I am gradually going to add a list of items new Sphynx owners should know.

Sphynx cats obviously do not shed, however they do leave behind mild greasy residue, which may be noticeable as a "dirty" area where they are sleep, especially on white bedding, or if they walk on white porcelain vanity with wet feet repeatedly.  This same grease or oil is what builds up in their ears, around the base of their nails, and to a varying extent on their body.  An occasional bath, even a sponge bath, with a careful ear clean and nail clean is required.  I use a mild organic baby shampoo, and only a few drops and a soft baby facecloth.  Do not use swabs in the ears other than in the outer folds.  Some Sphynx do well with a wipe down with a small amount of cooking grade coconut oil.  If bathed too often they will probably produce excess oil, so I find once a month is more than enough.

Some Sphynx enjoy the water.  Start with a few inches of warm (not hot) water with a few floating toys such as straws or pipe-cleaners.  Do not force them to stay in the water.  Allow them to explore the water on their own will.  Have a towel outside the tub so they don't slip when trying to exit.  I small baby bathtub that is completely flat on the bottom works well.  If it tips easily, as some baby bathtubs do, it may frighten the cat from trying to enter the water again.

Sphynx eat A LOT!!  People are surprised at how much and how often a Sphynx can eat.  Almost all of them will nibble on kibble in the middle of the night.  They should have kibble available all the time (unless have a weight problem) and I suggest a small amount of canned food daily also. My adults get canned food (or meat) every morning and evening. The kittens get fed canned 3-4 times a day, in addition to having kibble available all the time.  A good quality diet is essential to have a healthy Sphynx.

   How long did it take you to appreciate the beauty of the Sphynx cat?  Or perhaps you are not there yet. Years ago when I first saw a Sphynx I was intrigued, but it was not until years later when I spent an hour looking at many photos, that I was struck with their gorgeous sculpture-like quality.  My daughter, on the other hand, was not as easily convinced and would not touch our first Sphynx for a month.  I think it was mostly the tail that bothered her - she felt it resembled that of a rat. (Interestingly, I once owned a hairless rat - he was an charming pet and I remember spending hours stroking his tail downward and enjoying the scaly but smooth texture.)  But now, a few years later, she owns her own Sphynx, Paris, and hopes to get another soon.

   There is something about the nakedness of the Sphynx that exposes every inch of grace.  Each crease and wrinkle just adds to their character (I like to think that's the case for us humans too). Their eyes are completely exposed surrounded only by small delicate folds that move with each expression.  Stroking their back can create a ripple-effect as each wrinkle falls back into place. These are little secrets uncovered only in the Sphynx.  One can explicitly see how the muscles and joints move and how each toe can curl tightly and, like a little hand, grasp an object securely.  Sphynx appear to walk upon little cushions as their paw pads absorb the shock of even a long leap downward.

   The texture of the skin varies adding to the uniqueness of each Sphynx.  From peach-like to butter-soft to rubber-bald, petting a Sphynx is incredibly therapeutic and always warm.  The skin of a Sphynx's cheek is the softest thing on earth and begs to be rubbed.

   And I haven't even touched on the personality of the Sphynx!  Described as "part-child, part-monkey, part-clown, part-dog" may well be an understatement. The Sphynx demands to be owned by a cat-lover or a soon-to-be cat-lover.  But that will be a topic for a future blog, as I have just been informed my computer time is over and it's now time to cuddle a Sphynx.