Sphynx Cat: Personality, Care, Health, Cost and Full Breed Profile
The complete Sphynx cat breed profile: the KRT71 hairless origin, warm wrinkled skin, the real grooming workload, velcro-cat temperament, HCM health risks, cost, and the Netherlands breeding ban.
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The Sphynx cat is the most famous hairless breed in the world, and The International Cat Association (TICA) traces the modern breed to a single hairless kitten named Prune, born in Toronto in 1966 through a natural genetic mutation. What looks at first like a bald, wrinkled oddity is actually a warm, suede-skinned, people-obsessed companion that behaves more like a small dog than a typical cat. This complete breed profile is the hub of our Sphynx series, and it walks through origin and genetics, the striking hairless appearance, the real grooming workload, the warm and velcro-like temperament, the health risks every owner must understand (heart disease first among them), daily care and diet, a quick cost overview, the controversial Netherlands breeding ban, and an honest look at whether a Sphynx is the right cat for you.
- 1The Sphynx is a hairless breed that began with a kitten named Prune in Toronto in 1966; the hairlessness is a recessive mutation in the KRT71 gene
- 2It is famously affectionate, energetic, curious, and dog-like, earning the nickname velcro cat
- 3Hairless does not mean low maintenance: the skin produces oil with no coat to absorb it, so Sphynx need regular bathing plus ear and nail-fold cleaning
- 4Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the number one health concern, and responsible breeders screen for it with echocardiograms
- 5They are NOT hypoallergenic, because the Fel d 1 allergen lives in saliva and skin, not fur
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What Makes a Sphynx Cat So Distinctive
Ask anyone to picture a hairless cat and they picture a Sphynx: the bare wrinkled skin, the enormous bat-like ears, the lemon-shaped eyes, and that pot-bellied, warm-to-the-touch body that feels like a heated chamois cloth. But the look is only half the story. The Sphynx is one of the most extroverted, attention-seeking cats you can own, and owners consistently describe a personality closer to a toddler or a small dog than to an aloof house cat.
Three things, taken together, make the Sphynx genuinely unlike any other breed:
- It is hairless by a natural mutation. The Sphynx is not shaved and is not a designer crossbreed. Hairlessness arose spontaneously in ordinary domestic cats and was then preserved through selective breeding.
- It runs hot and seeks warmth. With no insulating coat, a Sphynx loses body heat fast, so it burrows under blankets, piles onto laps, naps on warm laptops, and feels noticeably warm in your hands.
- It is relentlessly social. Sphynx cats follow their people room to room, greet visitors at the door, ride on shoulders, and protest being left alone. The breed is the textbook velcro cat.
- A Sphynx is not actually running a fever. Its skin temperature feels warm because there is no fur layer between your hand and the cat's body, so you are touching skin directly. A healthy Sphynx has the same core body temperature as any other cat.
If the hairless look appeals to you but you want to compare your options, our guide to hairless cat breeds lines up the Sphynx against the other bald and near-bald breeds so you can see how they differ in skin, size, and care.
Sphynx Cat at a Glance
Before the deep dive, here is the fast snapshot of the breed's vital statistics, drawn from TICA and CFA breed information and widely reported breeder and veterinary data.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Origin | Toronto, Canada (1966) |
| Size | Medium, but substantial and muscular for its size |
| Weight | Roughly 6-12 lb; males generally larger than females |
| Lifespan | Commonly cited at 8-15 years (see the lifespan section for newer data) |
| Coat | Hairless, often with a fine peach-fuzz down; skin feels like warm suede |
| Skin colors | All cat colors and patterns, shown in the SKIN: solid, tabby, tortoiseshell, pointed, bicolor |
| Eye shape | Large, lemon-shaped, wide-set |
| Temperament | Curious, energetic, affectionate, extroverted, vocal, dog-like |
| Grooming | High: weekly bathing plus ear and nail-fold cleaning |
| Top health concern | Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) |
| Hypoallergenic | No (still produces the Fel d 1 allergen) |
Origin and History: From a Toronto Kitten to a Global Breed
The modern Sphynx story begins in 1966 in Toronto, Canada, when a black-and-white domestic cat gave birth to a hairless kitten. That kitten, named Prune, was the product of a spontaneous, naturally occurring genetic mutation, not a laboratory creation or a deliberate cross. Breeders recognized the novelty and began trying to reproduce the trait.
