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Health and Grooming
Sphynx
are a healthy breed. Males generally weigh from 9 - 12 lbs. whereas
females usually
weigh in around the 7 lb. mark. Sphynx are good eaters. A yearly trip to the vet is usually all they need unless you
are breeding. Food is important to Sphynx because they don’t have a
normal coat of fur to help keep them warm, so they eat. And eat. And
eat. A high quality dry cat food will usually keep your Sphynx in good
health. I have a kitten who likes peanuts and several of my other cats
like pasta with tomato sauce. They’ll try just about anything and may
even seek it out so put your groceries away as soon as possible.
Many
people chuckle when they hear a spectator mention that there isn’t any
grooming with his breed. THIS IS NOT TRUE! Please, for  healthy skin you
must wash it regularly. Imagine if you didn’t wash your face for
several weeks, ugh! Even though Sphynx have a very fine down that covers
their body, they need to have weekly baths. Do they like it? Some do,
some don’t, but they learn to tolerate it with repetition. And please,
start while they are still babies. Be careful, though, they’re
slippery when wet and soapy! Personally, I use a dishwashing liquid that
is gentle while able to dissolve grease. When cleaning your Sphynx,
remember their ears and toes. There is no fur inside the ear to
prevent dirt from entering the ear and Sphynx produce a lot of wax to
protect the inner ear. You’ll also notice that the toes on a Sphynx
are long and oval, again without much fur and will require cleaning in
and around the nail bed. Be sure to keep your kitten/cat’s nails
clipped on a regular basis.
Give
your cat or kitten some extra love and maybe a treat when you’re done
with the bath.
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