Living with a Sphynx

General Care

As the Sphynx lacks a coat, and body oils cannot be absorbed by the fur, but  these can be removed by bathing, which most Sphynx enjoy. Attention should be  taken to their ears and feet as they can get very dirty with wax but are cleaned easily with cotton buds (but do be careful not to go into the ear canal with a bud).  Sphynx are not delicate and do not require  extra heat, as many people think. In fact, this will make them sweat more. An  ordinary cat bed with a blanket that they can wrap up in is perfectly  acceptable. Sphynx are lively, intelligent, good natured cats that should be  easy to handle. They crave human company, following their owners around the  house. They live quite happily with other cats and dogs. As they are so  gregarious they should never be kept as the only cat in a household, but have  some form of feline company – ideally another Sphynx.

Personality

The Sphynx cat is possibly one of the most affectionate, sociable and intelligent cat in the world. They are ‘In your face’ 24/7 and very much ‘people cats’.  They will greet you, snuggle up and sleep with you and you will have no say in the matter what so ever.  Vocal, almost to the point where you find yourselves having a two way conversation, Sphynx hate being alone.  They can  learn to play fetch and love to play.  They enjoy the company of children and other animal, and make a wonderful addition to any family who are prepared to lavish the time and attention they crave.  The Sphynx is very outgoing, and can at times be very child like in personality but is always avaiable for love ad affection.

Characteristics

Despite appearances, the Sphynx is not a totally naked cat. Their body is covered with  a soft down, which is  almost imperceptible to both the eye and the touch. The  texture of the skin  is likened to that of a warm peach, or a chamois cloth .  Sphynx have some fine hair over the bridge of their nose and on their feet. This can also be found their tails and back of the ears and scrotum of the males.  Degree of coat depends on several factors , e.g. climate, hormones hereditary predispositions. Their bodies area is warmer to the touch than that of other cats, but in fact their temperature is no higher. Sphynx are very clever and they will pop under a blanket when it is getting cold or find a warm human body or dog or cat to curl up with.

Kittens are very wrinkly but as they develop they grow into their skin, maintaining some of the wrinkles, especially on the head, but should not affect the Sphynx normal functions.

Sphynx are indoor cats as they can easily get burnt by the sun, and have little protection should they come across  neighbourhood cats.  They can go out under supervision and weather permitting,  ideally on a harness; in a enclosed safe garden or a purpose built run.  Males are generally 25% larger then the females, and come in all colours and patterns.  The Sphynx is not a hypoallergenic cat despite the claims of some people.  If you are allergic to the proteins in cat’s saliva, you will be allergic to the Sphynx as well.  Some people who are allergic to cats do tolerate the Sphynx breed better than normal coated cats.

General Care

Bathing

As the Sphynx is naked, they require a bath from time to time. this will depend on your individual Sphynx.  Some get a lot more dirtier then others, this also depends on the kind of food you feed your sphynx. A total raw diet your sphynx will produce less oils, so will stay cleaner for longer. Also the more you bath your sphynx the dirtier they will get. A bath every week really is not necessary. Just bath when you think your sphynx needs it! .  In general cats do not like water, but they learn to tolerate it, and a breeder would have been bathing a litter of Sphynx from a early age. Bathing can be easy if you are well prepared, if not you will end up a lot more wet then the Sphynx and feel like you have just soaked everything but the cat….A warm fluffy towel ( tumbled dried)  The kitchen sink half full of warm water with a anti-microbial/anti fungal shampoo at the ready. Bath as you would a baby using a baby sponge and gently wiping in all the creases. A pair of washing gloves also help to grip they Sphynx as once wet it is trying to hold a eel.  Once bathed wrap in towel and dry off, which will not take many minutes. Lots of fuss so the cat feels at ease, and job done.

Ears

These are usual huge, so cleaning on a regular basis is a must. Because there is a lack of hair around their ears, they tend to get a build up more so then a coated cat. A cotton bud moistened with baby oil or commercial ear cleaner will soon have those ears sparkling.

Eyes & Nose

Due to the lack of  eyelashes, the Sphynx eyes can result in dirt in the corners. Gentle wiping with a damp cloth (do not use baby wipe).  Again because the Sphynx has no hair around their nose a wipe with a cloth is required just to prevent particles from being trapped around the nostril.

Paws &  Claws

The paws of the Sphynx stands high like that of a hound with a extra thick pad., giving the impression they are walking on air cushions.  Again due to the lack of fur, paws get grubby, and claws need a manicure,  by gently pressing on the toes to make the claws visible, so you will then be able to rub a little baby oil over each claws then wipe with a cloth will remove the build up that attaches itself to the claw. The claws need also to be clipped from time to time. Again press the paw and clip off the tip. Do be careful not to clip too short as if the quick (the blood vessels in the claw) is clipped, it will hurt the cat and it will bleed – a lot.

Feeding

Because of the lack of hair their body has to work harder to keep themselves warm, this creates a higher metabolism. Which in turn Sphynx will eat more often then regular cats. Sphynx are not normally fussy eaters and as long as it is good quality food,  you will have a happy contented cat.

Litter Tray

From being a kitten, a Sphynx will have been litter trained, and in general all cats like to keep themselves clean. There is a wide range of litters for sale and individual owners can choose which type suits their cat and how they deal with disposing of it.Litter tray comes in all shape and sizes, corner fitting, hooded, with or without cat flap. self cleaning/collection, but at the end of the day all litter trays need to be thoroughly cleaned with disinfectant and hygienically kept at all times.

 

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