The striking features of a grey Sphynx cat easily make them one of the most outstanding cat breeds in the world.
Their existence, however, comes with a lot of questions. For instance, they are officially designated as “blue” cats, even with barely noticeable signs of being blue.
Do grey Sphynx cats really exist? Read along as we learn more about a grey Sphynx cat’s appearance, temperament, lifespan, health issues, prices, and more!
What Is a Grey Sphynx Cat?
The grey Sphynx cat is one of the color variations of the Sphynx breed. Despite appearing grey, they are officially designated as blue. This is due to the faint blue tint that comes with their gray coat. Nonetheless, grey Sphynx cats exist as an individual color variant.
The Sphynx comes in a variety of colors and patterns. Generally, all colors and patterns found in this breed, in any combination, are recognized by the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA).
A grey Sphynx, although appearing as “grey” to the naked eye, causes a lot of confusion with regards to their official color designation.
For instance, the color grey appears with a hint of blue to some people. Hence, they will only consider them “grey” if they appear solid grey.
The confusion between grey and blue Sphynx cats can be addressed by taking a closer look at their nose, muzzles, ears, and paw pads, where their accurate colors are more apparent.
Grey Sphynx cats are also called “gray Sphynx cats” or simply the “gray Sphynx.” Either one of these spellings is acceptable when referring to this breed.
Grey Sphynx Cat vs. Blue Sphynx Cat: Are They the Same?
A grey Sphynx cat is not the same as a blue Sphynx cat. The confusion comes from some people’s varying definitions of “grey.” In addition, breeders would often sell them as “blue” kittens despite obviously appearing as grey.
Due to the varying definitions, officially, a grey Sphynx cat will be designated as a blue Sphynx cat. The official designation technically makes a grey Sphynx cat non-existent.
However, it is worth noting that despite this official designation, a grey Sphynx cat is visually different from a blue Sphynx cat, and the two variations are not exactly the same.
A grey Sphynx’s nose leather and paw pads will appear grey, while it will appear steel blue for the blue Sphynx cat. Blue Sphynx cats also have mint green eyes, compared to a grey Sphynx’s vivid blue or aqua eyes.
Simply put, there are slight yet subtle differences between the blue Sphynx and the grey Sphynx. Officially, they are considered the same; however, to the keen eye, they are definitely distinguishable from one another.
Recognizing these subtle differences will take time and practice. It’s essential to take note of them if you plan on getting this breed in a specific color.
Are Grey Sphynx Cats Rare?
Grey Sphynx cats are somehow rare. In addition, trying to find a grey Sphynx cat from a breeder may be a challenge. This is because they are often listed and sold as “blue,” even though they are grey.
When shopping for a grey Sphynx cat, be on the lookout for those listed as “blue.” More often than not, sellers only label and sell cats according to the official color designation.
In fact, blue Sphynx cats are more uncommon than grey Sphynx cats! You may be surprised by how many of these listed “blue” Sphynx cats are actually grey.
Grey Sphynx Cat Appearance: What Does a Grey Sphynx Cat Look Like?
The grey Sphynx cat is a medium-sized feline known for its hairless coat, wrinkled skin, and bat-looking ears. Its striking appearance shows an uncanny resemblance to ancient Egyptian cats who inspired their name.
A Sphynx cat’s grey color is caused by Maltese dilution. When a cat has two recessive alleles, its black color is diluted to blue, which appears as grey. As diluted color variants, grey Sphynx cats are uncommon.
Although they appear bald, a closer look reveals a thin coat of fuzz also responsible for their colors and markings. A grey Sphynx may come in a variety of patterns, including solid, tabby, and even tortoiseshell.
Their grey coloration appears more prominent in their ears, nose, muzzles, and paw pads. To differentiate a grey Sphynx from other similar-looking color variations, take a closer look at these areas.
This sophisticated breed also boasts of its muscular build despite its medium size. They have small wedge-shaped heads highlighted by their expressive lemon-shaped eyes.
Typically, a grey Sphynx cat weighs around 6 to 12 pounds and may grow between 8 to 10 inches in height. Females are light and usually weigh around 6 to 8 pounds, while males weigh between 10 and 12 pounds.
Overall, a grey Sphynx cat is an elegant and sophisticated breed perfectly suited to those who are looking for a regal-looking companion.
Grey Sphynx Cat Color Genetics: What Makes a Sphynx Grey?
A Sphynx may come in different patterns and colors as a result of breeding a wide variety of cats. Grey is one of these colors, and their pattern can either be solid, tabby, smoke, shaded, and more.
