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American Shorthair vs Sphynx
The American Shorthair is a calm, independent short-coat; the hairless Sphynx is a warm, attention-loving cat that needs bathing and heat.
Verdict
These cats ask different things of an owner. The American Shorthair is calm, hardy and independent, with a short coat that sheds steadily and needs little grooming, and it copes with a workday alone. The Sphynx is hairless, sheds almost nothing and scores top marks for affection and play, but it has the lowest independence score. Its skin needs regular bathing and warmth, and it cannot live outdoors. Choose the American Shorthair for an easy family cat and the Sphynx for a warm, devoted shadow.
Choose the American Shorthair if
- You are away for part of the day.
- You want a cat that needs little skin or coat care.
- You want a calm cat for young children.
- You want a cat that copes with a cooler home.
Choose the Sphynx if
- You want a warm, wrinkled, suede-skinned cat that wants to be with you.
- You are home most of the day.
- You can bathe it regularly and keep the home warm.
- You accept a heart condition on the health watch-list and will ask your vet about it.
Where they are alike
Both are common, medium-sized cats that get on well with other pets. Each has a heart condition on its health watch-list.
Side by side
| American Shorthair | Sphynx | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Shorthair | Rex, hairless, fold and dwarf |
| Origin | North America, from European cats brought by settlers | Toronto, Canada |
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Typical weight | 6-15 lb (2.7-6.8 kg); males are larger | 6-12 lb (2.7-5.4 kg); males are larger |
| Lifespan | — | Often quoted at 10-15 years |
| Coat length | Short | Hairless |
| Coat | Short, dense, hard-textured coat that protects against cold and scratches | Hairless or covered in fine down; skin feels like suede |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | — | Championship breed since 2002 |
| How common | Common | Common |
| Affection | 3 | 5 |
| Energy | 3 | 4 |
| Playfulness | 3 | 5 |
| Talkativeness | 2 | 3 |
| Grooming needed | 2 | 4 |
| Shedding | 3 | 1 |
| Good with children | 5 | 4 |
| Good with other pets | 4 | 4 |
| Happy alone | 4 | 1 |
| Trainability | 3 | 4 |
| Suits a small home | 4 | 4 |
| Allergies | No breed is hypoallergenic. The dense coat sheds steadily, and people who react to cats are likely to react to this breed. | No breed is hypoallergenic. The main cat allergen comes from saliva and skin, not only hair, so a hairless cat can still trigger symptoms. |
| Suits | A family or first-time owner that wants a calm, durable, low-maintenance cat that copes with busy homes. | A person or family at home most of the day that wants a warm, outgoing, attention-loving cat and does not mind regular bathing. |
| Less suited to | Anyone looking for a very talkative, clingy or highly acrobatic cat. | Anyone out all day, anyone who wants a cat that can live outdoors, or anyone who dislikes skin care routines. |
| Registries that recognise it |
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| Health conditions to watch |
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Facts come from each breed's profile. Scores run from 1 (low) to 5 (high) and describe a breed in general. Every cat is an individual, so meet the cat before you decide.
Last reviewed November 7, 2026