Veterinarians believe that regular bathing of the Sphynx is a mandatory procedure, because, unlike their furry counterparts, hairless cats get dirty more often. For most members of the cat family, contact with water causes severe stress, and therefore, if the owner is unsure of his own abilities, it is better to contact a professional groomer for the first time. You cannot use children's and adult shampoos and gels; only professional products for animals are suitable.
How often to wash your Sphynx
All Sphynx cats - Canadian, Donskoy, Peterbald - require the same care. During selective breeding, the breeds lost their hair, but not their sebaceous glands. If in ordinary cats sebum is distributed throughout the fur when licking or when they are combed, then in sphinxes it remains on the skin. Especially a lot of skin secretion accumulates in the folds of the neck, under the arms, in the groin, and under the tail. Dust and particles of desquamated skin stick well to lard. This environment is ideal for bacteria. When microorganisms settle there, an unpleasant odor begins to emanate from the pet.
And if a cat with fur does not need to be washed at all, only if it is heavily soiled and in preparation for an exhibition, then baldy cats need bathing. There are no exact recommendations on how often to bathe a Sphynx. Everything is individual. Depends on physiology and pollution rate. For example, it has been noted that young, uncastrated cats produce more oil and get dirty faster. Therefore, one cat is bathed every week, the second time every 2-3 months or six months. On average, Sphynx cats are washed once every 2 weeks.
However, the main principle in bathing sphinxes is this: the less, the better. Frequent water treatments lead to dry skin and flaking.
Gummy sphinxes (completely bald, rubbery) especially suffer from human cleanliness. For them, the secretion produced by the skin is the only protection against overheating, hypothermia and irritation. Washing removes the protection. After bathing, the skin of completely hairless Sphynx cats must be lubricated with moisturizer or conditioner.
If plaque forms on the skin and ears too quickly (within a week), this indicates poor nutrition. It is necessary to review and adjust the Sphynx's diet. The higher quality the food, the less secretion is released.
What to consider when bathing a cat without hair
It is useful for the owner of the Sphinx to remember:
- The first bath of a young pet should be done after the kitten has settled into its new home;
- It is better to wash the animal on an empty stomach, and after the procedure you need to feed it especially tasty. This is how the cat will form and strengthen a positive conditioned reflex: water procedures entail pleasant moments;
- there should be no drafts in the room where the pet is bathed, because Sphynx cats are susceptible to colds. If the house is cool, you can heat a towel;
- cats are afraid of the noise of pouring water, so you should fill the bath in advance;
- During the first bath, it is better to rinse the Sphynx using a ladle: a shower can be scary.
If the owner does not dare to wash the cat himself for the first time, there is an option to turn to the services of a groomer. A specialist can carry out water procedures at home or in a pet salon.
It turns out that there is nothing complicated about bathing sphinxes. Accuracy, a kind word, a caring attitude - and your pet will get used to the water and will take baths with pleasure.
What you need for swimming
Preparing for a swim is a key event.
To wash your Sphynx you will need:
- Bath or basin.
- Shampoo.
- Sponge.
- Rubber mat - optional.
- Rinse ladle.
- A few floating toys for distraction.
- Towel.
- Plaid.
- Delicacy. If the cat behaves well during water procedures, it is treated with a treat.
Everything is prepared in advance. Before bathing the Sphynx, it is advisable to trim the claws (if necessary) so that the cat does not scratch if it struggles.
When bathing Sphynxes, it is important not to catch a cold. Therefore, the procedure takes place in warm water and in a closed room without drafts.
Fill the bath with water before bathing. It is advisable that the pet does not see this. Many cats are afraid of the sound of running water.
The water temperature is approximately 38-39 degrees - so that your hand is pleasantly warm. This is the cat's body temperature, so it is comfortable for bathing. It is important that the air is not cold - at least 22 degrees.
For the first time, it is better to bathe in a basin so as not to frighten your pet with large volumes of water. The depth for the first bath is to reach the chin when the cat is sitting on its butt. Subsequently, water is poured up to the sphinx’s neck, leaving part of the back open.
For convenience, place a rubberized mat or towel on the bottom of the bath so that the paws do not slip and the cat feels more confident.
How to bathe a Sphynx
It would seem like a simple matter to wash the cat. But you need to understand that sphinxes, Canadian or Don, are special creatures. Their unusual appearance, for which this breed is highly valued, is the result of a gene mutation. In other words, it is a mistake of nature. They cannot survive without human care, so they need special care.
