Sphynx cats are hairless, warm to the touch, energetic and famously affectionate. Without a coat to keep them warm, they burn more energy to maintain their body temperature, so many Sphynx cats eat more than you might expect for their size. Here’s how to feed a Sphynx kitten and adult.
Does a Sphynx Cat Need Special Food?
No cat breed needs a special food to be healthy. Like any cat, a Sphynx needs a complete and balanced food (labeled as meeting AAFCO nutrient profiles in the US, or as a “complete” food under FEDIAF guidelines in the UK) that suits its age, weight, activity and health. Some brands make breed-specific foods, and they can be a convenient choice, but a good-quality complete food for the right life stage works just as well. Because Sphynx cats have a high metabolism, the right portion size for your cat may be larger than the feeding guide suggests, but it’s still important to avoid overfeeding.
Feeding a Sphynx Kitten
Sphynx kittens are very active and grow quickly. They need an energy-dense, high-protein kitten food and frequent small meals.
- when you bring your kitten home, keep feeding the food it ate at the breeder or shelter for the first week or two, then switch gradually;
- feed a complete kitten food (or an “all life stages” food) until about 12 months old;
- kittens under 6 months usually need three to four meals a day; from 6 months, two to three meals a day is usually enough;
- always provide fresh water;
- don’t give cow’s milk, which can cause diarrhea.
Read more about feeding a kitten.
Feeding an Adult Sphynx
Adult Sphynx cats often do best on several small meals a day. Keep your cat warm, especially in winter, so it doesn’t need to burn extra calories to stay warm. Many owners notice that their Sphynx’s skin becomes oilier or develops more blackheads on some diets; if this happens, talk to your vet.
- feed measured portions, using the feeding guide on the pack as a starting point, and adjust to keep your cat at a healthy weight (you should be able to feel the ribs easily);
- include some wet food every day to help with hydration and urinary health;
- keep treats to no more than 10% of daily calories;
- weigh your cat regularly and see your vet for an annual checkup;
- if your cat has been spayed or neutered, its calorie needs will be lower. Read more about feeding a spayed cat and a neutered male cat.
Health Issues and Diet
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a heart disease, is relatively common in the breed. Responsible breeders screen their cats, and regular vet checks are important.
- Sensitive digestion: some Sphynx cats are prone to soft stools. Change foods slowly. Read more about food for sensitive stomachs.
- Skin problems: Sphynx skin needs regular bathing and care, and skin conditions sometimes have dietary causes, such as food allergies.
- Dental disease, which is common in the breed.
If your cat has a health condition, your vet may recommend a specific or prescription diet. Don’t give supplements or change to a prescription diet without your vet’s advice, and see your vet if your cat’s appetite, weight, thirst, stools or coat change.
What About Homemade Food?
Homemade diets are very difficult to balance and are often missing essential nutrients, such as taurine and calcium. If you want to feed homemade food, use a recipe formulated by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. Never feed your cat foods that are toxic to cats. Read more: foods cats should never eat.
Read more about the Sphynx breed and what to feed a cat.