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Those earliest efforts struggled with a tiny gene pool, but the breed was rescued and rebuilt in the 1970s and early 1980s when more hairless cats appeared in North America. Several foundation cats found in Minnesota and Toronto were bred to Devon Rex cats to widen the genetics and stabilize the line. That outcross is why today's Sphynx has a sturdy, healthy structure rather than the fragile inbred look the first kittens risked.
Genetically, the hairlessness is a recessive mutation in the KRT71 gene, which is involved in normal hair formation. Because the trait is recessive, a kitten must inherit the mutation from both parents to be hairless. Interestingly, the Devon Rex carries a different mutation in the same gene, which is part of why the two breeds were compatible breeding partners.
Recognition followed the rebuilt breed. TICA accepted the Sphynx and has recognized it for decades, and the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) advanced the Sphynx to championship status in 2002. Today the breed is recognized by major registries worldwide and is consistently the most popular hairless cat on the planet.
- The breed is called Sphynx because the bare, angular look reminded people of the carved Great Sphinx of Egypt. Despite that name and the urban legend, the modern Sphynx is a Canadian breed with no connection to ancient Egyptian cats.
Appearance: Hairless Skin, Big Ears, and Color in the Skin
The Sphynx is medium-sized but should never feel fragile. Under that bare skin is a surprisingly muscular, barrel-chested, often pot-bellied body that feels dense and heavy for its size. The CFA describes the breed as substantial cats, and a good Sphynx has real weight and athleticism in your hands.
The hairless skin and peach fuzz
The defining trait is the skin. Most Sphynx are not 100 percent bald: they are covered in a fine, downy peach fuzz, the texture of a warm chamois or soft suede, with slightly thicker fuzz sometimes on the nose, ears, tail, and toes. The skin is loose and wrinkled, especially around the muzzle, between the ears, and across the shoulders, and those wrinkles are a prized feature of the breed.
The ears, eyes, and head
The head is a modified wedge with prominent cheekbones, a strong chin, and a short nose. The ears are the showstopper: very large, wide at the base, and set upright like a bat's, with no hair inside to keep them clean. The eyes are large, wide-set, and shaped like a lemon, which gives the Sphynx its alert, slightly mischievous expression. Long, slender legs and long toes (the breed is often described as having dexterous, almost hand-like paws) finish the look, along with a whip-like tail.
Color shows in the skin
Because there is no coat, a Sphynx wears its color and pattern directly on the skin. All the usual cat colors and patterns appear, including solid black, white, blue (grey), red, and cream, plus tabby, tortoiseshell, pointed, and bicolor patterns, but they read as pigment on bare skin rather than as a fur coat. A black Sphynx is charcoal-skinned; a tabby Sphynx shows its stripes as faint markings on the skin. Our full Sphynx cat colors guide shows how every color and pattern translates onto a hairless body, and if you have heard that some Sphynx are not fully bald, our explainer on the Sphynx cat with hair covers the fuzzier coated variants and what they mean.
Grooming: The Reality Behind the Low-Shed Myth
Here is the single biggest misconception about the breed, so it is worth saying plainly. A Sphynx is not a low-maintenance cat. People assume no fur means no grooming, but the opposite is closer to the truth. A normal cat's coat wicks away the oil (sebum) its skin produces. A Sphynx has no coat, so that oil has nowhere to go and builds up on the skin and in the folds, where it can turn waxy, brownish, and even a little smelly if left alone. The same oil collects in the large ears and around the nail beds.
That means a real, recurring grooming routine:
- Bathing. Most Sphynx need a bath roughly weekly (some owners do a gentle wipe-down between baths) using a mild, cat-safe shampoo. The exact frequency varies by individual: some cats stay cleaner than others.
- Ears. Those big bare ears collect dark waxy buildup quickly and need gentle, regular cleaning with a vet-approved ear cleaner.
- Nail folds. The skin around and between the nails traps oil and grime, so the nail folds need wiping along with regular nail trims.
- Skin checks. Because you can see the skin, you can (and should) watch for rashes, blackheads, sunburn, or sores.
- A Sphynx that never learned to tolerate bathing as a kitten can become a serious handful at the tub. Introduce gentle, warm, low-stress baths young, keep them short and positive, and you will save yourself years of struggle with a slippery, oily, unhappy cat.
