Keep the skin of hairless cats healthy Just like people, cats’ skin also produces oil. Hairless cats can’t suck these oils from their skin the way furry cats can. As a result, your hairless cat can accumulate these oils on the skin. To help remove these oils, hairless cats need weekly baths with lukewarm water and an over-the-counter hypoallergenic pet shampoo free of dyes and fragrances. When bathing, it is important to ensure that all shampoo is thoroughly rinsed off your cat, as residual shampoo left on the skin for a long time may cause irritation. It’s also important to make sure your cat is fully dry after bathing so they don’t get too cold. A simple, gentle pat on the towel should do the trick. Hairless cats can develop acne and blackheads just like people if they are not bathed regularly (sometimes even if you have a bathing schedule). If your cat does have acne, you can clean the area with warm water and mild antibacterial soap. If this doesn’t help, a visit to the veterinarian may be necessary to help check for a breakout. Furry cats not only benefit from fur wicking away natural oils from their skin, but fur in their ears also wicks away dirt and debris. Without this fur, a hairless cat’s ears can get dirty very quickly. As with regular bathing, regular ear cleaning (which can be done easily while bathing) can help prevent ear infections from excess ear debris. To clean your cat’s ears, you’ll need to buy pet ear cleaner, cotton balls, or cotton balls over the counter. Some tutorials will let you add the cleanser directly into the ear, and there’s nothing wrong with that method, but most cats aren’t happy with spraying the cleanser into the ear canal. These cats may be better for you, first saturate a cotton ball or cotton ball with ear cleaner, then use the soaked cotton to wipe away the debris.
Keep your nails trimmed As with any cat, trimming your nails regularly will help keep your cat from getting stuck on items like blankets and rugs and prevent ingrown nails. However, for hairless cats, keeping the nails clipped back is even more important. Without fur as a barrier, hairless cats with long claws may accidentally scratch their wounds. These open wounds are also prone to infection. Getting your cat comfortable with nail clipping, like ear cleaning, is easier when they are young, but that doesn’t mean you can’t train your adult cat to allow nail clipping. However, if you are still having difficulty, you can always take your cat to the vet and have them trim the nails back for you.
To keep your hairless cat warm in the fall and winter, make sure your cat has enough blankets and a comfortable cat bed. There are commercially made self-heating cat beds (also great for senior kittens with arthritic bones) that can keep kittens warm without the risk of overheating or thermal burns. You can also choose to dress your hairless cat, but your cat may need to be introduced to their new wardrobe slowly. Also know that due to their tendency to oily skin, your cat’s clothes may need to be washed regularly. Hairless cats seek heat from people, bedding, or sunlight. Without fur, sunbathing results in more direct exposure of the skin to the sun and increases the risk of sunburn. If hairless cats like to sunbathe, their time in the sun may need to be limited. However, fur is not only for keeping out the cold. In warm weather, it can also help regulate a cat’s core body temperature. During spring and summer, make sure your hairless cat has plenty of room to cool down, using an air conditioner, fan, or commercially made cooling pad. Also, assuming your cat has no dietary restrictions, popsicles made from frozen juice can be a refreshing summer treat. Keep in mind that hairless cats are prone to colds, so make sure to provide them with a place to warm them even during the peak summer months. Hairless cats make great companions Hairless cats can make great pets if you put in the effort. They are known for being especially friendly and cute. This may be partly due to their quest for a warm place to take a nap, but most cat lovers probably don’t notice cute cats snuggling with ulterior motives.
