Sphynx Cat Health & Care
Health
The Sphynx is an overall healthy breed. Prevention is the key to perfect health. Maintaining regular vet visits and up-to-date immunizations will ward off most illnesses that would affect any cat. Sphynx Cats have been known to live 10 years or longer with proper care. The number one killer in cats is HCM which is a heart disease. The Sphynx Breed is known to have a very high rate of heart disease and may require special care. Pet Insurance is always recommended.
Do your homework and only purchase your Sphynx Kitten from a reputable Sphynx Breeder.
Age appropriate Spay / Neuter. ( 4 months for boys ) ( 5-6 months for girls ) Please consult with your vet.
Providing an outlet for play and natural behavior of scratching with a carpeted cat tree.
High quality Wet food or Raw food as the main diet. Dry kibble is for snacking only. Access to fresh water 24/7.
A clean litter box daily is a must! Remember feline illnesses live in the litter box so keep it clean.
Clean bedding and blankets.
Your Sphynx cat will require Lots of Love and Attention.
HCM in Cats
Please Read:
Understanding Heart Disease in Cats on my Kitten Contract Page.
Pet Insurance
Our pets are a big part of our families. We treat them like our children... and like our children they too can become ill. It is recommended to carry full coverage Pet Insurance. Be sure and purchase your insurance plan for your cat at a young age - Pet Insurance will not cover any pre-existing conditions. Please see my "Links" Page for Pet Insurance Websites.
Bathing your Sphynx Cat
Because Sphynx cats do not have fur to absorb the natural oils from their skin they will need periodic bathing. The oils on their skin will attract dust and dirt from their surroundings making them dirty. Depending on the amount of oils secreted from the cat, and the cleanliness of its environment, will determine the frequency of bathing. Diet can also play a major roll. Do not over bath your Sphynx Cat... let them go as long as possible in between baths.
Bath time should be fun for cat and owner alike. Because bathing is a routine part of owning a Sphynx Cat, it should be introduced at a young age and made stress free as possible. Run your bath water before bringing your kitty into the bathroom for a bath. Use float toys in the bath water to make it a fun experience. Most Sphynx tolerate bathing well, but if your cat is stressed by the experience, make bath time as quick as possible and wash their face and ears after you take them out of the water. Avoid getting soap into your cat's eyes or mouth. I recommend using Dawn liquid dish soap.
Claws & Paws
Sphynx cats will get dirt between their pads and in the pockets of their claws. They can be cleaned out with a warm wash cloth, baby wipe or alcohol wipe. The cleaning of their paws will need to be done more often and in conjunction with their bath time. Their nails front and back will need to be trimmed every 14 days. In most cats you can see the vein line inside the claw and you must be very careful not to clip on or beyond it. Begin by clipping off just the very tip of the nail until you are confident on how to trim the nails. Never Declaw your cat. Please see the "Anti-Amputation" page.
Soft Paws are recommended to control unwanted scratching.
Sphynx Ears
Sphynx ears are hairless and produce a large amount of earwax. They will need cleaning every 14 days. You can purchase a good ear wash from your vet. Use a baby wipe or alcohol wipe to clean the exposed portion of the ear. You may use a QTip for hard to reach areas... but don't go too deep.
Teeth
The baby teeth of your Sphynx Kitten will normally be stained brown. This is caused by the oils on the mothers skin while kitten is nursing. The brown staining is not from antibiotic use. When the kitten's baby teeth fall out around 4 months of age... their adult teeth normally come in pearly white.
Feeding
Premium Wet Food or Raw Food twice a day. Dry food and water left out 24/7.
Litter Box
Covered Litter Box. If it comes with a door flap - take it off. Litter Box liners. SoPhresh Petco paper pellet litter.
Climate
Your Sphynx is an Indoor Cat Only. You may take your kitty outdoors on a harness and lease. Consider a T-shirt or Sweater when going out. Never use Sunscreen on your cat. The general rule of thumb is... if you are comfortable they usually are too. However, if they get a chill, they are cleaver enough to find a warm spot under a blanket in your home or curled up with another pet.
