---
title: "Sphynx Breed Guide: Size, Lifespan, Health Problems and Costs"
url: https://pawmultiverse.com/sphynx-cat-breed/
description: "Sphynx: PDSA figures for size, lifespan (15 years), health problems to watch, activity, grooming and cost, with the questions owners ask."
source: Paw Multiverse (https://pawmultiverse.com), free to cite with a link
---

# Sphynx: Size, Lifespan, Health and Care

Published by Paw Multiverse (A.I.T. Multiverse Consulting Ltd) · Last updated 7 November 2026

Quick answer

PDSA, the UK veterinary charity, gives the Sphynx an average weight of 3.7 kg and a lifespan of 15 years, and lists 2 breed-related health problems: hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, urticaria pigmentosa. Estimated cost: £16,900 over a lifetime.

From PDSA, the UK veterinary charity. Not veterinary advice. Worried about your own pet? [See who to call](https://pawmultiverse.com/pet-emergency-what-to-do-now/).

## Key facts

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Average weight | 3.7 kg (average) |
| Average lifespan | 15 years |
| Activity | Curious, energetic and playful; can learn to fetch |
| Grooming | Little hair to brush, but frequent baths to remove body oils, with care of the skin folds |
| Cost | £16,900 over a lifetime (pdsa estimate; average purchase price £550) |

Source: [PDSA, Sphynx breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/kittens-cats/sphynx).

## Health problems to watch

PDSA lists these for the breed. A higher risk does not mean every animal will be affected; where a screening scheme or test exists, ask the breeder for the parents' results.

- hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
- urticaria pigmentosa (crusty skin sores)

Source: [PDSA, Sphynx breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/kittens-cats/sphynx).

## Activity and grooming

PDSA describes the Sphynx as curious, energetic and playful; can learn to fetch. Grooming: little hair to brush, but frequent baths to remove body oils, with care of the skin folds. Source: [PDSA, Sphynx breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/kittens-cats/sphynx).

## Temperament

PDSA describes the breed as vocal, follows its owner everywhere, a lap cat that likes high perches. PDSA says Sphynx cats may be better kept indoors: without fur they are at high risk of sunburn and less protected in fights. Source: [PDSA, Sphynx breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/kittens-cats/sphynx).

## Cost

PDSA's figure: £16,900 over a lifetime (PDSA estimate; average purchase price £550). These are minimums that leave out buying the animal and vet bills for illness or injury. More: [annual cost of owning a cat](https://pawmultiverse.com/annual-cost-of-owning-a-cat/) and [kitten first-year costs](https://pawmultiverse.com/cost-of-a-kitten-first-year/). Source: [PDSA, Sphynx breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/kittens-cats/sphynx).

## Questions people ask

How long do Sphynxs live?

PDSA gives an average lifespan of 15 years.

What health problems do Sphynxs have?

PDSA lists hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM); urticaria pigmentosa (crusty skin sores).

How much does a Sphynx cost?

PDSA's estimate: £16,900 over a lifetime (PDSA estimate; average purchase price £550).

## Sources

- [PDSA, Sphynx breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/kittens-cats/sphynx), read 7 November 2026.

## Related pages

[All breed guides](https://pawmultiverse.com/dog-and-cat-breeds/), [everything for cat owners](https://pawmultiverse.com/cats/), [what cats can eat](https://pawmultiverse.com/can-cats-eat/) and [pet emergency: what to do now](https://pawmultiverse.com/pet-emergency-what-to-do-now/).

## Keep reading

- [Abyssinian: Size, Lifespan, Health and Care](https://pawmultiverse.com/abyssinian-cat-breed/)
- [Norwegian Forest Cat](https://pawmultiverse.com/norwegian-forest-cat-breed/)
- [Devon Rex: Size, Lifespan, Health and Care](https://pawmultiverse.com/devon-rex-cat-breed/)