Egyptian cats or sphynx cats are slim, slender felines with a peaceful and docile character comparable to the mix of a Persian and a Siamese.
They are very intelligent and curious animals that you will always find investigating corners of the house or fiddling with some of the furniture. However, they like to be in quiet and warm places, especially in winter when they start to feel cold due to the absence of hair, a distinctive feature of the breed.
These cats are not actually born without fur, but their skin is covered in a layer of hair so fine that the human eye can barely perceive. At present, in addition to the sphynx cat, there are other breeds of bald cats such as the Peterbald and the Don Sphynx. In recent years a new breed known as the kohana or Hawaiian bald cat has also appeared. At first glance they may all look the same to you but they are very different animals. For example, the Peterbald and the Don Sphynx are of Russian origin and their alopecia gene is dominant compared to that of the Sphynx which is recessive.
Lacking a coat, people tend to think of them as delicate and sickly cats, but in reality they are felines that generally enjoy good health throughout their lives. In any case, despite being strong cats, they will need basic care that, sometimes, has nothing to do with what other cats require. See the Egyptian cat that needs a particular and abundant diet because unlike other species of its type, this animal has a much more complex thermoregulatory system and its metabolism goes faster.
Likewise, they also need their skin to be cared for and clean because they produce a lot of sebum when they sweat. It is important that we accustom the animal to bathing since childhood so that it is comfortable in the water since showers should be a constant in its life. The hygiene of these felines is one of the reasons why they become very dependent on their owners. But remember that, in addition to providing a balanced diet and helping you with hygiene, it is important to take your cat for regular check-ups at the vet and follow a vaccination schedule. With these guidelines you can avoid diseases such as scabies, feline immunodeficiency or diarrhea, which generate losses of defenses and, consequently, serious pathologies.
There are countless products on the market that can help us improve the hygiene and health of our pets, but remember that not all cats tolerate some items well. If it is the first time that your feline has contact with, for example, a special bath gel for cats, observe how their skin reacts after applying it because they have very sensitive dermis.
Here is a list of 15 basic tips that you have to follow if you want your hairless cat to enjoy good health.
