How to Care for Hairless Cats
Last Updated on January 16, 2021 by Holly Anne Dustin
The Sphynx cat and the Donskoy are the two foundational hairless breeds. The Sphynx is a foundation cat for 6-7 other hairless breeds. You’ll want to discuss care needs for your specific hairless breed of cat with your breeder. These hairless cats have unique needs that furred cats don’t have. Find out more about how to care for hairless cats.
Contents
Are Hairless Cats Hard to Take Care of?
The hairless breeds aren’t hard to take care of, but they are high maintenance cats, just in a different way from a Persian or a Siamese. They have unique dietary and grooming needs compared to furred cats.
Diet and Nutrition for Sphynx Cats
A high-quality diet and hydration is vital to keep a hairless cat’s skin in proper condition. Sphynx cats have a sensitive digestive system. They can out fart a dog any day. You may have to try a few brands to find something that works for your hairless cat.
Hairless cats are active cats and have a faster metabolism than other breeds to keep their body temperature up. They will need more calories than other cats. Consult with your breeder and your vet to discuss what and how much to feed your hairless cat.
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Do Hairless Cats Need to Wear Clothes?
The question of cats and clothes is controversial no matter what the breed. If your cat doesn’t mind clothing, indulge. There are even entire shops and communities dedicated to clothing for Sphynx cats. But don’t force a cat into a sweater if that makes him miserable.
If you do opt to dress your hairless cat, be sure to use a dye-free, scent-free, hypoallergenic laundry detergent to do his laundry. The additives can irritate his sensitive skin.
Your hairless cat will need help to stay warm. But you can accomplish that with fleece blankets and heated beds if your kitty prefers to stay naked. Your hairless cats can overheat in the summer without fur to insulate them. They are sensitive to the sun. Sunburn and skin cancer are risks for these guys. We should limit their exposure to sun. Don’t use human sunscreen on your cats.
Do Sphynx Cats Groom Themselves?
Yes, the hairless breed cats, like the Sphynx and the Peterbald, groom themselves just like regular cats. But they are oilier than other cats and they have lots of skin folds, so they need some help. In fact, many Sphynx owners will tell you that their cat asks for help.
How to Groom Your Hairless Cat
Wait, I have to groom a hairless cat?? Was that the first thing that went through your head? Not surprised. Grooming is not the first thing that comes to mind when we think of hairless cats. But, in fact, you’ll probably spend as much time grooming a hairless cat as you would a Persian.
Looking for grooming tips for a furred cat? Click here to learn more about how to groom a cat at home.
Hairless Cat Skin Care
Sphynx cats and other naked cats are oily, with lots of skin folds that collect dirt, and need regular grooming. They will leave dirt and oil on your furniture if not bathed properly. You must wipe them after litter box visits too.
Choose hypoallergenic products like these pet wipes for caring for your hairless breed cat. Good for quick clean ups after a trip to the litterbox or between bath care.
Skin Care for Hairless Cats
Hairless cats need an oily skin care routine, much like a human teenager. They are prone to blackheads on their chins and paws and whiteheads on chests and backs. You need to treat these skin problems. If left alone, your cat can get inflammation of their hair follicles. That’s a problem that requires vet care.
Scrub lightly with warm water to loosen the blackheads. Use a gentle vet-recommended antibacterial wash. You can use witch hazel if you make sure you rinse it off with cool water so the cat doesn’t lick it. Your vet might suggest that you use benzoyl peroxide pads in severe cases.
Sphynx Cat Ear Care
For some genetic reason, Sphynx cats accumulate a lot of ear wax in just days. The ear cleaning process is same as for furred cats, but you have to do it more often. It will be a natural part of the bathing routine.
Eye Care for Sphynx Cats
Sphynx cats lack eyelashes. They are more prone to eye infections. You can prevent these with constant hygiene. Wash your cat’s eyes with a saline solution or cat-safe eye wash like Vetericyn.
Sphynx Cat Paws and Claws Care
Keep your cat’s claws trimmed. You don’t want her to scratch herself. She has no fur between her skin and her claws.
Wipe her paws daily. All the skin folds on her paws can collect dirt and litter box grime. She could get an infection if she scratches herself with over-long claws.
Do Hairless Cats Need Baths?
Yes, they do. You’ll be bathing your naked cat more often than your furred cats. Most hairless cats need baths weekly or every other week.
How to Bathe Hairless Cats
Bathe your hairless breed cat the same way you would a furred cat. Only you use a washcloth, you’re washing skin, not fur.
The bath waters should be warm, not hot. Using a pitcher or a handheld showerhead, wet kitty all over. Don’t get water in her eyes or ears.
Apply the cat-friendly, gentle shampoo to your kitty. Soap him all over except her head using a washcloth, exfoliating glove, or silicone massage/bath brush. Make sure you get in all the folds and crevices in her skin, under her arms, tail area, and her paws and claws.
Looking for grooming products for hairless cats? Check out our recommendations here.
Do the same on her head using a baby washcloth. Be sure not to get soap in her eyes.
Rinse your kitty thoroughly. Any residue will irritate her skin and collect dirt.
Dry kitty well. Pat dry, no vigorous rubbing allowed. Stick with towel drying for your hairless cats. A nice warm fluffy towel fresh from the dryer is nice. Make sure she stays warm.
Do Hairless Cats Smell?
They do. Naked cats genetically have more odor than furred cats. The oil that collects on their bodies between just picks up stuff that can cause odors. Body odor is one indicator that your baby needs a bath.
Do Sphynx Cats Need Lotion?
Most cats won’t need lotion. Ask your vet about lotions if Kitty’s skin is flakey, red, and irritated.
It is probably better to change the shampoo you are using and rethink anything you are using to treat acne before going the lotion route. Lotions or oils will increase Kitty’s oiliness so you bathe her more often, which will dry her out again. See the cycle? If you feel she really needs a little something, you can try rubbing a bit of coconut oil on your hands and stroke the excess on your kitty.
Remember, whatever you put on Kitty’s skin is something she will end up ingesting when she grooms herself.
Do Sphynx Cats Get Fleas?
Hairless cats can get fleas. Fleas feed on blood not on fur so being hairless doesn’t protect them. It is easier to see fleas on hairless cats. Treating the problem is easier too since you’ll be bathing your cat regularly. A good soak and scrub with your regular shampoo product will take care of the problem as long as you treat your house as well.
Is a Hairless Cat the Right Choice for You?
Hairless cats make great pets. They are friendly, playful, and love to snuggle. These tips will help you take care of your hairless companion so your cuddles and time together are enjoyable for both of you. A hairless breed cat might be the purrfect feline friend for you if you are prepared to keep her properly groomed and spend a lot of time with her.
