Kitties come in all sorts of colors and patterns. Fluffy is certainly very proud of her pretty coat. However, a few of our feline friends are running around naked. The Sphynx, Donskoy, Bambino, Ukrainian Levkoy, and Peterbald all forgot to get dressed! Hairless cats are just as lovable and affectionate as any other kitty! A Roanoke, VA vet discusses caring for a bald cat below.
Bathing
Most cats don’t need to be bathed often, if at all. Hairless kitties are the definite exception here. These guys have the same oil glands as other kitties, but they don’t have the hair to soak up that oil. Therefore, they can get a bit greasy. Use warm, not hot water, and an unscented, medicated shampoo made specifically for kitties. Make sure to rinse well! Otherwise, those suds may dry into a sticky, itchy residue. Needless to say, this can be pretty uncomfortable. You’ll also need to regularly clean your pet’s ears and clip her nails. Your vet can give you more specific care instructions.
Keeping Kitty Comfortable
Fluffy is, well, not exactly fluffy. Your feline pal can get chilly very easily! One of the most important things for people owned by bald kitties is keeping their feline overlords warm and cozy. Make sure your cat has lots of soft blankets to burrow into. Your pet may also enjoy a thermal bed or even a heated kitty igloo. Some people also put little sweaters or jackets on their pets. Normally, this would be a no-no, but hairless cats are an exception. Just keep your pet’s opinion in mind. If your cat hates wearing clothes, don’t force it on her. In summer, you’ll have the opposite issue: hairless cats can also overheat very easily. Make sure your four-legged friend always has cool water. You may also want to put a fan near her bed.
Purr Activation
One reason hairless cats have such loyal fans is the fact that they are really very affectionate and lovable. In fact, these sweet kitties often get extremely attached to their humans, and can get bored, anxious, and depressed without them. You may want to consider getting two cats. That way, your feline buddies can keep each other company when you are out.
Do you have question about caring for a hairless cat? We can help! Contact us, your local Roanoke, VA vet clinic, today!
