More Meows is an Amazon Associate. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We may also earn commissions if you purchase products from other retailers after clicking on a link from our site.
Out of all pet feline breeds, I’d say the Sphynx stands out the most. From the hairless body to its exotically angular face, everything about its appearance screams uniqueness. The ears are also quite large, and so is the price tag.
Sphynx cats can cost anywhere between $1,500 and $5,000 depending on various factors like the Sphynx cat’s quality, gender, and how pure its breed is. Female cats are generally more expensive than males due to their capacity to reproduce unless they’re spayed.
These cats are also expensive to maintain, so the purchase cost adds up as it gets older. This article will discuss why the Sphynx breed costs as much as it does and the high amount of maintenance you’d have to sign up for. Let’s get started.
If you wonder what the best products are for your cat, check out this article that will break down all my recommendations for you: Things To Buy For A Cat Right Now!
Why Are Sphynx Cats So Expensive?
Generally, getting a kitten doesn’t cost much more than $200. However, that’s not the case for all feline breeds. Some are more exotic than others, and most hairless cats fall into that category, which makes them quite pricey.
It’s the same with Sphynx cats.
Sphynx cats are so expensive due to their rarity and breed purity. Purebred Sphynx cats aren’t as high in supply as other popular cat breeds. While many people aren’t fans of their appearance, they’re still high in demand, which significantly pushes up the price.
However, not all Sphynx cats are alike, and with different qualities, their prices also vary. This section will discuss some critical aspects determining where a Sphynx falls between the $1500 to $5000 price spectrum.
Pet Cat vs. Show Cat
The Sphynx cat’s quality is one of the most significant determinants of its price. Premium quality purebreds have distinct features like:
- Flawless skin
- A strong build that’s aesthetically pleasing
- Athleticism
- Size
High-quality Sphynx cats will also check all the boxes that signify the breed, including:
- Body proportion
- Color
- Behavior and temperament
You’ll find all of the above features in a purebred Sphynx cat from a reputable breeder. Such a cat is known as “show quality.” They’re the breed’s finest models with flawless features in every area, possessing typical Sphyx qualities.
Understandably, they also cost way more.
The other type is pet quality Sphynx cats. They generally lack one or more of the features listed above. That’s not to say that these felines aren’t healthy, but they have imperfections relating to temperament, beauty, or other Sphynx features.
Breeder Expenses
Breeding felines is a challenging task that requires a lot of financial and physical input. The responsibility becomes even greater when breeders work with an exotic breed like the Sphynx. These cats require special care that’s more intensive than what most breeds need.
Some of the expenses associated with breeding Sphynx cats include:
- Pregnancy supplements for cats
- Veterinary care
- Special food
- Toys
- Litter
- Cleaning supplies
- Boarding space
- Screenings
- Blood tests
- HCM heart scans
- Advertising
These costs quickly add up to a considerable chunk of money. Meanwhile, the breeder also attends to the cat’s sensitive, emotional needs.
These aspects add up to bring up the cost of Sphynx cats to thousands of dollars.
Gender
Gender also plays a role in determining how expensive a Sphynx cat will be, but that’s not specific to the Sphynx breed. With purebred cat breeds, unspayed females are more expensive as they can reproduce and give birth to valuable Sphynx kittens.
So if you’re not in the market to breed kittens, you can buy a spayed female Sphynx and save yourself some money.
Age
Since older Sphynx cats have been cared for longer than younger kittens, they cost more due to their maintenance and healthcare needs. Speaking of which, you should keep in mind that it’s not just the initial cost that’s high with Sphynx cats. Their cost of ownership is also relatively higher.
Sphynx Cats Are Hard to Take Care Of
If you’re obsessed with the look of a Sphynx cat, the initial cost shouldn’t be the only thing to consider. Instead, keep in mind that these cats require sensitive care due to their unique physical qualities.
With high maintenance comes a high cost of ownership.
In this section, I’ll cover some of their physical, temperamental, and financial needs to help you decide whether the breed suits your lifestyle. After all, getting a new hairless feline pet is a significant investment, aside from the financial investment.
Sphynx Cats Need Warmth
Since Sphynx cats don’t have a coat of fur to keep them warm and cozy, the heaters at home will need to compensate for it. These cats need to be warm at all times, with even more heating during the winter season.
The ideal temperature for your thermostat should be about 20 °C to 25 °C (68 °F to 77 °F).
According to this article from PetMD, you can also use clothing to keep your hairless cat warm. Not only are cat sweaters or hoodies cute, but also practical for making sure your Sphynx always stays warm enough.
However, look for signs of agitation if your home temperature is already pretty toasty.