All cat colors are created from two pigments: eumelanin (black pigment) and pheomelanin (red pigment). The eumelanin pigment is responsible for a cat’s grey coloration.
The black gene can either have dominant (B) or recessive (b) alleles and can be expressed in three ways: two dominant alleles (BB) — heterozygous — or a combination of dominant and recessive (Bb), and two recessive alleles (bb).
For a cat to appear grey, two recessive alleles are needed. To achieve this, the biological parents of a cat should have at least one recessive allele.
If both parents have bb genes, all of their offspring will be grey. If one parent has a Bb gene and the other has a bb gene, there is a 75% chance their offspring will be grey.
Lastly, if both parents have Bb genes, there is a 25% chance their offspring will be grey.
It is to be noted that this is an overly simplified explanation of cat color genetics. That said, this is a reliable way to determine if a Sphynx cat will be grey or not.
Grey Sphynx Cat Temperament: Do Grey Sphynx Cats Make Good Family Cats?
Generally, darker-colored cats such as a grey Sphynx are regarded as less friendly and more anti-social compared to bright-colored cats. However, this is not true, especially for grey Sphynx cats!
A grey Sphynx is known for being a gentle and carefree breed that is ideal for family cats. Grey Sphynx cats also get along well with children of all ages, other cat breeds, and even dogs if introduced at an early age.
While it may sound like Sphynxes are perfect as family cats, they may not be everyone’s cup of tea.
Aside from their unusual looks that may be off-putting for some, they can also get very active and playful. If you prefer a quiet and peaceful cat, the Sphynx should be out of your list.
A grey Sphynx cat is a frisky breed that never runs out of energy! They enjoy playing, climbing, jumping, and even scratching. A dedicated scratching surface should be provided to keep your precious items safe from their claws!
As extroverted breeds, they need extra attention and constant playtime. If you are busy and need to be constantly out of your household, your grey Sphynx may get lonely.
All-in-all, a grey Sphynx will make a good family cat for those who enjoy having playful, active, and hypoallergenic companions.
Watch this video to gain insights into what it’s like to own a grey Sphynx cat:
WHAT IT'S LIKE TO OWN A SPHYNX CAT<a href="https://youtu.be/m59p7DutQwA" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2Fm59p7DutQwA%2F0.jpg" alt="WHAT IT&#039;S LIKE TO OWN A SPHYNX CAT" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Grey Sphynx Cat Lifespan and Health Issues: Are Grey Sphynx Cats Healthy Cats?
Grey Sphynx cats are a strong and healthy breed with an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years. Nonetheless, like other breeds, they are prone to developing acquired and hereditary health issues.
Below is a list of the most common health issues affecting grey Sphynx cats:
Periodontal Disease: Your grey Sphynx cat is prone to developing periodontal disease, which may cause gum disease and tooth loss. Regular teeth brushing and dental checkups will prevent this issue.
Urticaria Pigmentosa: As hairless breeds, they are prone to developing urticaria pigmentosa, a condition causing lesions and terrible itching. Lack of prevention and treatment causes serious complications in the spleen, liver, and bone marrow.
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM): HCM is a disease that is known to affect cat breeds, particularly the Sphynx. It is characterized by the thickening of heart muscles causing shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, and other heart-related problems.
Before taking your grey Sphynx kitten home, ensure that they are screened for health issues and undergo genetic testing. Getting regular veterinary checkups will also guarantee their well-being.
How Much Does a Grey Sphynx Cat Cost? Kitten Prices & Expenses
As unique cats, grey Sphynx cats usually come with high price tags. Reputable breeders charge an average of $1,500 to $6,000 per kitten, depending on a lot of factors.
If you think the average price is expensive, a grey Sphynx cat from a champion bloodline with breeding rights will cost you more at $4,500 to $10,000!
Finding a grey Sphynx cat from reputable breeders can be challenging. Always check for “blue Sphynx” listings as many breeders usually sell grey Sphinxes as “blue.”
Aside from the initial cost from the breeder, taking care of your grey Sphynx is also costly. In addition, despite being hairless, extensive effort is needed in grooming them. This is because there is no hair or fur to block external dirt.
The table below summarizes the initial expenses and the corresponding costs that may come after you purchase your grey Sphynx:
Keep in mind that this price range is only for the initial cost. This does not include the price of the grey Sphynx kitten and the recurring expenses!
