Caring for a Sphynx Cat – All You Need to Know

While it is common to have a fluffy coat and folded ears for feline animals, being hairless is something completely unique! Sphynx cat, however, is an exception. The down-covered breed is the product of selective breeding. Sphynx cats wear a suede-like coat instead of the popular fur and therefore, they are quite soft and warm to touch.

If you adopt this medium-size kitty with satellite-dish ears and wrinkled face, it will be impossible for you to resist cuddling it! When you finally bring home this loyal, affectionate, energetic, and friendly cat, make sure to take care of all its needs in order to enable it to live a happy and long life! Here is everything you need to know about caring for a Sphynx cat:

HEALTH

Feed It Often

While other cat breeds have insulating fur covering their bodies, Sphynx cats lack that advantage. For this purpose, the body tends to lose heat more easily. Since the metabolism of Sphynx cats is quite high, it requires a higher food intake as compared to other feline animals. Make sure to have high-quality dry food at your disposal at all times. If your Sphynx cat only eats canned food, feed it thrice a day or as needed to keep it satisfied at all times.

Install Scratch Posts

Scratch posts provide cats with an outlet for their natural desire to scratch. Simply install a few scratch posts around your home and next to your cat’s bed.

Keep Your Cat Warm

Since Sphynx cats have a very less amount of hair on their bodies, they need a lot of warmth to remain cozy and comfortable. You can let your cat enjoy the morning sun or maintain the temperature of your house. Your Sphynx kitty might also want to snuggle and cuddle with its favorite human to enjoy their body heat. Therefore, provide your precious pet baby with plenty of cuddle time and make sure to place it in a soft, comfortable sweater in the winters.

Set Up a Litter Box

Every cat needs a large litter box at their disposal. Place your Sphynx cat’s litter box in a quiet spot that is out of the way. Try to understand which type of cat litter works best for your pet friend and provide it with the best possible care!

HYGIENE

Bathe It Regularly

Because of lack of hair, the bodies of Sphynx cats tend to secrete oil. In order to maintain the skin condition of your pet cat, it is important that you bathe it frequently. Bathing a Sphynx cat often can help wash away unwanted dander and keep unpleasant allergies at bay.

Wash Its Ears

Since Sphynx cats have large ears, it is important you clean them on a regular basis. Start by dipping a cotton swab or a cotton ball in a cleaning solution and gently cleaning your cat’s ears. Make sure to perform this practice once a week. Neglecting the ears of your Sphynx cat can lead to a build-up of dirt, oil, and ear wax.

Clean Its Eyes

While Sphynx cats don’t have eyelashes, their eyes can easily get build-up and dirt around them. This in result, can cause irritation and allergies. Simply use a damp tissue and gently wipe your Sphynx cat’s eyes to clean them. Make sure you never use any product containing alcohol or chemicals such as baby wipes around your Sphynx’s eyes as it will only cause more irritation.

PLAYTIME

Give It Plenty of Attention

If you own a Sphynx cat, you may know by now that they love being around friendly people. Sphynx cats are an ideal choice for individuals looking for a cat that can bond with them and take part in daily activities as well. Play with your pet friend at least twice a day to keep it happy and entertained.

Put Its Curiosity to Rest

Sphynx cats are known for their inquisitive nature. They are not only enthusiastic about the activities they perform, but they are naturally curious beings. If you, as a pet owner, fail to offer an outlet to your Sphynx cat for its normal behavior, it can get up to some mischief. Since these cats are curious and energetic, they have a fun personality that is hard to resist!

Keep It Indoors

Since Sphynx cats lack hair on their bodies, it is best if you keep it indoors as much as possible. Taking your kitty outdoors often can get it sunburned or extremely cold.

Consider Its Social Nature

Sphynx cats are social creatures that don’t like to spend time alone. If you tend to leave your home for long time periods, consider opting for another cat breed. Sphynx cats also do well with fellow cats and other pet animals such as dogs.,

Provide Places to Climb

Sphynx cats love to climb on doors, furniture, and even on their favorite humans’ shoulders. They can easily perform acrobatic tricks with their ability to balance well. Giving your cat some unique places to climb on can make your house a fun place for your pet to explore!

VET CARE

Vaccinate Your Sphynx Cat

Like every other pet animal, Sphynx cats should be vaccinated against common infectious diseases including rabies, feline leukemia, feline infectious enteritis, and cat flu. If you are unsure about when to vaccinate your feline pal, make sure to visit a local vet or call them to take advice. Getting booster injections once a year is also highly recommended.

Spay or Neuter It

When your Sphynx cat is 5-6 months old, it needs to be spayed or neutered. While you do so, also have a microchip fitted to implement a permanent way of identifying your precious kitty.

Bottom Line

While Sphynx cats are one of the best companions that cat lovers can have, it takes a lot of work to form an unbreakable bond with them. Follow the aforementioned steps to care for your feline friend and make sure both of you enjoy many happy and healthy years together!