Bald Is Beautiful: But How Do You Care For Your New Hairless Cat?

Although you might think a cat with no hair is much easier to care for than her furry, feline counterparts, that's not entirely true. You may have less or no hair to vacuum around the house; however, the cat herself is actually more high-maintenance in some unique ways. That doesn't mean, of course, that you won't still love and adore your new kitty-companion. It simply means you'll be tending to her in different ways than those people not so fortunate to enjoy the company of a hairless cat.

Bathing

Despite the normal, persistent effort to keep herself clean, like any other kitty, your new cat doesn't have the fur needed to absorb all the oils secreted by the skin. This means frequent bathing at your hands, with warm water and a gentle, breed-specific shampoo. The soap must be completely rinsed and the bathing beauty thoroughly dried, to keep her a comfortable temperature and to protect her epidermis. 

Ears

Without a few strategic strands of hair within the ear canals to act as a catch-all for dirt and debris, you may notice an accumulation of gunk. Use a cotton ball or gauze to gently rub away dirt, which can be dabbed with a drop of olive oil, if needed. Watch out for excessive ear-scratching, as that could be a sign of mites, but otherwise, ear-cleaning should be a quick and efficient procedure for you, and, in many cases, an enjoyable experience for the cat.

Nails

Due to the fact that your little prowler may accidentally scratch herself, those claws should be kept to a bare minimum. Offer plenty of scratching pads and posts, and also, if necessary, clip the claws or have them manicured by a professional. 

Sun Protection

Without the barrier of fur between the sun and her skin, the hairless beast is extremely vulnerable; therefore, she shouldn't be allowed to frolic outside on sunny days, ever. Most experts advise keeping this type of pet strictly indoors anyway, but just a few moments of UV rays can be damaging, both in the short (sunburn) and long-term (skin cancer).

Warmth

Those cute little sweaters you've seen hairless cats wearing on social media aren't just feline fashion statements, they're a downright necessity, if the animal will be exposed to cool temperatures. While the cat shouldn't be let outdoors when it's cold outside, she may even need a sweater indoors, if your home isn't kept at a comfortable level of warmth, since she doesn't have the usual protective fur coat other animals do.

Diet

Being bald doesn't automatically mean different nutritional requirements or that the animal is prone to allergies. Feed your cat according to age, activity level and weight, just make sure it's a high-quality diet. If you do notice any funky litter box deposits, a rash, appetite fluctuations or other symptoms associated with food intolerance or dislike, you may need to try different ingredient-based products, such as trying chicken over seafood or vice-versa. It's also a good idea to keep your veterinarian in the loop regarding issues with food and nutrition. Not because your cat is hairless, but rather, because any cat experiencing digestive anomalies may require special attention.

Love And Affection

While some hairless cats may look like they're not welcoming of snuggles, rubs and other forms of affection, most are just as lovable as a cat with hair. Since all cats are unique, you'll have to get to know your new pet, to find out for yourself how much physical attention is preferable and what she does and doesn't like in all other areas as well. It's a neat experience to pet a hairless cat, as they actually have a slight covering of soft fuzz which you'll be pleased to run your fingers over (cat-permitting, of course).

Hairless cats are unique in both appearance and maintenance. So long as you're aware of the specific care these intriguing creatures require, you and your new fur-less feline should be just fine. Call or visit a veterinarian for more pet care tips or if you're uncertain or concerned about anything, particularly if it involves the exposed and sensitive skin.