How to Care for a Hairless Cat
Hairless cats have been popular for decades, partly due to their friendly and sociable demeanor, which can sometimes be almost dog-like. However, before choosing a breed of hairless cat, it’s important to understand their unique care requirements. Life without fur can require more upkeep than one might initially expect.
Keeping Your Hairless Cat's Skin Healthy
Like people, cats produce oils on their skin. Hairless cats can't wick away these oils as furred cats do, leading to oil accumulation on their skin. To cleanse these oils, hairless cats require weekly baths using warm water and a hypoallergenic pet shampoo free of dyes and perfumes. Ensure all shampoo is thoroughly rinsed off, as leftover residue can irritate the skin.
It is equally important to ensure that your cat is sufficiently dried after bath time so that they don't get too cold. A simple, gentle pat-down with a towel should do the trick. When not bathed routinely (and sometimes even if you have a bath schedule set) hairless cats can get acne and blackhead breakouts just like people. If your cat does have a breakout, you can clean the area with warm water and mild antibacterial soap. If that doesn't help, a trip to the vet to help get the breakout in check might be in order.
Furred cats not only benefit from fur wicking away the natural oils in their skin, but the fur in the ears also wicks away dirt and debris. Without this fur, the ears of a hairless cat can get quite dirty quite quickly. As with routine bathing, routine ear cleaning (something that could be easily done at the same time as a bath) helps prevent ear infections from excess ear debris. To clean your cat's ears, you will need over-the-counter cat ear cleaner, cotton balls, or cotton rounds. Some tutorials will have your add the cleaner directly into the ear and there is nothing wrong with that method, but most cats aren't very happy about having the cleaner squirted into their ear canal. These cats may be more amenable to you first saturating a cotton ball or cotton round with the ear cleaner and then wiping debris away with the soaked cotton.
Keeping Nails Clipped
As with any cat, regular nail trimming can help prevent your cat from getting stuck on things like blankets and carpeting as well as preventing painful ingrown nails. For hairless cats, though, keeping nails clipped back is even more important. Without fur as a barrier, a hairless cat with long claws may accidentally scratch open wounds on herself. These open wounds could also easily become infected.
Getting your cat comfortable with nail clippings, as with ear cleaning, is easier when they are young, but that doesn't mean you can't train your adult cat to allow a nail clipping. If you are still having difficulty, though, you can always take your cat to the vet and have them clip the nails back for you.
Keeping Your Hairless Cat Warm
During the fall and winter months, make sure that your cat has access to plenty of blankets and cozy cat beds. There are commercially made self-heated cat beds (that also are great for senior kitties with arthritic bones) that keep kitties warm without the risk of causing overheating or thermal burns. You may also choose to dress your hairless cat in clothing, but your cat may need to be slowly introduced to their new wardrobe. Also know that, due to their predisposition for oily skin, your cat's clothes may need to be washed fairly regularly. Hairless cats will seek heat from people, bedding, or sunlight. Without fur, sunbathing results in the skin getting more direct exposure and increases the risk for sunburns. If a hairless cat likes to sunbathe, their time in the sun may need to be limited.
Fur doesn't just insulate against the cold, though. It can also help regulate a cat's core body temperature in warmer weather. In the spring and summer months, make sure that your hairless cat has plenty of areas where they can cool off, either with air conditioning, fans, or commercially made cooling mats. Additionally, assuming your cat has no dietary restrictions, a popsicle made from freezing a pureed squeeze treat makes a refreshing summertime treat. Remember that hairless cats get chilly easily, so be sure to provide a place for them to get warm even during peak summertime.
Hairless Cats Make Great Companions
If you put in the effort, hairless cats can make great pets. They are known for being particularly friendly and cuddly. This may be partly due to them seeking a warm place to nap, but most cat lovers likely do not care that their cuddly cat has ulterior motives for their snuggles.
