What better way to prepare for your new Sphynx cat than by making sure that you have all the products she needs? While many think that no hair means low maintenance, this spectacular cat actually demands quite a lot of grooming. Rather than stop at buying food and litter, you will have to spring for a few extra goodies.
You may never have considered moisturizing a cat before, but now is the time to start! Their skin is soft and warm but needs regular moisturizing to stay that way. The Sphynx is also quite particular about its bathing products, and you will need to be prepared to bundle them up when it gets cold outside.
Read on to check out our list of the special Sphynx cat care essentials that you will need in order to keep your Sphynx cat happy and healthy.
These can be roughly grouped into three categories:
- Bathing
- Caring for and moisturizing skin
- Toes & ears
- Keeping warm
Bathing your Sphynx cat
Like many other breeds, the Sphynx will need regular bathing. In their case, this means once a week, every week, for the rest of their life. This helps regulate the oils on the skin of your cat, and maintain her micro-bacterial balance.
You’re going to have to find an extremely gentle shampoo, preferably one that has almost no scent. Avoid, at all costs, any sort of shampoo that was not specifically designed for pets.
In the case of the lovable Sphynx cat, it’s vitally important that you make their bathing experience pleasant from day one. Since this is an activity that the two of you will be sharing weekly, it’s better that neither of you has to suffer through it.
Part of your success will be determined by choosing the right products that don’t bother her skin or her nose, don’t scratch her and don’t annoy her.
The first few times you give her a bath, it might be worth it to invest in some delicious snacks and treats to keep her occupied and create positive memories associated with bathing.
Keep a calm, soothing atmosphere and tone of voice. Don’t hesitate to enlist a friend if you need to! It might also be a good idea to add a no-slip bath mat to your shopping list, that way your feline friend can bathe in safety.
While you don’t need to be concerned about stray hair, you still might want to consider adding a massage brush, washcloth or wash glove to your arsenal.
Remember, the more you can turn this into a fun, pleasant experience, the more likely it is that you and your Sphynx will be happy to come back to the bathtub next time.
Here are some of our favorite shampoos and bath products:
Earthbath All Natural Pet Shampoo
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https://www.amazon.com/Earthbath-Oatmeal-Shampoo-Vanilla-Almond/dp/B00YMU49JC
By far the best shampoo your Sphynx cat could ever ask for, Earthbath All Natural Pet Shampoo (get it here) is a truly great formula at a very good price. It comes in various scents, but you should try to start with their Hypo-allergenic fragrance-free variety even if your cat doesn’t suffer from allergies.
This will ensure that her bathing experience is as safe and pleasant as possible. You can always change to different fragrances later!
This shampoo boasts an all-natural ingredients list that is rich in vitamins, and reviewers love it for its anti-itch properties.
It’s important that whatever shampoo you do decide to use is as gentle as possible, and once you find one that you both like, try to stick to it!
Vet’s Best No-Rinse Waterless Natural Cat Shampoo
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https://www.amazon.com/Vets-Best-Waterless-Veterinarian-Formulated/dp/B0002AQN2M
It’s a good idea to have a bottle of this shampoo handy at all times (you can get it here). Since Sphynx cats are very demanding when it comes to grooming, if you end up having to skip a week because life gets in the way, you may be in for trouble.
While it’s not meant to be a permanent solution, this dry shampoo will help bridge the extra few days until you can get back to your regular bathing schedule.
The ingredients are all natural and should pose no trouble to your Sphynx cat’s delicate skin. Just apply the shampoo, brush with a massage brush or with your hands, and you’re done for the day!
Hertzko Pet Bath & Massage Brush
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https://www.amazon.com/Hertzko-Massage-Grooming-Shampooing-Massaging/dp/B077JRDQY2
While most people associate brushes with grooming long-haired cats, that shouldn’t be the case. Most massage brushes, like this one from Hertzko, serve a double purpose.
Sure, they remove loose hairs on long-haired cats, but they also massage and exfoliate. They stimulate blood circulation and promote happy and healthy skin, and they make bath time feel good and happy for your cat.
The main reason to get one of these is clear if you just look at the reviews: Cats love it! There’s a chance that even cats who don’t normally love bathing will start to enjoy it if it comes with a massage.
This fantastic brush is also easy to clean and extremely durable. With luck, you will only ever need to buy one. You can get this brush here!
