This post may contain affiliate links.
Sphynx cats are pretty unique compared to other cats. They are completely hairless but they do have a fine coat of soft hair. This makes their skin fully exposed to natural elements and prone to the changing environment. Due to such, they are prone to skin issues and a good moisturizer is essential.
All Sphynx cats have different skin requirements. Most Sphynx may have very oily skin while some may have dry to normal skin. Irrespective of their type of skin a good lotion, lubricant, or moisturizer is needed. This is required to maintain, protect and nourish their skin.
The thought of slathering moisturizer onto your cat’s skin that’s already oily isn’t very appealing. But before you come up with any misconceptions, let’s dive down to the importance and benefits of a good moisturizer for your hairless cat.
Hydration Vs Oil.
This is probably the biggest misconception when it comes to sphynx cats and their oily skin. People normally feel that due to their oily, sticky skin they don’t need proper moisturizing, however, there is a big difference between oil and proper hydration.
The oil on your sphynx cat’s skin refers to sebum that is secreted by the sebaceous glands to help maintain the barrier function of the skin. Since sphynx cats are hairless, they don’t have anything to absorb the sebum secreted from their skin. This build-up of sebum on the surface of their skin makes them oily which doesn’t mean that their skin is hydrated.
On the other hand, skin hydration is the process wherein water is absorbed into the layers of the skin, known as the epidermis and dermis to maintain its plumpness, elasticity, and resiliency. The lack of moisture causes the appearance and the protective function of the skin to be severely compromised.
Benefits Of A Good Moisturizer.
There are many benefits of moisturizing and it does play a huge role in the skin’s overall health.
1. Slows Down Oil Production.
As you know, sphynx cats are pretty oily. To combat the oily build-up owners normally bathe them regularly. However, there is a negative aspect to this regular bathing. Once the cat is bathed, its skin is clean and free from any type of oily/waxy substance.
This only lasts for a few hours since the dryness of their skin sends signals to produce more oils causing excess oils to be secreted. This cycle of bathing and oil production becomes a repetitive cycle, which just aids in more oils being produced.
A good moisturizer could slow down this process by preventing the skin from drying out after bathing. Therefore the skin is replenished, for that period slowing down the production of oils, thus it will take longer for your sphynx skin to get oily.
2. Soothes Sensitive Skin.
Sphynx are very sensitive to the cold and are easily sunburnt. A good moisturizer can help create and defend the skin’s barrier against the harmful Uv-rays of the sun.
Good moisturizers even have added sun protection to help shield their skin from the elements. Some moisturizers have ingredients such as aloe, chamomile and oatmeal which soothes inflammation, redness and itchy skin caused by dermititis.
3. Replenishes The Sphynx Skin.
Cold weather or hot weather, air conditioning or indoor heat; did you know that all of these environmental factors can suck the moisture right out of your sphynx naked skin? That’s where a good moisturizer comes in.
It not only replaces moisture that’s already been lost but helps prevent future loss. It creates a barrier trapping moisture within the skin.
Sphynx owners apply coconut oil as a natural moisturizer to the cat’s skin before baths since the oil loosens the sticky grease that is built upon the cat’s skin. Coconut oil also lubricates the cat’s skin-replenishing it to prevent the skin from drying out. You may also use other products on the cat’s skin but make sure it’s feline approved and safe for sensitive skin.
When choosing a good moisturizer for your sphynx cat make sure to check the requirements that are below, which will help you choose the right product for your cat.
4. Can Help Against Sphynx Acne.
Weve established that sphynx cats have very oily skin. Due to this excess oil they are prone to acne and pore buildup. When the cats skin gets dry after baths, it sends a message to the glands to produce more oil that can clog their pores and cause breakouts.
So, if skin is properly hydrated, it can actually help stop it from producing more oil than it needs. In the process helping against acne.
What To Look For In A Moisturizer?
Now that we know the benefits of a moisturizer, we need to be carefareful when shopping for one. The market is saturated with really good pet moisturizers, however pet-safe may not be sphynx safe since this breed have sensitive skin.
- The product must be non-fragrant and ideal for sensitive skin. Fragrant products may be used if it agrees with your Sphynx skin.
- Free from toxic substances in case the cats ingest the product while grooming.
- The product must be organic, and made from natural substances.
- Soothing ingredients such as aloe, chamomile and oatmeal is a bonus to help dermatitis.
3 Best Moisturizers for Sphynx Cats.
1. Fractionated Organic Coconut Oil.
Coconut oil is an ideal organic moisturizer and an all-around health supplement. It has much healing and replenishing properties to make sure skin is healthy and soft. This product is fractionated which means that it’s refined and deodorized.
It’s safe for external use as well as for consumption in case the cat ingests it while grooming. Due to the fact that it’s an all-natural product, it will be gentle on any skin type and perfect for sphynx cats, since they require frequent baths therefore their skin needs to be moisturized. Check out the latest prices, conveniently from Amazon.
2. PetO’Cera Cats Soothing Cream.
PetO’Cera Cats provides an extra-mild formula developed by veterinarians to moisturize and soothe your pet’s sensitive, irritated skin. This product is a great skin ointment and treatment cream which provides immediate and long-term moisturizing. It helps to boost your cat’s skin by boosting ceramides and relieving dry skin by reducing water loss, increasing hydration, and restoring the skin barrier. Perfect for sphynx who requires regular bathing.
It is also safe to be licked or swallowed as its Made with safe ingredients and tested on humans, the product does not contain any harmful chemicals like added parabens, petrolatum, mineral oils, propylene glycol, etc. This cream effectively works as a paw lotion/pet paw balm to soothe and moisturize dry skin.
Check out the great results and reviews other feline owners have been getting with the use of this amazing product. Get it now on Amazon.
3. Burt’s Bees Hypoallergenic Shampoo & Moisturizer.
The Burt’s Bees Hypoallergenic Shampoo cleans, softens dry skin, and moisturizes the skin. Made with all high-quality natural ingredients like shea butter and honey to help keep skin replenished and hydrated. This shampoo is mild enough for sensitive skin but works well to remove dirt and to get rid of acne-causing bacteria.
Veterinarian recommended formula, free of fragrances, sulfates, colourants, and harsh chemicals. Ideal product for sphynx cats Get it now from Amazon.
