Are you a proud owner of a Sphynx hairless cat? If so, you’re probably familiar with the ongoing debate surrounding how often to bathe these unique feline companions. In this blog we will dive into this topic and try to cover the pros and cons of the most commonly debated questions in the hairless cat community.
Debated Question #1: "How often should I bathe my hairless cat"
Read any forum or social media group and you will see that one of the most asked questions is the frequency of bathing. Often a new Sphynx owner naively wanders into one of these online forums and asks this seemingly simple question and then is inundated with conflicting opinions and unwelcome vitriol.
What is happening here, why are passions and opinions so varied on this question? Let’s explore the different camps and their reasons for various bathing frequencies.
On one side of the debate are those who advocate for frequent baths, citing reasons such as keeping the skin clean, preventing oil buildup, acne and blackheads, removing pet dander and allergens, and preventing oil staining on household furniture and fabrics. They argue that regular bathing helps maintain the Sphynx’s unique appearance, prevents potential skin issues, and provides relief for owners with allergies.
On the other side are proponents of less frequent bathing, who argue that hairless cats have naturally oily skin that helps protect them and that they are adept at self-grooming. While it’s true that cats are skilled at self-grooming, it’s important to consider that in a natural setting, they also groom each other. This means that self-grooming may be more beneficial in households with multiple cats that can help groom each other, rather than in households with single cats or where there are multiple cats that don’t tend to groom each other. Proponents believe that less frequent bathing, combined with the natural self-grooming behaviours of Sphynx cats, helps maintain the skin’s natural oils, promoting overall skin health and reducing the risk of dryness and potential skin problems.
So what is the answer to this question? Well, before we can answer that we need to discuss the other big issue of debate!
Debated Question #2: "What products should I use?"
There’s a wide range of options and opinions available, including traditional shampoos, wipes, waterless shampoos, and even household items like dish detergent, each with its own set of pros and cons.
Many Sphynx owners opt for specialized shampoos made specifically for hairless pets. These products are formulated to be gentle on the skin while effectively cleansing away dirt and oils. They often contain soothing ingredients like plant based oils, honey, and shea butter to help maintain the skin’s moisture balance.
For those looking for a quick and convenient option in between traditional baths, wipes and waterless shampoos are popular choices. However, it’s important to remember that because they’re waterless and there’s no rinsing, it’s even more important that the ingredients be pet-safe as some residual product will remain on the skin and potentially be ingested when the cat is self-grooming.
There is also group that is happy using household dish detergents like Dawn. While Dawn dish detergent might be used to clean crude oil off of seabirds after an oil spill, it’s essential to put this in context. That scenario is a dire situation where the alternative for the birds is often death, making dish detergent a necessary option. However, using dish detergent as an everyday bathing product for cats doesn’t make sense. Veterinarians typically do not recommend using dish detergent as a bathing product for cats due to its harsh chemicals and potential to irritate their sensitive skin.
So who's right and what are correct answers to these questions?
Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to how frequently to bathe your Sphynx or what products to use. Every cat, household, and environment is unique, and various factors such as diet, genetics, weather, and humidity all play a role in determining your pet’s bathing needs.
It’s crucial to observe your Sphynx closely and pay attention to their individual preferences and reactions. By taking the time to understand your Sphynx’s specific needs and preferences, you can make informed decisions about their bathing routine and product selection.
Now, if you’re in need of high-quality products to bathe your Sphynx, whether you prefer frequent baths or opt for a more relaxed approach,
Mr. Wrinkles offers a selection of premium grooming products such as our
Hairless Cat Skincare Duo designed to keep your furless friend clean, comfortable, and happy. Learn more at www.mrwrinkles.co