Tike smart Extra-Long Non-Slip Bathtub Mat
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https://www.amazon.com/Tike-Smart-Non-Textured-Anti-Bacterial-Machine-Washable/dp/B01B21BH7U
Finally, this bathtub mat may seem like a strange addition to you, but to anyone who has seen a drenched cat slipping around the tub like an angry piglet, it makes perfect sense.
It’s very likely that an agitated cat will unsheathe her claws, and the sound and feeling of claws on the hard bathtub floor are only going to make things worse.
This bathtub mat provides a soft, textured surface to grip which is much more comfortable.
And it’s antibacterial too!
You can use any mat, or even a large wet towel for this purpose, but specially designed no-slip bath mats are better. If you want to go with the mat we recommend, you can get it here!
Skin, toe and ear care for your Sphynx cat
Sphynx cat need particular attention paid to their skin, toes, and ears.
They can sometimes develop acne, just like humans, due to dirt and dust clogging their pores. It’s also a little known fact that while Sphynx cats look hairless, they do in fact have very short, velvety fuzz which can vary in length from almost nothing to almost a buzz cut.
For this reason, they can also suffer from dandruff. While regular bathing with the right shampoo should prevent or at least alleviate both of these problems, you might want to consider keeping these wipes handy:
Burt’s Bees For Cats Natural Dander Reducing Wipes
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https://www.amazon.com/Burts-Bees-Cats-All-Natural-Reducing/dp/B01CCV8GUA
You can use them to keep the areas that are suffering from acne or dandruff clean without having to resort to a full bath. These wipes are made of all-natural ingredients and are cleansing but mild on your cat’s skin.
On top of that, they are also lightly moisturizing, which is another important aspect of caring for your Sphynx cat. Sphynx cat owners and other reviewers love these wipes and claim that they reduce itchiness and get rid of dandruff in as little as two uses. You can get them here!
Burt’s Bees is a reputable brand in cat care, so you might want to check out their line of soaps and conditioners too.
You also need a good moisturizer…
It’s a good idea to also use a very light, natural moisturizer on her skin, especially around the areas which tend to get dry. This can include the elbows and knees, behind the ears, and around her toes.
Pay special attention to clean and moisturize in between each toe, as not having hair in this area means that dirt and dust can get in much more easily.
As the Sphynx cat is quite a rare and special breed, not many commercial products are available specifically for them. Different people swear by different moisturizers, such as Johnson’s baby oil or unscented hand cream, but none of these are truly safe for your cat.
The only thing that is guaranteed to have no harmful effects whatsoever on the skin is good, natural coconut oil such as this one:
Handcraft Blends Fractionated Coconut Oil
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https://www.amazon.com/Fractionated-Coconut-Oil-Aromatherapy-Moisturizing/dp/B07346X1R5
This coconut oil is fractionated, which means that it is refined and deodorized to a point in which it is absolutely scent-free, does not stain, and is easy to apply. This is important for your Sphynx cat, as they tend to be easily annoyed by new smells.
It is also completely safe, the one and only ingredient being 100% pure coconut oil. A little bit goes a long way, and this bottle should last you a very long time.
You can apply a very small quantity topically whenever it’s needed, or put a little bit on your hands before grooming and cuddling your Sphynx cat.
You should remember to use it after your cat has been out in the sun, or if she has had extra baths recently since bathing often can dry the skin.
And remember those toes! Get the coconut oil here!
Let´s get to the ears
You probably already know that Sphynx cat ears are also remarkably sensitive. They build up more ear wax because they don’t have the protective layer of hair in and around their ears which other cats have.
Dirt and dust get in there more easily and can be the cause of bacterial or fungal infections, so it’s up to us to sort that problem out.
You’re going to need some clean cotton cloth, or cotton balls, and some ear cleaning solution for this process. Here is one that we like:
Witch Hazel Dog and Cat Ear Cleaner
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https://www.amazon.com/Dog-Cat-Ear-Infections-Antibiotics/dp/B06XYVT2YG/
This pet ear cleaner bases its formula on Witch Hazel, a plant which has natural antibiotic and antibacterial properties. It’s an ear cleaner that also helps prevent as well as combat yeast, bacterial and fungal infections.
It’s a completely natural formula and there’s absolutely no ingredient in there which could in any way be harmful to your cat. The best thing you can do for your Sphynx cat is clean her ears with this product after every bath. You can get the Witch Hazel Dog and Cat Ear Cleaner here!
Chances are that by doing that you will have successfully prevented any infections from settling in her ear. While this process, like most grooming processes, may be strange to your cat at first, don’t worry!
