Sphynxes are very unusual pets. Thanks to their spectacular appearance and wonderful character, the cats of this group (Canadian, Don Sphynx, Peterbald and others) have a whole army of fans. But before you take a hairless kitten into your home, you should find out the specifics of caring for it. Like any pet, Sphynx cats need a complete, balanced diet (ready-made super-premium food is recommended), care and attention from their owners. A mandatory procedure is annual vaccination and the recommended procedure is sterilization or castration if the pet does not participate in breeding. There are also specific care intricacies associated with the lack of fur.
How often to wash your Sphynx
All Sphynx cats - Canadian, Donskoy, Peterbald - require the same care. During selective breeding, the breeds lost their hair, but not their sebaceous glands. If in ordinary cats sebum is distributed throughout the fur when licking or when they are combed, then in sphinxes it remains on the skin. Especially a lot of skin secretion accumulates in the folds of the neck, under the arms, in the groin, and under the tail. Dust and particles of desquamated skin stick well to lard. This environment is ideal for bacteria. When microorganisms settle there, an unpleasant odor begins to emanate from the pet.
And if a cat with fur does not need to be washed at all, only if it is heavily soiled and in preparation for an exhibition, then baldy cats need bathing. There are no exact recommendations on how often to bathe a Sphynx. Everything is individual. Depends on physiology and pollution rate. For example, it has been noted that young, uncastrated cats produce more oil and get dirty faster. Therefore, one cat is bathed every week, the second time every 2-3 months or six months. On average, Sphynx cats are washed once every 2 weeks.
However, the main principle in bathing sphinxes is this: the less, the better. Frequent water treatments lead to dry skin and flaking.
Gummy sphinxes (completely bald, rubbery) especially suffer from human cleanliness. For them, the secretion produced by the skin is the only protection against overheating, hypothermia and irritation. Washing removes the protection. After bathing, the skin of completely hairless Sphynx cats must be lubricated with moisturizer or conditioner.
If plaque forms on the skin and ears too quickly (within a week), this indicates poor nutrition. It is necessary to review and adjust the Sphynx's diet. The higher quality the food, the less secretion is released.
Rating of TOP 10 shampoos for cats
After analyzing the parameters of cat shampoos, I compiled a rating of the best cat care products. This is what the final version looks like:
- Gentle for kittens;
- Gentle for cats;
- Ms.Kiss Fluffy Tail;
- Ms.Kiss Graceful Sphynx for hairless cats;
- Tropiclean Papaya and Coconut;
- Celandine Soft;
- Doctor ZOO;
- Tropiclean berry with coconut for heavy dirt;
- CitoDerm dermatological;
- Animal Play is hypoallergenic with wheat proteins and vitamins.
Let's take a closer look at each tool.
Gentle for kittens
The product is designed specifically for the fur and sensitive skin of kittens. The shampoo has a soft formula that gently cleanses and does not provoke allergies. The composition contains chitosan, which is a natural conditioner, and provitamin B5. Together, these components promote hydration and restoration, making the coat shiny and silky.
Thanks to the content of aloe vera, it effectively cleanses, moisturizes and nourishes the pet's skin and coat. Allantoin softens, heals small cracks and wounds, fights dandruff and irritation. Thanks to its balanced formula, the kitten shampoo is suitable for frequent use.
| Care | Wool, leather |
| For kittens | Yes |
| Wool length | Any |
Price
from 131 to 158 rub.
- foams well;
- does not smell of anything;
- washes off easily.
- not found.
A good shampoo for kittens, soft, forms a rich foam. It washes out well with water, and after using it the coat becomes fluffy and easy to comb.
Expert opinion
Yulia Dukhanina
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Bathing cats is recommended if necessary.
Zoo shampoo Gentle for kittens
Gentle for cats
The shampoo is designed specifically for sensitive cat skin. Thanks to its soft formula, the product effectively cleanses the coat and does not provoke allergies. The composition contains natural conditioners chitosan and allantoin, which soothe skin irritations and ensure ease of combing.
Cleansing, moisturizing, nourishing the coat, healthy shine, and easy combing are ensured by the content of aloe vera. Allantoin also softens and moisturizes the skin and fur of the animal, fights irritation and redness. The composition also contains provitamin B5, which effectively heals, soothes and adds shine. The product is safe even for frequent use.
| Care | Wool, leather |
| For kittens | No |
| Wool length | Any |
Price
from 131 to 178 rub.
