Sphynx Care

Although for the most part, caring for a Sphynx is like caring for "normal" cats, they still require some different care because their unique looks. Below I have mentioned a couple care tips and instructions for Sphynx care. If you can think of anything else I can put down here, please contact me and let me know.

Bathing

Since Sphynx cats sweat and the sweat will absorb dirt, dust, etc., most Sphynx cats need to be bathed about once a week. Contrary to popular belief, if you introduce a cat to the "B" word early enough in their life, they get used to taking a bath and most even seem to enjoy the experience. (Although there will always be those exceptions who hate the bath and continue to snarl and act miserable through the whole ordeal.)

The first thing you need to do before you even give the bath is to make certain that you have all the equipment that you need. You don't want to get halfway through the bath just to discover that you forgot something that was needed. I usually get a washcloth, a cup, some cat shampoo, and a warm towel. Then you get the bath run. I run it until it comes up about to the cat's shoulder blades. Make sure the water isn't too hot or too cold. Then gently place the dirty kitty in the water. Then get him/her wet and lather on some shampoo. Then rinse off the soap and dry your now clean kitty off. This process really doesn't take long and after a little practice, you can get the whole routine done in about 10-15 minutes. I like to spend some time after a cat bath cuddling with the kitty in question as a kind of reward for the both of us.

Face and Nails

After bathing, you can simply take a warm washcloth and wash your kitty's face. As for the nails, it's basically the same thing. If neccessary, you may use some soap to help free the dirt from the nails (but be sure to rinse the soap off afterwards). At this point you should also clip your cat's nails. By squeezing her toe, the claw will pop out so you can trim it. Be careful that you don't clip the sensitive pink quick (don't clip within about 2 mm. of the quick) and that you clip only the very tip of the nail. You will need to clip your cat's nails about every week or so.

Ears

This is my least favorite part of grooming Lupi because she absolutely hates it! She is completely disagreeable about it and seizes every oppurtunity to get away. But cleaning your Sphynx's ears must be done because if it is not, their ears get very itchy and uncomfortable, and they can even get ear infections.

To clean their ears, first you need equipment. I use cu-tips, cotton balls, and a little cat ear wax stuff. Then you can begin. Use a little of the ear wax stuff to break up the wax then use the cotton balls to get the wax out. I do not suggest using the cu-tips unless you know what you are doing because it is extremely easy to go too far. When you are using the cu-tips, you must NEVER go any deeper than you can see. You can deafen your cat very easily this way!!