Important! Sphynxes do not have eyelashes, which serve as a protective barrier for the eyes from infections and debris. Therefore, it is necessary to wipe their eyes with a clean, soft, damp cloth daily.
Which shampoo for hairless cats should I buy?
The choice of detergents for sphinxes must be approached responsibly. Shampoos for children and adults, even hypoallergenic ones, are absolutely not suitable.
These cats can only be washed with special products that are sold in pet stores:
- Ms.Kiss "Graceful Sphinx". Reviews about it are contradictory. There are no complaints about the cleaning qualities of this shampoo. However, many cat owners do not like strong fragrance;
- Doctor VIC Professional for hairless cats: shampoo + conditioner. Consumer reviews are only positive;
- Le Artis for hairless cat breeds. The delicate consistency of the soufflé cream and excellent washing and cleansing qualities characterize this shampoo.
The most popular, affordable and budget funds are listed. The choice must be made by the owner of the sphinx, based on his own preferences and the reaction of the pet.
Bath accessories
A set of these items should be stored separately from the owner’s bath accessories:
- shampoo for hairless cats;
- small soft sponge;
- favorite toys;
- cloth to lay on the bottom of the bathing container;
- ladle for rinsing with clean water;
- A towel large enough to completely wrap the sphinx.
After each use, bath accessories should be dried and, if necessary, washed or washed.
Water temperature recommendation
Important! It is often advised to set the temperature of the water for a sphinx bath to 38-40 degrees. But this can burn the animal.
Air and water have different thermal conductivity. This needs to be understood. If we put our hand in water at a temperature of 38 degrees, it will seem very hot to us. The cat won't like it either. Therefore, you should start swimming in a cooler setting.
The water temperature should be comfortable for the animal. It is best to determine this tactilely ─ by touch. The water should be pleasantly warm for your hand, not hot! A special thermometer shows 35-36° C. It is with these numbers that you need to start bathing the sphinx. Then you can increase the degree, focusing on the sensations.
Bathing stages
The procedure for bathing a sphinx can be divided into 3 stages:
- Preparatory. Preparing a place for swimming, bath accessories and the animal itself.
Before you wash your cat, you need to trim his claws. This will protect the owner from scratches.
You are supposed to wipe your eyes with a clean damp cloth, drip a special lotion into your ears and clean them with a cotton pad. Your cat may be prone to ear diseases. It is recommended to place cotton swabs loosely in the ears. Then you need to prepare all the bathing accessories and pour water at the desired temperature into a container.
If the action takes place in the bath, it is better to rinse the animal from the shower. Otherwise, you should stock up on water in a ladle or jug for this.
- Basic. Actually swimming.
You should take the cat in your arms and, talking affectionately to it, go to the place where water procedures are performed.
It is recommended to lay an old towel or piece of cloth on the bottom of the bath to prevent your paws from slipping along the bottom. While stroking and holding, you need to put the cat in the water. Distract her attention with a toy.
There is no need to immediately soap and water the animal: let it get used to it first. While bathing, you should try not to splash it in the cat’s face. It is recommended to ensure that foam and water do not get into the Sphynx's eyes and ears. The head, nose and cheeks should be wiped calmly and gently with a damp hand or napkin.
A very soft sponge is suitable for washing the body. You need to quickly soap the cat and carefully rinse off the foam. All this must be done calmly, talking kindly to the animal, not allowing it to show aggression.
If these conditions are met, the first and all subsequent baths will be successful.
- Final.
You need to wrap the cat in a towel and let it dry for a few minutes. You should not actively wipe your Sphynx so as not to cause irritation to the skin. It is advised to simply hold the pet wrapped up, allowing the water to absorb, and then blot the body in the area of the folds.
After bathing, the cat will definitely lick itself. Therefore, it is important to thoroughly rinse off the shampoo during rinsing.
How to wash a Sphynx
The choice of shampoo for bathing your Sphynx is important. It is preferable to use a detergent specifically for hairless cats, preferably based on natural ingredients. There are few of these on the market. Therefore, you can choose a shampoo for Sphynx cats labeled “moisturizing” or “relieving irritation” or “to control dandruff.” As a rule, these are shampoos with herbal decoctions, the addition of aloe, and oatmeal.
If it is not possible to buy a specialized shampoo for hairless cats, it is permissible to use products for newborns with a pH level of 5.5. Other children's shampoos are not recommended for use.