If you think that the average grey Sphynx prices and expenses are out of your budget, you may consider getting one from an animal shelter or rescue, which is an entirely different challenge on its own.
Places to Find Grey Sphynx Kittens for Sale and Adoption
As rare and special breeds, grey hairless Sphynx cats can be challenging to find. Getting these kitties from a shelter or a rescue is even more difficult.
This section will help narrow down your search and provide you with the most reputable grey Sphynx breeders in the United States. Take note that a lot of time and patience are needed before getting them in your hands.
Here are some of the most reputable grey Sphynx breeders you may consider getting your kitten from:
Victorian Sphynx – Founded in 2017, Victorian Sphynx is a Sphynx cattery based in Red Bud, Illinois. As registered The International Cat Association (TICA) breeders, all their kittens come with TICA-registered paperwork. Their kittens are priced between $2,300 and $4,500, depending on skin and eye color.
Barebottom Sphynx – Barebottom Sphynx is an established cattery based in Southern California. They offer healthy lines with high standards under TICA. They also have a well-established “odd-eyed” program. Kittens from Barebottom Sphynx cost around $2,500 to $5,500.
Southern Sphynx – Based in Oklahoma, Southern Sphynx is a small TICA-registered cattery specializing in Sphynx and Bambino breeds. Priced between $2,000 and $2,400, their kittens come with health guarantees, updated vaccinations, microchips, sample food, pet insurance, and a lot more!
If you’re not after a high-quality grey Sphynx, you may opt to adopt or get them from shelters or rescues. Before adopting, make sure you ask about the cat’s hereditary conditions and other health-related issues.
Here are some organizations that may help you find a grey Sphynx cat for adoption:
Sphynx Open Arms Rescue (SOAR) – SOAR was registered and established in 2013 out of the state of Colorado. They are dedicated to transforming the lives of Sphynx cats “unnecessarily destroyed” at shelters. If you are interested in fostering and adopting from SOAR, you may check their website for their foster policies and procedures.
Specialty Purebred Cat Rescue – Founded in 1999, Specialty Purebred Cat Rescue boasts of its 22 years of experience in finding quality homes for abandoned/surrendered purebred cats. They are the largest cat rescue organization in the Midwest and have foster homes located all in several states. To set an appointment, submit an adoption application that can be found on their website.
Adopt-a-Pet – Adopt-a-pet.com is a company helping over 21,000 animal shelters, rescue groups, and adoption agencies to advertise their homeless pets to millions. Check their website to search for a Sphynx available for adoption near you.
Whether you decide to purchase or adopt your grey Sphynx cat, it will take a lot of time and effort. To maximize your waiting time, be sure to do your research, prepare, and learn everything you need about this breed.
While waiting for your grey Sphynx, you may also check our article on 11 ways to find free kittens in your area for adoption for credible tips on finding free kittens!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Colors Do Sphynx Cats Come In?
Sphynx cats come in a variety of colors such as white, black, blue, grey, red, cream, golden, cameo, tortoiseshell, blue-cream, and brown. They also come in different patterns such as solid, bicolor, calico, tabby, smoke, or shaded.
To see the differences between these patterns, you may check our article on torbie, tabby, tortie, and calico cats.
What Is the Rarest Sphynx Color?
Sphynx cats in diluted colors such as grey, brown, and lilac are considered uncommon, with brown Sphynx being the rarest. This is because two recessive alleles are needed in both cat parents to show the diluted color.
The demand for chocolate-colored Sphynx cats is less than the demand for other diluted color variants; hence, it is extremely rare to find chocolate-colored Sphynx cats.
Do Grey Sphynx Cats Have Blue Eyes?
It’s possible to have a grey Sphynx cat with blue eyes. However, they are extremely rare, and the chances of finding a grey Sphynx with blue eyes is just as difficult as finding a Sphynx in a rescue or shelter.
If you’re fortunate enough to find one, chances are their blue eyes will naturally turn green upon adulthood.
Final Thoughts: Is a Grey Sphynx Cat the Right Pet for You?
A grey Sphynx cat is an elegant feline perfect for most households. However, their elegance comes with a price. Aside from the high monetary costs, high energy and attention are also needed to take care of this breed.
Despite their lack of hair, their grooming needs are greater than other cat breeds. In addition, their playful nature requires a lot of attention from their owners.
If you have the budget and wish to have an energetic, regal-looking, affectionate feline companion in a lovely shade of grey, then the grey Sphynx is the right pet for you.
If you think having a grey Sphynx cat is for you, let us know in the comments below.
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