Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Getting Started

What you need to know about giving a hairless cat a bath

Mary Johnson
By
An annoyed hairless cat getting a bath in the kitchen sink.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

With their dainty limbs and friendly demeanor, hairless cats have amassed a devoted following in the past few decades. Aficionados often describe their personalities as doglike, with many insisting you’ll never go back to so-called “normal” breeds once you’ve owned a hairless cat. You might think the absence of a thick coat means they’re easy to groom, but hairless cat care actually takes more work than most people expect. Here’s what you need to know about hairless cat bath time, from how often you should bathe your cat to the best way to keep your mostly naked buddy warm and comfortable.

Maintaining your hairless cat’s skin health

Just as we know that healthy hair begins with a healthy scalp, the same applies to cats. And despite the name, hairless cats aren’t really hairless. While they lack the dense coat found on furred cats, hairless cats are covered in a fine layer of whisper-soft hair. To keep your hairless cat’s skin — and her downy, invisible fur — as healthy as possible, regular baths are essential. A cat’s skin produces oil the same way ours does. Unlike furred cats, hairless cats don’t have a thick coat to wick it away, which leads to an oily buildup on their skin. If your cat isn’t bathed frequently, they may leave an oily residue behind on your furniture and bedding.

Recommended Videos

Giving your hairless cat a bath

When bathing a hairless cat, the goal is to remove the excess oil that accumulates on your cat’s skin without leaving her skin stripped of all moisture. Opt for weekly baths with lukewarm (or warm) water and a hypoallergenic cat shampoo. Hairless cats typically have extremely sensitive skin, so look for a fragrance-free, dye-free shampoo that’s unlikely to cause a skin reaction.

Make sure you rinse your cat thoroughly, as residue may cause itching and irritation. Use a soft towel to dry off your hairless cat as soon as bath time is over — microfiber towels are a fantastic option for a sphynx’s delicate skin — so she won’t get cold.

Many pet parents dress their hairless cats in sweaters to keep them warm. Not all cats tolerate wearing clothes, but if your cat enjoys it, choose soft fabrics like cotton and fleece. If it feels scratchy to you, it’s definitely going to be uncomfortable for your hairless cat.

A hairless cat having her ears cleaned in the sink.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Don’t skip regular ear cleanings

Just as fur helps wick away moisture, it also prevents the ears from becoming dirty. Waxy buildup, dirt, and debris can clog the ear canal, leading to painful infections that, left untreated, may cause your cat to lose her hearing. You’ll need to clean your hairless cat’s ears weekly with a cleanser specifically designed for the ears. The instructions may say to apply the cleanser directly to the ear, but since most cats hate getting wet, it’s generally more effective (and less stressful for your feline friend) to soak a cotton ball and gently wipe out her ears.

Keep an eye out for feline acne

Just like many teenagers — and adults — hairless cats are prone to feline acne due to their oily skin. Feline acne most often presents as a rashlike area peppered with tiny black dots, called blackheads, on the chin and lower lip area, though breakouts can also occur around the base of your hairless cat’s tail. You may also see whiteheads, characterized by raised bumps with white tops.

Keeping your hairless cat clean will help reduce the risk of feline acne, but as we know, acne actually isn’t caused by dirt. The real cause of acne is clogged hair follicles and sebaceous glands. You’ll want to use a gentle, anti-bacterial soap to treat breakouts. Avoid topical medications with peroxide or alcohol, which are too harsh for your cat’s sensitive skin. If your cat still experiences breakouts, you may want to speak to your vet.

Frequent nail trims are a must

Because hairless cats don’t have fur on their feet, dirt and debris can build up beneath their nails. The ASPCA recommends regular trims every 10–14 days. Play with your cat’s paws often so she’s less likely to think anything is amiss when it comes time for her trim. Never cut past the transparent edge of the nail, as cutting into the quick will cause bleeding and discomfort. Trying to trim all her nails at once may be stressful, so we recommend going slowly and taking it a few claws at a time. If your cat refuses to hold still long enough for a trim, take her to the vet or your favorite groomer.

A hairless cat trying to escape bath time.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Hairless cats are known for their sweet personalities and often-clingy mannerisms. While it’s possible your hairless cat loves cuddling so much because you’re a constant source of heat, it’s impossible not to welcome her frequent snuggles. Not only do hairless cats form close bonds with their pet parents, but they’re also fond of children, other cats, and dogs. Hairless cats require a lot more work than you might expect, but if you’re willing to spend the time and effort, you’ll have a loyal, affectionate friend for years to come.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Mary Johnson
Mary Johnson
Contributor
Mary Johnson is a writer and photographer from New Orleans, Louisiana. Her work has been published in PawTracks and…
These are the 8 most loyal large dog breeds that make loving companions
Big breeds that will never leave your side
Akita with brown fur standing outside

There are so many reasons why dogs are known for being man’s best friend. Our pups love us unconditionally -- even when we aren't being our best selves. No matter what's going on, your four-legged friend will be happy to see you. Bad day at the office? Does your boss think your work performance is lackluster? Your dog respectfully disagrees. They’ll wag their tail when they see you walk through the door and shower you with kisses. They’re loyal and loving until the end.
One of the best things about dogs is that they're just as diverse as people are. Small, large, energetic, lazy... there's a dog for anyone out there. Some people fall head over heels for larger dogs, like Labrador retrievers, because they make for great swimming, hiking, and running partners. Large breeds are also often great snuggle buddies — even if they feel like a ton of bricks in our laps and take up the entire bed. What’s more, some of the most loyal dog breeds are large ones.
If you're leaning toward adding a big dog to your home, consider these eight breeds when searching for a true-blue forever friend.

What are the most loyal large dog breeds?
Dogs tend to be loyal by nature. Some pets take it up a notch, though, including these large dog breeds:

Read more
Do puppies sleep a lot? These are the perfectly normal sleeping habits of a healthy pup
Puppies sleep a lot, but here's when it's normal and when to be concerned
Puppy sleeping on lap of human with mustard yellow sweater

Generally, puppies require abundant sleep — some will snooze up to 20 hours per day. Every pup is different, though and as they get older, the number of sleep hours decreases. By about 16 weeks of age, most dog breeds will be able to sleep through the night.

Sleep is an essential element of human and canine development. As anyone who has had a new puppy can tell you, it can be tough at first to get them into a good sleeping routine. Still, you'll want to make sure you and your new dog are rested and fit for all that life has to offer you. Here is everything you need to know about when your new puppy should be sleeping through the night and the answer to the question, "Do puppies sleep a lot?"

Read more
Best guard dogs: These 7 breeds will protect you with their life
These dog breeds are some of the best personal guards you'll find
An Akita sitting on the bed

Most dogs are loyal and loving animals. That’s why we know them as humans’ best friends. They’d do anything for us. For some dogs, “anything” means protecting us with their lives. And these breeds make the best guard dogs. For many of them, it’s instinctual. They’ve evolved to protect the family they love. You’ll notice these pups keeping a watchful eye on your property. They may bark to alert you when your company arrives or the mail gets delivered.
Remember, guard animals mean well. They aren’t trying to be vicious, but instead, they want to keep you and your home safe and sound. Some prospective pet parents want this quality in a dog. If that’s you, consider these breeds that make the best guard dogs.

What is the easiest guard dog to train?
There's a whole group of beasties that are often referred to as the guardian breeds — many of them make this list. Those animals with a predisposition toward defending and alerting will likely also learn their duties quickly. However, you'll also need a pup who has been properly socialized. Remember, you only want your guard to go into protection mode when there's a serious threat, not every time the mailman stops by.

Read more