Compare

Siamese vs Sphynx

Two talkative, devoted, clingy cats; the Siamese has a short coat and needs no baths, the Sphynx is hairless and needs skin care.

Verdict

These two are close in temperament. Both are affectionate, active, clever, talkative and want someone home. The thing that decides it is the coat. The Siamese has a short, glossy coat that needs almost no care and a louder voice. The Sphynx is hairless, sheds almost no hair, but needs regular bathing, skin care and a warm, sun-safe home. Choose the Siamese for a talker with an easy coat. Choose the Sphynx if you are happy with the skin routine and want a more playful cat.

Choose the Siamese if

  • You want almost no grooming; it scores 1 against 4.
  • You want the most talkative cat, with a voice score of 5 against 3.
  • You want the cleverer cat, scoring 5 for intelligence against 4.
  • You want a pointed pattern with vivid blue eyes.

Choose the Sphynx if

  • You want a cat that sheds almost no hair, though it can still trigger allergies.
  • You want a more playful cat, scoring 5 for playfulness against 4.
  • You will bathe it regularly and keep it warm and out of the sun.
  • You want a wrinkled, suede-feeling cat with a big personality.

Where they are alike

Both are medium cats that are common, score 5 for affection and score 4 for energy and for apartments. Each has a listed set of inherited concerns, which your vet can explain.

Side by side

Siamese Sphynx
Group Shorthair Rex, hairless, fold and dwarf
Origin Thailand (formerly Siam) Toronto, Canada
Size Medium Medium
Typical weight 6-12 lb (2.7-5.4 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 Short, fine, glossy coat that lies close to the body, with no undercoat Hairless or covered in fine down; skin feels like suede
Cat Fanciers' Association Championship breed since 1906 Championship breed since 2002
How common Common Common
Affection 5 5
Energy 4 4
Playfulness 4 5
Talkativeness 5 3
Grooming needed 1 4
Shedding 2 1
Good with children 4 4
Good with other pets 4 4
Happy alone 1 1
Trainability 5 4
Suits a small home 4 4
Allergies — 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 person or family at home often who enjoys a cat that talks, follows them about and wants to be involved in everything. 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 out all day, anyone who wants a quiet cat, or a household that cannot give a lot of attention. Anyone out all day, anyone who wants a cat that can live outdoors, or anyone who dislikes skin care routines.
Registries that recognise it
  • CFA
  • TICA
  • FIFe
  • GCCF
  • CFA
  • TICA
  • FIFe
  • CCA
  • ACFA
Health conditions to watch
  • Progressive retinal atrophy
  • Amyloidosis
  • Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
  • Hereditary myopathy
  • Urticaria pigmentosa
  • Periodontal disease

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

In the index now