Sphynx Cats: Personality, Care and Life in a City Apartment

Hairless, elegant and full of attitude – the Sphynx is one of the most striking cat breeds you’ll ever meet. Behind the “alien” look, though, there’s a very affectionate, people-focused indoor cat that can fit surprisingly well into modern city life.

If you live in an apartment in the Netherlands and are thinking about welcoming a Sphynx, it’s important to understand what this breed really needs in terms of care, comfort and enrichment. Let’s walk through the essentials.

Where Does the Sphynx Come From?

Despite the name, the Sphynx is not an ancient Egyptian cat. The breed started in the 1960s in Toronto, Canada, when a hairless kitten was born due to a spontaneous genetic mutation. Breeders began selective programmes to preserve this hairless trait while keeping the cats healthy, social and robust.

Today’s Sphynx cats are known for:

• Almost naked skin with a warm, suede-like feel
• Large ears and lemon-shaped eyes
• Muscular bodies and a surprisingly athletic build
• A very social, human-oriented character

They’re bred almost exclusively as indoor cats, which already fits the reality of many apartments and city homes.

Personality: A Big Cat in a Minimal Coat

If you want a quiet, independent cat that mostly ignores you… a Sphynx is probably not it.

Typical Sphynx traits:

• Highly social – they love being around people and often follow their humans from room to room.
• Affectionate – many enjoy sitting on laps, shoulders or under your jumper to steal your body heat.
• Playful and curious – they like interactive toys, climbing and exploring every corner.
• Intelligent – quick to learn routines, tricks and how to open things they shouldn’t.

In a small apartment, this personality can be amazing: you get a true companion, not just a roommate. But it also means you’ll want to plan for daily play, mental stimulation and cosy resting spots.

Skin and Hygiene: Caring for a Hairless Cat

No fur does not mean “no care” – it actually means different, more regular care.

Skin

Because they don’t have a coat, Sphynx cats produce skin oils that would normally be absorbed by fur. On bare skin, this can build up.

• Many Sphynx cats need regular gentle baths (for example every 1–2 weeks, depending on the cat).
• Use only cat-safe shampoo recommended by your vet.
• Gently dry your cat afterwards, especially in cooler Dutch weather.

Temperature and Sun

Sphynx cats feel the cold and the heat more than other cats.

• Keep your home at a comfortable, stable temperature – no icy floors or constant draughts.
• Offer soft blankets, cat caves and heated spots (like a warm bed or a radiator hammock with a safe cover).
• Be careful with direct sun on balconies or near big windows. Their skin can burn easily. Use shade, limit sunbathing time and ask your vet before using any pet sunscreen.

Ears, claws and wrinkles

• Clean ears regularly – without fur, they can accumulate more wax.
• Wipe the folds and wrinkles gently if your cat tends to get dirt or oil stuck in them.
• Keep claws trimmed to avoid scratches on your own skin and your furniture.

If you ever see redness, strong odour or irritation on the skin or in the ears, contact your vet for advice.

Are Sphynx Cats Hypoallergenic?

The short answer: not really.

Most people with cat allergies react to proteins in the cat’s saliva and skin, not just the fur itself. A Sphynx still produces these proteins.

Some people with mild allergies find they react less to certain Sphynx cats, while others react just as much. If allergies are a concern:

• Spend time with a Sphynx before adopting.
• Talk to your doctor and a vet for personalized advice.

Never assume a Sphynx will be 100% allergy-proof.

Sphynx Cats and City Life

The Sphynx is essentially an indoor specialist, which makes them very compatible with Dutch apartments and city houses.

In small spaces

A Sphynx doesn’t need a big garden, but it does need:

• Vertical space – cat trees, shelves or window perches.
• Scratching options – to protect your sofa and give them a place to stretch.
• Viewpoints – safe access to a window to watch the world go by.

Think of it as designing a small “playable” home: a mix of cosy, warm napping zones and stimulating spots to climb, hide and observe.

With other pets

Sphynx cats are often:

• Friendly towards other cats and small dogs, especially if introduced slowly.
• Happy in a multi-pet home where there’s almost always someone around.

As with any breed, good experiences as a kitten and a calm, gradual introduction make a big difference.

What a Sphynx Needs From You

Before you fall in love with the looks, it’s important to be ready for the lifestyle:

• Time and presence – they prefer humans who are home often or work hybrid.
• Routine care – baths, ear cleaning and regular check-ups become part of life.
• Warmth – extra blankets, beds and, in some cases, well-fitting, soft clothing indoors during colder months.
• Enrichment – daily play sessions, puzzle feeders and toys that keep their mind and body busy.

For urban pet parents in the Netherlands, many of these things can be integrated easily into an existing apartment setup: a modern scratcher that doubles as decor, a soft bed that looks good in the living room, and a few high-quality toys that don’t clutter your space.

Is a Sphynx Right for You?

A Sphynx can be a perfect match if you:

• Want a very social, people-focused indoor cat
• Live in a smaller home but are willing to invest in smart enrichment
• Don’t mind grooming routines and paying attention to skin and temperature
• See your pet as a real companion, not just background company

If that sounds like you, a Sphynx might bring a lot of warmth (literally and emotionally) to your city life.

For more tips on life with indoor cats in apartments – from enrichment ideas to apartment-friendly furniture protection – keep exploring the StadPaws blog.

And whenever you’re ready to upgrade your Sphynx’s daily life with modern, space-saving essentials, we’re here for you and your city cat.