20-Second Summary
If your question is why some Sphynx cats have hair, then this blog will explain how some breeds of Sphynx cats develop a hairy coat through Sphynx genetics, hair, and the KRT71 gene mutation.
- We will have a look at different Sphynx fur variations, like downy fur, velvet texture, and suede coats.
- Have a look at Sphynx hair growth causes, including the seasonal changes, as some of them do develop a winter coat.
- Compare the hairy Sphynx cat to hairless breeds.
- Talk about the grooming needs of Sphynx, Sphynx skincare, and Sphynx care with hair.
- We will also debunk the myth behind the Sphynx being hypoallergenic.
So, whether you have decided to get a Sphynx or are considering information around it to see if you can get one, this blog will have the hairy Sphynx explained completely, with every detail you need to know about caring for your Sphynx with a fuzz coat.
Sphynx Genetics Hair – Understanding Why Some Sphynx Develop Hair
The history of Sphynx cats dates back to 1966, in Canada, when a hairless kitten named Prune was born, giving this breed a foothold in the modern world.
Then, some other hairless breeds were seen in Minnesota in the year 1975 that were crossed with Devon Rex and American shorthairs to form most of the breeds that we see around us today.
So, basically, the Sphynx is one of the most distinguished hairless cat breeds, which has been developed as a relatively new breed as a result of a genetic mutation that affected the KRT71 gene.
Why Sphynx Cats Develop Different Hair Growth Patterns
When talking about Sphynx cats, usually the first thought that comes to mind is that they are hairless, but here is the catch: Sphynx cats with hair are also a normal outcome from their genetic mutation.
Now the genetic mutation in the Sphynx cat does not really causes complete hair loss, but it just suppresses the growth of their hair, but this suppression is not present in every cat of this breed and some Sphynx cats do inherit the mutation versions where their hair growth is not completely suppressed, resulting in the production of some noticeable hair growth in different part of their body.
Now, most of the Sphynx breeds that are hairless have a complete genetic mutation with suppressed hair growth, but there are Sphynx that have partial hair suppression, can develop hair, even if their mutation was from both hairless parents.
So almost all the Sphynx have the genetic mutation that suppresses the growth of hair for them, but some of them express it differently based on their complete DNA, with generational variations passed onto them.
So based on their genetic variations, Sphynx cats can have:
- Fully suppress hair (appear completely bald).
- Partially suppressed hair (downy, velvet, suede).
- Minimal suppression (noticeably hairy).
All represent a successful expression of the genetic mutation. The mutation is doing its job, suppressing hair to whatever degree the cat’s complete genetics allow.
Sphynx Coat Types Explained: From Downy Fur to Velvet Texture
As mentioned above, Sphynx cats are not really hairless, but come with textures of hair that can be soft and velvety like a peach or velvety and suede, with some having sparse hair coats on ears, nose, tail, and feet.
Different coat textures come from these different variations of hair.
Different Types of Hair Coats of Sphynx Cats
Different types of hair coats that these cats have are given below:
Peach Fuzz
This Sphynx coat type shows a warm peach-like softness over the skin, giving the hairless feline a gentle, fine fur texture often seen in the Canadian Sphynx and other partially hairless cats.
Velvet or Suede
This version of the Sphynx coat feels like soft suede, creating a warm touch that sets this hairless cat breed apart from regular cats with short hair.
Felt or Chamois
This coat forms a dense, smooth layer that mimics felt, giving the cat a slightly textured finish even though it still carries the classic hairless appearance seen in many hairless breeds.
Rubber Bald
This Sphynx variety appears totally bald with only microscopic fuzz, offering the completely hairless look many Sphynx owners associate with the breed standard.
Hair on the Tail
Some Sphynx cats grow a small tuft of hair on the tail tip, a trait that adds a subtle contrast to their lack of fur and gives this hairless kitten a unique feature compared to other cat breeds.