You cannot take shampoos that say “super cleansing”, “texturizer”, or containing oil or lanolin. Shampoos with super-cleaning are needed only in one case - if the cat, and this often happens in young and uncastrated cats, has a strong secretion of sebum at the base of the tail. In such cases, acne and comedones often form in this area. It is to combat the “pimply tail” that super cleaning is needed. Keratolytic shampoos containing lactic acid are also shown. Such products reduce sebum production and, accordingly, relieve skin inflammation.
Selecting accessories
Bathing representatives of the cat family, regardless of breed, is a mandatory hygienic procedure, which does not cause much enthusiasm among pets and often causes stress. Correct organization of the procedure will help to avoid negative perception of this process.
When bathing the sphinx, you will need a shallow basin or a small bath, the water level in which should be no more than 15 cm. It is better to cover the bottom of the bathing container with a towel so that the cat’s paws do not slip. The cat is afraid of running water, for this reason it is better to fill the bath with water in advance.
Prepare rubber toys for your pet. Curiosity will play a role as one of the main character traits of representatives of the Sphynx breed, and the pet will happily frolic in the bathroom with new toys. You can also stock up on your favorite treats and reward them for good behavior during bath time.
Many people are interested in what shampoo to wash a Sphynx cat and whether it is possible to use products for children or sensitive skin. Today, pet stores offer a wide range of various hygiene products for pets, including special shampoos for washing the Sphynx breed. Do not use shampoos and soaps for children, as products for humans and animals have different components.
It is better to wash the delicate skin of the Sphinx with your hands or a soft washcloth. Don't forget to prepare a large bath towel to wrap your wet Sphynx in immediately after bathing. In winter, the towel can be slightly warmed up so that the animal feels comfortable and does not freeze.
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Which shampoo for hairless cats should I buy?
Before bathing your Sphynx, choose a suitable cat shampoo that suits the needs of the cat's skin. Buy a gel shampoo for hairless cats with sensitive skin. Do not use shampoo that is strong-smelling or harsh on the bare hide, which will irritate your pet's sensitive skin.
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Progress of the procedure
To comprehensively answer the question of how to properly bathe a sphinx, let’s present a description of this important process from start to finish:
- If your pet has a stubborn character, trim his claws before bathing.
- Fill a basin and ladle with water in advance: many cats are frightened by the sound of a powerful water jet.
- Place a rubber mat on the bottom of the tank: it will eliminate the sliding effect and prevent the risk of injury.
- Carefully lower your pet into the water, let him get used to it for 2-3 minutes and soak his paws. At this time, you can water the cat from your hand or a ladle, giving him the opportunity to watch floating toys or soap bubbles. Calm your bald head with encouraging conversations and gentle stroking. Such “psychotherapy” will allow you to bathe your Sphynx often and without problems.
- Squeeze a little shampoo from the dispenser onto the sponge and begin lathering the animal's wet body. Pay special attention to sweaty areas, folds, and armpits. The front paws, which quickly become dirty from contact with toilet filler, can be rubbed with a stiffer washcloth. Operate quickly, confidently, but do not overdo it so as not to cause discomfort. The foam should not get into his ears and eyes. Keep your slightly discouraged animal busy with conversation all the time. Then he will be affectionate and gentle.
- After 1-2 minutes, start rinsing off the shampoo. Do this carefully, carefully watering the animal from the ladle. No matter how impatient your ward is, try to completely wash off the foam from his body. Firstly, it will prevent your skin from becoming irritated. Secondly, the animal will definitely begin to “wash” itself with its tongue, eliminating foreign odors, and the detergent should not get into its mouth.
- After removing the pebble from the water, carefully wrap it in a terry towel and dry it so that it does not freeze. The apartment should be warm on bath days, not lower than 22°C. It is necessary to ensure that there are no drafts. Don't even think about drying your sphinx with a hairdryer; you'll scare him to death and burn him on top of that.
- Cover your pet's dried skin with massaging movements using pre-prepared oil or cream. You should only resort to this method of hydration and nutrition if you receive recommendations from a veterinary dermatologist.
- While your bald head is calming down and finally drying on your lap, arm yourself with a damp sanitary napkin and wipe your eyes and ears with it. After the bath, the ears are well cleaned.
During the entire procedure, hold in your hands (and firmly) not only the sphinx, but also yourself. The animal sensitively captures the mood of the owner. Encourage him with kind words and don't forget to reward him with prepared treats.
Dietary features of sphinxes
You need to find out from the breeder which food is best for the Sphynx.