Sun and cold sensitivity
The same bare skin that needs bathing is also exposed to the elements in a way a furred cat's is not. A Sphynx can sunburn, so unfiltered sun through a window or any outdoor time needs to be limited (and breeders generally keep these cats indoors only). At the other extreme, with no coat for insulation, a Sphynx gets cold easily and will actively seek out heat: blankets, sunny spots, heated beds, your lap, and sometimes a little cat sweater in winter.
- Set your Sphynx up to stay warm: a heated cat bed or microwavable heat pad, plenty of soft blankets to burrow into, and a draft-free sleeping area. A cold Sphynx is an unhappy and stressed Sphynx, and chronic chilliness is hard on a body that already runs a high metabolism to stay warm.
Temperament: The Velcro Cat
If the look gets people in the door, the personality is what makes Sphynx owners fiercely devoted. Google itself lists the breed's temperament as curious, energetic, cuddly, intelligent, affectionate, and extroverted, and that is exactly how owners describe them. This is a busy, warm, in-your-business cat.
Expect a Sphynx to:
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- Shadow you everywhere. They follow their people room to room and want to be part of whatever you are doing, which is why velcro cat fits so well.
- Crave warmth and contact. They burrow under the covers, drape over your neck, and sleep pressed against you for heat and company.
- Play hard and clown around. Sphynx are athletic and silly, climbing, leaping, fetching, and showing off. Many learn tricks readily.
- Talk to you. They are a fairly vocal breed and will chirp, trill, and meow to get attention.
- Get on well with the household. Their friendly, fearless nature usually makes them good with respectful kids, other cats, and cat-savvy dogs.
That intense sociability has a flip side: Sphynx genuinely dislike being left alone for long stretches and can become bored, lonely, and mischievous in an empty house. Many breeders recommend a second pet or a schedule that does not leave them solo all day. Our full Sphynx cat personality guide digs into the behavior, the quirks, and how to keep this high-engagement breed happy.
- For the right home, yes. They are affectionate, playful, people-oriented, and good with families and other animals. They are a poor fit only if you want an independent, low-contact cat or you are away from home for very long days, because the breed needs warmth, company, and interaction to thrive.
Are Sphynx cats aggressive?
No. The Sphynx is not an aggressive or violent breed. The reputation for being intense comes from how social, energetic, and demanding of attention they are, not from temper. A well-socialized Sphynx is friendly and outgoing. As with any cat, individual personality, early handling, and respectful treatment shape behavior, and a Sphynx that is bored or lonely may act out simply because it needs more stimulation.
Health: What Every Sphynx Owner Must Watch
The Sphynx is an energetic, generally lively cat, but the breed carries some important health risks, and being honest about them is part of responsible ownership. Buying from a breeder who screens their cats is the single best thing you can do to improve your odds.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM): the number one concern
HCM, a thickening of the heart muscle, is the leading health problem in the breed and the one to ask about first. The condition can lead to heart failure, blood clots, and sudden death, and it can develop even in young cats. There is no cure, but early detection helps with management. Responsible Sphynx breeders screen their breeding cats by echocardiogram (a heart ultrasound performed by a veterinary cardiologist), often annually, and many also use available DNA testing. Always ask a breeder to show recent heart-screening results on the parent cats, and have your own cat's heart checked through its life.
- Before you commit to a Sphynx kitten, ask the breeder for proof of echocardiogram screening (and any DNA testing) on the parent cats, ideally repeated yearly. HCM is the breed's biggest killer, a breeder who cannot or will not show heart-clearance results is a serious red flag. Walk away.
Urticaria pigmentosa and skin conditions
Because the skin is exposed, Sphynx are prone to skin issues. Urticaria pigmentosa is a Sphynx-associated condition that causes crusty, itchy sores and reddish-brown spots on the skin. They are also susceptible to fungal infections (such as ringworm), blackheads and acne in the oily folds, and sunburn. Most skin problems are manageable with veterinary care, the right bathing routine, and sun protection.
Dental and other concerns
Periodontal (dental) disease is reported in the breed, so regular tooth brushing and veterinary dental care matter. Sphynx can also be affected by other inherited issues that breeders screen for, and their bare skin and big open ears mean eye and ear care should be part of the routine. Spotting problems early is easy with a Sphynx precisely because you can see the skin.