Sphynx Coat Types: Hair Suppression Levels & Genetic Reasoning
Each Sphynx coat type represents a different level of hair suppression from the genetic mutation. Understanding these levels explains why different kittens in the same litter can look different despite sharing the same parents. Below is the breakdown
| Coat Type | Hair Suppression Level | Genetic Reasoning | What It Looks/Feels Like | Inheritance Pattern |
| Rubber Bald | HIGH (95-100%) | The KRT71 genetic mutation is completely expressed, where both parents have passed on recessive alleles that completely suppress hair growth. This cat inherited the optimal combination for maximum hair suppression—the mutation is working at full capacity. | Appears completely bald with only microscopic fuzz. Warm peach-toned skin is visible everywhere. Smooth, suede-like to touch. This is the “classic” hairless Sphynx appearance. | Homozygous recessive (HR/HR) or ideal heterozygous combination. Both parents carry strong hair-suppressing alleles. |
| Felt or Chamois | HIGH (85-95%)** | Strong hair suppression with minimal breakthrough. The genetic mutation is highly expressed, but a small amount of fine hair escapes suppression. This suggests one parent had slightly weaker suppression genes, or the kitten inherited a modifier gene allowing trace hair growth despite a strong mutation. | Dense, smooth layer mimicking felt fabric. Barely visible hair creates subtle texture. Still appears mostly hairless to the eye but feels slightly fuzzy to the touch. Minimal shedding. | Homozygous or strong heterozygous with minor modifier genes. One parent is likely completely bald, the other a carrier with some expression. |
| Peach Fuzz | MEDIUM (50-75%)** | Moderate hair suppression. The genetic mutation is present but is only partially expressed. The kitten likely inherited one strong suppression allele (from a hairless parent) and one weaker one (from a carrier parent). Alternatively, Devon Rex genetics partially override the suppression. | Soft, fine, barely visible downy fur covering the body. Feels warm like peach skin with light fuzz overlay. Can see skin through the hair. Minimal shedding but noticeable texture. | Heterozygous (N/HR) or Sphynx with Devon Rex influence. One parent is completely bald, and one is a carrier with partial expression. |
| Velvet or Suede | MEDIUM-LOW (40-70%)** | Partial hair suppression with notable breakthrough. The genetic mutation is present but not strongly expressed. The kitten inherited a mix: one suppression allele from a hairless parent and one from a carrier parent who expresses more hair, or Devon Rex genetics significantly influence coat expression. | Soft suede-like texture with visible fine fur coverage. Can see hair clearly, but it’s still short and soft. Feels like velvet fabric. More shedding than peach fuzz types. | Heterozygous (N/HR) with Devon Rex influence, or two carrier parents. At least one parent shows a downy/fuzzy coat; the other may be hairless or carrier. |
| Hair on Tail | LOW (30-50%)** | Weak or localized hair suppression. The genetic mutation is present but expressed unevenly across the body. Certain areas (like the tail tip) have stronger hair expression, suggesting genetic modifiers that allow breakthrough in specific regions. This indicates that at least one parent is a carrier with visible hair or Devon Rex ancestry. | Mostly sparse hair across the body with a concentrated tuft on the tail tip. Visible fine fur on ears, nose, and feet. Creates a patchwork appearance. More noticeable shedding than fully suppressed types. | Heterozygous (N/HR) with Devon Rex traits, or two carriers. Both parents likely show downy/fuzzy coats, or one parent is a fuzzy Sphynx. |
| Fuzzy/Hairy | LOW (20-40%)** | Minimal hair suppression. The genetic mutation is present but barely expressed. The kitten inherited mostly non-suppressing alleles or strong Devon Rex genetics that override the Sphynx mutation. This suggests two carrier parents or a Sphynx parent with Devon Rex influence bred to another cat with Devon Rex ancestry. | Clearly visible short hair across the entire body. It can be mistaken for a regular short-haired cat at first glance. Soft but noticeably furry. Significant shedding, especially seasonally. Ears, face, and tail are visibly hairy. | Heterozygous or N/N (non-hairless) with Sphynx genetics. Both parents are carriers or have fuzzy/hairy phenotypes. The Devon Rex influence is strong in the lineage. |
| Devon Rex-Heavy Fuzzy | VERY LOW (10-30%)** | Severe failure in hair suppression. The kitten inherited the Sphynx mutation, but it’s overwhelmed by Devon Rex genetics and other alleles that promote hair growth. The genetic mutation is still present but is inactive. This shows a significant Devon Rex influence from two parents with strong Devon Rex ancestry. | Looks almost like a regular short-haired cat with Sphynx facial features (large ears, wrinkled skin, wedge-shaped head). Noticeably hairy, soft coat. Regular grooming required. Heavy shedding. Appears “less Sphynx-like” but genetically purebred. | Heavy heterozygous (N/HR) with Devon Rex dominance, or recent Devon Rex outcross generation. Both parents show visible hair; at least one or both carry recent Devon Rex lineage. |
As you can see, coat type depends entirely on which alleles your kitten
inherited from both parents. A completely bald parent with a carrier parent
typically produces peach fuzz kittens. Two-carrier parents produce the widest
variety. This genetic diversity is why responsible breeders expect and
disclose coat variation in litters.