The Sphynx is an overall healthy breed. Prevention is the key to perfect health. Maintaining regular vet visits and up-to-date immunizations will ward off most illnesses that would affect any cat. Sphynx Cats have been known to live 10 years or longer with proper care. The number one killer in cats is HCM which is a heart disease. The Sphynx Breed is known to have a very high rate of heart disease and may require special care. Pet Insurance is always recommended.
Do your homework and only purchase your Sphynx Kitten from a reputable Sphynx Breeder.
Age appropriate Spay / Neuter. ( 4 months for boys ) ( 5-6 months for girls ) Please consult with your vet.
Providing an outlet for play and natural behavior of scratching with a carpeted cat tree.
High quality Wet food or Raw food as the main diet. Dry kibble is for snacking only. Access to fresh water 24/7.
A clean litter box daily is a must! Remember feline illnesses live in the litter box so keep it clean.
Clean bedding and blankets.
Your Sphynx cat will require Lots of Love and Attention.
HCM in Cats
Please Read:
Understanding Heart Disease in Cats on my Kitten Contract Page.
Pet Insurance
Our pets are a big part of our families. We treat them like our children... and like our children they too can become ill. It is recommended to carry full coverage Pet Insurance. Be sure and purchase your insurance plan for your cat at a young age - Pet Insurance will not cover any pre-existing conditions. Please see my "Links" Page for Pet Insurance Websites.
Bathing your Sphynx Cat
Because Sphynx cats do not have fur to absorb the natural oils from their skin they will need periodic bathing. The oils on their skin will attract dust and dirt from their surroundings making them dirty. Depending on the amount of oils secreted from the cat, and the cleanliness of its environment, will determine the frequency of bathing. Diet can also play a major roll. Do not over bath your Sphynx Cat... let them go as long as possible in between baths.
Bath time should be fun for cat and owner alike. Because bathing is a routine part of owning a Sphynx Cat, it should be introduced at a young age and made stress free as possible. Run your bath water before bringing your kitty into the bathroom for a bath. Use float toys in the bath water to make it a fun experience. Most Sphynx tolerate bathing well, but if your cat is stressed by the experience, make bath time as quick as possible and wash their face and ears after you take them out of the water. Avoid getting soap into your cat's eyes or mouth. I recommend using Dawn liquid dish soap.
Claws & Paws
Sphynx cats will get dirt between their pads and in the pockets of their claws. They can be cleaned out with a warm wash cloth, baby wipe or alcohol wipe. The cleaning of their paws will need to be done more often and in conjunction with their bath time. Their nails front and back will need to be trimmed every 14 days. In most cats you can see the vein line inside the claw and you must be very careful not to clip on or beyond it. Begin by clipping off just the very tip of the nail until you are confident on how to trim the nails. Never Declaw your cat. Please see the "Anti-Amputation" page.
Soft Paws are recommended to control unwanted scratching.
Sphynx Ears
Sphynx ears are hairless and produce a large amount of earwax. They will need cleaning every 14 days. You can purchase a good ear wash from your vet. Use a baby wipe or alcohol wipe to clean the exposed portion of the ear. You may use a QTip for hard to reach areas... but don't go too deep.
Teeth
The baby teeth of your Sphynx Kitten will normally be stained brown. This is caused by the oils on the mothers skin while kitten is nursing. The brown staining is not from antibiotic use. When the kitten's baby teeth fall out around 4 months of age... their adult teeth normally come in pearly white.
Feeding
Premium Wet Food or Raw Food twice a day. Dry food and water left out 24/7.
Litter Box
Covered Litter Box. If it comes with a door flap - take it off. Litter Box liners. SoPhresh Petco paper pellet litter.
Climate
Your Sphynx is an Indoor Cat Only. You may take your kitty outdoors on a harness and lease. Consider a T-shirt or Sweater when going out. Never use Sunscreen on your cat. The general rule of thumb is... if you are comfortable they usually are too. However, if they get a chill, they are cleaver enough to find a warm spot under a blanket in your home or curled up with another pet.