- high quality;
- makes wool soft;
- relieves irritation.
- not detected.
We picked up a cat from the street. Naturally, they bought her, among other important supplies, cat shampoo. After the second use, the cat’s fur acquired a healthy shine, it became soft, silky, and removed existing irritations from the skin.
Zoo shampoo Gentle for cats
Ms.Kiss Fluffy Tail
Shampoo-conditioner is suitable for bathing kittens. It can also be used to wash aging cats who have allergic reactions to conventional products. The composition of the shampoo is specially selected for the sensitive skin of kittens. Thanks to the content of D-panthenol, the structure of the animal's hair is restored. The component effectively protects against negative environmental factors and prevents skin from drying out.
Relief from irritation, itching, and peeling is achieved through the action of biotin. The composition uses natural-based detergent ingredients that reliably remove dirt while maintaining the protective properties of the skin. This allows you to use the product frequently. The shampoo-conditioner does not contain dyes and does not irritate the animal's eyes. After bathing, the wool has a subtle aroma of green tea.
| Care | Wool, leather |
| For kittens | Yes |
| Wool length | Any |
Price
from 210 to 320 rub.
- affordable price;
- large volume;
- good aroma;
- convenient packaging.
- none.
Excellent shampoo, effectively washes out fleas. The bottle is equipped with a convenient dispenser. Foams well and is completely washed off with water. The skin becomes soft and shines effectively in the sun.
Zoo shampoo Ms.Kiss Fluffy Tail
Ms.Kiss Graceful Sphynx for hairless cats
The product is suitable for bathing hairless cat breeds. The shampoo uses the latest Swiss formula, which provides reliable, high-quality skin care for Sphynx cats. A healthy state is promoted by the action of bioactive components. Thanks to biotin, the skin is nourished and soft, itching and irritation are eliminated.
Restoration of damaged skin, its protection is achieved through the action of D-panthenol. Mild detergent ingredients do not damage the skin, which allows you to use the product quite often without harm to your pet. There are no dyes in the composition, the pH of the shampoo is similar to the pH of hairless cats.
| Care | Leather |
| For kittens | — |
| Wool length | Hairless |
Price
from 210 to 320 rub.
- does not cause allergies;
- pleasant, mild aroma;
- economical consumption.
- not found.
We bought this product especially for our pet Sphynx. Rinses well, washes out completely with water. Does not cause allergies or irritation. The aroma is pleasant, not overpowering, like some other shampoos. It is also used economically.
Expert opinion
Yulia Dukhanina
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Hairless cats, such as Sphynx cats, need to be washed at least once a week.
Zoo shampoo Ms.Kiss Graceful Sphynx for hairless cats
Tropiclean Papaya and Coconut
Premium shampoo suitable for frequent use. Coconut and mango included in the product help clean the coat and relax tangles. This ensures ease of combing. Thanks to the content of kiwi and papaya extracts, dry skin is nourished and a pleasant aroma is preserved for a long time. These components prevent the formation of tangles.
Shampoo-conditioner is suitable not only for cats, but also for dogs. Regular use of the product makes the coat healthy, soft, elastic and silky.
| Care | Wool, leather |
| For kittens | No |
| Wool length | Any |
Price
from 524 to 672 rub.
- coconut aroma;
- cleans well;
- does not tangle the fur;
- price-quality ratio.
- not found.
I think this is one of the best, high-quality shampoos. My cat has very sensitive skin and this product worked great for him. It moisturizes perfectly, and after it the hair is easily combed. I think this is the best value for money.
Zoo shampoo Tropiclean Papaya and coconut
Celandine Soft
The product contains only soft surfactants that carefully and gently cleanse the animal’s skin. The product does not provoke allergic reactions. Wheat germ extract contained in the shampoo helps nourish and moisturize sensitive skin. The action of chamomile extract has a calming effect, helps soften the coat and give it shine.
| Care | Wool, leather |
| For kittens | Yes |
| Wool length | — |
Price: from 98 to 120 rub.
- soft;
- pleasant aroma;
- washes off well;
- inexpensive.
- none.
I took it for a test on a long-haired, ever-shedding cat. Now I don’t buy other products, this worked perfectly. It foams well, rinses, and is completely washed off. Does not cause allergic reactions. And it seems that our cat has begun to shed less intensely.
