Bath Time:
Since the Sphynx is hairless, they will require a bath. Once a week is best. In general, cats do not like water, but they can learn to tolerate it, some even like it. At In The Nude, we start bathing our kittens from a very young age, so the kittens are used to getting a bath when they go into their new homes. Bathing a cat can be very easy. Bathing them in the kitchen sink, or an area in which you can easily reach them is best. You’ll want to bath your kitten in warm water using an anti-microbial / anti-fungal shampoo. Fill up the sink half way with warm water and squeeze a small amount of shampoo on a wet wash cloth, and bathe. Just like a baby, you need to be gentle and make sure that you do not get any shampoo in their eyes. Keep a dry towel close by, so you can dry the cat off quickly.
Ears:
The Sphynx ears also need to be cleaned on a regular basis. Because they lack hair around their ears, they tend to get more of a “dirt build up” than a regular cat. Cleaning once a week allows the ears to be free from this build up. An ear cleaner and Q-tips will do the trick. Follow the instructions on the ear cleaner, and be sure NOT to insert the Q-tip into parts of the ear that you cannot see. If you are unsure about cleaning the ears, I will be happy to show you how to do it, or your veterinarian can also show you how to clean the ears. Ear cleaner can be purchased at Pet Smart, Foster’s & Smith (an excellent catalog for kitty supplies, food, toys, etc.), and other pet catalogs.
Eyes:
The Sphynx also lacks eyelashes, which can result in dirt in the corners of their eyes. Gentle wiping with a damp cloth will take care of this. Do not use baby wipes for this, as it can be very irritating to the eye area.
Nails:
Due to the lack of hair on the Sphynx feet, you will need to clean their nails. To do this, gently press on their toes to make their claw stick out. Simply wipe them clean with a damp cloth or baby wipe. This is also a good time to trim their nails. When trimming nails, look for the pink “vein” that is visible inside the nails. This is where the blood vessel is and it is very important that you do not cut this pink part; as it can cause bleeding and soreness. In order to prevent this from happening, it is best to trim the tip of the nail only. If you do this weekly, the nails will remain short, and trimming will be quick and easy.
Feeding:
The Sphynx has a higher metabolism because they have no hair. This means they eat more often than “regular” cats do. A premium dry food is best. (Ask your veterinarian). I will tell you what food I am feeding my kittens and will send enough of the food home with you, so that you may purchase the same food. This will prevent diarrhea and /or tummy upset. Acclimating to a new environment can be stressful at the beginning, and you do not want to complicate matters by changing their diet. Its best that you remain feeding the same food as the kitten is currently eating. Leave dry food available at all times, so they can eat whenever they choose to. The Sphynx loves fresh water. Be sure to change water daily. Filtered water from the refrigerator is fine.
Litter Box:
The type of cat litter is up to you. I use Fresh Step clumping litter or litter “crystals.” The most important thing is to scoop it out daily. Change entire litter once a week. You can use bleach to disinfect the litter box, but make sure you rinse it out extremely well to get rid of bleach odor and residue. Remember that when you bring your baby home, he/she will be in a new environment. It’s best to let them investigate and take a tour of their new home. Placing the litter box within easy access/view is best at the beginning. You can always move the box to another more private location, once your baby is familiar with home.
Training:
The Sphynx is very intelligent and learns quickly. However, they can be very persistent. If you are trying to keep your cat off of your countertops or kitchen table, you can fill a spray bottle with water and squirt at them until they get the message to stay off. They will learn quickly. (If you can hide around a corner and spray them, so they don’t see you, even better.) A scratching post should be provided for your cat and they will use it – instead of your furniture. (Sprinkling a small amount of cat nip will draw them to the post.)
Bedding/Toys:
Since the Sphynx is hairless, they get cold just as people do. Normally, if you are cold, so is baby. It’s best to keep a blanket available for them to cuddle up in. I place a small blanket in their beds for warmth. If you live in a cold climate, a few blankets placed around the house, where your baby sleeps, is fine. If you provide it, they will find it! (Fosters & Smith sell a heated cat cup bed, which is awesome for cold nights!) Provide your baby with lots of things to play with, especially if you are away from home during the day. Be careful! Toys with attached stretchy cords (to tie to door knobs and such) can serve as a strangling device! Do not leave your kitten unattended with these types of toys. It’s best to purchase toys that do not have these cords, or, leave the cord loose and do not tie it to anything.
Safety:
Safety is a very important factor in any kitten care. An accident can happen in the blink of an eye. Use common sense. Your kitten is like a baby: curious, active and inquisitive. This may mean jumping up onto tables or other accessible places in your home. Heavy objects placed near the edge of countertops, wallunits, and anywhere that your kitten can jump onto, need to be put in a safe place – out of reach of baby. You might want to do the same for breakable items in your house. Cleaning agents should be kept out of reach entirely. It’s best to do a “walk through” of your home anywhere your baby will have access. Just like a human baby, if it looks like it could cause harm, or fall on your kitten, or even be eaten by your kitten, PUT IT AWAY. A safe environment for your Sphynx, is one in which is “baby proof.”
Please remember, NO question is stupid. If you have any questions once you go home with your baby, feel free to call either myself, or your veterinarian. Heath and safety is the #1 priority.