If you keep rewarding and encouraging her, she will soon get used to it. However, be sure to never use anything long and small, like a q-tip, inside your cat’s ear.
Your Sphynx should be well hydrated!
Finally, the most important thing that you can possibly do in order to keep your Sphynx cat and her skin healthy is to make sure she is well hydrated. The importance hydration plays in the forming of dandruff, rashes, and infections cannot be overstated.
People sometimes struggle to reach their 8 glasses a day recommended limit, and cats are no different.
Being used to getting most of their moisture from hunting live animals, they just don’t have the instinct to head for a water bowl the way dogs do.
So how do you encourage your Sphynx cat to stay hydrated, and keep her skin supple and soft? By getting her a water fountain, of course.
Catit Flower Cat Water Fountain
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https://www.amazon.com/Catit-Flower-Fountain-Drinking-Triple-Action/dp/B0146QXOB0
The gentle gurgling of the water encourages your Sphynx cat to come and have a drink. They are reluctant to drink from stagnant water but will drink from a stream which they know will be fresh.
The Catit water fountain (you can get it here) comes with a triple action filter which also removes calcium and magnesium from the water.
Why is this important? Because it will prevent your Sphynx cat from developing urinary tract infections, as well as remove bacteria, stray hair, and debris from the water.
It has three settings in order to satisfy even the pickiest of drinkers. Honestly, the importance of a good fresh source of water for your Sphynx cat cannot be stressed enough.
Keeping your Sphynx cat warm
A very important aspect, and probably the most amusing, of being a Sphynx cat owner is fashion. No, we’re not talking about custom-printing a t-shirt with your Sphynx cat’s face on it – though you are welcome to do that too.
We’re talking about investing in some good, durable, fun clothing for your Sphynx cat.
Unfortunately, pet clothes get a bad reputation. They call to mind little Pomeranian dogs in ridiculous outfits. Many owners, especially of dogs, do tend to go over-board and buy unnecessary clothing for dogs that already have plenty of their own weatherproofing.
But clothing isn’t just about the looks – for some animals, it provides much-needed protection from the elements.
That is the case for most short-haired dogs and cats, and that is absolutely the case for the Sphynx. In fact, this may be one of the few breeds of pet in the world to which a sweater is absolutely vital.
Bolbove Bro’Bear Cable Knit Turtleneck Sweater
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https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZZATQ5U
This adorable sweater (get it here) may be designed for all cats, but it definitely comes in Sphynx thickness. This is the kind of thing you want her to be wearing in the fall, winter, spring, on rainy days, and whenever the A/C is on too high.
You have to be sure you get the right size – there is a chart you can follow, as well as reviews and photos from other hairless cat owners. It’s warm, durable, beautiful, and most importantly cats seem to like it!
Sphynx designer Fleece “Purrberry”
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https://www.amazon.com/Sphynx-Designer-Fleece-Sweater-Purberry/dp/B00I4NAC6C
If you want your Sphynx cat to wear something a little more high-end than a generic cat sweater, then this designer fleece is for you. Made with the particular shape of the Sphynx cat in mind, it will fit your cat more snugly than any other sweater.
It’s soft and pleasant to wear and comes in a very stylish checkered pattern.
This particular Sphynx jacket is limited edition, but the same producer creates other models as soon as the current ones sell out, so you should always be able to indulge in a little high-street fashion for your Sphynx cat.
Actually this design is not available at the moment. However, they currently have a new design. Check it out here!
Thunder Shirt for cats
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https://www.amazon.com/ThunderShirt-Classic-Anxiety-Jacket-Heather/dp/B007Y31JP6
It’s impossible not to showcase the famous Thunder Shirt for cats. If you’ve never heard of the Thunder Shirt, you may not know of its miraculous properties. Originally designed for dogs, it’s essentially a compression jacket that helps dogs stay calm during thunderstorms, fireworks or stressful events.
It works by applying gentle but constant pressure on your pet’s torso, like a comforting hug. Pet owners around the world soon discovered that it does miracles not only during thunderstorms, but also for vet visits when recovering from illnesses, or for separation anxiety.
Now, Sphynx cats are well known for being extremely social creatures, and very attached to their human. In fact, they are one of the breeds with the highest risk of separation anxiety.
Lucky for us that the creators of Thunder Shirt (you can get this shirt here) were clever enough to make a version for cats!
Not only will this sporty jacket keep your Sphynx warm and clean, but it will also help her stay calm in otherwise stressful situations. Sound incredible? Just take a look at the reviews.
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