Any cat lover would know that Sphynx cats cost a lot to own. In fact, these hairless felines always make it to the list of the most expensive cat breeds! But how much does a Sphynx cat truly cost?
Not only is the Sphynx cat price high, but their recurring cost to own is also steep. Hence, all cat lovers should be well aware of the ins and outs of the Sphynx cat price before getting one.
If you want to add this hairless cat to your family, or you’re simply curious to know why they’re more expensive than other cats, read along! In this guide, we’ll touch on the nitty-gritty of Sphynx cat price.
The Average Cost of a Sphynx Cat
A pet-quality Sphynx cat from a reputable breeder costs $1,500 to $4,500. Meanwhile, champion line, show-quality, and rare-colored Sphynx kittens cost around $4,500 to $10,000. Sphynx cats that come with breeding rights also cost within the latter range.
At these price ranges, one could say that the Sphynx cat price is no joke. While that is true, we can’t forget that owning this hairless cat is more than just its price.
In fact, as you will see later on, recurring expenses associated with Sphynx ownership are comparable to other purebred cats.
It is also possible to score purebred Sphynx cats for a lower price by buying one from backyard breeders or puppy mills. However, it is discouraged to do so because of their questionable breeding procedures.
One of the reasons why this hairless cat is so expensive is the breed’s rarity. Sphynx cats only emerged in the 1960s, so the number of breeders is still limited, especially compared to breeders of other cats.
Factors Affecting the Price of a Sphynx Kitten
Sphynx cats have been developed over decades of selective breeding. Breeding them is certainly costly, especially as they are high-maintenance cats, to begin with.
Aside from the regular costs of maintaining Sphynx cats, reputable breeders spend a lot on genetic testing, vetting, and preventive treatments.
All of these expenses contribute to why Sphynx cats cost a lot. Understanding these factors can help you get a better insight into the true cost of owning this hairless kitten.
Below are some of the major factors affecting the price of a Sphynx kitten:
Breeder’s Reputation: Generally, more experienced breeders charge more for their kittens. This is because of the years of work put into establishing a good breeding program and the breeding expenses they invested in. Good breeders also offer comprehensive health guarantees and lifetime pet support. Hence, Sphynx cats cost higher from them.
Pedigree: In general, kittens from champion lines are more expensive than normal pedigree Sphynx cats. This is because breeding champion line Sphynx cats cost significantly more. Usually, breeders need to pick the dams and sires with the best looks and temperament, which could take a few cat generations to accomplish. Champion-line cats are also often associated with highly rare Sphynx cats.
Age: Similar to other cat breeds, Sphynx kittens are more expensive than older ones. Most prospective cat owners prefer kittens so they can raise, train, and watch them grow. If you want to save a bit of money, some breeders sell adult or older cats for much less.
Pet/Show Quality: Breeders distinguish cat quality between pet- and show-quality. Show-quality cats are those that meet all the conformation standards set by feline associations. Moreover, show kittens often come from champion lines. Thus, unless having a show cat is important to you, pet-quality Sphynx cats are more cost-effective.
Breeding Rights: Most Sphynx cat breeders sell their kittens as pets only. However, some cats can be sold with breeding rights. Typically, these cats are show-quality unspayed female Sphynx cats or unneutered males. Often, cats with breeding rights cost a few thousand dollars more than those without.
Color: The Sphynx cat’s skin comes in many colors and patterns, such as calico, tortoiseshell, and tabby patterns. A Sphynx’s skin in white, black, red, lavender, or blue is considered rare. Odd-eyed or blue-eyed Sphynx cats are also uncommon, so breeders may charge extra for them.
As you can see, there are many factors affecting how much the Sphynx cost. Some factors not mentioned include neutering/spaying status, accessories included, and shipping cost.
How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Sphynx Cat From a Rescue?
Adopting a Sphynx cat from a local shelter or a rescue would only cost about $100 to $600.
Adoption fees usually cover a lot of expenses such as vetting, microchipping, spaying/neutering, vaccines, and the regular needs of Sphynx cats while in the foster home.
Because Sphynx cats are high maintenance, you may notice that their adoption fees are higher compared to other cats. Thus, do not expect to get a free Sphynx when you visit local shelters and rescues near you.
Surprisingly, many Sphynx cats end up in rescues. Despite being a rare breed and not having many breeders, these cats still end up abandoned at times. This is probably due to the demanding care and love that Sphynx cats require.
Initial Cost of Sphynx Cat Ownership
Aside from the price of the Sphynx cat, there are other expenses to watch out for. These expenses include basic cat supplies and equipment, such as the first batch of cat food and treats, a comfy cat bed, and other things.
Check out the list below for the initial supplies you would need for your Sphynx kitten:
Food and Treats: As with most cats, a high-quality diet is best for these cats. This is especially important to keep your Sphynx cat’s skin healthy. You should set aside $20 to $50 for your initial supply of premium cat food and treats.
