Facts about Sphynx Cats
Ever since Sphynx cats first hit the scene in the 1960s—the result of a genetic mutation, according to the Cat Fanciers’ Association—cat lovers have been enamored with these adorable, hairless kitties.
While these cats are known for their delightful personalities and unique appearance, they also require special care and consideration. Despite their hairless status, they are a much more demanding pet than many of their furry counterparts.
If you’re thinking about bringing a Sphynx into your life, here’s what you need to know...
Sphynx Cats Have Big Personalities
“Social” is not a word some people would associate with cats, but in the case of the Sphynx, it is a very apt descriptor. Many Sphnyx owners report that these feline friends are attention-seeking machines and are also generally known to be very vocal - they will proudly tell you what they want or need.
While many cat owners welcome Sphynxes’ outgoing personalities, some people are just not up to the breed’s social demands.
Sphynx Cats Require Constant Care
If you’re up to the rigors of a Sphynx’s big personality, the next factor to consider is the cat’s overall care. The hairlessness of Sphynx cats does not mean that they’re less work than cats with fur.
On the contrary, a lot goes into keeping these cats well-groomed and their skin healthy. Caring for a Sphynx’s skin starts with a healthy, high-quality diet. The better the food, the less oil. If you don’t feed them a high-quality diet, oils accumulate more quickly and can lead to not just ongoing skin problems but also issues with ear wax and infections. Because these kitties have no fur, they tend to leave grease spots on the areas that they frequent.
While diet does help control a Sphynx cat’s overall greasiness, they will occasionally need baths to remove accumulated dirt and grime.
When you’re done bathing a Sphynx, it’s important to dry them off quickly with a soft, warm towel to prevent their skin from getting chapped. You also don’t want to bathe a Sphynx too often because that will dry out their skin.
As noted, Sphynx cats are prone to ear infections, so owners must be diligent about keeping ears clean and removing excess wax. They should also pay close attention to their kitty’s paws, as grime can accumulate between toes and cause infections.
Sphynx Cats Are Prone to Health Issues
Like many purebred cats, Sphynx cats can develop genetic health problems. The Sphynx cat breed is prone to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a condition in which the heart muscle becomes abnormally thick. Sphynx cats should be screened regularly for heart issues.
Sphynx Cats Need Protection From Cold Weather and the Sun
Another issue that stems from Sphynx cats’ hairlessness is that these kitties get cold more easily than their fuzzy cousins. However, there are plenty of options for keeping these kitties warm.
Cat apparel made from soft fabrics can keep your cat warm without irritating the skin. However, clothes soak up those skin oils, so they must be washed fairly often.
There are also cat beds that can keep cats warm, like a cat heated bed or a cat covered bed. And never underestimate the value of a snuggly blanket!
It’s also worth noting that Sphynx cats shouldn’t be let outside. Beyond the issues that come with regulating temperature in cold weather, Sphynxes’ lack of fur means they’re very prone to sunburn.
Sphynx Cats Are Not Hypoallergenic
If you are looking to adopt a Sphynx cat because you think they are the only type of cat that won’t bother your allergies, you might want to reconsider.
Many people adopt these cats because they think they are hypoallergenic, which is not the case—the lack of fur does not make them hypoallergenic. Usually humans allergies are secondary to the allergens on cat skin.
It is even possible for people to be more allergic to hairless cats than long-haired cats.