Sphynx Fur Variation: Environmental & Hormonal Triggers for Hair Growth
Although, as explained above, the Sphynx cats have a genetic mutation, for some of them, environment and hormones also play a key role in the change of hair coat on their body.
Some Sphynx cats develop hair due to changes in seasons, for example, they develop fuzz for warmth in winter, and some may develop little fuzz when they grow older, or if they get neutered or spayed.
Fuzzy Sphynx vs. True Hairless: What’s the Real Difference?
Here’s a side-by-side comparison that shows the difference between the types of breeds.
| Factor | Completely Hairless Sphynx | Fuzzy/Hairy Sphynx |
| Appearance | Completely bald, warm peach skin, wrinkled, no visible fur | Soft short hair visible across the body, still wrinkled face, but with fur coverage |
| Feel | Warm suede or chamois leather texture | Soft, fuzzy, or velvet texture, like peach fuzz or felt |
| Hair Suppression Level | HIGH (95-100%) | LOW (20-40%) |
| Genetic Inheritance | Homozygous recessive (HR/HR) from two hairless parents | Heterozygous (N/HR) with Devon Rex influence or two carrier parents |
| Weekly Bathing | Required (weekly) | Required (weekly) |
| Brushing Needs | NONE needed | 2-4x weekly (matting prevention, shedding management) |
| Shedding | Minimal to none | Moderate to high, especially seasonally |
| Oil Management | Weekly wipe-downs between baths | Oil trapped in hair; more frequent management is needed |
| Grooming Time | 30-45 minutes/week | 60-90 minutes/week |
| Winter Coat Development | May develop light downy fuzz | Noticeably thicker coat, more grooming needed |
| Matting Risk | None | High (requires preventive brushing) |
| Skin Sensitivity | HIGH (same as fuzzy) | HIGH (same as hairless) |
| Temperature Sensitivity | VERY HIGH (needs warmth 24/7) | VERY HIGH (needs warmth 24/7) |
| Cold Tolerance | Minimal; hair doesn’t help significantly | Minimal; hair provides marginal insulation only |
| Hypoallergenic | NO (produces Fel d 1 normally) | NO (produces the same allergens; hair may trap them) |
| Veterinary Care | Same requirements as fuzzy | Same requirements as hairless |
| Health Issues Risk | Same genetic health problems as fuzzy | Same genetic health problems as hairless |
| Life Expectancy | 8-14 years | 8-14 years |
| Breeder Price | Standard ($1500-$3000+) | Standard (same price if from a reputable breeder) |
| Maintenance Level | HIGH | VERY HIGH |
| Best For | Owners wanting minimal grooming within the Sphynx breed | Owners are comfortable with intensive grooming |
| Misconception | “Less maintenance than fuzzy” | “Easier than completely hairless.” |
Sphynx Grooming and Skincare Needs: How Hair Changes Your Routine
A Sphynx with hair also requires a similar hair and skincare routine as a completely fuzz-free Sphynx cat.
- Bathe them every one to three weeks, or based on the oil production on your cat’s skin. Using a pH-balanced cat shampoo, gently clean their skin, and pay special attention to body parts where there is more hair, as these areas might have more buildup than the hairless areas.
- Clean their ears weekly, as they accumulate wax and dirt quickly due to less hair. Gently wipe all the visible parts of their ears with an ear cleaner and a cotton swab.
- Sphynx cats, whether hairless or not, can easily accumulate wax buildup on their nails. Trim the nails of your fuzzy Sphynx every few weeks and clean them afterwards with cat-safe wipes.
- Keep an eye on their skin issues, and if you see any cuts, scratches, redness, or any kind of rashes, then report to their vet immediately. If they have fuzz on their body, these conditions might not be as visible as on the hairless ones, so keep a close check on each part, whether fuzzy or not.
- Do not keep them out in the sun a lot, and when you have to get them in the sunlight, use UV-protecting clothing or creams on their skin.
