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Exotic Shorthair vs Sphynx
A calm, plush, flat-faced lap cat against a hairless, high-energy, attention-loving cat that needs regular bathing and warmth.
Verdict
Energy and skin care decide this. The Exotic Shorthair is plush, quiet and low in energy, with a flat face that brings breathing and eye problems. The Sphynx is hairless or covered in fine down, scores top marks for play and affection, and scores lowest for independence, so it needs company all day. Its skin needs regular bathing and warmth. No breed is hypoallergenic, since allergen comes from skin and saliva as well as hair. Choose the Exotic for a calm lap cat, and the Sphynx for a lively, outgoing one.
Choose the Exotic Shorthair if
- You want a quiet cat that is happy on a lap.
- You prefer a dense coat to bare skin.
- You are ready for face cleaning and vet checks.
- You live in a small home.
Choose the Sphynx if
- You want a warm, outgoing cat that craves attention.
- You are home most of the day.
- You do not mind regular bathing.
- You will plan for heart, muscle, skin and gum checks.
Where they are alike
Both are Common medium cats. Both rate well with children and other pets, and both are CFA championship breeds.
Side by side
| Exotic Shorthair | Sphynx | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Shorthair | Rex, hairless, fold and dwarf |
| Origin | United States | Toronto, Canada |
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Typical weight | 8-15 lb (3.6-6.8 kg); males are larger | 6-12 lb (2.7-5.4 kg); males are larger |
| Lifespan | 12-15 years | Often quoted at 10-15 years |
| Coat length | Short | Hairless |
| Coat | Dense, plush, soft coat that stands out from the body | Hairless or covered in fine down; skin feels like suede |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | Championship breed since 1967 | Championship breed since 2002 |
| How common | Common | Common |
| Affection | 4 | 5 |
| Energy | 2 | 4 |
| Playfulness | 3 | 5 |
| Talkativeness | 1 | 3 |
| Grooming needed | 3 | 4 |
| Shedding | 3 | 1 |
| Good with children | 4 | 4 |
| Good with other pets | 4 | 4 |
| Happy alone | 3 | 1 |
| Trainability | 3 | 4 |
| Suits a small home | 5 | 4 |
| Allergies | No breed is hypoallergenic. The dense coat sheds steadily and people who react to cats are likely to react to this one. | 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 calm indoor home that wants a quiet, affectionate lap cat and is ready to pay for regular vet checks. | 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 | A hot or humid home, a household with no time for face cleaning, or anyone worried about flat-faced cat welfare. | 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