How long do Sphynx cats live?
Lifespan is commonly cited at roughly 8 to 15 years, and many well-cared-for indoor Sphynx live full lives. However, owners should know that a large 2024 study from the UK's Royal Veterinary College (the VetCompass program) reported the Sphynx as having the shortest average life expectancy of the breeds it analyzed, around 6.7 years from birth, compared with well over 14 years for the longest-lived breeds. That figure comes from one UK primary-care dataset and should be read as a sobering signal rather than a guarantee for any individual cat, but it underscores why heart screening, careful breeding, warmth, and attentive veterinary care matter so much for this breed. Our dedicated Sphynx cat lifespan guide breaks down the numbers and what actually moves them.
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Daily Care, Diet, and Living Environment
Feeding a furnace
A Sphynx runs a higher metabolism than a coated cat because it is constantly burning energy to stay warm, so the breed tends to have a hearty appetite. Feed a complete, balanced, protein-forward cat food appropriate for the life stage, usually as two or three measured meals a day. Many Sphynx eat noticeably more than a furred cat of the same size, but measured meals still matter, because the breed can gain weight if free-fed without limit. Keep fresh water available, and loop in your veterinarian on portions and on any kitten-to-adult food transition.
Indoor living and warmth
Nearly every breeder and welfare group recommends keeping a Sphynx indoors only. The breed has no coat to protect it from sun, cold, scrapes, or parasites, and its trusting, people-seeking nature makes it ill-suited to fend for itself outside. Indoors, give it what its busy mind and warmth-seeking body want: heated beds and blankets, a sturdy cat tree and perches for climbing, interactive toys, and ideally a companion. Supervised harness walks or a warm, sun-safe catio can give it fresh air without the risks.
- The ideal Sphynx setup combines warmth and enrichment: a heated bed, soft blankets to nest in, a tall cat tree, puzzle and wand toys for daily play, and either a feline companion or a household that is home a good part of the day. Meet those needs and you get a hilarious, affectionate, deeply bonded cat.
How Much Does a Sphynx Cat Cost?
A Sphynx is one of the more expensive cat breeds, and there are real reasons for the price. From a reputable, registered, health-screening breeder, a pet-quality Sphynx kitten typically runs in the low-to-mid four figures (and breeding or show-quality cats cost more). That price reflects HCM heart screening on the parents, early veterinary care and vaccinations, the breeder's investment in good genetics and socialization, and the simple fact that hairless litters require careful, intensive raising.
Beyond the purchase price, budget for the ongoing cost of the breed: more food (that high metabolism adds up), bathing and skin-care supplies, heated beds and blankets, and the veterinary care that any breed with a notable heart risk warrants, including periodic cardiac screening and pet insurance. A suspiciously cheap hairless kitten advertised as a health-tested Sphynx is a classic red flag for a backyard operation that skipped the screening. For current pricing, regional differences, and a full cost-of-ownership breakdown, see our detailed Sphynx cat price guide.
- Proper HCM heart screening, vaccinations, and careful raising cost the breeder real money, so a Sphynx priced far below the market rate usually means those steps were skipped. Paying less up front for an unscreened kitten can mean paying far more later in heartbreak and vet bills.
Are Sphynx Cats Hypoallergenic?
This is one of the most common and most misunderstood questions about the breed, so here is the honest answer: no, Sphynx cats are not hypoallergenic. The reason people assume otherwise is the belief that cat allergies come from fur. They do not. The main cat allergen, a protein called Fel d 1, is produced in a cat's saliva, skin, and sebaceous (oil) glands, and it spreads onto the body when the cat grooms and then flakes off into the home. A Sphynx still produces Fel d 1, and because it has no coat to trap that allergen and because it loves close skin-to-skin contact, some allergy sufferers actually react more to a Sphynx, not less.
There is a real nuance: Fel d 1 production varies a lot from one individual cat to the next regardless of breed, so a given person might tolerate one particular cat better than another. But that is an individual-cat lottery, not a breed guarantee, and no cat (hairless or not) is truly allergy-free. If allergies are driving your interest in the breed, read our full Sphynx cat hypoallergenic guide before you decide, and spend real time with an adult Sphynx first.
