Sphynx cats are one of the most popular cat breeds, and for good reason: they’re easy to maintain and have sweet temperaments.

But there’s one question that many owners wonder about: how long until a Sphynx is fully grown? Like any other breed, it varies from cat to cat.

However, as with all kittens, you can expect them to reach adulthood between 12 and 18 months of age if everything goes right!

Things You Should Know Before Getting a Sphynx Cat

Takeaways
Sphynx cats take about 2-3 years to reach full growth.
Factors like genetics, nutrition, and environment influence the growth rate.
Sphynx cats may appear larger in their early months due to their prominent features.
Their growth rate may vary individually, so monitoring their development is important.
Regular veterinary check-ups and a balanced diet support healthy growth.

Table of Contents

Reasons Why A Sphynx Cat Is Not Growing:

As we know, Sphynx kittens are born without any fur and with very little weight.

However, their growth rate is different for each kitten and depends on various factors such as genetics and the environment in which they live.

There are a lot of reasons why your cat might not be growing at the expected speed.

Some of them are:

Wondering how long it takes for a Sphynx cat to be fully grown? Our comprehensive guide on the growth and development of Sphynx cats explains the factors influencing their growth and when you can expect them to reach their full size.

Genetics

Genetics can play a role in how fast your cat grows. The size of their parents, siblings and other relatives will likely be an indicator of how big they’ll get.

If you’re wondering how long it takes until your kitten is fully grown, keep in mind that genetics are one of the biggest factors influencing this process.

Aspect	Influence
Disease Risk	Certain genetic variations can increase the risk of developing specific diseases.
Inheritance	Genetic traits and characteristics can be inherited from parents and passed on to offspring.
Response to Medications	Genetic variations can affect how individuals respond to certain medications.

Poor Eating Habits

There are many reasons for stunted growth in cats, but poor eating habits is the most common. Here are some of the most common types of eating habits you may encounter:

Eating too fast. This can cause a cat to choke on its food and also makes it more likely to develop health problems such as hairballs or dental issues.

If your cat eats too quickly, try feeding it in a separate room so that it doesn’t compete with other animals for food or become distracted by their presence while eating.

Not chewing properly. Cats have different teeth than humans do they have multiple rows of razor-sharp teeth used primarily for ripping and tearing meat rather than grinding up vegetables or cereal grains (though some cats do enjoy crunchy treats now and then).

If you’re concerned about your cat’s chewing abilities, consider purchasing small pieces of dry kibble instead of larger chunks which might be difficult for him/her to chew properly; also try adding wet food into his/her diet so they’ll get used to having something soft in addition!

Providing the right nutrition is crucial for the well-being of your Sphynx cat. Discover the best food options for your hairless feline companion in our vet-approved article on choosing the right food for Sphynx cats to ensure their healthy growth and overall health.

Stress; Anxiety; and Depression

Stress, anxiety and depression can all cause cat growth problems. Your Sphynx may stop eating or eat too much as a result of stress. If your cat is suffering from anxiety, he will become withdrawn and depressed, which can also lead to anorexia nervosa.

Anorexia nervosa is a medical condition where the cat will lose weight because they no longer feel like eating; this kind of stress was common in our breed before sphynx breeders started breeding for more relaxed personalities instead of those who were more anxious and high-strung.

If you notice that your Sphynx is experiencing any of these symptoms it’s important that you see a vet right away so they can help identify what’s going on with your furry friend!

Condition	Description
Stress	A physiological and emotional response to external pressures or demands.
Anxiety	A general term for several disorders that cause excessive worry, fear, or unease.
Depression	A mood disorder characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest, and feelings of hopelessness.

Infection and Diseases

Unfortunately, Sphynx cats are prone to many infectious diseases and health issues. You should keep your cat up-to-date on their vaccinations, but it’s still possible for them to contract a disease. Some of the more common ones include:

Feline distemper – A viral disease that causes respiratory tract symptoms and gastrointestinal problems. It can also affect the nervous system and cause paralysis or seizures.

