How Big Do Sphynx Cats Get? [Average Size Guide]

No fur or whiskers. That’s how the Sphynx cat is generally perceived and how we all imagine them. But what is the size of this breed of cat? Here is what you will want to know.

So, how big do Sphynx cats get? Sphynx cats typically reach between 8-10 inches in height, 13-15 inches in length, and weigh between 10-12 pounds. They have a lean physique and are considered to be medium-sized cats. Females are generally smaller than males.

While this is not the largest cat physically, they are known for having very big personalities.

They are very affectionate and social, particularly for cats, and are keen to spend time with their owners.

Whether that is lap sitting, following around the house, or getting in the bed with you, these cats love to be taken care of.

Let us now take a closer look at the specific dimensions and body type of this fascinating hairless breed.

We also look at their size in relation to other cat breeds and other factors that relate.

Sphynx Cat Body Shape

It’s only natural to assume a Sphynx is just a bald and wrinkly average-sized cat.

However, they do actually possess a fine-boned yet muscular body, with a broad chest and impressively long and powerful legs.

The legs are bowed, which gives them great jumping abilities and abilities to get up high. This is supported by their thicker paw pads, which gives them the advantage during such activities.

And even more, interestingly, they are known to carry a larger belly and rounded abdomen, which is sometimes referred to as a ‘pot belly’.

It doesn’t stop them from climbing, mind.

Sphynx cats also have long, tapering tails, wedge-shaped heads and lemon-shaped eyes.

They are known for their prominent rounded cheekbones are large ears.

These features give them a unique appearance, and this has not even touched on their coat!

But it is important to consider here.

The lack of coat gives us instant visibility into the overall size of a Sphynx.

It doesn’t conceal the body shape like in other cats.

But just consider they are not completely hairless.

They do have a very fine layer of hair that covers their bodies and parts of their head.

And these cats do still come in various colors, with white, black, tabby, and tortoiseshell being perhaps the most common.

Are Sphynx Cats Small?

Sphynx cats are not considered small. Instead, they are considered a medium breed.

Of course, this is comparing the Sphynx to other breeds of cat, and it is somewhat relative.

For instance, if we were to compare a Sphynx to a Maine Coon or Savannah, the Sphynx would appear smaller.

Both of these breeds are taller, longer, and heavier by several inches and pounds.

However, there is little difference in size between a Sphynx and the likes of a Persian or Russian Blue.

In fact, if you were to compare to a Munchkin, a Sphynx cat would look somewhat larger.

It’s all relative, see.

But this is why they fall within the medium-sized classification. 

It’s an average, and we can now see why they are categorized as such.

Just consider that a Sphynx cat will naturally be smaller than a young kitten.

It will take them some time to grow and fill out into their final size.

Let us now take a closer look at this in the section below.

At What Age Are Sphynx Cats Fully Grown?

Sphynx cats will typically reach their full height and weight around 1 year of age. Although, some larger cats of the breed will continue to fill out for several months after.

Filling out refers to a cat developing musculature and being physically bulkier.

In other words, they transition into their adult frame.

For the most part, a Sphynx kitten will weigh around 2-3 pounds at 12 weeks of age or around the time they are put up for adoption by the breeder.

This is the size a new owner is likely to get their Sphynx.

From there, a kitten will develop according to their genetic potential and in accordance with their care (diet and nutrition).

Do Sphynx Cats Need More Food?

Sphynx cats do generally require a higher caloric intake than other cat breeds. This is because they need more energy to keep themselves sufficiently warm.

The suggested daily intake of dry food is as follows:

Sphynx Weight (Pounds)	Lean (Grams)	Normal (Grams)	Overweight (Grams)
4 lbs	35g	35g	25g
6 lbs	50g	50g	35g
8 lbs	75g	65g	50g
10 lbs	95g	75g	50g
12 lbs	95g	95g	65g

The additional calories are not a massive amount more, but sufficient for this cat’s particular needs.

Also, consider that the amount of food provided should be in relevance to their weight (as you can see from the table above).

When it comes to choosing foods for your Sphynx, consider that some manufacturers will design a formulation for this particular breed or more active cats in general.

This food will be more energy-dense and will help these breeds to support their activity/heat generation.

Of course, these amounts specified above are for adult Sphynx.

Kitten Sphinx’s will need to eat somewhat differently.

They should begin eating dry kitten food around the age of 1 month of age, transition over from wet food.

Here is a rough guide on how much a Sphynx kitten should eat:

Sphynx Kitten Weight (Pounds)	Kitten Age (Months)	Recommended Food Intake
0.7-1.2 lbs	1-2	25-35g
1.3-2.5 lbs	2-3	40-50g
2.6-3.9 lbs	3-4	50-55g
4 lbs +	4 +	Transition to adult feeding.

Of course, the total amount you feed will depend on the brand of food. Its also important that you consult your vet for support and advice along the way.

Do Sphynx Cats Get Fat?

A Sphynx cat fed appropriately and allowed to be sufficiently active should not gain too much weight. However, this particular breed does have a propensity to gain excess fat more readily.

And the rounded abdomen, or pot-belly, is a breed characteristic and trait.

That being said, while a small pot-belly is considered entirely normal and somewhat expected (particularly after food or before a cat has gone to the toilet), an excessively expanded pot belly or one that does not reduce in time is always a sign of concern.

To prevent unhealthy weight gain in the Sphynx, they must be fed a calorie-controlled diet – consisting of high-quality premium food.

Its also important that as an owner, you routinely weigh and monitor the size of your cat.

They should be of sufficient weight but not falling too short or exceeding the healthy range of 10-12 pounds.

Whether it is once per week or once per month, it is advised to inspect your Sphynx to ensure they are at a healthy weight.

	% Body Fat	Ribs	Side View	Overhead View
Very Underweight	<5%	Visible, little to no fat cover.	Major abdominal tuck	Prominent hourglass shape
Underweight	5-15%	Easily felt, little fat cover	Small abdominal tuck	Hourglass shape
Ideal weight	16-25%	Easily felt, with some fat cover	Abdominal tuck	Observable waist
Overweight	26-35%	Difficult to feel, noticeable fat cover	Abdominal tuck	Back somewhat broadened
Obese	>35%	Difficult to feel, considerable fat cover	No waist, fat visibly hanging	Back considerably broadened

With a Sphynx cat, any excess weight will be more noticeable since they lack fur.

Finally

Sphynx cats are medium in size, well, at least in regard to their height, length and weight.

Or at least they should be.

This breed does have a propensity for putting on weight, and this must be monitored and managed by any owner.

At the same time, it must be noted that these cats do have their own particular body shape and a rounded abdomen or little potbelly is part of this.

It is natural to have slight distension here and there.

And while a healthy Sphynx will not be the largest in terms of the frame – they possess a big personality.

They are very extroverted, playful, and people-orientated. Nothing makes them happier than receiving attention.

This makes them a fantastic pet and a great companion to have in and around the home.

But, taking care of them is not easy.

They have very specific needs and require an extra level of care, after all.

Their lack of coat does mean that you have to always be mindful of the temperature, the sun, and of their skin.

Their grooming needs are very particular.

It comes as no surprise that owning this particular breed will require quite a bit of additional research.

But for any owner willing and able to look after them – will be rewarded.

Are you wondering how big other cat breeds get? Then my following size guide may be of interest:

• How Big Do Cats Get? [The Definitive Size Guide]