Here Is Why Sphynx Cats Cost So Much!

Sphynx cats are considered as one of the most expensive cat breeds in the world. Known for their angular faces, big ears, and smooth, hairless bodies, this popular pedigreed cat could cost you anywhere around $300 to $3000, depending on its quality. But, have you ever wondered why this cat commands such a high price tag?

Why do Sphynx cats cost so much? Sphynx cats are expensive because apart from the fact that they are purebred, they are also hard to find. The demand for sphynx cats is quite high, and as it follows, the greater the demand versus supply means a higher price tag. Furthermore, the long list of expenses involved in breeding them also shoots up their cost.

Prices of this popular purebred cat may vary as there are many factors that come into play. There are different variables that can affect the price of a sphynx cat. Let us take a closer look at each one of them.

Factors that Affect the Price of Sphynx Cats

1. Breeding Expenses

Breeding exotic cat breeds such as sphynxes is a huge financial responsibility. It takes a lot of work in breeding them as they require special care compared to other cat breeds.

Maintenance, HCM heart scans, blood tests, screenings, supplies, and initial veterinary care generally cost sphynx breeders a lot of money. The cost of initial medical tests alongside their nutrition and basic needs can all add up pretty fast.

2. Cat Quality

There are two types of sphynx cats— pet quality and show quality. Generally, show quality sphynxes cost a lot more. Show quality sphynxes meet the entire breed standard, which includes temperament, color, size, body proportion, and many more.

To put it simply, show quality cats are like the beauty queens and the models of the cat world. Pet quality sphynxes, on the other hand, usually do not meet one or more of the said criteria. There is nothing wrong with these cats, except for the fact that they lack perfection, aesthetically and temperamentally.

3. Gender

As with any other purebred cats, unspayed female sphynx cats are much more expensive than males since they have the capability to reproduce. But, there really isn’t much of a price difference if a female sphynx has been spayed.

Is Sphynx the Right Cat Breed for You?

A lot of people are willing to shell out a huge amount of money to ensure that their feline friend is a cut above the rest. Unfortunately, some of them tend to overlook the expenses that come with owning a Sphynx cat.

Contrary to popular belief, Sphynx cats are pretty high maintenance cats. The costs of having one definitely go far beyond their high price tag. So before purchasing one, you must be aware of what you are getting yourself into.

1. Sphynx cats require annual HCM scans.

Sphynx cats are predisposed to having feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or HCM, which is a genetic heart defect. This can appear anytime during their lifetime, so they need to undergo HCM heart scans on a regular basis.

The earlier the detection, the sooner your cat can be put on medication and slow its progression.

2. Sphynx cats require a high-quality diet.

Sphynx cats are very high maintenance when it comes to food. They have extra fast metabolisms, so they would need more food than the average feline.

They are also prone to having IBD, goopy ears and skin infections, so it is a must to supplement them with a high-quality diet to prevent outbreaks. Feeding them a raw diet or specialized cat food is highly recommended.

3. Sphynx cats require special care for their skin.

If you think that these peculiar looking cats are super clean because they do not have fur, think again. Sphynx cats can form a greasy film of all over their bodies, which means you need to give them more frequent baths using a specially formulated soap.

If you don’t bathe them often, they will stink and leave an oil slick all over your place—your bed, your clothes, your tables, counters, floor, sofa. Everywhere.

In addition, their skin is also more sensitive compared to other cats and requires special attention. Since they do not have fur to protect their skin, they are at high risk for scratches, cuts, sunburns, and skin irritations.

4. Sphynx cats require constant attention.

Sphynx cats are a lot of work. Since they have an outgoing personality, they have a tendency to become very needy. They tend to crave a lot of attention and are prone to having separation anxiety.

This means, you can’t just leave them alone at home, or else, they would develop problems with their behavior.

5. Sphynx cats require constant warmth.

Sphynx cats need to be warm all the time, so it may be necessary to leave your heaters on even when you’re not at home, especially during the cold winter months—you can just imagine your power bill! Ideally, the temperature of your house should only be around 68 °F to 77 °F (20 °C to 25°C).

Anything lower than that may cause colds and other illnesses. On the flip side, exposure to high temperatures may cause sunstroke, so it’s crucial to be mindful of the changing seasons and temperatures.

If you’re wondering whether the Sphynx is the right breed for you, this is what I have to say— given the physical, emotional, and financial demands of this cat, you must be genuinely interested with it, or else, owning one will be just a major headache for you.

Don’t buy one just for the sake of social media bragging rights. Owning a sphynx is a huge responsibility, so you—and your bank account—must be up for the task.

Are Sphynx Cats Worth the Cost?

Sphynx cats are one of the best cat breeds to be around with. While they share a name with the famous Sphinx of Giza, there is nothing stoic about Sphynx cats. They are playful, outgoing, and friendly towards their human companions.

As a matter of fact, they are even considered as one of the most affectionate cat breeds in the world.

Sphynx cats may require a considerable amount of money and effort to maintain, but with their engaging personalities and affectionate nature, a lot of Sphynx owners say that they are totally worth every penny.

Related Questions

Are Sphynx cats hypoallergenic? Sphynx cats are not hypoallergenic. They may be hairless, but they still produce dander and dead skin, which can trigger allergies. However, the Sphynx is one of the few cat breeds that are highly recommended for allergy sufferers because they don’t have fur, which is usually laden with allergens.

Do Sphynx cats get along with dogs? Sphynx cats are naturally playful and sociable, which makes them get along well with other pets in the household, even with dogs. As a matter of fact, Sphynxes thrive in multiple-pet households because they tend to crave for social interaction all the time.

Can Sphynx cats go outside? The Sphynx is an indoor cat. Since their skin is exposed, they need to be protected from the harsh outdoor elements. They also tend to attract dirt more as they secrete a lot of oil, so it’s best to keep them inside the house at all times.