Are Sphynx cats truly hairless? I mean, really bald?
Although the Sphynx is considered to be a "hairless" cat, it is not truly without hair. The skin should have the texture of soft chamois, and may be covered with a very fine down that is aqlmost imperceptible to the eye. Fine hair is allowed on the tail, feet, muzzle, and ears.

The lack of a coat makes the Sphynx quite warn to the touch. The combination of warm skin and the texture of the down has prompted some people to dub them "suede hot water bottles"!

Are Sphynx cats hard to keep? Do they require very warm temperatures?
Sphynx cats are excellent, easy-to-keep indoor cats. An indoor temperature that is comfortable for humans is fine for Sphynx cats, too. Because they have no real coat to absorb body pils, they need to be bather regularly - but it's an easy job if the cat is accustomed to being bathed from kittenhood, and they certainly don't take a long time to dry.

How large are Sphynx cats? They look fragile - are they?
The Sphynx may appear fragile, but you will be surprised once you have handled one! Sleek and muscular, the Sphynx female averages 8 pounds, with the larger and more muscular male averaging 10 pounds. When Sphynx kittens are born they're bald and wrinkled. As the juveniles mature, their eyes open and their large droopy ears pick up, giving them the look of an extraterrestrial.
Sphynx females make patient and nurturing mothers, often allowing their offspring to nurse well beyond weaning age. The average litter size is four kittens with birth weights of approximately three ounces each. Newborns are highly mobile at birth. They normally open their eyes their first or second day after birth .... Sphynx hate to miss anything!

They're so exotic looking - I'm afraid they'd be sickly, or wouldn't live long.
This is an all-too-common bit of misinformation that should be dispelled. Sphynx cats to enjoy normally long and healthy lives .... and then some!! According to Cat Fancy Magazine, a Sphynx Cat named Granpa RexsAllen was declared to be the oldest cat on record. He has been confirmed to be 26 years old and estimated to be 31.

What makes a Sphynx a good choice for a companion cat?
Just about everything!! First and foremost, the Sphynx breed has a disposition and personality that is tailor-made for the position of Number One Companion. They're extremely loving and demonstrative, and they simply adore close physical contact with people. Many communicate with a sweet, strange "twilling" sound or by linking their humans' hands and face. They also often use their paws as hands to pat your face or hug your neck. Sphynx thoroughly believe that there is no such thing as a stranger, and will rush to the door serving as your :official greeters" when house guests arrive.

The Sphynx's outgoing and enthusiastic personality make it a very entertaining friend. They love attention and many owners swear that their Sphynx cats purposely do all kinds of silly antics to amuse and win a smile and loving pat. Sphynx cats also get along well with children and other animals.

The Sphynx's lack of a coat also makes it the ideal pet for people who can't tolerate the typical shedding that most breeds experience. In fact, many people with even very severe allergies find that they can live quite comfortably with a Sphynx cat.