You may know them from the popular character of Mr. Bigglesworth in the hit movie Austin Powers. Or, you may see them on social media, wrapped in cute Christmas sweaters, or walking on the beach.
Hairless cats, or sphynx cats, are among the unique breeds in the world—and they are more popular than you might think, ranking 10th on a widespread study of the most famous cats in America.
However, despite their appeal, some hairless cats end up in rescues just like every other animal.
Adopting a hairless cat from a rescue saves lives, saves money, and contributes to the global effort to curb stray animal populations. Some organizations even offer free cats. Use this guide to find your hairless companion today!
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What Is a Hairless Cat?
Nowadays, most people want a unique pet.
There are so many breeds and varieties of cats and dogs that nearly everyone can have their choice.
However, there is no more unique animal than the hairless cat, also known as the sphynx cat.
Sphynx cats originated in the 1960s in Canada when a domestic shorthair cat gave birth to a hairless kitten.
Although sphynx cats appear hairless, they have a fine layer of hair over their near-naked bodies. They are friendly, curious, and affectionate—and contrary to popular belief, they often live just as long as regular, hairy cats.
Sphynx cats require a special diet and often develop skin-related issues, so talk to your veterinarian before adopting!
Why Rescue a Hairless Cat?
Because of their desirability, hairless cats are less likely to end up in shelters. However, there are several dedicated rescues in the United States where you can find a hairless cat.
Adopting a pet, in general, is the best way to lower your investment and contribute to stray population control. Because hairless cats are often expensive, this is a significant advantage.
Additionally, hairless cats often come from breeders, and many people do not wish to support animal breeding.
How Do Hairless Cats End up in Rescues?
Hairless cats may end up in rescues for several reasons. They include:
- Abandonment
- Neglect or abuse
- Discarding by breeders
- Surrender by owner
- Owner death or move
- Requiring more care than most cats
- A popular misconception that they are evil or ugly
Adopting a hairless cat from a rescue is the best way to address and prevent the above factors.
Top 12 Hairless Cat Rescues
Below, we’re taking a look at the top 12 cat rescues for hairless cats.
1. Specialty Purebred Cat Rescue
Specialty Purebred Cat Rescue is an animal shelter dedicated to rescuing purebred cats. This non-profit organization opened its doors in 1999 and has saved thousands of cats.
Many people surrender purebred cats because their unique needs can be challenging to account for. This organization aims to pair abandoned cats with loving families to ensure that no purebred experiences abandonment.
Specialty Purebred Cat Rescue represents the largest rescue in the Midwest and fosters its animals in homes across the region.
Their prices are relatively low, and applications are available year-round.
Specialty Purebred Cat Rescue Details:
- Location: Midwest
- Contact: Specialty Purebred Cat Rescue Contact
- Website: Specialty Purebred Cat Rescue
2. Sphynx Open Arms Rescue
Sphynx Open Arms Rescue is a consortium of dedicated foster families across the United States who care for homeless Sphynx cats.
The founders of this organization established it in response to the rising numbers of breeder-surrendered Sphynx cats in the country.
Although Sphynx Open Arms Rescue does not have a centralized cat shelter, they operate out of Colorado and foster cats everywhere in the United States.
Sphynx Open Arms Rescue Details:
- Location: Colorado
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: Sphynx Open Arms Rescue
3. SphynxLair
SphynxLair is an online community for Sphynx lovers and potential owners.
The website works to provide comprehensive information on the breed itself and facilitate adoptions between owners and families.
SphynxLair is not exactly a rescue, but its adoption forum is a space where owners can rehome their cats, and potential owners can seek adoptees.
SphynxLair Details:
- Location: Online
- Contact: SphynxLair Contact
- Website: SphynxLair
4. Rescue Me Sphynx Rescue
Jeff Gold is an animal lover who founded the Rescue Me network to ensure that all cats and dogs receive proper rehoming.
His website, Rescue Me Sphynx Rescue, specializes in pairing surrendered sphynx cats with new owners across the country.
The website provides extensive information about each animal, including age, personality, health issues, and bonds with other cats.
Users can easily connect with sphynx owners and arrange to bring their new babies home!
Rescue Me Sphynx Rescue Details:
- Location: Nationwide
- Website: Rescue Me Sphynx Rescue
5. Bald and Bully Sphynx and Pitbull Rescue
Bald and Bully Sphynx and Pitbull Rescue is a fully mobile organization that aims to pair surrendered animals with their new owners.
As Sphynx cats and Pitbulls do not appeal to all, many end up homeless or living in poor conditions in animal shelters.
On this Facebook page, you can find owners rehoming their Sphynx cats across the nation. Some owners require payment, while others offer free cats.
Bald and Bully Sphynx and Pitbull Rescue Details:
- Location: Nationwide
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: Bald and Bully Sphynx and Pitbull Rescue
6. Cornish Rex Friends
The Cornish Rex is a particular type of hairless cat.
Cornish Rex cats have a fine layer of fur over their bodies, though they are similar in appearance and temperament to Sphynx cats.
