SPHYNX CARE & F.A.Q.
Just a little information about taking care of your new Sphynx kitten
Routine care is required such as bathing, toenail clipping and ear cleaning.
BATHING: Since the Sphynx has very little hair to absorb body oils they have to be bathed more often than normal cats, at lease once every 1-2 weeks. When bathing a Sphynx you can use a mild baby shampoo. We use Johnson & Johnson baby shampoo. If your Sphynx gets dirty in between baths they can be wiped down with a mild fragrance free allergen free baby wipe. Our kittens start having baths at a very young age, so when they arrive to their new homes, they are already used to the ritual. Although, Sphynx have very little hair they still lick and groom themselves.
EARS: The sphynx ears also need to be cleaned on a weekly basis. I like to use coconut oil. It is inexpensive, safe, and does a great job! No rubbing involved!
EYES: The Sphynx also lacks eyelashes, which can result in dirt in the corners of their eyes. Use a clean soft washcloth with warm water and gently wipe the cats’ eyes and face. I always use baby wash clothes. In the event that the dirt will not move to the corner, you can flush their eys with an wash made for kittens.
NAILS: The nails need to be kept clipped and clean. We DO NOT declaw our Sphynx…it is a painful process that we find unnecessary. If you are worried about damage to furniture we recommend you go to PetSmart and purchase Soft Claws nail Caps. They slide over the tips of the nail without hurting your new baby. We use these with ALL of our cats and have had NO problems. You can even buy them for a fraction of the cost on ebay. I have found them for $1.50/pkg.
FEEDING: Sphynx also have a higher metabolism because of their need to keep warm, so they eat more then an average cat. Always feed a premium dry and wet cat food. And fresh water at all times. We feed Nulo brand cat & kitten chicken.
OTHER THOUGHTS: Sphynx cats must live INDOORS, due to their lack of hair they freeze easily. They will also SUNBURN quickly. And do not be surprised if they sneak in bed with you during the cool winter nights. Not only are they trying to keep warm, but they make a perfect heating pad for you! Are Sphynx completely bald? The Sphynx appears to be a hairless cat, although it is not truly hairless. It may be covered with very fine down. On the ears, muzzle, tail, feet and scrotum, short, soft, fine hair is allowed. Whiskers and eyebrows may be present, either whole or broken. A lion tail ( puff of hair on the tip of the tail ) is acceptable.
Are they hypo-allergenic? No, it is not so much the fur on your feline friend as much as the oils, dander, and saliva that can cause allergic reactions. We have had no issues so far even though myself as well as my husband are severely allergic. I can only assume it is because we frequently bathe our kittens. I cannot promise the same for every family...we may just be extremely lucky!