5 Things to Know About Sphynx Cats

Even though the Sphynx cats are called hairless, it's not completely true. They may look that way, but their bodies are often covered with a fine down which makes you feel as if you were touching a warm peach. They are usually a very healthy breed, energetic, playful and strong, but they are also very demanding. Here are some things you may wish to consider before buying a Sphynx cat.

You have to clean your Sphynx cat

People usually think that there's no need to bath a hairless cat, but their skin secretes as much oil as any other cat's skin - and they have no hair to absorb it. Think of a greasy body close to the ground, and you'll get the picture. This is why it's necessary to give a hairless cat a bath once a week. The good thing is that the breeders usually teach Sphynx kittens to enjoy warm baths; the owner should continue the practice, rewarding their kitty before and after the bath.

Sphynxes have no hair in their ear canals, either - and they produce a lot of ear wax. This ear wax can block the ear canal if the cat owner doesn't clean it, not to mention it will stain everything it comes in contact with. A gentle cleaning with cotton swabs once or twice a week is necessary. If it seems too repulsive, it's better not to purchase a Sphynx cat.

Sphynxes hate being alone

The Sphynx cats love their human companions, and they usually get along well with other cats and with dogs. They love to play and often enjoy cuddling. If you want an affectionate feline companion, Sphynxes are a great choice, but if you need to leave your home for prolonged periods of time, your cat might become depressed. They need to interact with other friendly beings, be it humans, cats (Sphynxes or not), dogs or other friendly animals.

They need to keep warm

Since they have no coat to protect them from cold, Sphynxes need other means to stay warm. If you would be cold without any clothes on, your hairless cat would be cold, too. They are very smart and will seek warm spots (humans, friendly animals, heated parts of the house), but the owner must provide those places. If leaving the heat on while you're not in the house isn't an option, a good solution is to get a heated cat bed or similar.

Sphynxes are indoor cats

Without the fur, these cats easily get sunburns, which is why they should be kept away from the sun. While they can go outside, they shouldn't actually live there. To protect them from painful sunburns, the owner can install sunblock shades or screens on the windows, and apply baby sunscreen on the tips of the cat's ears and the bridge of the nose. They might want to fall asleep in the sun like any other cat, but it isn't safe for them to do so.

Sphynxes are hypoallergenic

No cat is completely hypoallergenic, but people normally allergic to cats may be able to tolerate Sphynxes. Irritation is usually caused by pet dander (similar to dandruff) and saliva (spread to the body during cleaning). Hairless cats produce both dander and saliva, but with no fur to shed, the chances of allergens coming to contact with people are smaller.