Through our Make Friends or Die series, we’re exploring a new community each week to better understand why they matter, how they’re built, and how meaningful connections form beyond transactions.
You know Sphynx cats were bred from a naturally occurring genetic mutation in the 1960s in Canada. Despite their name, they have no direct link to ancient Egypt—just a resemblance to its iconic statues. Also, cat allergies are caused by a protein in cat saliva, not their hair. So, despite being hairless, Sphynx cats can still trigger allergies in sensitive individuals. And here’s a quirky community fact: If you follow and comment on one Sphynx account, get ready for the fandom to rally! You’ll likely end up with 20 new followers from other Sphynx-obsessed accounts in no time.
The Sphynx cat community is diverse, yet united by a shared appreciation for these unique animals. It is made up of two overlapping groups: owners and experts who dedicate themselves to understanding and caring for Sphynx cats, and a broader fandom captivated by their distinct beauty and charm. Owners and experts often serve as educators within the community. They are playful in their engagement, share advice, and enjoy showcasing the quirky personalities of their pets.
The fandom, on the other hand, consists of those who don’t own a Sphynx but are fascinated by them. They are curious, often fantasizing about interacting with one, and are highly active online. Many are drawn to the counterculture or kitsch aesthetic of Sphynxes, celebrating their unconventional appeal. To them, Sphynx cats represent both an exotic yet attainable pet and a quirky status symbol. They embrace the humor and charm these cats embody, often expressing “cute aggression” when admiring them.
Regardless of their role, all members of the community share a deep love for animals and an appreciation for the distinctive qualities of Sphynx cats.
Q: How did you first discover the Sphynx cat community, and what makes it meaningful to you?
Since childhood, I’ve embraced the kitsch aesthetic and counterculture, loving the reactions I’d get for my unconventional choices—whether it be in style, hobbies, or love interests. I grew up with older brothers and already didn’t fit the typical girly aesthetic, so I leaned hard into the counterculture. I loved getting adverse, energetic reactions. Enter hairless animals.
My first pet as an adult was in 2016—Donnie the Sphynx, named after Steve Buscemi’s character in The Big Lebowski. There were only a few members of the Portland community who owned a Sphynx at the time (about two dozen), and they were extremely tight-knit. We shared advice, pictures, and even veterinarians, considering the health issues that Sphynx cats have. The IRL community was funny, caring, and thoughtful.
Same with the online Sphynx-content creators, there were only a few popular accounts. I posted a single photo to my own Instagram, and the shock-factor to my followers was unreal. Seeing the opportunity and knowing I had a knack for online crude humor, I started a page for Donnie and quickly amassed over 30k followers. Although I steered away from monetizing Donnie’s popularity, there were still plenty of perks, like free cat swag, celebrity profiles interacting with Donnie, and even a life-size stuffed realistic replica of Donnie that was sent by a fan.
Before I knew it, someone had crossposted on the Reddit platform, and I had hit the #1 trending post for one of the top 5 popular subreddits. Donnie’s Instagram posts were quirky and edgy. He attracted a unique online audience—bordering on creepy at times. I created an entire persona for him. Because I was the anonymous poster behind Donnie’s page, I could get away with insulting strangers, clapping back in comments, and hashtagging questionable words like #SansPantsSunday.
I found that the online Hairless Cat fanatic community rallied behind Donnie. The audience knew that Donnie might interact with their comments with edgy humor—it was seen as a victory—and would comment with the intention of getting a ‘rise’ out of Donnie and his community.
Q: What unites the community? What does the community stand for or against?
The community is united by appreciating the unique, raw, or unpolished qualities that stand out from beauty norms. The Sphynx community accepts physical traits that may be seen as flaws.
Q: Where does this community typically gather, either online, offline, or both?
The IRL community will often meet one time per year at a community member's house to chip in on a private veterinarian to administer echocardiograms at a joint rate. This is important for the health and educational factor of the community. Because these are not typical cats, the care is extensive and can often be expensive (daily and long-term raw diet, weekly baths, etc). Most Sphynx adoption locations or breeders will audit you / your lifestyle and do background checks to ensure you are a good fit for this exotic breed.
The online fandom community is on Instagram and TikTok—both very visual platforms, giving content creators the capability to showcase the kitsch aesthetic very loudly. Because you can be who you want to be online (and there is some sense of anonymity), there are easier avenues to exposure to counter-culture, and commenting or liking such things feels safe.
Q: What is a standout statistic or fact that captures the essence of this community?
Sphynx cat lovers typically seek out Sphynx cats for their dog-like qualities. Sphynx cats are considered one of the most affectionate cat breeds—they are extremely sociable, enjoy pets and close contact, play fetch, and need baths. They are more hyperactive than a Standard Issue Cat (SIC). Although they can be left alone for an extended period of time like a SIC cat can, this is looked down upon due to their high maintenance and dependency on companionship and humans.
Q: What support, education, and resources does the Sphynx cat community provide?
The Sphynx cat community provides support through rescues, private Facebook groups, and Reddit threads, fostering global connections and shared knowledge.
Delicious Raw Diet Recipe
