Though there are currently many different breeds of hairless cats, the Sphynx was the first breed of hairless cat to be successfully developed. The first Sphynx cat was born in 1966, and was named Prune. However, this line of Sphynx cats died out soon after they were developed. In 1967, hairless kittens were found and rescued from Brunei. This was the official start of the Sphynx breed of cat.
Though many people classify the Sphynx as a hairless breed of cat, it is not truly without fur. The skin of a Sphynx cat is covered with fine, soft fur, often likened to peach fuzz. Since the Sphynx cat doesn’t have a coat of fur to keep itself warm, it tends to seek out the warmth of its owners. Because of this, the Sphynx cat is often identified as being a very affectionate breed. In appearance, a Sphynx cat typically has a narrow, wedge-shaped head, with oversized ears. This breed of cat is prone to becoming overweight, primarily around their stomach region. If you are thinking about adopting a Sphynx cat into your home, here are a few pet care tips you can follow.
Sphynx Cat Bath and Hygiene
Because they are a hairless breed, Sphynx cats do not require the regular brushing usually associated with cat ownership. However, it is still very important to keep their coat clean and free from excess oils. Since excess skin oils can accumulate on a Sphynx cat’s skin, it is highly recommended that Sphynx cats be bathed at least once per week. In addition to this, it is also very important to take good care of your Sphynx cat’s eyes and ears. Because of this breed’s lack of eyelashes, they may develop accumulated dust in their eye region, resulting in excessive discharge. If you use a damp cloth, you can usually keep your Sphynx cat’s eyes free of impurities. In regards to ear cleaning, you can purchase an ear cleaning product specifically designed for cats at most pet supply stores. A cat’s ears should be cleaned once per week, in order to avoid excessive earwax buildup.
Sphynx Cat Feeding
A Sphynx cat may require a slightly higher caloric intake than other breeds, since their bodies are constantly working hard to keep their body warm. The dietary needs of a Sphynx cat are slightly different; however, they will always thrive on a balanced high-protein diet. A Sphynx cat has a higher metabolism than most cats, and may require an increased volume of food at mealtimes. In addition to this, you should always provide your Sphynx cat with an ample supply of fresh water.
Sphynx Cat Littering
Sphynx cats are very conscious of their appearance, and have a natural love for personal hygiene. As such, it is very important that you keep your Sphynx cat’s litter box as clean as possible. Try to scoop up any excess waste on a daily basis, and be sure to completely replace your cat’s litter at least once per week.
12 Responses to “Sphynx Cat Care”
Yes, the sphynx does not have eye lashes to prevent debris from attacking the eye so thus in turn their bodies naturally create extra eye boogers.
I have a sphynx kitten and his eyes are always discharging a brown goo.. Is this normal?
The brown “goo” seems to be the norm for my Sphynx. He’s almost 9 months old now. Always seems to be prevalent after he’s been sleeping. Vet said it’s normal since they don’t have eyelashes. I have to clean his eyes daily. From the research I’ve done, this seems to be normal practice for sphynx.
Some sphynx grow hair on their ears, feet, tale and face. this hair will grow longer as they age. Its luck of the draw and not what you’re feeding them. My sphynx has little tuffs of hair but I was notified from the breeder when I purchased her.
help my sphynx cat,viper is totally fine but one morning he started growing little bits of fur and then after a month he was almost a fluffy like maine coon!! i think something is wrong becuase the breeder even told me it was a sphynx!! help i dont get how it could happen!!
Either it wasn’t a very good breeder or what kind of food do you feed it I heard cheap food can make a sphynx grow hair
I am doing as much research as possible before aquiring my future beautiful sphynx, but it is very difficult to find good a good cattery, and the closest one to me is about an hour and a half away… But I am determined to find my kitties! =) any suggestions?
It is definately worth the drive or the shipping charges to buy high quality sphynxs from a reputable breeder. Pay for them in person, do not pay and then wait for them to be shipped!!
Our two 14 week old sphinx kittens cover their poo, and are well litter trained
Just on the litter box thing. Many Sphynx do not cover their waste and so can walk in it if not removed quickly. Also the quicker the removal, the less smell, so it’s in everyone’s best interests to get that poo out of there ASAP
I have recently acquired a wonderful 11 mo. old male (neutered) Sphynx. He is absolutely adorable and everything I dreamed of. However, hafter having him for 2-3 days (even with daily litter box cleaning) I notice there is an unusual odor (not the same as normal cat litter boxes)and very strong. Is this normal? Is this due to the high caloric/fat (good) food that they are eating? What can be done to help with this? It is especially a problem when we travel
I clean daily but since I am away from home some days 10 hrs. this isn’t always possible. On the days that I am at home it doesn’t seem to make a difference if I remove it twice a day. What type litter is the best? I’m using Arm and Hammer currently.