When picking up a kitten from the nursery, the cat is already accustomed to a certain diet and nutrition, which can be followed at home. You can of course change it, but you need to do it correctly. You need to select food based on the physiological characteristics of the animal. There are special foods for sterilized pets, pregnant women, and others. These cats have an increased appetite. Food for Sphynx cats must satisfy the body's needs. It is better to choose premium or super-premium food. Food must be given at a certain time, taking into account the health status and age of the animal.
Some brands stand out in particular:
- Royal Canin;
- Nutro Choice;
- Eagle Pack;
- Holistic Blend.
These are the best food for sphinxes, made from high-quality raw materials. A good food should include natural meat and offal, various vegetables, grains, and vitamin and mineral supplements. Cheap food is often made from low-quality meat, bone meal, starch and flavor enhancers. You should not choose them, Sphynx cats have a delicate digestive system. Also, when choosing food, it is important to consider the age of your pet. According to this criterion, they are available for kittens, adults and older animals.
Here you can read about the Cornish and Devon Rex Sphynx breeds.
What food to choose for your Sphynx
Dry food for cats.
Dry food for Sphynxes is the most optimal feeding regimen for Sphynxes. This food contains all the necessary ingredients. It is important to take into account that the animal should receive three times more water than the food eaten. There is no clear answer to the question of how many times to feed the Sphinx per day. This depends on many individual factors of the particular animal. Veterinarians advise feeding in small fractional portions, but at least three times a day. Kittens under 8 months of age should receive food up to five times a day.
The cat can also receive natural food. Breeders and felinologists give some recommendations on what you can feed your sphinx. The diet must meet certain requirements:
- There must be meat, preferably lean varieties (poultry, veal, rabbit);
- meat by-products should be included;
- dairy products, but not more than twice a week;
- Sea fish should be included, but raw fish should be excluded;
- To obtain vitamins, cereals, cereals, vegetables, and eggs should be included in the diet.
Veterinarians advise combining ready-made and natural diets for this breed. This technique will have a better effect on the body and maintain the health of the pet. The higher calorie requirement of this breed is the main feature of the diet. The cat should not starve, it can be harmful for it.
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Natural nutrition in the diet
Food for sphinxes can be natural. This is especially good since the kitten received such nutrition from its breeder and is already accustomed to it. The cat's diet should be close to the natural diet of wild felines. This diet should consist primarily of meat. What to feed a Sphynx cat at home? There are the following recommendations for this question:
- Meat. It should be chicken, turkey or other varieties other than pork due to the high amount of fat. It is better to boil the meat before serving to reduce the risk of helminth infection. Deep freezing will also help with this.
- Eggs. They should be rarely present in the diet. They can be given only a few times a week as they are an allergen.
- Dairy products. They improve the digestive system. You can give cottage cheese, kefir or yogurt.
- Fish. Fish have a high risk of getting worms. This product can only be given in boiled form, having previously cleared it of scales and bones.
- For variety, kittens should include boiled liver, heart, and kidneys in their feeding. Large portions of these foods can cause digestive upset.
- The diet should include cereals and cereals, but their share should not exceed 30% of the mass volume of the serving.
Wild cats eat green grass in nature, and domestic cats also need it. To do this, you can purchase or sprout oats, wheat and give young shoots to your pet. To help Sphynx owners decide on the type of food for their pet, we suggest studying the table comparing ready-made food and natural diet.
Table of comparative characteristics of natural and ready-made food.
How to feed a neutered cat
Castrated and neutered Sphynx cats, like other cats, have a high risk of developing problems with the urinary system and kidneys. To prevent this, you need to follow a diet; you need to watch what sphinxes eat.
Products can only be used that contain a minimum amount of phosphorus, magnesium, but contain calcium. The main source of phosphorus is fish; it should be completely excluded from the diet of such an animal. You can use special food for neutered pets. They contain special additives that have a higher oxidizing capacity.
The natural diet of a sterilized animal should contain the following products:
- cereals – buckwheat, rice, millet;
- beef, chicken;
- meat by-products;
- vegetables;
- dairy and fermented milk products.
Food should be given in fractional portions; exceeding the norm can lead to obesity. It is recommended to switch your pet to a diet with a reduced calorie content. Once a week, you can give your pet a diet day.
What to feed a pregnant cat
There are special foods for pregnant cats that are high in proteins, vitamins, and minerals. During this period, the cat needs more careful nutrition and care. How to properly feed a Sphynx during pregnancy is determined by the main requirement - the diet should be increased in portion weight and feeding frequency.