Cornish Rex cats are often cheaper and more readily available than Sphynx cats, so if you are having trouble finding the perfect Sphynx, consider expanding your search to include this unique and affectionate breed.
This organization is a public charity that advertises adoption profiles for Cornish Rex cats. You can peruse their collection of cats and choose the one you like most. To adopt, reach out to the owner directly on their platform.
Cornish Rex Friends Details:
- Location: Nationwide
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: Cornish Rex Friends
7. Purebreds Plus Cat Rescue
Many owners discard purebred cats because they require more care and attention than other breeds.
Purebreds Plus Cat Rescue is a volunteer-led non-profit that aims to rescue, house, rehabilitate, heal, and rehome purebred cats.
They screen their applicants carefully to ensure that cats end up in the best homes and that their cats receive the highest level of care available.
Purebreds Plus Cat Rescue occasionally receives Sphynx cats from previous owners, and you can sign up for alerts when a Sphynx appears on the website.
Purebreds Plus Cat Rescue Details:
- Location: P.O. Box 4095 Davis, CA. 95617
- Phone Number: 707-301-7377
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: Purebreds Plus Cat Rescue
8. Saving Fancy Cats
Saving Fancy Cats is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to rehoming displaced purebred cats.
They work closely with owners and breeders to identify cats in need and provide all of the veterinary care, socialization, and training that Sphynx cats need to enter new homes.
Although the organization operates online, they have a purebred rescue “cattery” in Mahwah, New Jersey, where cats are free to roam and make friends.
They also house cats in foster families across the United States.
Saving Fancy Cats Details:
- Location: Mahwah, New Jersey
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: Saving Fancy Cats
9. Backdoor Friends Purebred Cat Rescue
Backdoor Friends Purebred Cat Rescue is a non-profit organization that aims to identify and rehabilitate surrendered purebred cats.
They operate primarily in Michigan and Ohio but offer adoptions to residents across the United States.
This organization does not have a shelter facility, but you can peruse their cat profiles to find the right Sphynx for your family.
Backdoor Friends Purebred Cat Rescue also advocates and spreads awareness on issues related to purebred animals.
Backdoor Friends Purebred Cat Rescue Details:
- Location: Michigan / Ohio
- Contact: Backdoor Friends Purebred Cat Rescue Contact
- Website: Backdoor Friends Purebred Cat Rescue
10. Purr Harmony Cat Rescue
Purr Harmony Cat Rescue is a non-profit, volunteer-led, and foster-based animal rescue organization that aims to rehome purebred cats.
The organization does not have a centralized location or shelter for the animals because fostering is generally preferable for animals that need consistent care and attention.
The organization selects foster families based on their willingness to reeducate and rehabilitate cats, so you can rest assured that your Sphynx cat will quickly acclimate to its new home.
Purr Harmony Cat Rescue Details:
- Location: Nationwide
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: Purr Harmony Cat Rescue
11. Roscoe Purebred Rescues
Roscoe Purebred Rescues is a non-profit, foster-based purebred animal rescue organization that facilitates adoptions across the United States.
Although this organization does not have a physical shelter, they house animals in foster homes across the United States.
The standards for fostering and adoption are relatively high. You will have to pay a fee and provide evidence of specific accommodations for your new Sphynx cat, such as transportation and fencing.
This organization rehomes cats and dogs, so finding a Sphynx cat may be a bit harder, but you can reach out to them to request updates as needed.
Roscoe Purebred Rescues Details:
- Location: Nationwide
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: Roscoe Purebred Rescues
12. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Cat Database
The ASPCA is a well-known national organization that shelters and rehomes stray and surrendered animals across the country.
Most people do not know that the ASPCA also facilitates adoptions by breed, so you can search their national database to find Sphynx cats in need of families near your home.
Some owners may offer to provide or facilitate transportation if your adoptee is far away.
Request updates from the website to receive notifications when a Sphynx cat is eligible for adoption.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Details:
- Location: Nationwide
- Phone Number: 888-666-2279
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: ASPCA
How Else Can I Get a Hairless Cat?
You can take two additional avenues to get your new Sphynx cat.
First, you can contact a breeder, as most hairless cats typically come from breeding environments.
If you are not comfortable buying from a breeder, which many people are not, you can contact local and national shelters and rescues and inquire about Sphynx cats for adoption.
Additionally, many shelters will allow you to sign up for adoption alerts so that you can receive a notification when a Sphynx cat enters their care.
Lastly, you can use third-party apps like Petfinder and filter for hairless cats to foster a private adoption directly with a former owner.
Conclusion For “Best Hairless Cat Rescues in The USA”
Once you have found your furry friend, ensure that you are prepared to care for your cat’s particular needs.
Consider the following:
- Use a guide to hairless cat care.
- Talk to other sphynx cat owners.
- Interact with a sphynx before you adopt one.
Ultimately, adopting a hairless cat is worth the additional effort. You will not find a more affectionate and attentive breed!
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