If you’re a proud Sphynx cat parent, you’ve probably noticed your wrinkly buddy seems to be constantly hungry. Don’t worry – you’re not imagining things! These adorable hairless cats actually need more food than regular cats, and figuring out exactly how much can feel overwhelming.
Let me break it down for you in simple terms. Your Sphynx cat needs about 20% more food than a regular cat because they don’t have fur to keep them warm. Think of it like this: they’re basically running a little heater inside their body all day long, which burns extra calories.
Why Your Sphynx Cat is Always Hungry
First things first – let’s talk about why your Sphynx seems like a bottomless pit when it comes to food. It’s not just because they’re spoiled (though they probably are!).
Without that fluffy coat, your cat’s body works overtime to stay warm. It’s like the difference between wearing a winter jacket and going outside in just a t-shirt. Your Sphynx needs that extra fuel to keep their internal furnace running.
Plus, these cats are naturally active and playful. They love to climb, jump, and get into everything, which means they’re burning calories all day long. So when they come meowing at you for the third time today, they might actually be legitimately hungry.
How Much Food Does Your Adult Sphynx Need?
Here’s the straight answer you’re looking for: most adult Sphynx cats need about 1/2 to 1 cup of dry food plus one can of wet food each day. But here’s the thing – it really depends on your specific cat.
For a typical 10-pound Sphynx:
- About 3/4 cup of high-quality dry kibble
- One 5.5 oz can of wet food
- Split this into 2 or 3 meals throughout the day
If your Sphynx is smaller (8-9 pounds):
- Start with 1/2 cup dry food and see how they do
- Still give them that full can of wet food
- They might need a bit more if they’re very active
If your Sphynx is bigger (12+ pounds):
- You might need to go up to 1 cup of dry food
- Consider adding a second small can of wet food
- Just make sure they’re not getting chunky!
The easiest way to think about it is this: your Sphynx should eat about 5-6% of their body weight in food each day. So if your cat weighs 10 pounds, they need roughly 8-9 ounces of food total.
Feeding Your Sphynx Kitten
Got a little Sphynx baby? These guys are growing machines and need even more food relative to their size.
For tiny kittens (under 3 months): Let them eat as much as they want, as often as they want. Seriously. They’re growing so fast they need constant fuel.
For older kittens (3-6 months):
- Feed them 3-4 times a day
- About 60 calories per pound of body weight
- That usually works out to 1-2 cans of wet food plus some dry kibble
For teenage kittens (6-12 months):
- Start cutting back to 2-3 meals a day
- Begin transitioning to adult portion sizes
- They’ll still eat more than an adult cat, but not quite as much as when they were tiny
The key with kittens is to let them eat until they’re satisfied. A fat kitten is actually harder to achieve than you might think, and underfed kittens can have serious health problems.
The Best Feeding Schedule for Your Sphynx
Here’s what works for most Sphynx owners:
Morning (around 7-8 AM): Give them about 1/3 of their daily food Lunch (12-1 PM): Another 1/3 of their food Dinner (6-7 PM): The final 1/3
Some people prefer just two meals a day, and that’s fine too. The important thing is to be consistent. Your Sphynx will quickly learn the schedule and start reminding you when it’s time to eat (trust me, they won’t let you forget).
Why multiple small meals instead of one big one? A few reasons:
- It keeps their energy steady throughout the day
- Prevents overeating and throwing up
- Helps with digestion
- Gives them something to look forward to
How to Tell if You’re Feeding the Right Amount
This is probably the most important part. You need to keep an eye on your cat’s body condition, not just the number on the scale.
Signs you’re doing it right:
- You can feel their ribs easily but can’t see them
- They have a visible waist when you look down at them from above
- They’re active and playful
- Their skin looks healthy and isn’t too dry or oily
Signs you might be overfeeding:
- You can’t feel their ribs without pressing hard
- No waist visible from above
- They’re getting lazy and sleeping more
- Breathing hard after just a little play
Signs you might be underfeeding:
- Ribs and hip bones are easily visible
- They’re constantly begging for food
- Low energy or seeming tired all the time
- Their skin looks dull or dry
Remember, a little belly pouch is normal, especially in fixed cats. But if your Sphynx is starting to look more like a sausage than a cat, it’s time to cut back on portions.
What Kind of Food Should You Give Your Sphynx?
Not all cat foods are created equal, and this is especially true for Sphynx cats. Here’s what to look for:
Protein should be the first ingredient. Look for real meat like chicken, turkey, or fish – not “meat by-products” or “meat meal.”
Higher fat content is good for Sphynx cats. They need those healthy fats for energy and to keep their skin in good condition. Look for foods with 15-20% fat.
Avoid foods with lots of fillers. Things like corn, wheat, and soy aren’t terrible, but they’re not doing your cat any favors either.
Wet food is your friend. It helps keep your Sphynx hydrated, which is super important for their kidney health.
I personally recommend a mix of wet and dry food. Give them wet food for breakfast and dinner, and leave a small amount of dry food out for snacking. Just make sure to account for those dry food calories in their daily total.
Special Things to Keep in Mind
Temperature matters. Your Sphynx probably won’t be thrilled about cold food straight from the fridge. Let wet food come to room temperature, or even warm it up slightly in the microwave.
Water is crucial. These cats can get dehydrated easily, so always have fresh water available. Some Sphynx cats prefer running water, so a cat fountain might be worth trying.
Winter vs. summer feeding. You might notice your Sphynx eats more in winter and less in summer. This is totally normal – they need extra calories when it’s cold to keep warm.
They’re master manipulators. Sphynx cats are incredibly food-motivated and will try every trick in the book to get extra food. Those big eyes and pitiful meows can be hard to resist, but stick to your portions!
Common Mistakes That Are Easy to Make
Free feeding: Leaving food out all day seems convenient, but it makes it impossible to control portions. Plus, you won’t notice if your cat suddenly stops eating, which could signal a health problem.
Giving in to begging: I get it, they’re persuasive. But feeding them every time they ask is a fast track to an overweight cat.
Not adjusting for age: A 10-year-old Sphynx doesn’t need as much food as a 2-year-old. As cats get older, they typically become less active and need fewer calories.
Ignoring treats: Those little treats and bits of human food add up. If you’re giving lots of treats, you need to reduce their regular food accordingly.
When to Call Your Vet
You should definitely talk to your vet about your Sphynx’s diet if:
- They’re gaining or losing weight quickly
- Their appetite suddenly changes
- They seem constantly hungry even after eating
- They’re throwing up regularly after meals
- You’re not sure if they’re at a healthy weight
Your vet can help you figure out the perfect amount of food for your specific cat based on their age, weight, activity level, and any health issues.
The Bottom Line
So, how much should a Sphynx cat eat? For most adult Sphynx cats, you’re looking at about 3/4 cup of dry food plus one can of wet food per day, split into 2-3 meals. But remember, every cat is different.
The most important thing is to pay attention to your cat’s body condition and adjust accordingly. A healthy Sphynx should be lean but not skinny, active but not hyperactive, and should have that beautiful, smooth skin that makes these cats so special.
Don’t stress too much about getting it perfect right away. It might take some trial and error to find the right amount for your particular cat. Start with the guidelines I’ve given you, watch how your cat responds, and adjust as needed.
Your Sphynx will let you know if they’re happy with their food situation – these cats are not shy about expressing their opinions! As long as they’re maintaining a healthy weight and seem energetic and content, you’re probably doing just fine.
Remember, feeding your Sphynx properly is one of the best investments you can make in their long-term health and happiness. A well-fed Sphynx is a happy Sphynx, and a happy Sphynx makes for a very happy cat parent.