Sphynx cats have huge ears and eyes; they are bald and have strong bodies. These cute cats look a bit like aliens. But the unusual appearance should not confuse you: They are very social and playful. This is the best friend who gets along well with children and other pets. Sphynx breeders and owners know that hairless cats need to be groomed more regularly and thoroughly than normal fluffy kittens.
It is significant to know how to bathe a sphynx cat. The absence of fur not only gives them an ethereal appearance but also makes these pets more susceptible to the harmful effects of external factors. Regular washing protects delicate skin from irritation and pimples. Read my guide to prepare for the arrival of a new family member in advance. I will tell you how to properly organize a sphynx cat bath.
Bathing a Hairless Cat
- Use cat shampoo for sensitive skin.
- Run warm water into the tub or sink and place a towel on the bottom.
- Wet your pet and apply shampoo.
- Cleanse the body and do not forget about the folds.
- Don’t wash its head.
- Rinse the shampoo thoroughly.
- Dry your cat with a towel.
- Clean the eyes and ears and trim the animal’s nails.
How to Bathe Your Sphynx Cat?
Bathing a cat might seem like a no-brainer. So it is, but you need to pay attention to some subtleties associated with the characteristics of this breed. Teach your pet to water procedures from an early age (you can bathe a kitten from 2 months from birth) and follow the washing regime.
Prepare everything you need for bathing your sphynx
It is important to prepare for bathing in advance. All the necessary accessories should lie next to you. Good preparation will ensure a quick and effective wash without causing you or your cat any discomfort. Buy shampoo and prepare clean towels. You also need to get special nippers and cotton pads to trim the nails and clean the ears and eyes of the animal after bathing.
Preparing a bathroom
Sphinxes freeze easily. When the animal’s body becomes wet, the cool air can lead to colds. Therefore, close the windows and doors. It is important to make the temperature in the bathroom comfortable.
Put a towel or a special mat on the bottom to prevent slipping. Fill up the tub or sink with warm water. Before the cat arrives, everything should be ready. Do not make your pet nervous by waiting for the water to fill up.
Application of shampoo
Put the cat in the bath. Wet the body, avoiding the head. Take some shampoo for sphynx cats and lather it in your hands. You can also use a soft sponge. Apply the foam to the wet hairless cat’s body. Gently massage the skin with shampoo, paying special attention to the folds and paws.
Rinse off shampoo
Rinse the foam thoroughly with warm water. You can water the pet’s body from the shower or from a cup. Avoid getting soap and water on the cat’s head. Ensure you rinse off any shampoo residue as it can irritate delicate skin when it dries.
After bathing
Get some clean towels ready. If you have a clothes dryer, you can wrap your wet animal in a warm towel. Rub the body thoroughly until the cloth absorbs most of the moisture. If the towel becomes damp, change it to a dry one. Do not let the animal go until you are sure it is completely dry.
If the room is cool, you can use a hair dryer. Use only slightly warm air. Excessively hot air can cause skin irritation. While this is the fastest way to dry your cat, the sound of the hair dryer can startle your cat.
After bathing, you can also trim the nails and clean the ears. Also, wipe the cat’s eyes with a clean and damp swab. Ask your veterinarian for advice beforehand. They will show you how to maintain the nails and ears of the sphynx cat.
Which shampoo should you use to bathe a sphynx or a hairless cat?
Never use human care products, even if it’s baby shampoo. Although many pet owners recommend this option, remember that it is designed not for hairless cats. Sphynx cats have very sensitive skin, which is thinner and more delicate than that of humans. It is necessary to purchase a shampoo for bald cats without dyes and odor. It is best to seek the advice of a veterinarian who will recommend safe sphynx cat care products.
Alternatives for the bathroom
Frequent bathing can lead to skin irritation. So if your pet gets dirty shortly after taking a bath, you can clean it with a damp and clean cloth. Wet wipes for cats are also a great option. Do not use similar products intended for dogs or humans.
How often to bathe a sphynx cat
Experts recommend bathing sphinxes at least once a week. But it all depends on the individual pet. If you notice reddening of the skin, it means that the body of the animal does not have time to restore the oil layer between washes. In this case, the skin looks too dry. It is worth asking your veterinarian for advice and making bathing less frequent.
For those pets that quickly get dirty, it’s best to use alternative skin cleaning methods, such as wet wipes for cats. High-quality food in the diet also reduces sebum production.
Wash Your Unearthly Cat in the Earthly Bath
Regular bathing is one of the keys to the health of your sphynx. On the contrary, if the pet’s delicate skin is rarely cleaned, accumulated oil and dirt can cause irritation, pimples, dermatitis, and other skin reactions. Proper preparation for bathing and a calm atmosphere in the bathroom minimize pet anxiety. After all, bald cats usually do not like water, just like their furry relatives. Sphynx care should be more thorough. Your friend deserves the best care and attention to be healthy.
Read also about sphynx cats
- How to Breed Sphynx Cats
- How to Get a Sphynx Cat
- How to Clean Sphynx Ears
- How to Care for Sphynx Cats
- Best Dry Food for Sphynx Cats
- Best Cat Food for Sphynx
- Best Shampoo for Sphynx Cats
- Best Litter for Sphynx Cats
- What Color Are Sphynx Cats
How often do you wash a cat? Share your experience in the comments.
