Sphynx kitten care

Sphynxes are very different from other cats, and their care is also special, more thorough. Therefore, if you had fluffies before the “naked” kitten, you can safely open a new chapter. So, what is the peculiarity of caring for Sphynx kittens?

1. We live in Africa!

The main feature of sphinxes is the absence of wool. This feature leaves an imprint on the entire care. The first thing you need to know about sphinxes is that they are constantly cold! The temperature in the room where the sphinx lives should not fall below + 25 ° C. Therefore, if you are a harsh northern warrior, it is better to get a Norwegian forest. But for lovers of heat, the sphinx is the very thing!

2. We warm ourselves without getting burned.

The main locations of sphinxes are always located near heating appliances. These cats love to bask and will never miss the opportunity to nestle next to the battery or right on it. And since their skin is thin and very sensitive, burns are a common problem. A responsible owner should not allow such situations. Always monitor the temperature of batteries and heaters. Place your hand on the surface. Hot? So the cat will be even hotter. Keeping your palm on the heater should feel pleasant warmth, not discomfort. If the surface gets too hot, isolate it from the cat. Special pads to help!

3. We sunbathe only under an umbrella!

Despite the love of warmth, sphinxes are contraindicated in direct sunlight. The point is their sensitive unprotected skin. Resting on a hot summer day on a windowsill or in nature, a kitten can get a serious burn or heat stroke.

4.  We love knitting.

Even if the house is always + 25 ° C, the sphinx will not refuse a warm sweater or overalls. Of course, all clothing should be special, designed specifically for cats, and fit perfectly.

5. Cleanse your skin regularly.

Cats have many sebaceous glands on their bodies. They produce a secret to moisturize the coat. But the sphinx has no hair, which means that the secret simply accumulates on the skin. As a result, the skin does not breathe, the pores become clogged, peeling, itching and other problems appear. To avoid this, the kitten’s body should be regularly wiped with a clean, damp cloth or napkin. It is better if it is dipped in plain water. Particular attention should be paid to the folds of the skin. Most of the secret accumulates between them and crusts form. In no case should they be torn off and scraped off. Just apply a moisturizer (such as baby cream) to the skin and wipe the area with a damp cloth after a few minutes. This will help remove the crusts.

6. We monitor the state of the times.

Acne disturbs not only people, but also animals. Having started a sphinx, you will most likely be convinced of this.

Hairless cats often develop blackheads and blackheads, again due to the accumulation of secretions. They do not harm animals, but spoil the appearance. If there are many rashes, it is better to consult a specialist.

You can eliminate single black dots right at home. To do this, gently squeeze them out and wipe the skin with an antiseptic.

7. Pharaoh baths!

What do we do when we get dirty? That’s right, let’s take a shower! Sphynxes – like quickly dirty cats – also need to be bathed.

Hairless cats need to be bathed much more often than regular cats. Focus on the degree of pollution. Regular bathing will not only not harm them, but, on the contrary, will be useful. For example, it will help to avoid acne. Don’t worry: Sphynxes tend to love bath treatments!

Optimum water temperature during bathing: +38°С. For washing, use products designed specifically for Sphynx cats, or at least lines for cats with sensitive skin.

Before bathing, place a towel or mat on the bottom of the tub or basin to keep your cat’s paws from slipping. Make sure that water does not get into the ears and on the cat’s muzzle. After bathing, thoroughly but gently dry your pet with a soft towel.

8. We clean our ears – and more often!

Why do cats have hair in their ears? To prevent dirt from entering the ear canal. Sphynxes do not have hair in their ears, and therefore they also need extra care. Inspect your pet’s ears regularly and clean them as they get dirty. To do this, it is enough to use a clean cloth and a special cleaning lotion. Just remove dirt from the sink. But cotton buds are not the best idea. There is no need for them. In addition, you may inadvertently injure your ear.

9. We look at the world with clear eyes!

The eyes of sphinxes are very large, expressive and beautiful. They have only one drawback – the lack of cilia, which means protection from dust and pollution. Therefore, sphinxes have to wipe their eyes often. To do this, use a special lotion and clean wipes (one clean wipe for each eye so as not to carry germs). Always wipe the eye from the outer corner to the inner.

Minor discharge from the eyes is normal. But intense discharge, including brown, will be a good reason to contact a veterinarian.

10 We eat right and often.

The key to health is proper nutrition. The diet of sphinxes as a whole does not differ from the diet of other cats. The only thing is that sphinxes eat more and more often, because their body spends more energy in order to keep warm.

When purchasing a kitten, do not forget that at first it must be fed exactly the same food as the breeder fed it. Even if the diet seems wrong to you, follow it for at least a few days. Otherwise, after the move, the kitten will be guaranteed severe stress. As soon as the baby adapts a little, start gradually transferring him to a different diet (if necessary). Feeding issues should be discussed with your veterinarian.

We have listed the main nuances of caring for sphinxes. Perhaps in practice you will encounter other features. Share them with us on social networks!