Hairless cats, also called Sphynx cats, are a part of the most loveable cats in the world today. Since their emergence in the 1960s- as a product of a genetic mutation, feline lovers have been enamored with these cute yet hairless kitties. Their hairless nature makes them highly unique from other cats. With these features, these cats certainly require high maintenance.
Taking proper care of a hairless kitten can pose a lot of hard work since they lack fur that protects most animals from outside elements. So if you’ve got plans on going in for a sphinx cat adoption, here are the tips for their basic care so you’ll be fully prepared to welcome this hairless feline to your abode.
BATHING A HAIRLESS CAT
One major feature that needs to be considered about these felines is the absence of fur. Fur helps separate oil, sweat, dust, and other particles from the skin. To this effect, this feline would require frequent baths. Due to their lack of fur, these feline tends to have sweaty and all-oily skin.
To bathe them, use warm water with a medicated pet shampoo. Mind you, don’t try using hot water or any pet shampoo having a strong scent. While bathing your hairless felines, ensure you wash all of the shampoos from their skin, as any leftover shampoo residue might lead to skin irritations or other skin issues when it dries. Also, try to pat your cat dry immediately after the bath. This will prevent them from getting cold from any leftover moisture.
GROOMING YOUR HAIRLESS CAT
When it comes to grooming, most people think it’s only related to cats with fur. Well, even though hairless cats lack the fur to be brushed, they also need some basic cat grooming. Acne care, ear cleaning, and nail clipping stand as the basic grooming a hairless kitten requires. With their bare naked skin, they’re highly proven to build up in these areas, so endeavor to always place a watchful eye on them and groom them when necessary.
MAINTAINING THE BODY TEMPERATURE OF YOUR HAIRLESS CAT
Because of the absence of fur, these felines are highly vulnerable to cold and hot temperatures. Maintaining their body temperature can pose a lot of stress for every reason and household. However, to help them stay warm in cold temperatures, provide many blankets to wrap themselves properly; you can even go as far as providing a heated cat igloo for warmth.
Also, some pet owners love dressing their pets up but don’t try forcing it on your cat. Some may love wearing clothes, while others may feel uncomfortable in them. Try to note their behavior while dressing them up as much as possible to ensure they’re cool with it. As stated earlier, these cats have an oily and sweaty skin, so you’ll need to wash their clothes often.
In addition, hairless cats also overheat easily, so ensure you seek ways of providing cool air during those hot and humid seasons.
Hairless cats are one of the best companions a feline lover could possess. But this bond sometimes takes a ton of work to develop. However, these tips will assist you in caring for your hairless feline so you guys can stay healthy and happy for many years.