention to your Sphynx’s ears to stop them from developing any problems.

Sphynx Cat FAQ's

Here are some frequently asked questions that potential pet owners have about Sphynx cats.

Are Sphynx Cats Aggressive?

Sphynx cats are not aggressive, but they can be very active and playful. If you have another pet in the house, introduce your Sphynx slowly and always provide supervision. Some Sphynx may try to play too rough with other animals or climb on them, so it’s essential to nip this behavior in the bud as soon as possible to avoid fights.

Do Sphynx Cats Smell?

Because they lack fur, Sphynx cats do not have the same musky smell as other breeds. However, they produce oil and sweat like all animals, so it’s important to wipe them down with a damp cloth or baby wipe regularly. If you don’t keep up with their hygiene, Sphynx can start to smell bad.

Can Sphynx Cats Get Fleas?

Sphynx cats can get fleas, but they are less likely to than other breeds. This is because fleas prefer to live in warm, furry environments. However, Sphynx are not immune to fleas, and it’s important to keep up with regular treatment to prevent an infestation.

What Is the Life Expectancy of a Sphynx Cat?

The life expectancy of a Sphynx cat is around 12-14 years. This breed is generally considered to be healthy, but there are some health conditions to be aware of, such as cardiomyopathy and respiratory problems.

Do Sphynx Cats Have Whiskers?

Yes, Sphynx cats have whiskers. In fact, they have the same number of whiskers as other cats. Whiskers are an important part of a cat’s sensory system, so don’t be tempted to trim them.

Do Sphynx Cats Shed?

Sphynx cats do not shed, but they do require regular grooming to remove the dead skin cells and oil from their bodies. It’s important to use a mild shampoo and avoid getting water in their ears or eyes.

How Often Do You Bathe a Sphynx Cat?

You should bathe your Sphynx cat every 1-2 weeks to keep their skin healthy. This breed is prone to skin problems, so it’s important to avoid using harsh soaps or shampoos. Be sure to rinse all of the soap off their body and gently pat them dry with a towel.

Are sphynx cats vocal: Final thoughts

So, if you’ve ever wondered are Sphynx cats vocal, now you have the answer. They are as they like to chat with you, and they are delighted when you talk back. Still, they do need a bit of extra care and attention because of their unique appearance, but you shouldn’t let that discourage you from adopting a Sphynx, as there is a surprising amount of loyalty behind that dour expression.

Related Article: Cat Breeds From the USA

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