Food and Water Bowls: Food and water bowls are essential for any pet, especially for the Sphynx, who usually eats more food than other breeds! Depending on the design and material, food and water bowls will run you around $10 to $25.
Litter Box: Cat Litter boxes come in different kinds. As such, they can cost anywhere from $20 to $160. My advice is to simply look for a cat litter box that’s easy to clean!
Litter Sand: Dust-free litter is recommended for Sphynx cats. This is best for their hairless bodies. Litter sand is a recurring expense that you’ll need to buy from time to time. Initially, this will run you from $15 to $25.
Collar and ID Tag: Although these felines should be indoors most of the time, it never hurts to be extra safe. A collar and ID tag will ensure that your Sphynx cats can easily be identified. Simple collars with tags can cost $5 to $20.
Cat Bed: A good-quality cat bed will do wonders for your Sphynx cat. If you live in a cold place, it is recommended to get a heated cat bed. Regular cat beds cost between $15 and $30, while heated beds cost more. Consider this expense a part of your preventative health care for your cat!
Cat Carrier: Carriers are essential to keep your cat safe anywhere you go. Even if you don’t travel much, you would need it for your vet appointments. A good quality carrier can cost $20 to $60.
Toys and Scratching Post: Sphynx cats are very playful, and a few cat toys and a cat tree are non-negotiable for them! These things will keep them entertained for a long time. Some good-quality toys and a sturdy cat tree will set you back between $15 and $70.
Grooming Essentials: Sphynx cats are high maintenance when it comes to grooming. Although they don’t have hair to be brushed, they need weekly ear cleaning and nail trimming. It is also advised to wipe them down in between baths to prevent oil buildup. As a pet parent, you should set about $25 to $35 on grooming tools.
Initial Vet Visits: Normally, you would need to take your Sphynx to the vet four to five times before it turns a year old. Initial vet bills would cost you around $100 to $250, depending on your location. This price usually does not include other treatments or vaccines yet.
Initial Vaccine Shots: Every kitten needs a set of vaccinations to keep them safe from common diseases. Typically, the first ones are already given while they’re with the breeder. You should set aside $25 to $50 for your Sphynx kitten’s first-year vaccines.
Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Medications: Usually, when you buy a Sphynx cat from reputable breeders, your cat would have already been administered with these meds. But for younger kittens, you will need to shoulder these expenses. For these, expect to spend around $30 to $100.
Spaying/Neutering: Most breeders would already spay a female cat or neuter a male cat before rehoming them. But if this is not the case for your cat, you will spend $200 to $500 for this procedure.
Microchip and Registration: The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) considers microchipping the optimum identification method for pet cats. The procedure involves registering your cat’s information to the appropriate agency. This would cost you around $40 to $60.
Miscellaneous Supplies: As a new Sphynx owner, you may need to spend on other miscellaneous items. These expenses are for cat accessories, cat clothes, trackers, and other things. For these, expect to shell out anywhere from $15 to $30 initially.
Here is a summarized list of all the Sphynx cat expenses mentioned above:
Most of the supplies you need for a Sphynx cat are one-time expenses. As such, it is recommended to buy high-quality versions of these items.
Also, to avoid overspending, ask your breeder or other owners about the brands they use. Chances are they also know where to get the best deals!
Annual Cost of Owning a Sphynx Cat
The annual cost of owning a Sphynx cat is around $1,270 to $2,605. Monthly, this is approximately $105 to $217.
If you compare the recurring expenses of owning a Sphynx to other breeds, such as the Savannah cat or the Bengal, you’ll see that these kitties are not that expensive to own.
Here’s a list of your annual expenses for a Sphynx cat:
As you can see, some expenses such as a cat bed, cat trees, and cat carrier are still on this list. Of course, you may not need to buy these things yearly, but you may need to swap them out every few years.
In addition, you may notice that a huge chunk of your recurring expenses goes to pet insurance. This is one expense many pet owners choose to miss out on.
However, we strongly recommend that you purchase pet insurance for your Sphynx. This can potentially save you money later on. Many pet insurance companies offer affordable and extensive coverages for one cat.
Other Potential Expenses
The expenses I mentioned previously are only for your cat’s regular needs. Other than those, there are other things Sphynx cats require from time to time.
Here is a list of potential expenses that you should also consider including in your Sphynx cat budget:
Cat Boarding/Pet Sitting: It’s not a good idea to leave Sphynx cats alone for extended periods. Such cats with separation anxiety may exhibit behavioral changes if left alone. If you need to leave them, hire a pet sitter for $15 to $40 or take them to pet boarding facilities and pay $20 to $40 per night.
Cat Water Fountain: Many cats love drinking from running water, and your Sphynx might be one of them. You can buy a cat fountain for $20 to $70, depending on how fancy you want it.
Air Travel: If you don’t want to leave your Sphynx at home when traveling, you can bring it along with you. Airlines charge anywhere from $70 to $175 for small pets.
Pet Deposit: For cat lovers who are renting, your landlord may charge you a pet deposit. The fee can be a fixed price or a percentage of your monthly rent.
