If you want to adopt a cat, but you think that you are not prepared to clean all their fur, or maybe you are allergic to their hair, then the best solution is to get a hairless one, such as the sphynx. However, they are not completely hypoallergenic, because their skin still produces normal amounts of allergy-causing danger, but it depends on the type of allergy you suffer from. 

The sphinx cats are some of the most loveable cat breeds and can be really loyal to their families. But even though you don’t have to clean their hair around the house, they actually require high maintenance, so taking care of a hairless cat can involve a lot of skills and hard work. 

So, before adopting a sphinx cat, you have to make sure that you are ready and know everything about this cat breed. From their personality traits to their special bathing requirement, here are some things that you should know about the sphinx cats. Read on for more info!

They need sun protection

A sphinx cat needs sun protection because it doesn’t have fur to protect it from the sun’s rays. Therefore, especially during the summer, you must use a sunscreen to protect your cat every time you leave the house. Your vet will recommend what kind of sunscreen to use for your cat’s skin type.

“If they go outside, sunscreen or some sort of sun protection is recommended,” says Dr. Shari Brown, a veterinarian in Chesapeake, VA. “It’s generally recommended not to take them outside, especially at the brightest times. Talk to your vet about [sun protection] products and what is best for your cat.”

These felines are highly active

The sphinx cat is one of the most active felines that enjoys jumping, playing and climbing, as well as a normal cat scratching. So, you should provide them with certain scratching surfaces and places to climb and perch. 

A certified instructor at the National Cat Groomers Institute of America, Inc., Lynn Paolillo, said that her hairless cats can’t sit on their grooming table because they are too active and playful, so sometimes this can be quite difficult for her to care for them. 

“All the hairless cats I’ve met are very sweet and cuddly but also active. They want to play and have cat interactive toys, but also will seek out warmth from the owners,” she said.

Hairless cats are not necessarily hypoallergenic 

There are many people who suffer from allergies caused by animal fur, but this is not the only pet allergy that you can suffer from. In this sense, people could be allergic to pet dander, which is composed of microscopic flecks of skin shed by animals or another cat allergy in people can be caused by the proteins found in saliva, urine and feces. The most common cat allergies are caused by the Fel d I protein. In many cases, dried saliva and dust from dried feces contain allergens that settle on the cat’s fur and become airborne. 

So, while some hairless cats can be good for you if you suffer from a mild allergy, others could adversely affect your health because they are not considered completely hypoallergenic. 

Instead, you should bath your cat weekly to remove the majority of the Fed d 1 protein that sits on your cat’s skin.

Hairless cats are not completely hairless

Did you know that hairless cats aren’t actually hairless? It seems that they still have a layer of down in certain areas of the body (or on the entire surface of the body), but it depends on the cat breed that you choose. 

According to Maria Drechsel, owner of Fabulous Feline Grooming in Calgary, Canada, “they aren’t completely hairless; they can have a peach fuzz over certain parts or even the whole body.”

In fact, there are no completely hairless mammals, even human beings have little fluff on their bodies, so we can say that they are normal cats, not aliens that want to conquer the world.

They can develop certain skin problems

The truth is that cats can suffer from a huge variety of skin problems. Unfortunately, many animal experts say that hairless cats are more likely to develop certain skin problems than other furry felines. So, you have to pay attention to this aspect if you want to adopt a sphinx cat and don’t forget to see your vet often. 

“Sphynxes are prone to urticaria pigmentosa, a skin condition characterized with itching and red bumps,” says Brown. 

They have sensitive skin, so this is why you have to use sun protection for your cat and keep it indoors during the summer. There are a lot of reasons that make your cat itches, such as allergies to certain foods, pollen, parasites or infections, but the most common disease that causes this symptom in the sphinx cats is urticaria pigmentosa. It seems that this disease is passed on genetically. So, if you notice that your cat is excessively scratching, you have to talk to your vet as soon as possible and fix the problem.

They can develop other health problems as well

Hairless cats are more likely to develop luxating patellas and a neuromuscular spasticity disorder, especially Devon Rexes, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, especially Sphynxes. Hairless cats can also develop tooth staining and discoloration. 

“This is known as enamel hypoplasia and is correlated with the hairless gene. It is commonly seen on the baby teeth but has been noted on the adult teeth as well,” Brown says. “Dental radiographs as adults are recommended to further assess the tooth and make sure the tooth is otherwise healthy.”

Their skin can be greasy

If you thought that you were getting out of grooming sessions by adopting a hairless cat, you are wrong. In general, the skin of an hairless cat will build up a greasy layer if left unbathed. Moreover, they can have wax accumulation in their ears as well, so don’t forget to clean their ears periodically.   

“You want to start out with a mild hydrating cat shampoo and bath often,” says Brown. “Also get into a routine of regular ear cleanings to help with the wax build-up. Sometimes it can be difficult to determine wax build-up from infection. If other signs are occurring, a consult with a vet should be performed.”

They can get cold often

Hairless cats constantly need a blanket to cover themselves with because they are cold. “Hairless cats are heat-seeking missiles,” says Drechsel. “They are constantly looking for a lap to snuggle on or blankets to crawl under.”

But you have to place a blanket or a towel where they sit because they could stain your couch or bed sheets because of their oily skin.

They have to be cleaned often, especially because their skin becomes greasy and oily. “These kitties need more regular bathing than cats with hair to help gently remove the excess oils,” says Paolillo. “They are a wash-and-go breed of cat, which makes it easy for owners to do at home in their sink or bath tub. After the bath, wrap them up in warm towels to dry. Nails should be trimmed every few weeks depending on how quickly they grow to protect their skin.”