Sphynx Cats Health & Care Management

Sphynx General Health

The Sphynx breed has the advantage of overall good health. Their long life span can take these animals over the ten to twenty year mark. To keep them active and healthy, should see the veterinarian annually and it is advisable to have the vet clean teeth starting around two years of age. Ear problems and dental issues are not commonly associated with this breed. At home, keep chemicals and other dangerous elements out of reach of your cat, which can greatly harm them.
Vaccinations are key when protecting your pet against maladies such as: rabies, infections and distemper, to name a few. When your cat is in the age of six weeks, you should take him in to get the proper vaccinations. This will continue on a monthly basis up to the age of four months, then will revert to an annual series. One extra set of shots will need to be administered when the cat is about four months old. Rabies' vaccination may be required in your state or local area. Always watch your cat for Symptoms of Sphynx Cat Diseases.

Sphynx Living Space

Your Sphynx is best suited for being indoors. Their unique lack of fur makes them susceptible to being sunburned when outside for prolonged periods. They are the most comfortable when the house stays warm, around at least seventy, and love to recline on a sunny windowsill. If you are able to, provide them with an area that they can get to near a window. If the environment drops below the above mentioned temperature, they will get cold and not be as comfortable.

The litter box that you provide for your Sphynx should preferably be covered, but whichever one you use be sure to keep it clean. Your cat will get unhappy if the box becomes filthy and may not use it, instead going somewhere else to the bathroom that you may not like. On a weekly basis be sure to clean the box out thoroughly and use a mixture of bleach and water to give it a sanitary scrub. This will prevent germs and bacteria from building up. When you adopt a kitten, you will need to show where you have located the box, and repeat this process several times the first day. These are intelligent animals, and they will learn quickly.

Please Note: do not use litter that contains too much DUST in order to avoid Sphynx eye allergy! "World's Best Cat Litter" is recommended for Sphynx cat litter.

Sphynx Diet & Feeding for your Cat

When keeping your Sphynx cat in healthiest position, purchase the high quality cat food that is available at pet supply stores or your veterinarian. The cheaper food that is popular is full of fillers, possible harmful chemicals and other odds and ends. A good, well made food will keep them healthy vibrant and keep their organs functioning at their best.

These cats will ingest more food that other cats who have more fur. This is due to the Sphynx's faster metabolism, which causes them to burn calories faster and use more energy. Giving them a bigger serving, following the guidelines of your veterinarian, will help them to stay healthy and active. This diet will also ensure that they have a longer lifespan.

Keeping a Sphynx Clean

Bath times is often a hard time for many cats, and some Sphynx are unique in their enjoyment of it. The key to reducing bath trauma starts with preparing them for the event. Get the bath water going early, preferably before the cat is carried into the room. Keep the water at a medium temperature to not burn the animal or make it too cold for them to stand. During the bath, hold them securely with one hand while bathing and rinsing with the other. This will make the process easier, and makes your cat more comfortable.

When done, they should be toweled off until dry and reward them generously with love and attention. A goodie won't hurt either, and may help make up for the bath. Note: never use a regular soap or shampoo! You should use special shampoo for cats! Their lack of hair requires at least one bath each week to remove dust and dirt particles from their skin. Depending on your Sphynx, you may have to bathe them more often (required at least once a week). When you do bath them, use products on your Sphynx cat that are designed especially for felines (cats). Your veterinarian can give you recommendations on which ones are the best to buy.

Right after the bath has been completed you can also clean out their ears. With a Sphynx, this is very important to keep dirt out of the inner ear and promote the best health. First, use a cloth to wipe the inside of the ear with, and then put in a few drops of ear cleanser and rub the base of the ear. This will get the dirt dislodged and make for easier removal. Second, use a Q-Tips to remove the dirt, but be careful to not go too far into the ear. Ask your veterinarian for a proper way of ears cleaning process.

Their claws will need to be cleaned and trimmed every 2 weeks. Note: only sharp end of Sphynx claws must be cut off, or you will damage the blood vessels! Trimming cat claws is a general health procedure which is required by VET. Also, trimming cat claws will prevent from damage of your home furniture.

Since the Sphynx lacks eyelashes, dirt can more easily get in. Clean the eye gently with a Q-Tips after putting in a few drops of tear solution. Eyes cleaning procedure should be done every 1-2 days. You should consult your veterinarian for the best product to use with their eyes.