Which health problems are common in the Sphynx?
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) runs in the breed and is often found in young cats, so heart ultrasounds are the checkup to ask about. With no fur, the skin needs regular baths to remove oil and protection from strong sun.
Updated November 9, 2026
What should Sphynx owners watch for?
Common for the breed doesn't mean your cat will have it.
- Heart disease (HCM). The heart wall thickens, often with no signs. Fast breathing at rest, breathing with the mouth open or sudden weak back legs need a vet now.
- Oily skin. With no fur to absorb it, body oil builds up on the skin. Regular baths remove it. Ask your vet how often suits your cat.
- Sunburn. Bare skin burns easily. Keep the cat indoors or out of strong sun.
- Inherited muscle weakness (CMS). Rare, and shows in kittens: head held low or bobbing, tiring fast, trouble swallowing. A DNA test can find it.
Which checkups do vets often suggest?
| Checkup | What it is | When |
|---|---|---|
| Heart exam by a cardiologist | An ultrasound of the heart, the test that finds HCM. Ask your vet from what age and how often it makes sense. | From 1 year · Every year |
| DNA test for CMS | A cheek swab, done once, that shows whether the cat carries the gene for congenital myasthenic syndrome. | Once |
Your vet decides which checkups fit your pet, and when.
How do I keep a Sphynx health record?
VetVitae, a free pet health record app for iPhone, Android and the web, shows these notes on your cat’s profile under Health, and Plan it opens the exam or test with its name filled.
For vaccines, parasites and the signs that can’t wait, see the cat care guide.
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. Your vet knows your pet.
Sources
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in the Sphynx cat: a retrospective evaluation of clinical presentation and heritable etiology, Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 2012
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, Maine Coon, Science for Animal Welfare (UFAW)
- Sphynx, The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF)
- Hereditary myopathy, Sphynx, Science for Animal Welfare (UFAW)
- Congenital Myasthenic Syndrome (CMS), Langford Vets
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