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How to Give a Sphynx Cat or Hairless Cat a Bath

 
Olivia Grisham
By Olivia Grisham, Journalist specialized in animal care. June 28, 2017
How to Give a Sphynx Cat or Hairless Cat a Bath
Sphynx

Animal file: Sphynx

Cats are excellent pets regarding staying clean. Although they also take care of themselves, sphynx cats or hairless cats need more frequent hygiene care than other cats. This is because their skin is very sensitive and tends to accumulate more fat and dirt.

Therefore, AnimalWised want to clear up some queries regarding how to give a sphynx cat or hairless cat a bath. These cats need a special cleaning routine on a regular basis to maintain a clear and clean appearance.

You may also be interested in: How to Give Bath to Cat for First Time

Washing a hairless cat (or sphynx cat)

The popular belief that the sphynx cat has no hair is not entirely true, as they actually possess a very short and thin coat of hair - almost imperceptible to us. But this does not mean that this breed doesn't need a particular cleaning routine. Because, despite what people tend to think, sphynx cats (and hairless cats usually) are more likely than other breeds to accumulate dirt, have oily skin and sweat excessively.

Normally, it is recommended to bathe the sphynx cat once a month (every 20 -30 days). Because, you will begin to notice that their skin becomes oily and this grease is a reddish color. If you do not bathe them, your feline will begin to be dirty. In addition to accumulating harmful microorganisms in their body, they will also begin to soil all those places and objects that enters their path.

Likewise, a dirty cat will end up feeling sad and discouraged, so you should never neglect their hygiene in order for a healthy and happy pussycat.

How to Give a Sphynx Cat or Hairless Cat a Bath - Washing a hairless cat (or sphynx cat)

How to bathe a sphynx cat or hairless cat

Although bathing a sphynx cat or another hairless breed is very similar to bathing an adult cat of any other breed, the fact is that we must make sure to clean certain areas of their body where they tend to accumulate more dirt. You should do this usually before you put them in the bath - areas like the eyes, the nails and the ears.

In the case of their eyes, it is important that you know that Sphynx or Egyptian cats have no eyelashes and that is why their tear fluid is much more abundant than in other breeds. Eyelashes prevent pathogens from entering the eyes and causing eye diseases. So, cleaning your cat's eyes every week with the aid of a clean cloth and physiological serum to remove any dirt and grime, is vital.

Nails are another part of the body where more dirt accumulates so before the bath, make sure to remove all the dirt under their claws and cut them every time you see them too long. This is to avoid scratches and / or household accidents. In this article we show you how to cut a cat's claws at home.

Hairless cats also usually accumulate more dirt than other breeds inside the ears. Their ears are usually larger than other breeds, so it is advisable to clean them by introducing cleaning drops that are accessible in pet stores. They will help expel the collected wax. If you have any doubt in these cases, consult your veterinarian.

Once you have provided this care to your Sphynx or hairless cat, you can bathe them as follows:

  • Use a bathtub, tub or bucket where your pet fits and put a little warm water without filling it. They need a pleasant temperature with neither cold nor heat, as this could damage their sensitive skin.
  • Start wetting them slowly all over the body without reaching the head and then soaping gently with a little more emphasis on the legs and belly.
  • Then rinse their entire body with plenty of water and repeat the same operation but now focusing only on the head. Take care not to put water in their nose or eyes. If you find they are getting very nervous, instead of lathering their head, use a damp cloth and rub it carefully.
  • Finally, remove them from the bath and dry them well with a soft towel to make sure that their skin is completely dry.
How to Give a Sphynx Cat or Hairless Cat a Bath - How to bathe a sphynx cat or hairless cat

What shampoo is suitable for a sphynx or hairless cat?

Before bathing your sphynx cat or hairless cat you must choose a shampoo that suits their specific skin needs. In this case, there are only two options from which you can choose:

  • The most frequent option is to buy a shampoo for hairless cat in any animal shop or veterinary center where they sell it. This will normally will be a gel for cats with sensitive skin.
  • But if for some reason you do not get that gel, you can always buy a specific shampoo for human babies that will take care of their delicate skin and have a neutral ph.

Above all, it is important to know that you can never use a strong or astringent shampoo that can irritate the sensitive skin of your hairless cat.

Alternatives to bathing a hairless cat

If your cat hates water but you know that you have to bathe them, one alternative that you can use are wet wipes. There are special ones for cats but you can also buy make-up remover wipes for sensitive human skin. These will help you clean your sphynx cat without them having to touch the water. Of course, this is not ideal, so as much as possible, teach your feline from a very young age that water is not their enemy. Bathe them from 2 or 3 months of age, because otherwise this will result in a difficult time trying to bathe an adult cat.

How to Give a Sphynx Cat or Hairless Cat a Bath - Alternatives to bathing a hairless cat

If you want to read similar articles to How to Give a Sphynx Cat or Hairless Cat a Bath, we recommend you visit our Basic care category.

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