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- The Fel d 1 allergen lives in saliva and skin oil, not fur, so a Sphynx still produces it. If anyone in your home has cat allergies, do not assume a hairless cat is safe. Test your reaction with extended, direct contact before committing.
Why Are Sphynx Cats Banned in the Netherlands?
You may have seen headlines that the Sphynx is banned or illegal in the Netherlands, and it is worth getting the facts right. The Netherlands has moved against breeds whose defining features are tied to health problems. Breeding the Sphynx (and folded-ear breeds like the Scottish Fold) has been restricted in the country since 2014, and the rules tightened further so that, as of January 1, 2026, the Netherlands also bans the keeping and new ownership of newly bred hairless and folded-ear cats, with penalties for violations and a microchip requirement for cats people already own.
The welfare reasoning is specific to the trait. Dutch authorities and many veterinarians argue that hairlessness is not a harmless cosmetic difference: a cat with no coat cannot regulate its temperature normally, is exposed to sun and cold, and is prone to skin problems, which they consider an inherent welfare cost of the breed. Supporters of the Sphynx counter that responsible breeding and good husbandry manage those issues. Either way, the practical point for a prospective owner is that this is a genuine, evidence-based debate about a hairless cat's quality of life, not a quirk, and it is one more reason to take the breed's care needs seriously. (Laws change, so confirm the current status in your own country or region before making decisions.)
- The Dutch measures target the breeding and sale of cats with extreme, health-linked features. They do not brand current Sphynx owners as abusers; existing pets can stay with their families. The aim is to stop perpetuating a trait the regulators view as inherently hard on the animal.
Is a Sphynx Cat Right for You?
The Sphynx is a spectacular cat for the right person and a frustrating mismatch for the wrong one. Use this honest balance sheet before you decide.
| A Sphynx may suit you if | A Sphynx may NOT suit you if |
|---|---|
| You want an affectionate, dog-like, deeply bonded companion | You want an independent, low-contact, do-its-own-thing cat |
| You are home often or can provide a feline companion | You are away for very long days and the cat would be alone |
| You will commit to weekly bathing plus ear and nail care | You want a truly wash-and-go, no-grooming pet |
| You can keep the home warm and the cat indoors | You cannot provide reliable warmth and indoor safety |
| You can budget for a higher purchase price and ongoing care | A low up-front and lifetime cost is essential |
| You will buy from an HCM-screening breeder and keep up vet care | You are not prepared for the breed's heart-health risk |
In short, a Sphynx rewards an attentive, affectionate, hands-on owner with one of the most loving and entertaining personalities in the cat world. It is a weaker fit if you are gone all day, want zero grooming, cannot keep the cat warm, or are not ready for the breed's real health and cost commitments. If you love the temperament but are still weighing hairless options, our hairless cat breeds roundup and our profiles of the Russian-born Donskoy cat and the fuzzy, curly-coated Cornish Rex are useful next reads, since each offers a different take on the bare-or-barely-there coat.
- 1Sphynx are affectionate, energetic, velcro-like companions that need warmth, company, and daily interaction
- 2Hairless means MORE grooming, not less: plan on weekly baths plus ear and nail-fold cleaning
- 3Ask every breeder for HCM echocardiogram screening on the parents; heart disease is the breed's top risk
- 4They are not hypoallergenic, so test your reaction before buying if anyone has allergies
- 5Expect a higher purchase price and meaningful ongoing costs for food, skin care, warmth, and veterinary screening
Frequently Asked Questions About Sphynx Cats
A pet-quality Sphynx kitten from a reputable, health-screening breeder typically costs in the low-to-mid four figures (US dollars), with breeding or show-quality cats costing more. That price reflects HCM heart screening on the parents, vaccinations, early veterinary care, and the intensive raising hairless litters require. Beyond purchase price, budget for higher food, bathing and skin-care supplies, heated beds, and ongoing veterinary care including cardiac screening. A suspiciously cheap hairless kitten is a red flag for skipped health testing.
The Netherlands has restricted breeding the Sphynx since 2014, and as of January 1, 2026 it also banned the keeping and new ownership of newly bred hairless and folded-ear cats, with penalties and a microchip rule for existing pets. The welfare argument is that hairlessness is not merely cosmetic: a coatless cat cannot regulate temperature normally, is exposed to sun and cold, and is prone to skin problems, which regulators view as an inherent cost of the trait. Existing Sphynx owners can keep their pets; the measures target ongoing breeding and sale. Laws vary by country, so always confirm current local rules.
