How To Care For A Sphynx Cat
How To Care For A Sphynx Cat
How to take care of a sphynx cat is different from how to care for a cat with typical hairball problems. A sphynx is a cat with very sensitive skin. Because sphynx felines have just a thin layer of fur on their bodies, the natural oils accumulate on the outer layer of the skin. With other breeds, the hair actually absorbs the oils, leaving shiny, well-groomed coats. Your feline, however, will really need a full bath once a week or so to remove the excess oils.
Sphynx cats also have hairless eyes because their eyelashes are floppy. If you have a hairless eye, the hair can accumulate under the eyelid and cause irritation. You’ll also notice that your sphynx has a problem with its eyesight – it can’t focus the lights properly. Fortunately, how to care for a sphynx cat includes a regular application of eye drops and a bit of wax or oil to the eyes. This way, the cat’s eyelids aren’t constantly filled with hair.
If you have a hairless sphynx cat, grooming isn’t difficult. The easiest way to groom a sphynx cat is with a regular old washcloth. Simply wet the cloth and gently massage it around the cat’s body. Never use anything sharp or hard, such as clippers, combs, or ear plucks, because they could cut into the skin and irritate the sensitive skin under the eye.
Many sphynx breeds do very well in the regular bath time routine. They like to play in the water, so it is important that they get used to being near the water all day long. Most cats get along fine with bathing in tubs, but some will enjoy a bath in a separate container of water. You’ll have to experiment a little bit to see what suits your cat best.
There are a few things you should always watch out for with how to care for a sphynx cat. Hairless cats can be at risk for heatstroke and even skin cancer. It’s important to always monitor your cat’s body temperature and keep it as warm as possible. Since hairless cats tend to shed more hair than their fur-clad counterparts, you should make sure you give them plenty of extra brushings at least once or twice a week.
Sphynx hairless cats also tend to be quite delicate. If you’ve ever been inside a cat enclosure, you know how sensitive those whiskers can be. It’s important to avoid pulling on your cat’s facial hairs as this can lead to irritation. The most gentle approach is to gently massage the inside of their ears. Patience and tolerance is the key here.
One last thing that you need to know when you want to know how to care for a sphynx cat is that they are not particularly vocal or expressive. Their voices tend to be high pitched and their tail is rarely twitched. When you begin to talk to your cat, it may sound like they’re talking in their sleep.
To care for a sphynx cat is a very rewarding experience for anyone who gets the chance to do so. They have a very unique personality that puts them on the top of many people’s list of pets. You will be able to look past all the quirks, the strange behaviors, and even the hairless aspect. All you see is a great, fun-loving cat. They are truly wonderful pets to have in any family.
You will find that the cost of care is about two hundred dollars per month. That includes both food and medication. Once they are fully grown, they can easily cost nearly five hundred dollars per month. That puts them into the same category as other cats in the high price bracket, but they are much happier and contented with their lives. Most of them live up to seven years and a half, which makes them good pets for the long haul. They will go through a lot more accidents and cat health issues than other breeds, but they will bounce back more quickly than most.
The length of time that it takes to get a sphynx cat is about the same as it is for a long-haired tabby or any other breed of cat. It usually takes four to six months to learn how to care for a sphynx cat. There really is not a way to speed up the training, but you can certainly help them along if you want. Make sure that you spend a lot of time playing with them and teaching them how to do certain things.
As far as grooming goes, you will need to bathe your sphynx about once every two weeks, but don’t bathe too often. Sphynx cats are prone to oil buildup and this can lead to skin and coat problems. So, you will want to take care of the coat. You can buy shampoo that is specifically designed for cats with hair loss or sensitive skin, but you may also try an all-natural cat shampoo if you have sensitive skin. When it comes to how to take care of a sphynx cat, the most important thing that you should know is that grooming and health care are completely up to you.