The frequency of feeding should be increased to five times a day, and the number of servings should be 20-25% compared to usual. It is worth agreeing on all feeding features with a veterinarian, taking into account all the characteristics of the animal’s body.
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What to feed a Sphynx kitten
The nutrition of a small kitten depends primarily on its age.
The breeder does not have this problem, since the kitten feeds mainly on mother's milk. You can start complementary feeding after 6 weeks. There is a special ready-made food for Sphynx kittens, designed for young and even small animals. As a natural food, boiled or raw veal, cut into small pieces, is given. It will be useful to include cottage cheese, quail eggs, and fermented milk products in your diet. They need to be administered in small quantities and be sure to look for the presence of allergic reactions. Dry food should be pre-soaked so that the kitten does not injure itself in the oral cavity due to solid particles. It is necessary to give food six or more times a day; a growing body needs a large amount of calories.
What food should not be given
Naked Sphynx kitten.
There is a list of foods that should not be given to your pet and may even be dangerous. Such products are food from the common table. Such food contains salt, spices, and preservatives that can harm the animal. The main products excluded from the diet are:
- roast;
- pork and any fatty meats;
- sausages, sausages, smoked meats and other meat derivatives;
- bones;
- baked goods, especially sweet ones.
Sphynxes should not be given milk. It may cause lactose intolerance. Milk is given only to small kittens, not to adult cats. Instead, you can introduce fermented milk products. They will be more beneficial to the animal than whole milk.
Vitamins and supplements in the Sphynx diet
Natural nutrition can lead to a deficiency of essential minerals, vitamins, and amino acids. This does not happen with ready-made super-premium food, since they are balanced and additionally enriched with special additives. Regarding natural food, you need to give them to your cat additionally. A deficiency of these substances can lead to health problems and various negative manifestations.
Vitamins for sphinxes can be purchased at a veterinary pharmacy or a specialty store. Before purchasing, you should discuss this issue with a veterinarian, who will recommend the best one, since the range of such complexes is extremely diverse.
Cat's need for vitamins.
How to train a Sphynx to bathe
Accustom your cat to water procedures from the moment he arrives in the house. Place purring toys in a basin or bathtub. Gently move the cat into the bathing container. Do not turn on the water: let the cat get used to the new place. When it's time for a real bath, pour some water into the basin or bathtub. The water level should not be higher than the level of the cat’s belly. Lower the sphinx into the water carefully, while talking to him. Try to divert the animal's attention to his favorite toys so that he does not worry.
The main thing is a calm environment
Set an example for your pet: let the cat into the bathroom while you wash yourself. He will see that the water does not harm the owner, and will not be so afraid of it.
One of the good ways to accustom your cat to water is to treat it with treats for good behavior. Even if your pet is not enthusiastic about the bath, the treat will motivate her to behave calmly.
Breed Features
The suede-like skin of a hairless cat is distinguished by the active functioning of the sebaceous and sweat glands. Because of this, the body quickly becomes greasy, especially under the arms and in the folds. Excess skin secretion makes the cat's appearance untidy and leaves brownish stains on light-colored fabrics.
To keep your pet's skin elastic and the velor fluff covering it soft, regular water treatments are required. How often the Sphynx needs to be washed is up to each owner to decide for himself, depending on how dirty his pet gets and taking into account his individual characteristics.
It is advisable to accustom your baby to weekly trips to the bath and daily wiping of the body with a damp towel. If your pet is particularly clean or its skin is not prone to intense sebum secretion, you can reduce the number of bathing sessions to 1-3 per month.
Bath accessories
To avoid embarrassment, you need to carefully prepare for each water session. Check if you have everything you need at hand:
- a baby bath or basin that can be filled with 15-20 cm of water (a small tank is more comfortable for a cautious animal),
- rubber mat for safe bathing
- a water thermometer will tell you the correct temperature at which sphinxes can be bathed (38°-39°C),
- soft sponge,
- hypoallergenic shampoo designed specifically for Sphynx cats whose skin is prone to peeling and rashes,
- a couple of rubber balls or a “family” of toy ducks (for a gambling cat this is a strong argument in favor of water treatments),
- rinsing ladle,
- favorite treats for calmness and patience,
- a soft large towel in which the wet animal will be wrapped at the end of the session,
- moisturizing nourishing cream or special medicated oil for those who have problems with dry skin.
