7 Reasons Why Sphynx Cats Are Expensive To Take Care Of?

Sphynx cats are not your regular household cats. These hairless cats are unique and require a lot of maintenance, thus making them hard to care for, as well as expensive to maintain. While they lack a proper fur coat, their needs are more demanding than a regular domestic cat.

It’s better for new sphynx owners to become aware of the requirements of a Sphynx cat before they actually get one. This will ensure you are ready to provide them with the best care they need to grow and develop healthily. Learn more about the Pros and Cons of a sphynx cat, from my previous article.

Here are 8 Reasons why Sphynx cats are expensive to take care of.

1. Regular Skin Care Routines Are Essential.

Sphynx cats are fully naked with a fine coat of hair that can hardly be seen. This means that their skin is fully exposed and prone to multiple skin conditions. Blackheads and acne are common problems that are associated with sphynx cats.

This is caused by bacteria that are on the surface of the skin that is released when the cat sweats or secretes natural oils. This build-up of dirt causes black pumps, scabs, and acne. Regular bathing, degreasing, and moisturizing are required once or twice a week to help get rid of bacteria and the greasy gunk that builds upon their skin.

There are also several products that must be used such as a degreaser, shampoo, coconut oil, cleansing brush, and witch hazel which helps combat bacterial and fungal infections.

2. Greasy Skin Leaves Residue On Furniture & Bedding

Sphynx cats release natural oils on the surface of their skin as a mechanism to keep their skin soft and moisturized. The build-up of these oils on the surface of the cat’s skin isn’t being absorbed due to the lack of hair, therefore the oils are left on the surface of the skin and imprint on everything they come into contact with.

This means that they leave an oily residue on furniture, bedding, and anything their bodies come into contact with. Thus more cleaning may be required. Over time this can be costly to ensure your home is clean and sanitary.

The only way to prevent messy situations is with proper hygiene care for your sphynx. Check my previous article on ways to help keep sphynx cats clean.

3. Ears, Eyes, and Paws Build up the Most Gunk.

Due to the hairless feature of sphynx cats, it’s easier for dirt to build up in their ears and in between their toes. This sticky, greasy gunk collects in these areas the most and must be cleaned out at least two times a week.

Normal soap or shampoo might not help as a good ear cleaner works best to loosen and remove the waxy substance from their ears. On their toes, it’s good to use hygiene wipes with a little coconut oil. Coconut oil helps loosen and remove the sticky dirt to make cleaning easier.

Their eyes also require consistent cleaning since they don’t have eyelashes and eyelids they lack protection. Therefore the dirt that enters their eyes mixes with the thick discharge secreted within the eye and moves toward the inner corners of their eye.

This brownish sticky substance must be removed daily, or every second day to make sure they remain clean and protected. If not this discharge can dry and become a breeding ground for infection.

These are the most common and difficult-to-clean areas that must be routinely cleaned for optimal hygiene and health.

4. Very Affectionate And CLINGY!

Sphynx cats are very affectionate as they love their owner’s presence and attention. This affectionate nature can become clingy as they will want to be by your side at all times. This seems cute and fun for the first few weeks but over time it can become too much to handle and difficult to maintain.

The Sphynx breed is the type of cat that will welcome you at the door, follow you around the house, sleep by your side, and even share the couch with you. These cats love attention, if you don’t have the time for a needy cat unfortunately the Sphynx breed is not for you.

Most of the time sphynx parents end up getting another one to form a pair just to keep each other company. While this solves the problem it’s totally taxing on your finances.

5. EXPENSIVE To Maintain.

Sphynx cats are purebred which makes them expensive, and the expense doesn’t stop there! Long-term care and overall maintenance for a sphynx cat are extremely costly.

They require a mixed diet which includes raw food as well as normal cat food. They also require a variety of hygiene products for cleansing to maintain their bodies and interactive toys to keep them entertained.

Part of the maintenance cost also comes from medical checkups, routine vet appointments, and clothing. All these little costs add up and in the end, it can be financially draining if you are not prepared. It is recommended that sphynx owners get a pet plan or insurance to help with the costs.

6. Fast Metabolism …. High Nutritional Needs.

Sphynx cats are not very big in size but they have high nutritional needs that must be met daily to ensure they’re well. These cats are super active with a fast metabolism which means they break down and absorb food really fast.

This means they will get hungry much more quickly. A high-protein diet is essential to help them stay fuller for longer since protein breaks down much slower than other macronutrients. This will ensure they remain satisfied and well-nourished.

Many Sphynx Owners follow the BARF diet which stands for Biologically Appropriate Raw Food. Genuine proteins that are free from artificial ingredients and fillers work best. Raw chicken, fish, or liver are a few of the best proteins that can be incorporated into a sphynx diet.

Over time this diet can be time-consuming and expensive to provide.

7. Need Clothing To Maintain Body Temperature.

Normal cats are clothed with a generous fur coat to help keep them warm and to regulate their body temperature. These hairless cats need heat to maintain their body temperature, especially during the winter months, thus clothing is essential.

Clothing acts like a protective layer that insulates and helps maintain their overall body temperature. In winter you can clothe them with fleece to help keep them warm and in summer you can clothe them in a cotton tee to prevent sunburns.

They also require a normal room temperature of about 65-70 degrees F, if you don’t have an AC you can use other methods of keeping them warm.

8. Super Active And Smart.

Sphynx cats are one of the smartest cat breeds and it shows in their behavior and ability to understand and comprehend simple commands and tricks. The downside is that they are always on the move and they want to play all the time.

This requires more time and interaction to help stimulate their playful side as well as nurture their instinctive ability. Due to their playful side, they always need a companion to keep them company if not they will trouble you to play with them.

Simple toys will definitely bore them, they need interactive toys that feed off their instinctive nature, keeping them occupied. Interactive toys don’t come cheap either so it’s yet another cost that you incur.

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