Emergency Treatment: The Sphynx is prone to a handful of conditions, such as feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), and polycystic kidney disease (PKD). Emergency treatment for these can set you back $800 to $1,500. If your Sphynx’s condition requires surgery or a longer hospital stay, be prepared to spend significantly more on vet bills.
Dental Care: Professional dental care for cats is always recommended. It’s especially helpful for a cat owner who cannot regularly brush their cat’s teeth. The average price for a cat dental cleaning is around $250.
We recommend setting aside a few dollars here and there as preparation for these expenses. Usually, these expenses are not needed, but sometimes they are extremely necessary.
Places to Find Sphynx Kittens for Sale and Adoption
Compared to other cat breeds, the Sphynx breed is harder to come by. Hence, you should be prepared to spend a lot of time searching for catteries dedicated to this breed.
To make it easier for you, here are a few breeders where you may find Sphynx kittens for sale:
Victorian Sphynx – Victorian Sphynx is an Illinois-based cattery that specializes in the Sphynx breed. Their Sphynx kittens cost around $2,000 to $4,500, depending on skin and eye color. A female Sphynx may also cost more from this breeder. That said, this is a good place to find TICA-registered cats.
Lil Nudists – This cattery is one of the first reputable Sphynx breeders that serves the areas of Colorado, California, and Alabama. Their Sphynx cats cost $2,000, with an additional $300 for an odd-eyed or blue-eyed kitten.
Barebottom Sphynx – Barebottom Sphynx is a California-based breeder striving for Sphynx cats with great quality and disposition. Their cats start from $2,500 and up. They also have an “odd-eyed program,” and the price of these cats starts at $3,500.
Southern Sphynx – Southern Sphynx is a small cattery based in Oklahoma. Their Sphynx kittens are sold for $2,000, with discounts if you are a return customer or if you buy two kittens from the same litter.
Many Sphynx cats end up in shelters and rescues, and it might be worth it to look for a cat for adoption instead of searching for Sphynx breeders.
That said, you can check out these sites to find a Sphynx kitten for adoption:
Sphynx Open Arms Rescue (SOAR) – SOAR is an organization of Sphynx owners dedicated to helping these hairless cats find new homes. They have no central location, but they have a wide network of members all over the United States.
Specialty Purebred Cat Rescue – This organization has been helping purebred cats for 22 years already. They help foster and rehome 700+ cats annually. Check their website from time to time, so you can see if they have an available Sphynx kitten.
Petfinder – Petfinder is an online database of adoptable pets from different rescues and shelters. You can filter your search based on breed, location, and more. This makes finding a Sphynx for adoption so much easier.
While waiting, prepare and learn all you can about the breed. It will be very beneficial in adoption applications and your life as a new Sphynx owner.
Money-Saving Tips for Sphynx Cat Owners
I’m sure that the total costs mentioned above can be daunting. Thankfully, there are some simple ways you can save money.
Here are some money-saving tips for Sphynx cat owners:
Get recommendations. This tip applies to many aspects of the life of your hairless cat. Ask around for recommended grooming tools, shampoo, the best high-quality diet, and even vet clinics. Social media groups can also be a good resource for product reviews!
Buy items in bulk. Once you’re sure about your cat’s recurring needs, try buying in larger quantities. They’re usually a bit cheaper, plus you need fewer trips to the pet store.
Avail pet insurance. Like all other pets, your cat may face illnesses throughout its life even though it came from a quality breeder. Treatment can get expensive for emergencies and serious conditions.
Have fun with DIY projects for your cat. There are many resources on the internet for homemade toys, homemade raw diet cat food, and even DIY scratch posts. This would not only save you money, but it is a great way to customize things according to what your cat likes.
Don’t skip annual vet visits. Even if your Sphynx cats look healthy, it’s important to have them checked regularly. This way, health problems can be addressed before they become severe. It may sound counterintuitive, but going to the vet saves you money!
Find deals and discounts online. A lot of websites offer discounts and coupons, so make time to score some. Many pet stores also have online shops that offer special discounts. Take advantage of these and save a few bucks!
These may seem like extra work just to save a bit of money. But remember that you will be spending on your pet for at least 15 years. A few dollars every month can lead to huge savings in the long run.
In the meantime, watch this video to see how to groom your Sphynx cat at home:
How high maintenance is a sphynx cat?? | The Dark Lord<a href="https://youtu.be/hrbMJ2Uj6_A" 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%2FhrbMJ2Uj6_A%2F0.jpg" alt="How high maintenance is a sphynx cat?? | The Dark Lord" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Final Thoughts
There’s no denying that a Sphynx cat costs more than other felines. Contrary to what a lot of people think about a hairless cat breed, they need a lot of time and effort.
Needless to say, owning this cat commands a great deal of attention and finances. With all the work and money that goes into raising them, they’re simply not for everyone.
However, if you are confident that you can afford this breed, then you are sure to have a good time. Hopefully, this Sphynx cat price guide has helped you out in making a decision. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
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