WE ARE AGAINST DECLAWING!

The Sphynx is not an outdoor cat. Because their skin is exposed, Sphynx cats need to be protected from the cold. That doesn’t mean that they can’t go outside, just means that they should not live outdoors.

You might think that because there is no coat to maintain, the Sphynx’s grooming needs are minimal. The opposite is actually true. The body of a Sphynx cat secretes oil, so they need frequent bathing. Their ears also require frequent cleaning. More proof that the Sphynx cat is not low-maintenance: they have an extremely high metabolism. Therefore, they will consume more food than the average cats.

   Regular cleaning (usually in the form of bathing) is necessary; one bath a week is usually sufficient. If not cleaned, the oil easily transfers to surrounding objects and the Sphynx cat may leave brown stains on linen, not to mention the place where they sleep. Perhaps this is protection for the skin, which lacks wool. Too much oil on Sphynx's skin may indicate that the cat is not eating right (for example, too many fatty foods) or isn't feeling well.

    Care should be taken to limit the Sphynx's exposure to outdoor sunlight, as they can develop sunburn and skin damage similar to that of humans. In general, Sphynx cats should never be allowed outdoors unattended, as they have limited means to conserve body heat when it is cold. In some cases, owners will dress their cats in pet-sized coats in the winter to help them conserve body heat. Their curious nature can take them into dangerous places or situations if not watched. 

Ears: We should also draw attention to the cleaning of the Sphynx cats' ears. Black and brown dirt accumulates in the ears fairly quickly. This is not a painful process for Sphynx cat and cleaning is required solely for cosmetic purposes. Ears of the Canadian Sphynx cat do need to be cleaned at least every week. To do this, use cotton swabs or q-tips, wetted in a special ears-cleaning liquid for cats (we recommend Epi-Otic by Virbac).

Eyes: In Sphynx cats, in the corners of their eyes, forms mucus. In healthy Sphynx cats, it’s transparent, or slightly brownish, and gelatinous. If the Sphynx eyes are runny, the selection appears white or yellowish - this indicates the presence of infection. Seek medical attention immediately (many dangerous diseases begin with the outflow from the eye). The Sphynx cats eyes should be cleaned daily, using a wet, soft napkins or cotton swabs wetted in cooled, boiled water or special cleaning liquid for cats’ eyes (we use silver colodial water).

Nose: Make sure that you also clean the Sphynx's nose. If there’s any mucus in or around it, using a damp q-tip, or a q-tip moistened in any kind of antiseptic, gently wipe it off. Keep an eye for constant runny noses as it may be a sign of an infection.

Claws: Nails of the Canadian Sphynx cats are to be cut with special nail scissors regularly. When cutting Sphynx’s nails make sure you don’t touch the soft, white or pink, part of the nail. Those are the blood vessels and the nerve endings. Claws of the Sphynx cat must not only be cut, but also cleaned. Sweat collects under the nails and it forms a dark dense plaque. When cleaning the nails it is preferable to remove the plaque with a wet swab. Sometimes when the Sphynx’s claws get too dirty, bacteria or fungi form underneath them, developing rapidly and damaging the nails.

Tip: It’s good to combine all the hygienic procedures for your Sphynx cat together, and do them all in one day after a bath.