Sphynx Cats – Bald Can Be Beautiful

This is a guest article from Ashley.

Many people are attracted to the Sphynx breed because of it’s unusual and exotic look. These hairless cats are striking in appearance, bringing to mind ancient Egyptian drawings and the beauty of a long-lost age. If you’ve been considering purchasing a Sphynx, it’s even more tempting to adopt, as they can be very expensive. The majority of rescue and adoption centers adopt pets out for a very reasonable fee; just enough to recover the cost of spaying or neutering the animal and caring for it, without profit in mind.

(Editor’s note: Low cost should not be a reason for adopting any animal. You should always give careful consideration to a pet’s needs before adopting and be prepared to spend whatever it may take for his care.)

Buster is available for adoption at petfinder.com as of this writing.

Make sure that you’re not getting the Sphynx on impulse. As with any breed of cat, the Sphynx is a wonderful pet. They are just as loving, playful, and sweet as any other breed. They do require more maintenance, however, as they are prone to skin problems. With most cats, their fur serves to protect the skin, keeping it clean and healthy. In general, cats bathe themselves.

Sphynx cats require regular baths in order to maintain optimal health. Use a shampoo that is specially made for cats, as human or dog shampoo can be too strong. Organic shampoos are preferable, as they are free of harsh chemicals. It’s recommended that you bathe your Sphynx at least once per week. This keeps their skin clear of dry, dead skin cells that can cause itching and discomfort.

If you’ve never bathed a cat before, you’ll be in for a real treat. Cats, as a whole, abhor the water. It’s less difficult if you start regular bathing as a kitten, but chances are, since you’re adopting, your cat will be older. It is absolutely crucial to take your time and go slowly when acclimating your new cat to bathing. They will likely become frightening and skittish, and if you’re harsh with them, that fear will transfer to you, making it much more difficult to create a bond built on trust and love.

There are a few things that you can do to make the process easier. Fill the tub with warm—but not hot—water, and be sure that the water reaches no higher than the cat’s belly. Use a skid-free liner in the tub to prevent slippage. Use a cup or your hands to gently douse the cat in water, rather than using a spray hose or holding the cat beneath the running faucet. During bathing, talk soothingly to your cat in a positive and calm tone of voice. Try to make the bath as quick as possible without rushing, and reward your cat when the bath is over.

It’s a common misconception that hairless breeds of dogs and cats are hypoallergenic. If you’re considering adopting a Sphynx because you’re allergic to cats, keep in mind that pet allergies are not caused by pet hair, but rather by pet dander: proteins found in the animal’s urine, saliva, and in the dry, dead skin flakes that fall off naturally or during grooming.

Your cat may be very skittish when you first bring him or her home, even if they seemed very friendly when you picked them up. This is normal. It takes some time for your new feline friend to acclimate to its new surroundings. Be patient, and give your Sphynx lots of love and attention. Taking the time to build a relationship based on trust and love is the best way to ensure a happy home for everyone.

Resources:  http://www.sphynxowners.com/tag/sphynx-rescue/

The old Sphynx bit her thick lip,
“Who taught thee me to name?
I am thy spirit, yoke-fellow!
Of thine eye I am eyebeam”…. from The Sphynx, by Ralph Waldo Emerson.