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Sphynx vs Tonkinese
Two playful, clingy, clever medium cats; the Sphynx is hairless and needs baths, the Tonkinese has a silky short coat and a wider welcome with children.
Verdict
These two are close in temperament. Both are affectionate, playful, clever, social and score 1 for independence, so both want someone home. The thing that decides it is the coat. The Sphynx is hairless, needs regular bathing and skin care and a warm house. The Tonkinese has a silky short coat that needs almost no grooming, and it scores 5 with children and other pets. Choose the Tonkinese for the easier care. Choose the Sphynx if you want a hairless cat and will do the skin work.
Choose the Sphynx if
- You want a cat that sheds almost no hair, though it can still trigger allergies.
- You want a wrinkled, suede-feeling, hairless cat.
- You will bathe it regularly and keep it warm and out of the sun.
- You want a breed that is common, rather than uncommon.
Choose the Tonkinese if
- You want almost no grooming; it scores 1 against 4.
- You have children and other pets; it scores 5 for both against 4.
- You want a more talkative voice, with a score of 4 against 3.
- You want a short watch-list, with gingivitis listed.
Where they are alike
Both are medium cats that score 5 for affection, playfulness and 4 for energy. Each is a CFA championship breed and each is best with someone at home much of the day.
Side by side
| Sphynx | Tonkinese | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Rex, hairless, fold and dwarf | Shorthair |
| Origin | Toronto, Canada | Canada and the United States |
| 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 | Often quoted at 10-15 years | Typically 12-16 years |
| Coat length | Hairless | Short |
| Coat | Hairless or covered in fine down; skin feels like suede | Medium-short, close-lying, fine, silky coat with a lustrous sheen |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | Championship breed since 2002 | Championship breed since 1984 |
| How common | Common | Uncommon |
| Affection | 5 | 5 |
| Energy | 4 | 4 |
| Playfulness | 5 | 5 |
| Talkativeness | 3 | 4 |
| Grooming needed | 4 | 1 |
| Shedding | 1 | 2 |
| Good with children | 4 | 5 |
| Good with other pets | 4 | 5 |
| Happy alone | 1 | 1 |
| Trainability | 4 | 5 |
| 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 most of the day that wants a warm, outgoing, attention-loving cat and does not mind regular bathing. | A family or a person at home much of the day that wants a sociable, clever, moderately talkative cat. |
| Less suited to | Anyone out all day, anyone who wants a cat that can live outdoors, or anyone who dislikes skin care routines. | Anyone out for long hours; the breed is prone to loneliness and boredom. |
| 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