Grooming
Disclaimer: Hello from Johnny. I would like to start by saying that this page is created by me, so do not blame my wife for any information you do not feel is correct. This page is to help guide people with the wonderful Sphynx pets. I will continue to add to it as I can. This page is simply MY opinion. You can find other people that agree or disagree with everything I say. Again, this is my opinion as a pet owner, breeder, and veterinarian. If you have any other questions, please contact us for more information.
~*~*~Grooming~*~*~
Grooming is very important for your new pet. Since there is no hair, it is normally much easier(I say that with a giggle) then haired cats. First is a bath. We find it easier to have a tub or sink with warm water already in it. The sound of running water tends to cause the cats to panic. We then put the cat in the water and gently wet the entire cat. For our shows, we use a very good degreasing pet shampoo. It is great for that sparkle, but the oils on the hairless cat tend to return with anger. So for routine bathing with our cats, we use a very mild, hypoallergenic pet shampoo. The reason I am suggesting the pet shampoos is because animals have a different pH in there skin that humans. If you use the human shampoo, you could cause irritation. The amount of bathing depends on your cat. We 
have some that need baths every week, and some can go an entire month before looking dirty. Your pet will have to decide that.
Second is those wonderful ears. The can look very dirty. The first time I saw a Sphynx's ears, I thought a yeast infection or mites have to be in there. But I was wrong. Many ear cytologies later, I have not found a bug that causes the gunk in the ears. But they still have to be cleaned. We use a dry q-tip, cotton balls, and toilet paper to clean the ears. Sometimes, a ear solution has to be used to break up the material. I use a commercial pet ear cleaner, but I have heard of other groomers using plant oils, vinegar and alcohol, and peroxide(I do not recommend the peroxide since it turns to water later). We wipe the ears and use the q-tip to clean the skin folds in the ear. We will also move down the canal to remove more material. It can safely be done as long as the q-tip is parallel to the jaw. Have your groomer or veterinarian show you the proper technique if you are nervous.
Thirdly, we have cat claws to deal with. They will build up a black material like the ears. We trim the nails first. This takes some practice to get it right, but it can be done. In most Sphynx cats, the
quick of the nail can be seen. Again, seek assistance before attempting the first time. The black material around the nails can be cleaned with baby wipes. If you push on the top of the nail at the skin, the nail will extend. Then it can be wiped. Sounds easy.
If you have a cat that is very difficult to hold, we have two techniques. The first is to use the cats scruff of the neck to help. Pinching the skin behind the head at the neck will sometimes cause the cat to relax. If not, the second technique is to wrap the cat in a towel like a little kitty burrito. Then you can expose the ears or whichever leg you want to clean. Remember that cats have five very sharp weapons to escape from you. Sphynx cats are very gentle, but the will only tolerate so much. Good luck, we needed it at first, and so will you!
have some that need baths every week, and some can go an entire month before looking dirty. Your pet will have to decide that.Second is those wonderful ears. The can look very dirty. The first time I saw a Sphynx's ears, I thought a yeast infection or mites have to be in there. But I was wrong. Many ear cytologies later, I have not found a bug that causes the gunk in the ears. But they still have to be cleaned. We use a dry q-tip, cotton balls, and toilet paper to clean the ears. Sometimes, a ear solution has to be used to break up the material. I use a commercial pet ear cleaner, but I have heard of other groomers using plant oils, vinegar and alcohol, and peroxide(I do not recommend the peroxide since it turns to water later). We wipe the ears and use the q-tip to clean the skin folds in the ear. We will also move down the canal to remove more material. It can safely be done as long as the q-tip is parallel to the jaw. Have your groomer or veterinarian show you the proper technique if you are nervous.
Thirdly, we have cat claws to deal with. They will build up a black material like the ears. We trim the nails first. This takes some practice to get it right, but it can be done. In most Sphynx cats, the
quick of the nail can be seen. Again, seek assistance before attempting the first time. The black material around the nails can be cleaned with baby wipes. If you push on the top of the nail at the skin, the nail will extend. Then it can be wiped. Sounds easy.If you have a cat that is very difficult to hold, we have two techniques. The first is to use the cats scruff of the neck to help. Pinching the skin behind the head at the neck will sometimes cause the cat to relax. If not, the second technique is to wrap the cat in a towel like a little kitty burrito. Then you can expose the ears or whichever leg you want to clean. Remember that cats have five very sharp weapons to escape from you. Sphynx cats are very gentle, but the will only tolerate so much. Good luck, we needed it at first, and so will you!
Copyright 2008-2011 By Brittney Gobble