Zooshampoo CLEANITY Soft
Doctor ZOO
The shampoo is suitable for regular use. The product effectively and gently cleanses the kitten's skin and fur. The product forms a rich foam, which is then easily washed off completely. Prevents the occurrence of irritation and itching.
| Care | Wool, anti-itch |
| For kittens | Yes |
| Wool length | Any |
Price
from 98 to 108 rub.
- smells delicious;
- mild formula;
- makes the coat fluffy and obedient.
- not detected.
Great shampoo. The fragrance smells pleasant, the smell does not linger on the fur for a long time, which is good for my cat. Not a bad composition, contains keratin and provitamin B5. The fur is obedient and silky after washing.
Zoo shampoo Doctor ZOO
Tropiclean berry with coconut for heavy dirt
The product allows you to wash away even the most stubborn dirt in your pet’s fur. Thanks to a unique formula based on berries and fruits, the shampoo reliably neutralizes unpleasant odors. Due to the content of natural protein and strawberry extract, the natural water balance of the skin is restored. After use, the wool becomes obedient, soft, and easy to comb.
| Care | Wool, leather |
| For kittens | No |
| Hair length | Any |
Price
from 524 to 672 rub.
- smells delicious;
- foams profusely;
- hypoallergenic.
- not found.
Great shampoo. Hypoallergenic, foams well. After washing, the coat becomes soft and silky. The smell of this product is simply amazing. A little expensive, but I think you have to pay for quality.
Expert opinion
Yulia Dukhanina
Ask a Question
During the shedding period, bathing and regular brushing will accelerate cat hair loss.
Zoo shampoo Tropiclean berry with coconut for severe dirt
CitoDerm dermatological
Dermatological shampoo effectively cares for the hair of cats prone to allergic reactions, itching, and irritation. The product has a nourishing and moisturizing effect, accelerates hair growth. With its help you will relieve your pet from dermatitis. In addition, regularly using this product for your cat will significantly reduce the shedding period.
The shampoo reliably neutralizes unpleasant odors. Thanks to the action of dimethylsulfone, allergies are reduced. Octopirox, which is part of the shampoo, helps eliminate dandruff and cleanse the skin. Due to the action of tea tree oil and aloe vera, itching and irritation are eliminated. Restoration, nutrition and hydration of the skin occurs thanks to the action of hemp seed oil and vitamin E. Oregano oil, which is part of the product, helps strengthen hair roots and reduce shedding.
| Care | Anti-itch, fur, skin |
| For kittens | No |
| Wool length | Any |
Price
from 326 to 393 rub.
- foams well;
- completely washed out;
- does not weigh down the wool.
- not found.
We bought this shampoo for an allergic cat. All the remedies make him irritated and itchy. We tried this product and no longer believed in a miracle, but it worked perfectly. The foam is abundant, enough to wash the cat’s entire body. It is completely washed out of the wool. The consumption is economical.
Zooshampoo CitoDerm dermatological
Animal Play hypoallergenic with wheat proteins and vitamins
The hypoallergenic shampoo has been previously tested by many biologists. The product carefully cares for the skin and fur of the animal. The vitamin complex helps nourish and strengthen hair. It also has a softening, tonic and calming effect. Wheat proteins moisturize the skin and have an anti-inflammatory and anti-allergenic effect.
| Care | Wool, leather |
| For kittens | Yes |
| Wool length | — |
Price
from 98 to 122 rub.
- hypoallergenic;
- pleasant aroma;
- does not dry the skin;
- cleans well.
- none.
Great shampoo. Inexpensive, hypoallergenic, has a pleasant aroma. The main thing is that it does not dry out my cat's skin. It washes wool perfectly and washes off well with water.
Animal Play hypoallergenic zoo shampoo with wheat proteins and vitamins
What you need for swimming
Preparing for a swim is a key event.
To wash your Sphynx you will need:
- Bath or basin.
- Shampoo.
- Sponge.
- Rubber mat - optional.
- Rinse ladle.
- A few floating toys for distraction.
- Towel.
- Plaid.
- Delicacy. If the cat behaves well during water procedures, it is treated with a treat.
Everything is prepared in advance. Before bathing the Sphynx, it is advisable to trim the claws (if necessary) so that the cat does not scratch if it struggles.
When bathing Sphynxes, it is important not to catch a cold. Therefore, the procedure takes place in warm water and in a closed room without drafts.
