Tips for First Time Sphynx Cat Owners

[zoee]

I am new to the Sphynx world and recently adopted my very first Sphynx kitten
I have always admired this breed for its unique appearance and playful affectionate nature but I also know they require special care compared to other cats
I would love to hear from experienced owners about the essentials every beginner should know
What are your best tips for bathing skincare feeding and keeping them healthy and happy
Also how do you keep them warm during colder months
Any advice personal stories or product recommendations would be greatly appreciated

 

[Annejo12]

Find a vet that is familiar with the breed that you trust.

Bathing - my vet says to bathe when my kitty feels greasy. That is about once every six weeks.

Cold months - I live in Canada. We have cold winters. My kitty does not like to wear clothes. I have many blankets in every room. It always surprises me how my kitty can burrow in the blankets and is always warm.

I also having scratching posts in several rooms.

My kitty has trained me, for example, she eats two different types of dry food. One she eats in a bowl, the other type she won’t eat unless it is scattered on the floor! She also won’t drink water in bowls in the kitchen (near her food) so her water bowls are in the bathroom!

My kitty is my first Sphynx ever. I find her to be very loving. I know you will get many good ideas on this site.

 

[nudebea]

Hello and welcome. You have found a brilliant site for help and advice , which Im sure will follow. I found SL invaluable when I first joined the sphynx universe almost 12 years ago now. I soon learned that they can, and do access all areas and learned to make sure things like washing machine/ dishwasher doors as well as exits like windows and outside doors were secured , plus visitors were asked to also not leave outside doors open. My girl, Kiwi, also has a thing about plants and as some houseplants are toxic , had to be mindful about those too. As for bathing, at first (back in the day ) I was bathing them weekly and also using coconut oil but , again thanks to advice on SL, and noticing that they quickly *browned up * I now bathe Kiwi ( sadly we no longer have Wilson) around once a month and no coconut oil , that said , all sphynx are different . We clean her ears 2 x weekly and use a trizultra ear cleaner for cats on cotton pads . We also clip her claws around once a month .
We also have lots of toys (some things like nutmegs to scrunched up paper balls can provide lots of fun, Wilson in particular used to love chasing them up and down stairs, plus cat tunnels and the odd cardboard box with holes cut in it for peeking through.
We live in the UK and can have cold winters . We have LOTS of soft fleece blankets dotted around the house along with the odd fluffy bed (they often prefer your bed) and on very cold days use a hot water bottle wrapped in an extra blanket .
Definitely try to find a good vet who can get to know your little one, maybe consider pet insurance too if you can.
Above all, have fun, these babies are unique and can bring so much happiness and love . Wishing you luck for the future

 

[Catzzzmeow]

Congratulations! How exciting. This area of the forum is full of some great info that you can read through from bathing, clipping nails, cleaning ears, info about heart issues that unfortunately this breed is now dealing with, as well as info about not using an anesthesia called Ketamine with this breed. Sphynx Cat Help Center

 

[zoee]

Congratulations! How exciting. This area of the forum is full of some great info that you can read through from bathing, clipping nails, cleaning ears, info about heart issues that unfortunately this breed is now dealing with, as well as info about not using an anesthesia called Ketamine with this breed. Sphynx Cat Help Center

Thanks

 

[Yoda mom]

@zoee @zoee Hi, welcoming you and Zara the the lair family! Happy Gotcha!
I joined her with my first over a decade ago and never looked back.

hugs n head smooches,) never hesitate to ask questions. so glad you joined us. the info center (top right) and top right search box helpful for specifics.

Sphynx Cat Help Center

Check in here for useful articles about the sphynx cat.

sphynxlair.com

looking forward to pics and tales of sweet Zara!

I always recommend a wellness check when you bring new sphynx home. some breeders have a time frame in contract.
I ask vet to have a good listen to the heart for any murmurs etc. many suggest to bring a fresh stool sample to the wellness check.

kitty proof for life! they are cat, dog, monkey , baby all in one for life. always look down at feet, they are lightening fast underfoot and my doors. I open doors very slowly with my foot at the bottom. I trained mine with treats to a meet n greet chair
double triple check washer n dryer before turning on
they are heat seekers, mine will try to jump into the oven if I open the oven door or jump up on counter by stove. so when I use to stove, I put my sphynx in my bedroom on their blankies.
get zara used to handling.. when cuddling, gently rub toes, ears etc.. helps with getting used to spa day.

if you have indoor plants, I moved to a different room . can be toxic or choking hazard.

your breeder can offer bathing tips , food tips etc as well as tips from members.

. many breeders use royal canin baby cat food. you will find what works best for your baby. we are here for you.

my sphynx go nakid no clothes. once a nail got stuck on a shirt and nearly fell from a high place. no clothes here personal choice. Sphynx love blankets! mine love blankets more than any cat bed, I have donated several cat beds to the shelter. I get those 50x60 inch fleece throws at marshalls, tj maxx etc. they burrow and make their own little comfy cave. I have two on my bed. taught them sleepy time command . I tap blanket "sleepy time" and put two small treats on the blankies and tuck them in. during the day they always go in their blankies to snooze..

many new members use a warm blanket from the dryer on their lap for extra snuggle time bonding.

keep us updated often.

ps :
in the beginning i found wearing a ** little head lamp very helpful *** when getting used to trimming nails, cleaning ears (I never flush or squirt ear cleaners in ears, I wet a swissper cotton round and qtips and gently wipe out. I have a little vanity chair in the bathroom I sit on with kitty on my lap for nail trims checks and ear wipe outs.