by Vlad |
Last Updated: August 2, 2021 
The Sphynx is an amazing breed of cat with a fascinating history. Their hairless, wrinkly skin and large ears make them the ultimate in adorable exotic pets with attitude! However, they require more time and care than other types of cats. This article will answer common questions about how to take care of Sphynx Cats as well as provide some useful tips for making their lives easier. I hope you enjoy it!
Are Sphynx cats completely hairless?
No, Sphynx cats are not completely hairless. They have a short fuzz coat on their body and head that feels similar to peach fuzz. The Sphynx cat fuzz is not as thick and coarse to the touch as other breeds of cat.
The key to caring for your Sphynx cat is frequent maintenance and patience! It will require more time that most types of cats because they need help keeping themselves clean.
IS IT EASY TO CARE FOR A SPHYNX CAT?
No, it’s not easy. Sphynx Cats have a lot of short fuzz and skin that need to be cared for daily. They require regular bathing in order to keep their skin clean and moisturized as well as occasional (or even frequent) grooming with brushes or combs depending on your preference. In addition, they may also need monthly nail trims by a vet due to the lack of hair around them which can cause ingrown nails. It is important to remember that this type of cat cannot fully regulate its own body temperature so you will need an extra fan during the summer and warmer clothes during the winter months!
Irritation: The fur and skin can become irritated due to scratching, allergy issues (because they are so sensitive), or if you neglect their bathing rituals. If these things arise, talk with a vet professional about the best course of action for your pet!
Specialized Needs: These cats also require specialized foods which contain less protein than traditional cat food because their bodies cannot digest high levels well. They eat more often too due to higher metabolic rates.
How to bathe a Sphynx cat?
-The Sphynx Cat is a hypoallergenic breed of cat that has no hair. Its lack of fur makes it more sensitive to water and intense heat, so the owner must be careful when bathing this animal.
-To bathe your Sphynx cat, you will need: A sink or tub filled with lukewarm water; mild shampoo (no conditioners); cotton balls or face cloths for rubbing on their skin while bathing them and not letting soap reach inside their ears; dry towel. Mix diluted shampoo in some warm water first before dipping a cotton ball into the mixture then rub all over the cat’s body avoiding eyes, nose, and mouth areas as much as possible. If they are shaking nervously just hold onto and speak to them in a soothing voice.
-Use your hands and the cotton ball to clean their ears, nose, mouth area, and genitals. Rinse well with lukewarm water then dry off completely before letting out of the tub or sink by patting down with towel so they don’t shake themselves too hard drying off on furniture or other surfaces around you like carpeting or bedding. Always use light strokes as if petting a dog when drying them down after washing them to avoid irritation from extreme roughness that could break skin for those sensitive areas like face, feet, tail tip etc.
How often do you need to bathe an adult sphynx cat?
Bathing your adult Sphynx cat is a must and will need it at least once every couple of weeks or so depending on how much they are shedding. If you live in an area that gets more than average rainfall, then expect to bathe them even more often because the increased humidity levels can make their skin oil glands work, different cats have different skin. According to the type of skin, some cats can go longer between baths while others may need it more often, but you have to remember cats with sensitive skin should be bathed less frequently.
Warm water is best to use when bathing a Sphynx cat. Warm tap water will do just fine, but if you want it even warmer then add some hot or boiling water into the mix for an extra soothing touch. They like their bath so much they might not want to come out of the tub once they are in there.
Sphynx Cat Cleaning – Brown Spot
Some Sphynx cats have clean-ish dry skin, some have oily easily dirtied skin. Like humans, oily skin and dry skin have their different pros and cons. Oily skin means it doesn’t flake or get itchy as dry skin. Sonya doesn’t leave such large oil spots around the place (though she does make some!).
Because Sonya does have such dry skin and gets so very itchy I use a particular type of wash for her so that she doesn’t scratch herself to a bloody mess. She doesn’t do well with any detergent or soap-based product.
Hairless cat grooming
Cats often groom themselves, but when they’re hairless like the Sphynx cat, you have to help them out. It just takes a little extra time and effort on your part to make sure that their skin stays healthy and free of debris. Groom your sphynx with a soft brush each day for five minutes or so. This will keep her coat smooth and shiny (and it’ll also reduce shedding).
Ear cleaning
To keep your Sphynx cat’s delicate skin free from debris and bacteria, make sure you’re cleaning her ears regularly. This is a job that should be done with care as the inside of a hairless cat ear can often be sensitive to irritation.
An excellent way to do this is by using cotton balls or pads soaked in warm water and then squeezed out so they’re not dripping wet (this will help prevent damage). Firmly hold one end of the ear flap while carefully inserting the ball into its canal. Wiggle around slowly for about ten seconds before releasing gently but firmly. Repeat until all four surfaces are cleaned on both ears.