Fill the bath with water before bathing. It is advisable that the pet does not see this. Many cats are afraid of the sound of running water.
The water temperature is approximately 38-39 degrees - so that your hand is pleasantly warm. This is the cat's body temperature, so it is comfortable for bathing. It is important that the air is not cold - at least 22 degrees.
For the first time, it is better to bathe in a basin so as not to frighten your pet with large volumes of water. The depth for the first bath is to reach the chin when the cat is sitting on its butt. Subsequently, water is poured up to the sphinx’s neck, leaving part of the back open.
For convenience, place a rubberized mat or towel on the bottom of the bath so that the paws do not slip and the cat feels more confident.
Step-by-step procedure for bathing a kitten
The water procedure must be made as comfortable as possible, because the kitten can be very frightened and in the future the bath will be associated with stress in the animal.
- Step 1. Choose a bathing container: basin, sink, bathtub. The most important thing is that the surface should not be slippery. You can lay a towel or rubber mat.
- Water level. The water should reach the neck, covering the entire body of the animal.
- Comfortable water temperature – up to 40°C.
- Do not make sudden movements or make loud noises.
- Observe the animal’s condition: does the kitten have stress or severe anxiety?
- The room should not be drafty or too hot.
- Step 2. Wet the animal's body, then distribute the shampoo evenly, rubbing in with gentle massage movements. If possible, allow the animal to soak in the shampoo for a few minutes.
- Don't forget to wash the areas at the top of the tail, under the tail, behind the ears, and paws.
- Step 3. It is better to rinse off under low pressure of water. Strong jets can frighten a kitten.
- Step 4. It is better to wet the muzzle with your hands or a sponge.
- Avoid contact of detergents with eyes, ears and mouth. Water getting into the ears can lead to otitis media.
REFERENCE . Otitis is an inflammation of the external auditory canal. Due to excessive moisture, bacteria or fungi begin to multiply in the ear. After bathing, the ears can be cleaned with veterinary lotion, thereby removing excess moisture, if any.
- Step 5. After bathing the kitten, dry it thoroughly with a towel and wrap it in another dry towel. Gradually get used to blow-drying: from the tail, gradually reaching the neck and muzzle.
- Step 6. During the drying process, you need to comb the wool. If there is a tangle, carefully cut it off with scissors.
- Make sure all shampoo or conditioner has been removed from the surface of the animal's body.
ATTENTION . The drug remaining on the skin after swimming can cause poisoning.
Video on how to bathe a kitten and dry it after bathing:
This is interesting: Is there an allergy to sphinxes?
How to wash a Sphynx
The choice of shampoo for bathing your Sphynx is important. It is preferable to use a detergent specifically for hairless cats, preferably based on natural ingredients. There are few of these on the market. Therefore, you can choose a shampoo for Sphynx cats labeled “moisturizing” or “relieving irritation” or “to control dandruff.” As a rule, these are shampoos with herbal decoctions, the addition of aloe, and oatmeal.
If it is not possible to buy a specialized shampoo for hairless cats, it is permissible to use products for newborns with a pH level of 5.5. Other children's shampoos are not recommended for use.
You cannot take shampoos that say “super cleansing”, “texturizer”, or containing oil or lanolin. Shampoos with super-cleaning are needed only in one case - if the cat, and this often happens in young and uncastrated cats, has a strong secretion of sebum at the base of the tail. In such cases, acne and comedones often form in this area. It is to combat the “pimply tail” that super cleaning is needed. Keratolytic shampoos containing lactic acid are also shown. Such products reduce sebum production and, accordingly, relieve skin inflammation.
Comparison of the best products
I have summarized the main parameters of cat shampoos in a table. It’s so convenient to compare different cat care products and choose the best option for your pet.
| Model | Care | For kittens | Wool length | Peculiarities | Price, rub |
| Gentle for kittens | Wool, leather | Yes | Any | — | 131-158 |
| Gentle for cats | Wool, leather | No | Any | — | 131-178 |
| Ms.Kiss Fluffy Tail | Wool, leather | Yes | Any | Store in a cool, dry place | 210-320 |
| Ms.Kiss Graceful Sphynx for hairless cats | Leather | — | Hairless | — | 210-320 |
| Tropiclean Papaya and Coconut | Wool, leather | No | Any | Suitable for cats and dogs, effective against mats | 524-672 |
| Celandine Soft | Wool, leather | Yes | — | Suitable for cats and dogs | 98-120 |
| Doctor ZOO | Wool, anti-itch | Yes | Any | — | 98-108 |
| Tropiclean berry with coconut for heavy dirt | Wool, leather | No | Any | Suitable for cats and dogs | 524-672 |
| CitoDerm dermatological | Anti-itch, fur, skin | No | Any | — | 326-393 |
| Animal Play hypoallergenic with wheat proteins and vitamins | Wool, leather | Yes | — | For puppies and kittens | 98-122 |
Let's celebrate the best.
