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A Sphynx cat is an extraordinary creature. They are lovable, hairless, and unique animals that require a certain level of attention and care. Before adopting one into your home, there are a few things to remember when learning how to care for a sphynx cat.
From veterinarian visits to curating a particular diet to purchasing the best cat grooming tools for your sphynx, there are many ways to make your cat feel loved and welcomed. Read on to learn the dos and don'ts of sphynx cat care.
What Kind of Problems Do Sphynx Cats Have?
Sphynx cats are susceptible to certain illnesses and conditions. Pet grooming supplies help minimize the likelihood of common cat diseases. What problems do sphynx cats have? Sphynx cats suffer from the following health conditions:
- Sunburn
- Periodontal diseases
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
- Ear infections
- Maintaining body temperature
- Oily skin & acne
- Hot spots
Sunburn
Due to their sensitive skin, limit sun exposure for a sphynx cat. These cats enjoy the warm weather, but too much sun may lead to solar dermatitis. Solar dermatitis causes acute or chronic inflammation of the skin and, eventually, skin cancer. Keep your cat indoors on the hottest days and use a protective pet-safe sunscreen before letting your cat outdoors to avoid discomfort. Speak to your veterinarian about the best non-toxic cat-safe sunblocks.
Periodontal Diseases
Sphynx cats are prone to dental disease due to plaque buildup. Over time that buildup can cause irreversible damage to the gums, teeth, and nerves. Signs of developing dental problems in sphynx cats include bad breath, yellowing teeth, inflamed gums, pawing at the mouth, and difficulty chewing or swallowing.
Luckily with the proper treatment, periodontal disease is reversible. To give your cat adequate dental care, use organic teeth cleaning products for your pets. We recommend using HICC PET™ Pet Glove Wipes for premium sphynx oral care. The glove comes with a disinfecting solution that is non-toxic and safe to use on your cat's face, mouth, paws, and more. Wear the glove wipe and use finger action to rub plaque off your cat's teeth.
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a common sphynx cat disease. The heart becomes thicker and larger, preventing proper blood flow to your cat's organs due to blood clotting. Sphynx cats become more susceptible to HCM as they age. Test for HCM annually with your veterinarian or if you detect abnormal behavior. Cats do not display many physical signs of HCM. The most significant indicators are short, slowed breaths or pain in their back legs.
Ear Infections
Sphynx cats do not have the hair to protect sensitive areas from bacteria, dirt, and grime. They commonly get ear infections from wax build-up, so regular cleaning is essential. You can use pet grooming supplies like cloth, soft tissues, or pet wipes to clean and dry your cat's ears. If you notice your cat has yellowish discharge from their ears or looks red and swollen, speak to your vet about treatment. Pet wipes for cats are ideal for total body care. Use the wipes to remove all traces of wax and dirt that stick to your hairless cat.
Maintaining Body Temperature
Because sphynx cats are hairless, they do not regulate their body temperature like other pets. Sphynx enjoy warm environments, which is one of the reasons they love snuggling with their owners for body warmth. Keep a minimum home temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit or 20 degrees Celsius. If your cat is shivering or feels cold to the touch, turn up the heat. In winter, stock up on blankets or warm clothing designed for cats.
Oily Skin & Acne Care
Sphynx require regular baths due to their oily skin. Bathe your sphynx every 1-2 weeks to keep their skin oil-free and moisturized. Sphynx are prone to develop seborrheic dermatitis without frequent baths. Sweat buildup leads to bacteria that collect in their wrinkles and skin folds causing red spots, rashes, and acne. For the best cat grooming tools, use pet skincare products that work as a bath alternative and effectively reduce cat skincare issues like oily skin and itching from allergies.
Hot Spots
Hot spots develop as red sores on the body that worsen as your cat licks, bites, or touches the infected area. This is a very irritating skin condition for cats that causes itching, inflammation, and feels hot to the touch. Hot spots develop from poor grooming, food allergies, tick bites, parasites, or an infection. If your cat is suffering from itching due to hot spots, try an itch spray for cats. Itch sprays come with specific treatments designed to stop cats from miserably scratching. We recommend using pet grooming supplies like HICC PET™ Anti Itch Pet Spray.
What Is the Best Food for a Sphynx Cat?
Sphynx are sensitive cats that need constant care and high-quality products for a happy life. That means incorporating the best cat food products with organic ingredients and vital nutrients. Sphynx cats are carnivores. They need cat food high in fats and protein while low in carbohydrates and processed sugars.
Wet or dry cat food is suitable, depending on your preference. A poor diet affects Sphynxes' health leading to gastrointestinal issues or skin allergies. Sphynx have a high metabolism, so their foods help to maintain and regulate their body temperatures. For a premium cat food brand, we recommend trying Smalls Cat Food.
How to Keep Your Sphynx Cat Clean
As we stated before, sphynx are prone to skin problems without proper grooming. How to keep a sphynx cat healthy? To bathe your sphynx:
- Wrap them up in a towel for security and settle them into a sink or bin of warm water.
- Use non-irritating pet shampoo to clean your sphynx gently.
- Wet a soft cloth and work your way down from top to bottom. If your sphynx hates baths, there are pet grooming supplies that work as bath alternatives to cleanse your pet effectively.
Sphynx Cats Love Attention
Sphynx are very social animals. They love to cuddle and spend time with their owners. They won't hesitate to inform you by being vocal or directly approaching you if they need something. If you are busy or do not enjoy your cat requiring you constantly, do not get a Sphynx cat.
Do You Have to Moisturize Sphynx Cats?
The answer is yes. After bathing your sphynx cat, moisturize its skin with a lightweight oil like coconut. Cats produce oil in their skin to protect and maintain a shiny coat. Sphynx cats are hairless and have excess fat to compensate for their lack of hair and wrinkled skin. Moisturize your cat after bathing to keep its skin from getting dry and flaky.
What Are the Best Cat Grooming Tools for Hairless Cats?
Not all pet grooming products are created equal. Just because a company claims to be pet-friendly does not mean it is pet-safe. Below is a list of the best cat grooming tools to use on your hairless cat:
- Microfiber towel for pets;
- Grooming gloves for cats;
- Anti-itch pet spray;
- Silicone massaging pet brush.
These products offer organic solutions for pet care that aids in improving pet health, blood circulation, immunity-strengthening, cat grooming and massage tools, anti-itch pet spray treatments for cat allergies, and soothing skin irritations.
HICC Pet™ Premium Pet Grooming Supplies
At HICC Pet, we never cut corners regarding our pet wellness products. Many companies offer pet grooming supplies that irritate your pet's skin or use harmful chemicals that can damage their health—our pet grooming items with a 100% guarantee of natural quality and freshness.
Our pet wipes work for cats and dogs to cleanse, protect and strengthen their skin immunity. Whether traveling or looking to give your pet a more natural skincare routine, try our antimicrobial pet wipes that offer a gentle yet powerful clean. Perfect for treating rashes, hot spots, allergies, wound care, or reducing bathing frequency. Visit us online to access our pet health care collection and organic wellness products.
