Sphynx Care Guide Faq's
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Are Sphynx completely bald?
The Sphynx appears to be a hairless cat, although it is not truly hairless. It may be covered with very fine down. On the ears, muzzle, tail, feet and scrotum, short, soft, fine hair is allowed. Whiskers and eyebrows may be present, either whole or broken. A lion tail ( puff of hair on the tip of the tail ) is acceptable. Sphynx with noticeable body hair are usually referred to as 'fuzzy' coated. Sphynx with no body hair are usually referred to as 'Rubber' or 'sticky' bald.
Are they hypo-allergenic/ allergy-free?
No. Despite popular belief Sphynx cats are not hypoallergenic though some people are allergic to cat hair they will likely not have a reaction after interacting with a Sphynx cat. However a person allergic to cat dander will still have a reaction though it can be lessened by making sure the Sphynx in question is bathed often.
What makes a Sphynx different to any other cat?
Apart from the obvious lack of hair?...Sphynx cats are very people orientated, they love nothing more than to be with their human family. They are the most affectionate breed of cat I know, I may be biased but they have a huge amount of love to give.
Sphynx have been compared to a cross between a cat, a monkey and a dog. Your Sphynx will like nothing more than to be riding on your shoulder or to be curled up on your knee.
Do you have any kittens available?
If we do, their pictures are usually posted on the Available Babies Gallery page. To be put on our waiting list, please email fcomplete our pet application page to be placed on the waiting list and be notified regarding upcoming litters.
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Sphynx are cats, but don't cats hate water?
It's true, sphynx cats are cats. And cats usually don't like water, but if cats are raised being bathed regularly. Roughly about every two weeks they learn to tolerate it. Some even enjoy their baths. The key is to get your sphynx cat into the water early but not right as soon as you get them home. It is important to bond with your cat and ease into the steps with them. The more your cat trusts you, the less painful it will be...literally.
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I'm having a baby, can I still have my Sphynx cat?
Of course you can! Some old wives tales will tell you that cats are dangerous to babies and will suck out the breath and kill them. This is simply not true. Though cats will lay on or with children and should be supervised. They are curious and may want to cuddle with the new addition. Sphynx cats are usually excellent with children as they are very playful. They have great temperaments and tolerate children more than any breed that I've seen!
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Do all sphynx cats have HCM?
No. However HCM is an issue in the Sphynx cat community and it is very important to have your Sphynx’s heart scanned if you suspect illness. fortunately I haven't had any issues with HCM personally, but I do scan for it yearly as a percaution.
What happens if a sphynx cat breeds with a regular cat
The offspring would most likely just look like a fuzzy sphynx cat, or regular kitten. The gene that makes sphynx cats hairless is recessive so unless the furry cat also carried it the kittens would look like a“regular” cat. There is a chance that one or more of the kittens could possibly be naked.
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Is it okay to let my sphynx cat outside unsupervised?
No. Sphynx cats don't have hair, so they are very susceptible to hot and cold, . Even if your Sphynx cat enjoys being outside. Do not allow it unless they are wearing a harness and leash. I cannot stress this enough. Too many Sphynx cats get stolen when allowed outside, or get disoriented and wander away. Please, do not let your Sphynx cat outside alone !
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I'm a vegetarian, Can I feed my Sphynx a vegetarian diet?
While we respect your choice to be a vegetarian. No you can not feed your cat a vegetarian diet. Cats are carnivors and must have meat to remain healthy. Cats require at least twice as much protein as dogs for basic health maintenance. Proteins are made of amino acids such as taurine, which is vital for the prevention of blindness and some heart diseases. Cats get their necessary taurine from meat.
Furthermore, the fat in meat provides cats with linoleic acid, which cats cannot produce on their own. Linoleic acid assists in the production of red blood cells and helps with bodily functions such as blood clotting. Meat is also a cat's only source of vitamin A, which is also important for normal bodily functioning.
Sphynx Health Tips
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Safe Use of Flea and Tick Products in Pets
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Never use cheap flea treatments on a Sphynx they can be lethal to our little bald companions. If you have other pets and need to use flea treatments then I recommend using Frontline or Advantage. FDA Information on Flea Products:
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Sphynx cats like nothing more than to bask in the sunlight, remember that Sphynx can get sunburnt too.
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Because they have no hair to keep them warm, Sphynx feel the cold. If you are cold then your Sphynx is cold too.
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Sphynx should be inside cats only, cold weather isn't very nice when you have no hair. Not only can the weather be an issue but a Sphynx will probably be stolen if you let him/her outside unsupervised.
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Bath time can be a lot easier if you follow these simple tips. Fill the bath/ sink to chest height with warm (not hot) water. A lot of cats are calmer if the faucet is switched off before they get in the bath. If your Sphynx really hates bath time, cut their nails beforehand, so they don't cause damage. Babywipes are the best invention ever for quick wipe downs between baths. For dirty ears - Mix a solution of 50% white vinegar and 50% water to clean their ears, this is a natural remedy to deal with any yeast, wax etc that's in there. You will soon notice the decrease in black 'gunk.' ALWAYS dilute the vinegar with an equal part water.
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Please don't use the FIP vaccine as it is a live vaccine and can turn into FIP itself. It's not worth the risk of losing your cat/ kitten.