Character and education of sphinxes
Another frequently asked question is how to train a Sphynx to use a litter box. This breed of cat has an intelligence above the average cat level. They quickly understand what the owner wants from them. It is enough to show the kitten once where to do its business, the kitten will go here in the future.
These animals also get along well with other cats; they are not prone to conflict. If such situations arise, the cat will prefer to simply tactfully step aside, taking a neutral position. They behave well with children, but do not like excessive squeezing and other children's pranks. They will also rather hide from them than become aggressive towards them by biting or scratching them. This is extremely rare for such cats.
Description of breed standards
If a cat's body is not covered with hair, this does not mean that he is a representative of the Canadian Sphynx. Even the smallest deviation from official standards turns the animal into an ordinary hairless cat. Features of the appearance of the Canadian Sphynxes are as follows:
- The size of the pet is small. As a rule, they weigh no more than 6 kg. Females are somewhat smaller than males. Their weight is about 4 kg.
- Animals are distinguished by a muscular and strong physique, but at the same time they have soft and smooth body contours. They captivate with their grace and elegance. Sphynxes have a round belly that resembles a ball.
- The chest is quite wide, which is why the pet’s paws are always widely spaced. The limbs are medium in size, thin and strong with long fingers, on which sparse fluff may remain. The hind legs are longer than the front legs, which makes the gait special.
- The head is wedge-shaped, medium in size, with prominent cheekbones.
- The bridge of the nose is wide, the nose is small, slightly covered with short hair.
- The ears are set far apart and may droop. They are large with a wide base and rounded ends without brushes.
- The eyes are large, deep and very expressive, shaped like a lemon. Color may vary. Usually it harmonizes with the color of the animal, but most often the bright green shade predominates.
- The tail is long, sometimes with a tassel at the end. Animals most often roll it up and press it to their body.
- Mustaches are practically absent, but their presence is allowed.
- The nose, the area behind the ears and the tip of the tail are the only places that may be covered with short hair or fluff. Canadians' skin is quite soft and velvety.
- The color can be absolutely anything: monochromatic or in various combinations. Black, purple, silver, white and other shades are allowed. Due to their susceptibility to pigmentation, tri-colored individuals are often found.
One of the peculiar features of Sphynx cats is that they have interesting folds that do not straighten out even if the cat is pulled out to its full length. The presence of folds on the forehead, neck and limbs is considered mandatory.
Selecting accessories
Bathing representatives of the cat family, regardless of breed, is a mandatory hygienic procedure, which does not cause much enthusiasm among pets and often causes stress. Correct organization of the procedure will help to avoid negative perception of this process.
When bathing the sphinx, you will need a shallow basin or a small bath, the water level in which should be no more than 15 cm. It is better to cover the bottom of the bathing container with a towel so that the cat’s paws do not slip. The cat is afraid of running water, for this reason it is better to fill the bath with water in advance.
Prepare rubber toys for your pet. Curiosity will play a role as one of the main character traits of representatives of the Sphynx breed, and the pet will happily frolic in the bathroom with new toys. You can also stock up on your favorite treats and reward them for good behavior during bath time.
Many people are interested in what shampoo to wash a Sphynx cat and whether it is possible to use products for children or sensitive skin. Today, pet stores offer a wide range of various hygiene products for pets, including special shampoos for washing the Sphynx breed. Do not use shampoos and soaps for children, as products for humans and animals have different components.
It is better to wash the delicate skin of the Sphinx with your hands or a soft washcloth. Don't forget to prepare a large bath towel to wrap your wet Sphynx in immediately after bathing. In winter, the towel can be slightly warmed up so that the animal feels comfortable and does not freeze.
Something else interesting: How to choose the right comb and brush your cat
