Sphynx Care - Bath
Sphynx needs to be bathed regularly. They usually have no visible hair and produce sebum which protects their skin from pathogens, moisturizes, softens and provides elasticity.
Usually each sphynx needs bath weekly, but some with drier skin can go without as long as 2-3 weeks. If you don't wash them often enough their pores become clogged and blackheads may develop.
I advise to start to wash them at least once a week from the moment they are weaned (even twice a week for few months), so they get used to baths and washing them would be easy in the future.
First of all remember about right temperature of bathroom or room you will wash them in and also the room they will play/ sleep after the bath. Make sure there are no drafts and minimum 70 F. The temperature of water should be warm but not hot. Easiest method is to put your elbow in bath and you should feel warm but not hot ( 89-95 F).
You may play a lot just before bath , when cat will be tired it's easier to wash her. Just be gentle. They like feel of warm water, but scrubbing could be a problem. Use delicate "tear free", hypoallergenic liquid soap for babies or kittens. It should be diluted, you may pour some in a bathtub to create bubble bath. I don't think washing them in sink is good. If you put too less water they get cold and become stressed. Pour 8-12 " of water, make sure no higher than cats base of neck. I like to use bathtub so you can drop few floating toys and just let sphynx walk or play for 10-15 minutes in bubble bath so water is washing off dirt painlessly. You may put towel on the bottom of bathtub to prevent slips.If you have no bathtub, buy one for babies. Having her in the sink forces you to do everything quickly, putting stress on her and you.
To remove blackheads I use cotton balls drenched in medical alcohol and run over the cat's skin where problems occurred and gently but quickly put sphynx in the bath so pet has no chance to lick it off. You can use Noxzema anti- blemish pads.
I don't use oil, makes skin more oily, hence more blackheads. I massage gently skin starting from the head to a tail using baby bath sponge or washcloth. You may put few drops of conditioning oil in the water. I recommend food grade as you should never give cat essential oils, it could damage her liver.
You may put cotton balls in the ears to prevent water from entering. I like to have plastic bottle with warmer than bath water, as I use it on the end to rinse cat, pressure from faucet or shower head may scare them. Have your towels ready, and don't leave sphynx unsupervised ever.
Use towels with gently motion, this will get rid of old skin and rest of dirt and makes good massage to invigorate skin. I like to put hoodie or warm sweater on the her, so she doesn't get cold.
Very important to dry ears with cotton balls or q-tips right after the bath.
Please remember: wait an hour after feeding to bathe them. And make sure you have some food ready after bath as they lose lots of heat during washing and usually get hungry. I recommend extra blankets so they can snuggle and sleep.
Bath time could be great to bond and play with your sphynx and it keeps them healthy so make it a fun time!
Written by Joanna