If you are thinking of adopting a sphinx cat or sphynx, better known as a hairless cat, you should take into account some details about of its care, such as nutrition or the skin, to avoid possible he alth problems. This breed comes from Canada and its baldness is caused by a recessive gene.
The sphynx cat is a very particular breed and therefore also requires particular and specific care to ensure optimal he alth. Continue reading our site to learn more about all the care of a sphynx or sphynx cat, the maintenance it requires and other curiosities regarding the breed of this cat so peculiar. Discover them!
Feeding the sphynx cat
The sphynx cat requires a different diet than that of the vast majority of feline breeds. Lacking a thick coat of hair (they are covered by very short hair, almost undetectable to sight and touch), Sphynx cats have a more complex thermoregulatory system than other breeds. Their body temperature is higher than that of furry cats to compensate for the lack of fur.
This difference in faster metabolism causes the Sphynx cat to consume more food than any other cat of the same size. For this reason it is imperative to feed the sphynx cat in a special way.
To start with the care of a sphynx or sphynx cat, we will search the market for specific balanced food for sphynx cats. These foods are formulated for all the demanding nutritional needs of the sphynx cat, which needs more protein and fat in its diet than furry cat breeds.
Although a cat food contains protein around 30% and fat around 20%, the Sphynx cat needs a food that contains at least 35% protein and 25% fat. of fat.
Bathing and hygiene of the sphynx cat
Sphynx cats sweat and accumulate a protective grease, with an oily texture, on their skin. This circumstance causes them to get dirty more often than cats with hair. In addition, they cannot properly groom themselves, so they depend on their caregiver for proper hygiene.
How to bathe a sphynx or sphynx cat?
Although a monthly bath is generally recommended, not all Sphynx cats get dirty as quickly. For that reason, you should be aware of the texture of your skin, the accumulation of dirt and even a reddish tone in your dermis. Remember that the small folds in your skin can tend to accumulate dirt and microorganisms, causing the appearance of scabies, among other diseases.
For the bath, we will use specific products for sphynx cats, since excessive bathing or the use of unsuitable products can cause a greasy skin in the cat and even serious irritations in its delicate dermis. If we do not find specific products for sphynx cats, we can search for shampoo for cats with sensitive skin as well as cat wipes. If the sphynx cat, also known as the Egyptian cat, is not neatly groomed, the appearance and feel of its skin is greatly diminished. Which causes the poor animal to be uncomfortable and sad.
Sphynx cat eye hygiene
The sphynx lack eyelashes, so their eye care is more rigorous than usual in other breeds. They are more subject to infections, therefore constant hygiene is paramount. A sterile gauze should be soaked with saline solution (purchased at pharmacies and some supermarkets). With this wet gauze, the cat's eye will be carefully washed. A separate pad should be used for each eye.
Auricular hygiene of the sphynx cat
As happens with the eyes, we must also maintain a thorough hygiene of the sphynx cat's ears, which have a certain tendency to accumulate mites, grease and waxif they are not cleaned frequently enough. Also use sterile gauze to clean your cat's ears. All you need to do is wrap the gauze around your finger and gently move it inside the ear to remove any buildup.
Finally, highlight the importance of cutting and removing accumulated dirt from nails. Regular use of the scratcher will help us cut them less frequently, as well as being an enriching and positive activity for the cat.
Home temperature and others
The Sphynx cat is a cat that should live exclusively indoors, as exposure to outdoor elements can make it very sick. ease.
Home temperature
In the first place we must recommend that, throughout the year, the temperature in our home be around 22 ºC - 25 ºC. A lower temperature can cause colds, flu and discomfort in our delicate feline.
Extra care in winter
Despite our attempts to conserve the heat in the home, temperatures may drop too low and we need to protect it appropriately. To do this we can use clothes for cats and offer them a soft bed or nest with blankets. So you can take refuge when you need it. We can also heat your cans of wet food or the homemade recipes that we prepare for you occasionally.
Extra care in summer
Exposure to sun rays can cause heat stroke and even severe burns. For this reason, it is highly recommended to monitor your exposure to the sun in the hottest summer seasons and pay special attention to your skin and behavior to detect any problem early.
Diseases and he alth problems of the sphynx cat
It is important to go to the veterinarian every 6 or 12 months to detect any disease early and check that your he alth is as good as appropriate. In addition, the veterinarian will help us to correctly follow the vaccination schedule and the deworming of our sphynx cat. Some of the most common diseases or he alth problems can be:
- Bad smell: it is generally caused by deficiencies in the hygiene of the sphynx cat. Remember that you should wash him every 1 or 2 months at most due to his excessive production of fat and sweat, as well as clean his eyes, ears and genitals.
- Mange: is one of the most common skin problems and is directly related to hygiene deficiencies in the cat. It can also be caused by contagion by coming into contact with other infected animals and humans.
- Allergies: As with all types of cats, the Sphynx cat can suffer from food or environmental allergies. We usually detect them by rashes on the dermis.
- Feline immunodeficiency: also known as feline AIDS, this disease is highly contagious between individuals of the same species and its consequences are serious, since the animal loses immune defenses and is susceptible to getting sick on a regular basis. It is spread by bites from infected cats and through sexual intercourse.
- Feline coronavirus: this is a virus that mutates easily and can cause very diverse symptoms in our feline, including weakness, vomiting or diarrhea. There is no specific treatment, the symptoms of the coronavirus must be palliated.
- Feline infectious peritonitis: It is usually caused by the feline coronavirus, mentioned above, and it is an inflammation of the blood vessels.
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: it is a very common disease in cats and its origin is genetic. It usually appears in breeding lines in which members of the same family are used to reproduce, something very negative for the he alth of the puppies, who come to develop this type of disease more easily.
By following our advice, paying attention to possible diseases and going to the vet whenever necessary, our sphynx cat can put his longevity between 14 and 20 years.
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