Due to the lack of hair Sphynx possess, oil, which would normally be absorbed by hair, tends to build up on their bodies. As a result, Sphynx cats do require weekly, monthly, to no bathing at all (depending on the individual cat). Some cats do stay cleaner than others. Bathing is a five-minute task easily accomplished since Sphynx kittens are accustomed to bathing at an early age. Some actually enjoy their baths and will purr while being lathered up. Often times, they will jump in the tub or shower with you to play. We use Dove Cream Oil Body Wash and bath gloves on our cats. The bath gloves cut bathing time in half and help to gently exfoliate leaving their skin smooth snd soft. Care is taken not to get soap/water in their ears and eyes while bathing.

Also due to the lack of hair, Sphynx cats' ears tend to build up with a brown waxy substance and require weekly to monthy cleanings (again depending on the individual cat). We use OtiCalm ear cleaner. After putting several drops in each ear, massage the base of the ear and allow your Sphynx to shake his head (to loosen the debris). Carefully use Q-tips to remove the wax. Care has to be taken not to injure their ears with the Q-tips. Never go farther down than you can see. Ear cleaning also takes only a few minutes.

Sphynx cats are a very lively, comical, and intelligent breed. They are extremely friendly and outgoing, always being in the mood to snuggle. Part monkey, child, and dog is probably the best way to describe them. They prefer to sleep under the covers next to their humans at night and bask in the sun during the daylight hours. They are not usually timid and aloof, as some domestic cats can be. Sphynx cats are not a one-person cat; they get along with every member of the family. There is never a dull moment when you have a Sphynx cat in the house to entertain you. Because of their extremely affectionate nature, they do best in homes with other pets. They do get along with different types of pets.

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| TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENTS |

Sphynx are indoor cats and should not be left outside unattended. As a general rule, Sphynx cats are comfortable when we would be comfortable [naked]. During the cold winter months, I provide my Sphynx cats with a heated pet bed which can be found at Drs. Foster and Smith. Because Sphynx cats tend to burn more energy keeping warm, we use a high-quality food to maintain their supposed higher metabolisms. We feed and recommend Wellness, Nature's Variety, and Science Diet Hairball food. We feed the hairball food for the added fiber.

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| APPEARANCE |

A common misconception is that the Sphynx cat has no hair at all, but in fact, this is not true! Some do have a fine down over their bodies that can be felt but not easily seen. The most hairless cats feel rubbery and sometimes even sticky. The most pleasant texture seems to be on those cats with fine, short hair covering their bodies. Most Sphynx have slight hair on their nose and ears, while some have hair on their tails and feet. This hair is usually very fine and soft. Wrinkled skin is highly desirable, particularly around the muzzle, between the ears, and around the shoulders. They have warm, muscular bodies with dumbo ears and captivating lemon-shaped eyes. Their chest is well rounded with a thick, muscular neck. Sphynx males are generally larger than Sphynx females. Adult females usually weigh between 6 and 9 pounds, while males are usually between 9 and 15 pounds; however, this can vary to some extent either way. Click HERE to see the TICA standard for the Sphynx breed.