Sphynxes and other hairless cats adjust to their environments, just like other animals, but their ability to adapt is limited. As you might imagine, these cats get chilled easily because of their lack of fur. What ambient temperature do Sphynx cats need to be comfortable and do they need clothes to stay warm on in winter?
The answer is, yes. Given the fact that they are expressly different from other cats owing to their lack of protective fur, Sphynx cats do tend to get cold easily. Therefore, you will need some arrangement to keep her warm during winters or when its cold inside your house. During summers too you need to ensure you modulate your AC appropriately with your cat in mind.
They have nothing to protect themselves from the elements, so they should not be spending a lot of time outdoors. A sphynx is quite sensitive to the sun and can develop skin cancers. Human sunscreens can make them very sick, so talk to your vet about a safe sunscreen if you plan on being outside with her for a prolonged period of time. Also, as there is no hair to insulate them, a hairless cat can easily overheat. Exposure to the sun should be very limited – and supervised.
It goes without saying that a sphynx cat gets cold easily too. They will need something to keep them warm when it’s cold outside or in the house. Even the summer air conditioner could be set too low for your feline friend. Clothes for these Sphinx cats are a necessity. Although some sphynx owners simply refuse to clothe them, we shouldn’t feel silly about it. A shirt or a sweater will keep them more comfortable. Also, keep plenty of fleecy blankets around the house for your cat to burrow into if they get cold. Have you seen those heated cat beds? Those would be perfect for a hairless cat, although Cleopatra prefers to sleep right against her mom’s neck! They’re such cuddlers! I wonder if they cuddle because they’re cold, or because they’re being affectionate? A little of both, probably. They’re known for being very affectionate. One more thing, because of their oily skin, their clothes and bedding need to be washed on a regular basis, just like our own.
Not only in summer, but also in winter, Sphynx are incredibly vulnerable to hot and cold temperatures. Maintaining body temperature for a hairless cat can be challenging for every season and household. One of the reasons sphynx are so cuddly is because they love warming up from your body heat. One way to ensure they stay warm in cold temperatures is to provide plenty of blankets for them to wrap themselves in. You can also provide a heated cat igloo for added warmth.
Bald cats still have a lower ability to conserve warmth because there is nothing, other than their skin, to insulate them from the surrounding environment. If a cat is not moving, while sleeping, for example, it could develop mind hypothermia.
Sphynxes and other bald cats get cold easily if the temperature drops below about 15°C (60°F ). Hairless cats do not have a coat to insulate them and some factors, such as very young or old age, or health problems, put them at a higher risk. Your Sphynx could benefit from clothes or a heating blanket if your home gets cool regularly.
Sphynx cat clothing is s a booming market and a simple internet search away. However, it’s essential to take a particular sphynx’s personality and tolerance into consideration. Not every sphynx accepts clothing. They may become rigid, fall over and remain immobile, or even scratch and bite when attempts are made to dress them. If the cat tolerates clothing, make sure to choose breathable fabrics that provide some stretch to allow them to move naturally.
Also, regular clothing changes are essential – cats like clean clothes, too. With all clothing and blankets, regular laundering is significant as oils from the cat’s skin will accumulate on the fabric and lead to odors. A hypoallergenic laundry detergent (no dyes or scents) is best to prevent any skin reactions.
It’s definately wise to invest in a light sweater. All the hairless cat breeds are at a disadvantage when it comes to keeping warm, and they need a little help from their humans.
Sphynxes and other bald kitties may seem to have voracious appetites in comparison to furry cats. They do have a fast metabolism, meaning that they digest their food quickly and the physiological processes in their bodies are fast.
As a result, they have higher resting heart rates, they may sweat more. Naturally, that also leads to a higher demand for nutrients and a slightly higher baseline body temperature. It helps with staying warmer but may not be sufficient, depending on the animal and how cool the environment is.
Another fascinating fact about a sphynx is that they eat more than a regular cat. Due to their lack of fur, they keep themselves warm with their “off-the-chart” metabolism. Because of this, they have to eat more! It’s best to feed them several times a day to accommodate their racing metabolism.