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Peterbald vs Sphynx
Two near-hairless, people-hungry cats; the Peterbald is slimmer, Oriental in build and rarer, and the Sphynx is common with a wrinkled, warm-skinned look.
Verdict
These breeds are close in temperament. Both are affectionate, clever, sociable and very reliant on their people. The thing that decides it is build and availability. The Peterbald is a slim, long-eared cat of Oriental build with coats from bald to straight, and it is rare. The Sphynx is common, wrinkled and fully hairless or downy, and it needs more bathing. Choose the Peterbald for an Oriental shape and a lighter grooming load. Choose the Sphynx for a breed that is easy to find.
Choose the Peterbald if
- You want a slim, long-eared cat of 5.5-10 lb.
- You want a coat that may be bald, flock, velour, brush or straight.
- You want lighter grooming; it scores 3 against the Sphynx's 4.
- You get on with other pets; it scores 5 against 4.
Choose the Sphynx if
- You want the more playful of the two, scoring 5 against 4.
- You want a breed that is common and has CFA championship status since 2002.
- You want a wrinkled, suede-like look.
- You accept a longer watch-list, including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and periodontal disease.
Where they are alike
Both score 5 for affection and 1 for independence, and both shed almost no hair. No breed is hypoallergenic, and cat allergen comes mainly from skin and saliva, so either cat can still trigger symptoms.
Side by side
| Peterbald | Sphynx | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Rex, hairless, fold and dwarf | Rex, hairless, fold and dwarf |
| Origin | St. Petersburg, Russia | Toronto, Canada |
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Typical weight | About 5.5-10 lb (2.5-4.5 kg); males are heavier, and sources vary | 6-12 lb (2.7-5.4 kg); males are larger |
| Lifespan | — | Often quoted at 10-15 years |
| Coat length | Hairless | Hairless |
| Coat | Bald, flock, velour, brush or straight; some born with hair lose it over time | Hairless or covered in fine down; skin feels like suede |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | — | Championship breed since 2002 |
| How common | Rare | Common |
| Affection | 5 | 5 |
| Energy | 4 | 4 |
| Playfulness | 4 | 5 |
| Talkativeness | 3 | 3 |
| Grooming needed | 3 | 4 |
| Shedding | 1 | 1 |
| Good with children | 4 | 4 |
| Good with other pets | 5 | 4 |
| Happy alone | 1 | 1 |
| Trainability | 5 | 4 |
| Suits a small home | 4 | 4 |
| Allergies | No breed is hypoallergenic. Hairless and thin-coated cats shed little hair, but cat allergen comes mainly from skin and saliva, so reactions can still happen. | 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 home with someone present for most of the day that wants an affectionate, clever, sociable cat and will keep it warm and out of the sun. | 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 cold house, a household away all day, or anyone who does not want to look after the skin of a thin-coated 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