Clipping the nails
You have to take special equipment to clip your cat’s nails. You can find it at the pet store or with a vet.
For cats with light skin, their pink nail beds and quick should be visible when the clippers are placed on top of them (the cut line is then just above the first knuckle). For dark-skinned cats or those with thicker pads, you have to use a flashlight so you can see where to make the cuts – it will look like a white band that goes all around each toe. The best time for this process is between one month and six months of age because kittens’ claws grow out more often than adult cats. It’s best not to rush things as clipping too low into her paw could cause bleeding which would result in pain both mentally and physically for the cat while also potentially damaging delicate tissue.
Skincare
The Sphynx’s skin is very thin and sensitive so it should be cleaned daily with a gentle, soap-free cleanser. For people who have cats with the same trait, you might want to invest in hypoallergenic shampoo because this type of product will not irritate your cat’s already delicate skin. Also, you can use a gentle, soap-free cleanser to wash your Sphynx’s hair because this will also help maintain her skin.
It is important that you brush the Sphynx Cat’s fur on a regular basis with a soft bristle brush and comb out any tangles as well as remove excess shedding by using a rubber glove or paper towel in order to avoid pulling at their skin.
If you want to use a special lotion for hairless cats should be used sparingly as it can cause the skin to become drier and more sensitive.
The cream for sphynx skin is a good option as it doesn’t contain the harsh chemicals that typical hairless cat products have.
You should also check your Sphynx Cat’s skin regularly for any sign of irritation or infection, which might include redness, bumps, and excessive scratching. The most common cause is usually due to flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) but could be from something else so you will want to consult with a veterinarian if there are no signs of improvement within two weeks.
If you notice the problem worsening upon regular checks then talk with your vet about using anti-inflammatory medications in order to help regulate their immune system.
Most common skin sphynx problems are due to fleas and scratching.
Sphynx cats are also prone to dry skin because they lack the natural oils found in other breeds of cats, so it’s important that you brush them every day with a high-quality animal hairbrush or comb so as not to irritate their sensitive skin further.
Flea allergies can cause your Sphynx Cat considerable discomfort, but there is plenty you can do about it!
In order for dermatitis problems on your Sphynx Cat to be relieved effectively, it is essential that any allergens such as pollen and household dust mites that may aggravate FAD symptoms are minimized via environmental control measures such as HEPA filters (high-performance air purifiers) fitted into central. Moreover, it is absolutely essential that your Sphynx Cat has a healthy diet and plenty of exercise.
Maintaining a sphynx cat’s body temperature.
It’s important to make sure your sphynx cat doesn’t get too hot or cold. Sphynx cats are prone to heat stroke, for example in the summer months when it is 95 degrees Fahrenheit outside and they have no way of regulating their body temperature without air conditioning because they lack hair.
A few ways you can help keep them cool include:
-Providing lots of freshwater
-Put a wet towel on the floor for him/her
-Place an ice pack next to his bedding area so that he/she can lay on top of it if necessary
-Open windows to let a breeze in. Sphynx cats need to be cool too!
Keep your sphynx cat warm by using the following tips:
-Cover his/her bedding area with something like an electric blanket or heated towel cozy for warmth if needed. You can also use a heating pad on low setting or microwaving heat pack until it’s warm and then wrapping it up in some towels, placing them at the bottom of your kitty’s bed so that he/she will feel their radiant warmth when they lay down. This is great not only during winter but even just chilly fall nights as well! Do note that these items should NEVER touch your cat directly!
-If you want to use cat clothes (sweaters, pajamas, jackets, hoodies, etc.), make sure it is made of natural materials such as cotton, silk, or wool!
Tip: Sphynx cats are notoriously sensitive to discomfort in their skin. This is why I recommend avoiding using synthetic fabrics like polyester (which will cause the animal’s skin to dry out) whenever possible.
Conclusion
You might not think about it, but grooming plays a major role in the care of your Sphynx. Regular bathing and nail clipping will help keep their skin clean and healthy-looking. Make sure to regularly brush or comb them too! Use natural products instead of harsh chemicals that could damage their sensitive coat. When you love on your sphynx with gentle touches they’ll purr for hours! Give them plenty of attention throughout the day (even when they’re sleeping) by playing games with them like fetch, scratching behind the ears, massaging paws/feet – whatever makes them happy! And don’t forget to buy some new toys so they always have something fun to play with while you are away from home.
About authorHi! I am Vlad, I am a big fan of cats and dogs. Here on SphynxCatBlog you will find posts about cat facts, tips for keeping your pets happy and healthy, sewing patterns for clothes (because we all need to look good) - as well as other fun posts that cover everything from the most bizarre cat behavior to fascinating stories about our little furry friends. Read more about me & my cat Sonya