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L-Lysine diet supplement
The usual dose for a cat is 250mg once a day, but check with your vet. l-Lysine is available at heath food stores, in pill, capsule or paste (called Ensyl) form, and at you vets office. Be sure you buy a brand which does not contain propylene glycol, this can cause anemia in cats. You can either give L-Lysine separately or mix it with your cat food.
Bathing Your Sphynx:
As you know, a Sphynx is not your ordinary cat. Since they have no hair to absorb their natural oils released from their body, they need to be bathed once a week. They will become very dirty especially around the eyes and ears. I found the best way to bathe our Sphynx is to fill up the tub with enough water to just about cover their body. To this will make it more difficult for them to jump up fast. You do need to hold them constantly though! I use Johnson and Johnson baby shampoo with natural oatmeal. Massage them for around three minutes, get in between each foot and around ears. I use a washcloth with just warm water to wash their face. For their ears, I put ear drops in during the week to help loosen the wax build up and then try to clean them better in the bath with Q-tips or the washcloth. Wrap them in a towel and dry well. You may need to spot clean during the week around the eyes. I use a warm washcloth or wipes.
Claws
It is not recommended to de-claw your cat. You can trim their claws very easily with a nail trimmer or can purchase a nail trimmer at your local pet store. Just hold the paw and squeeze your fingers gently to extend each nail. In good lighting you can see where the vein is in the nail, make sure to cut below the vein. Provide a scratching post for them to use.
Comfort:
Since Sphynx have no hair, please keep your cats warm. If you are cold naked, they are too. My Sphynx like to hide under the covers to keep warm. Provide a bed for them or their own blanket where they can cuddle up. If you have more than one cat, they will cuddle together. They will most definitely sleep on your bed with you if allowed.
Food:
Feed your Sphynx premium quality foods to maintain proper nutrition. They have a high metabolism and will eat often. I mostly stick to dry food, but on occasion will give them canned food for a treat. Just be ready for softer stools and those stools will smell more. I give my cats treats to help aid in cleaning their teeth and breath. It is hard to clean their teeth but should be done.
Litter Box:
I suggest using clumping litter. It s easier to scoop up. Keep their litter box clean. I clean them a couple times a day. Which one you choose to use is up to you. I recommend getting a mat or old rug for under the litter box so they can wipe their paws off when done. You can even buy self cleaning litter boxes!!!
Going Outside:
This is not recommended by most Sphynx owners. Because they are hairless, they are not protected from bugs bites and other forms of nature that can lead to disease and infections. If you decide to let them venture outside keep in mind they can jump up on a 6' fence. Also, make sure it is at least 70 degrees and use sunscreen because they can get sunburned.
Vaccinations:
When bringing home your Sphynx, they will have had two sets of shots, 8 weeks and 16 weeks. They will also have been de-wormed. Consult with your vet. with the suggested vaccines thereafter.