The loving Sphynx requires a lot of maintenance due to their lack of fur which leaves owners wondering what the best method is to keep them clean and moisturized.
Is Coconut Oil Good For Sphynx cats? Coconut oil is good both for their skin and as a way to clean them between their weekly baths. It provides moisture to their bodies while also giving you the ability to get the dirt off of their skin due to their hairless qualities. It´s also beneficial as a sunblock if your Sphynx likes to sit by the window or go outside.
Coconut oil can be used as daily maintenance or as a pre-bath routine. It will, however, not replace the weekly cleanings or other issues that your Sphynx needs help with.
Read further on how to use coconut oil for your Sphynx and other tips to keep your kitty in tip-top shape.
Coconut oil’s benefits and Daily Maintenance
As mentioned above coconut oil works as a cleaning agent between baths, while also moisturizes your Sphynx’s skin. It has several other advantages such as sunblock for your Sphynx and can be used for a topical ointment due to its antibacterial qualities.
Just make sure not to use it directly on any wounds. Something to keep in mind, if you cat ingests too much coconut oil, then it can cause tummy problems. Using small amounts will not hurt them and can be used as a way to prevent worms.
I personally use it on my hairy kitties for their fur and have not had this issue.
While Coconut oil tends to be the most frequently used natural cleaning and moisturizing product for the Sphynx cat it isn’t the only one.
If you don’t like coconut oil then there are some alternatives:
- Olive Oil
- Vitamin E Oil
- Gentle Baby wipes
- Cat Wipes
Just because the Sphynx needs regular maintenance doesn’t mean they will like it any more than your standard cat. Hopefully by the time that they are adopted the breeder was already providing this care to accustom them to the process.
If you have been made painfully aware that this is not the case, don’t get discouraged. It might be rough at first, but try to make it as enjoyable as you can for them so that your Sphynx doesn’t look at this like torture. With time they will adjust to it.
Items needed for Coconut Oil wipe down:
- 1-2 Tablespoons worth of coconut oil
- Microwave safe bowl
- Two soft hand towels
- Larger towel (In case they hate it)
The best method for your daily, or whenever you need it, routine is to scoop about 1-2 tablespoon’s worth of coconut oil into a microwave safe bowl. Heat the bowl for 10-20 seconds depending on your microwave.
You want the oil to be warm and melted not hot. After the coconut oil is the desired temperature and consistency dip a soft washcloth into the oil. Use this cloth to wipe down your Sphynx’s entire body excluding their eyes.
Once they are completely oily wet a washcloth with warm water. First, wipe their eyes with this cloth while it is not covered in oil. Then use it to gently buff the oil into their skin while removing the excess from their body. This part is essential.
The Sphynx is already an oily cat and while using coconut oil is excellent for sunblock and other benefits you do not want to accelerate this problem, or you will be cleaning them again very soon.
If your Sphynxy just hates this process play with them beforehand to wear them out. Then provide them with treats. Use a larger towel to half swaddle your kitty to prevent them from clawing you half to death.
Hold their body with your less dominant arm and use the other one to do the wiping. While doing this make sure to talk to them in a calm, loving tone so that they understand that this is not a punishment.
After it is done provide them with a treat afterward, just for good measure.
Using Coconut Oil Before Bathing Your Sphynx
The Sphynx is a beautiful, affectionate cat, so what is the downside to owning one? To put simply the amount of maintenance that is needed to take care of them.
Don’t let this be the reason why you never get a Sphynx though. If the habit of bathing and maintenance is started early, say when they are a kitten, it can be a pleasurable experience for all involved.
To the point where they will actually enjoy water time.
While some people use coconut oil as a way of daily cleaning others, use it for a pre-bath moisturizing session. This method will give your cat the moisture that they need, while also ensuring that no excess oil is clinging to their skin.
For this procedure simply scoop the coconut oil with your hands and then rub it in between your palms until it liquifies. Once it is wet rub the oil all over your Sphynx’s body, avoiding their eyes until they are completely covered.
If they are adjusted to water then merely wash them with a gentle shampoo in warm water, you can also use dawn dish soap or baby shampoo.
If your Sphynx absolutely hates bath time follow the pre-wiping procedure above and then place a towel on top of the water before you put them in. The towel provides them with something to cling to so that they don’t feel disoriented in the water.
Something else to keep in mind, they don’t have the protective hair for their ears or eyes. Part of the bathing routine will be to clean their ears with a q-tip soaked with warm water and/or gentle soap, making sure not to go too far in.
Then gently wipe their eyes with a wet washcloth dipped only in warm water.
Other things to keep your Sphynx happy and healthy
No fur means lack of warmth. The Sphynx cat is very susceptible to getting cold. If you live in a warmer climate, then this needs to be regulated only for a few months of the year. Colder climates are an issue for them.
During the chillier months, they will need your help with regulating their body temperature. Some of that heat will come from snuggling up to you for the added warmth. Which might add to why they are so affectionate.
During this time it will not be a good idea to let them outside without some help.
For those who tried to dress up their childhood cat in doll clothes, the Sphynx would be the perfect cat for this treatment. Maybe not the doll clothes, but something warm without getting the paralyzing flop that happens when a typical cat has something foreign on their body.
When cat specific clothes are not readily available for apparent reasons head to the dog aisle for options. You could also knit one while they rest lazily in your lap.
As a way to maintain their warmth, your Sphynx might eat more than a seasoned cat owner is used to. Make sure to provide them with healthy options that have protein as the first ingredient on the label.
Something to keep in mind is the litter that you use. As mentioned above their skin has a tendency to get oily so when it comes to litter make sure to get the kind that is dust free. Otherwise, your Sphynx will wander around your home getting everything dusty instead of oily.
Related questions
Will coconut oil kill worms in cats? Yes, coconut oil is a natural antibacterial substance that can be used topically and in small doses orally. It can also kill and prevent fleas. Rub a nickel-sized amount in between your palms and apply to their coat. This will beautify their fur, and the access will be licked off to kill parasites.
Are Sphynx cats friendly? They are among the most loving cat breeds out there. The Sphynx is known for never meeting a stranger. They will great you and your guests at the door to demand pets and lap time. Even dogs and other cats are welcome, as long as they know who is boss.
Coconut oil for cats’ ears. You can use coconut oil for your cats’ ears if they have ear mites or if they have wax issues. Warm the oil and then apply a couple of drops into their ears. Then gently massage around their ears. Do this every day until the wax is gone or there is no sign of irritation.
No comments:
Post a Comment