Failure to provide constant warmth to your Sphynx cat can result in illnesses like the cold. So, if keeping your power bill in check is important to you, getting a hairless pet won’t help.
Do Sphynx Cats Get Dry Skin?
Sphynx cats also need to be moisturized regularly since their skin could become dried out. You might not have thought about this before, as most cats are furry. But a Sphynx’s skin is sensitive and soft and needs regular moisturizing to preserve itself.
You’ll want to find a moisturizer specifically for cats so that when your Sphynx grooms itself, it doesn’t consume harmful chemicals.
How Often Do Sphynx Cats Need Baths?
Not having fur results in various complications, including a greasy film all over your cat’s body. Due to their moisturizing needs, Sphynx cats naturally secrete liquids through their pores.
Without regular baths, it can quickly result in a distinct smell and oily slicks all over your house. You will likely want to bathe your Sphynx cat every week. I would be disciplined about this since taking care of your Sphynx cat’s skin matters a lot.
You’d think a cat would be cleaner without fur, but that’s not the case. Not only do you need to bathe Sphynx cats more often, but you’ll also have to pick their soap products carefully. They shouldn’t be rough or make their skin too dry, as these cats are at a higher risk of developing:
- Cuts
- Skin irritations
- Scratches
This also means that you’ll have to be extra gentle while you bathe them. Only get a Sphynx cat if you’re up for this type of special care and maintenance because it’ll need it often.
Do Sphynx Cats Need Attention?
The temperament of Sphynx cats doesn’t make them any easier to own and raise. But that’s what you sign up for when you bring an exotic animal breed home.
Due to a naturally outgoing personality, these cats can become hungry for attention.
Their needy tendencies come from high separation anxiety potencies built into their temperament. It means they’re not independent enough for owners to leave them alone at home.
Doing so will result in long-term adverse effects on behavior.
What is the Average Price for a Sphynx Cat?
After examining 4 Sphynx breeders/catteries websites, the average cost of a Sphynx kitten was $1862. You should expect additional fees if you require your Sphynx cat shipped or delivered.
Scheherazade Sphynx Cattery
At Scheherazade Sphynx Cattery in New Berlin, Wisconsin, you should expect to buy a Sphynx kitten with an average cost between $1400 to $2000, according to their website.
No Coat Kitty
At No Coat Kitty in South New Jersey and Miami, Florida, you should expect to buy a Sphynx kitten for $1800-$2500, according to their website.
Ratatat Cattery
At Ratatat Cattery in Valrico, Florida, you should expect to buy a standard Sphynx kitten for $1600, according to their website.
Stonecroft Cattery
At Stonecroft Cattery in New Vienna, Ohio, you should expect to buy a Sphynx kitten for $2000, according to their website.
Conclusion
Sphynx cats are pretty expensive, especially when compared to some of the other popular pet feline breeds. However, if you’ve read this article, you understand that their financial, emotional, and physical needs are extraordinary, just like this exotic breed itself.
You’d genuinely have to be obsessed with the breed to get one and take good care of it. But if you are, I wish you all the best!
If you enjoyed this article, please check out a few more:
- Can Sphynx Cats Go Outside? (The Most Reliable Reasons): Click Here.
- Do Cats Like Cold Weather? Best Info On Cats and The Cold: Click Here.
- Why Are Tabby Cats So Friendly? (Genetics, Environment): Click Here.
Here are some of my favorite cat products
In addition to checking out some other More Meows articles, I hope you’ll check out some of my favorite cat products as well. These are affiliate links, so if you end up using them, I’ll get a commission at no extra cost to you. These are the products I really do find most helpful.
Litter Box: I started out with normal, traditional litter boxes for my cat. Then, I tried this automatic litter box on Amazon (affiliate link), which helped reduce the litter upkeep. Finally, I am now a believer in the Litter-Robot 3 Connect on Amazon (affiliate link). This robotic litter box is not for everyone based on the price tag, but for me the benefits (very little upkeep, works efficiently, clean, mobile app) far outweighed the cost.
Cat Tree: I have purchased a couple of this Amazon Basics Cat Tree on Amazon (affiliate link). My cat spends a lot of time on and around this cat tree, which I position near my sofa. She uses the scratching posts on this cat tree multiple times a day, which means she is not scratching the sofa instead.
Cat Water Fountain: I love this cat water fountain on Amazon (affiliate link). There are three main benefits to having a water fountain like this for your cat. The first benefit is that it keeps water running so that your cat doesn’t need to drink still water. The second benefit is that it filters the water. The third benefit is that it will keep your cat hydrated!