Even though they do not require brushing like regular cats with proper fur, you cannot ignore or negotiate in grooming them with wiping or bathing.
Are Sphynx Hypoallergenic? The Truth About Hair & Allergen Production
Sphynx cats still produce normal allergen levels, but their lack of fur can reduce how much dander spreads in the air. So, they are not hypoallergenic and can still trigger allergies in sensitive owners.
With regular bathing, you remove the natural oil buildup on their body that can capture allergens, making the Sphynx breed a better option for allergy-sensitive owners if properly bathed and groomed compared to other cat breeds with heavy shedding, but you cannot exclude them for not affecting those with allergies.
Common Sphynx Care Misconceptions: Busting Myths About Haired Coats
Below are some misconceptions about the haired Sphynx cats.
Myth 1: Fuzzy Sphynx Require Less Grooming Than Hairless Ones
Some people think a fuzzy Sphynx needs less grooming, but a cat with visible hair actually needs more brushing and care than a fully hairless Sphynx.
Myth 2: Sphynx Cats With Hair Are More Hypoallergenic
A Sphynx with hair is not more hypoallergenic because allergens come from the skin, not the fur, so both fuzzy and hairless cats affect allergy-sensitive owners the same way.
Myth 3: A Hairy Sphynx Isn’t a Real Purebred
A Sphynx with hair is still a real purebred Sphynx cat because coat changes are normal genetic variations within the Sphynx breed.
Myth 4: Hairy Sphynx Cost Less Because They’re Less Desirable
Hairy Sphynx do not cost less since reputable breeders put the same health testing and care into every cat, no matter the coat type.
Myth 5: Hair Means Sphynx Have Less Sensitive Skin
Hair does not protect the skin because all Sphynx, even the fuzzy ones, still have sensitive skin due to the genetic mutation that makes them hairless.
Myth 6: Hairy Sphynx Can Tolerate Cold Better
Even a fuzzy Sphynx gets cold easily because a little hair does not fix their low body temperature control, so they still need warmth just like any hairless feline.
Myth 7: Hairy Sphynx Will Have Lower Veterinary Costs
Vet costs stay the same because health issues like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and regular checkups apply to all Sphynx, not just the bald ones.
Myth 8: Breeders Who Produce Hairy Kittens Are Irresponsible
Breeders who produce fuzzy kittens are not irresponsible because coat variation is normal in hairless cat breeds, and avoiding it can harm genetics long-term.
Myth 9: Fuzzy Kitten Will Become Completely Bald as It Ages
A fuzzy kitten will not turn fully bald later. Most keep the same coat type as they grow, even if shedding changes with age and seasons.
Myth 10: Hairy Sphynx Are Less Attractive and Less Desirable
Hairy Sphynx are no less attractive. Many owners love the velvet or peach fuzz look, and every Sphynx is unique and beautiful, no matter how much hair it has.
Final Remarks
A Sphynx cat with hair is also a pure breed in the Sphynx family, and their maintenance and care are as important as that of the completely hairless Sphynx cats. We have given every detail about the Sphynx cat with hair in this blog, including debunking misconceptions around them as well.
If there is something more that you want to know about this breed, and you have any questions, then please reach out to Pet Guides Info via our contact form. We will make sure to provide you with the information available to us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do some Sphynx cats have hair when they’re supposed to be hairless?
The production of hair in Sphynx cats is affected due to the KRT71 gene mutation, which suppresses hair production in them. In some of these cats, suppression is less, resulting in more hair being produced in some Sphynx.
Is a fuzzy Sphynx cat not a real Sphynx?
No, a fuzzy Sphynx cat is also a purebred just like a real hairless Sphynx, because they both have been formed due to a specific DNA mutation, where some have less hair suppression, and some have more, giving them different hair and skin textures.
Do hairy Sphynx cats need less grooming than hairless ones?
No, a hairy sphynx cat needs as much care as the hairless ones, with them you will just need to be more careful on areas where they have hair, to ensure that you check for any skin conditions underneath the fur, and while bathing, cleaning them thoroughly to remove extra buildup in hair.
Are Sphynx cats with hair hypoallergenic?
Sphynx cats are not hypoallergenic, whether they are fuzzy or hairless. They still produce the Fel d 1 allergen through their skin and saliva, not their fur, so extra hair makes no difference. If you have allergies, a Sphynx cat is not a guaranteed safe choice.