Yes. Despite being hairless, the Sphynx is a high-maintenance breed. With no coat to absorb skin oil, that oil builds up on the skin and in the folds, so most Sphynx need a bath roughly weekly plus regular cleaning of their large ears and nail folds. They also need protection from sun and cold, a consistently warm environment, plenty of social interaction, and attentive veterinary care for their heart and skin. Hairless does not mean wash-and-go.
Lifespan is commonly cited at roughly 8 to 15 years, and many well-cared-for indoor Sphynx live full lives. However, a large 2024 UK study from the Royal Veterinary College's VetCompass program reported the Sphynx as having the shortest average life expectancy of the breeds analyzed, around 6.7 years from birth in that primary-care dataset, largely driven by heart, skin, and respiratory issues. Treat it as a serious signal rather than a fixed expectancy, and prioritize heart screening, warmth, and regular veterinary care.
Very. Sphynx are among the most affectionate, people-oriented cat breeds, often nicknamed velcro cats for the way they follow their owners, cuddle for warmth, and crave attention. They are energetic, playful, curious, and usually good with respectful children, other cats, and cat-friendly dogs. The main caveats are that they dislike being left alone for long periods and need warmth and daily interaction to be happy, so they suit an attentive, hands-on home rather than someone wanting an independent cat.
No. Sphynx cats are not hypoallergenic. Cat allergies are caused mainly by the Fel d 1 protein in a cat's saliva, skin, and oil glands, not by fur, so a hairless cat still produces the allergen. Because the Sphynx has no coat to trap it and loves close skin contact, some allergy sufferers react more, not less. Fel d 1 production varies by individual cat, so a person might tolerate one specific cat better, but no breed is truly allergy-free. Spend extended time with an adult Sphynx before committing.
No. The Sphynx is not an aggressive or violent breed. It is friendly, outgoing, and social, and its reputation for intensity comes from being highly energetic and attention-seeking, not from temper. As with any cat, early socialization and respectful handling matter, and a bored or lonely Sphynx may act out simply because it needs more stimulation and company.
Yes. Cats have excellent hearing and can absolutely hear you speak. Research suggests cats recognize their owner's voice and can distinguish their own name, even if they choose not to respond. A Sphynx, being a vocal and people-oriented breed, will often chirp or meow back when you talk to it.
The 3-3-3 rule is a general guideline for helping any newly adopted cat adjust: about 3 days to decompress and feel safe in a quiet space, 3 weeks to settle into a routine and learn the household, and 3 months to feel fully at home and bonded. It applies to a new Sphynx as much as any other cat, though a social Sphynx often warms up to its people quickly.
Some of the most expensive cat breeds include the Savannah, the Bengal, the Persian, the Scottish Fold, and the Sphynx, with prices driven by rarity, demand, appearance, and the health testing reputable breeders perform. The Sphynx sits in the higher tier largely because hairless litters require intensive care and because responsible breeders screen the parents for HCM, which adds to the cost of a well-bred kitten.
The Bottom Line
The Sphynx is one of the most distinctive cats alive: hairless, wrinkled, warm to the touch, and bursting with a curious, affectionate, dog-like personality that bonds hard to its people. It is also a breed that demands real commitment. Hairless means more grooming, not less; the bare skin needs protection from sun and cold; heart disease is a genuine risk that calls for a screening breeder and lifelong veterinary care; and the cat is not hypoallergenic and not cheap. Meet those needs and a Sphynx will reward you with years of warmth, comedy, and devotion. Use the linked spoke guides above to go deeper on price, colors, the coated variants, lifespan, personality, and the hairless-cat alternatives before you decide.
Kristine Lacoste has been researching dog and cat breeds for nearly a decade and has observed the animals up close at dog shows in both the United States and the United Kingdom. She is the author of the book One Unforgettable Journey, which was named as a finalist for a Maxwell Award from the Dog Writers Association of America, and was host of a weekly pet news segment on the National K-9 Academy Radio Show. In addition, she was the New Orleans coordinator for Dogs on Deployment, a nonprofit that helps military members and their pets, for 3 years. Kristine has researched and written about pet behaviors and care for many years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology, another bachelor’s degree in English and a Master of Business Administration degree.
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