Feline infectious peritonitis – An infection in the abdominal cavity that is often fatal if not treated quickly enough. Symptoms include fever, weight loss, vomiting and diarrhea, lethargy and dehydration.

Feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) – A retrovirus that attacks white blood cells which leaves them unable to fight infections properly; this leads to anaemia (reduced number of red blood cells), susceptibility to other infections like FeLV itself as well as lymphoma (a cancer affecting lymphocytes).

Cancers can also develop from secondary sites like bone marrow or spleen due to lack of nutrients reaching these organs due too weak immune response caused by FeLV infection itself

While focusing on Sphynx cats, it’s always beneficial to understand the health aspects of different cat breeds. In our informative article on the health of British Shorthair cats, you’ll find insights into their well-being, which can provide valuable comparisons and perspectives on cat growth and overall health.

Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is a serious condition that can cause a cat to lose weight and become lethargic. A cat with anorexia will often refuse food and may even vomit when offered food.

A cat suffering from this disease will also have a poor appetite, which can lead to weight loss or rapid weight gain, depending on whether the cat eats or not. If you think your Sphynx is showing signs of anorexia nervosa, get him to see a vet as soon as possible.

Maintaining proper hygiene and grooming practices is essential for Sphynx cats. Learn how often you should wash your hairless cat and other important grooming tips in our guide on bathing frequency for Sphynx cats to promote their well-being and support their growth.

Parasite Infestation

Parasites are small organisms that live in or on another organism. Common parasites in cats include fleas, ticks, and worms.

These pesky critters can wreak havoc on your Sphynx’s health if left to fester for too long. Parasite infestations have been linked to diarrhea and vomiting as well as hair loss and weight loss in pets.

Parasite	Description
Fleas	External parasites that feed on the blood of animals and can cause itching and discomfort.
Ticks	External parasites that attach to the skin and feed on blood, potentially transmitting diseases.
Worms	Internal parasites that can infect various organs and systems, causing digestive issues and other symptoms.

Hyperthyroidism in cats

Thyroid disease (hyperthyroidism) is caused by an overactive thyroid gland. If your cat has hyperthyroidism, her thyroid glands are producing too many hormones. This can cause weight loss, increased appetite and increased thirst.

The disease can be treated with medication that controls the production of these hormones.

Considering bringing a Sphynx kitten into your home? Explore our comprehensive explanation of the cost factors involved in owning a Sphynx kitten to make an informed decision and ensure a healthy and happy growth journey for your new feline companion.

Conclusion

If you have a sphynx cat and you want to know how long until it is fully grown, the best thing to do would be to ask your veterinarian.

He or she will be able to tell whether or not your cat is at its adult size yet by looking at its weight and length as well as performing some simple tests on it.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about Sphynx cats:

Q: Are Sphynx cats hypoallergenic?

A: Sphynx cats are often considered hypoallergenic because they produce fewer allergenic proteins compared to other cat breeds. However, individual reactions can still vary.

Q: Do Sphynx cats require special grooming?

A: Yes, Sphynx cats require regular grooming despite being hairless. Their skin should be cleaned and moisturized, and their ears, nails, and teeth should be maintained.

Q: Are Sphynx cats suitable for families with children?

A: Sphynx cats can be a good choice for families with children as they are generally social and enjoy attention. However, it’s important to teach children how to handle and interact with cats gently.

Q: Do Sphynx cats have any specific health concerns?

A: Sphynx cats are generally healthy, but they can be prone to certain health issues like skin problems and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (a heart condition). Regular veterinary check-ups are essential.

Q: How do I keep a Sphynx cat warm during colder months?

A: Since Sphynx cats lack fur, they may need extra warmth in colder environments. Providing them with cozy blankets, sweaters, and ensuring a warm indoor temperature can help keep them comfortable.

Dr. Hellen James (Vet)

I’m Dr. Hellen James, a veterinarian who has spent her career working with cats and has seen firsthand how important it is to understand each breed’s unique needs.

How Long Until A Sphynx Is Fully Grown? (Explained)