There may then be further variants of coat in the descendant breeds of the Sphynx, with hair always very short and curled with denomination brush.
In any case, cats of this type give a sensation of marked warmth to the touch and depending on the season they may have fluff or tufts of hair on the muzzle, ears, extremities of the legs and genital area.
Further typical physical characteristics are represented by very large ears, lemon eyes, pronounced cheekbones and very developed pads at the level of the paws.
which stagnates in the skin and must be removed periodically. The sebum produced around the eyes or skin folds such as nail folds promote the accumulation of dirt.We therefore recommend total washing once / twice a year, interspersed with constant cleaning with wipes or specific products for animals, especially in the parts most affected by secretions.
Ear cleaning must also be constant for a greater production of ear wax, which must be removed regularly.
It is important to consider the fact that cats like the Sphynx are more affected by the change in external temperature. For this reason, in the winter it can be useful to cover the animal in order to avoid a greater dispersion of heat, leaving the head and legs uncovered. On the contrary, in summer you have to pay attention to the UV rays to which the skin is exposed. It is in fact necessary to apply protective lotions especially in the lighter areas of the coat, to avoid burns and dermatological lesions.
and sunburns are very frequent if not adequately protected. Additionally, skin lesions can occur randomly as a result of play activities with other cats or dogs. The sensitivity of the skin is in fact greater than in breeds with a thick coat. Finally, in the dermatological field there are cutaneous manifestations of skin tumors, to be investigated at the onset by a veterinarian.
As for the Sphynx, a high percentage of specimens are affected by heart disease and in particular by HCM (Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy). Those affected can manifest cardiogenic symptoms even suddenly at any age. This disease was inherited in nature, but unlike other breeds such as Maine Coon and Ragdoll it is not associated with a specific genetic mutation. For this reason the only preventive actions to be carried out are given by periodic cardiological visits and echocardiogram and not by a specific genetic test.
Another pathology affecting the Sphynx is hereditary myopathy, a recessive neuromuscular pathology given by the COLQ gene that causes muscle weakness and fatigue, especially after exertion, stress or excitement, similar to the congenital myasthenic syndrome of man.
In conclusion, hairless cats need specific attention and preventive care precisely because of their characteristic "nudity" and this must be considered when we decide to adopt one.
