Thursday Thirteen

#9 - Thirteen Things That Aren't So Great About Being a Sphynx

I've already discussed many of the positive things about being a Sphynx, including the items mentioned in a previous Thursday Thirteen, but there are some disadvantages. Here are a few of them.

1. I have to have weekly baths, because the oil that my skin secretes builds up on the surface and attracts dirt, since I have no fur for the oil to distribute itself through. I do groom myself, just like other cats, but my tongue isn't sufficient to remove the oil build-up.
   
   
2. Since I have no fur in my ears, I also have to have my ears cleaned frequently, because ear wax builds up.
   
   
3. I have to have the skin around my eyes cleaned frequently, because I have no eyelashes, and so eye gunk tends to build up around my eyes.
   
   
4. I have to have my claws and claw sheathes cleaned frequently, since a dark waxy substance builds up. Again, my skin secretes oil, and since there is no fur to absorb the oil, it attracts dust and dirt, and builds up on and around my claws,and in my claw sheathes.
   
   
5. Since Sphynx have faster metabolisms than other cat breeds, that means my claws grow faster. This results in having to have my nails clipped more often.
   
   
6. Although the fast Sphynx metabolism helps to keep me warm, I can still get cold easily if I'm subjected to cold temperatures or if someone touches me with very cold hands.
   
   
7. When my humans have cold hands, they don't want to pet me (and I don't want them petting me) because I could start shivering from the cold.
   
   
8. I'm only allowed outside on my harness when it's warm out and when there's plenty of shade available. I'm always closely supervised outside.
   
   
9. Because I have no fur, my skin can sunburn easily, especially the lighter areas of my skin (my pink areas.)
   
   
10. Sphynx are very friendly, loving cats who like plenty of attention and who like to cuddle. This is great most of the time, when either mom or dad is home. It's not so good when they are both gone (for example, when they do their long runs for their marathon training, or when they are on a trip.) I miss the companionship when they are away.
    
    
11. Sphynx are also very active cats who love playing. Again, this is great most of the time - my humans love playing with me and we have lots of fun. However, when one or both of them is ill, or when they aren't around (see above), I have to find ways to amuse myself, and playing alone just isn't as much fun.
    
    
12. The oil that builds up on my skin can transfer easily to other fabrics when I'm in need of a bath. This means my humans have to wash their clothes, or the bedding, or other items more frequently.
    
    
13. Some people make fun of me and say hurtful things, because I don't look like other cats. I understand that not everyone is going to like the way a Sphynx looks, because we do look different from other cats, but they don't have to be mean or cruel about it.
    
    

Fortunately, the good things about being a Sphynx outweigh the bad. My humans think I'm adorable, cute and handsome, and so do my cat blogging friends, and they are the only ones who matter! Besides, almost everyone who meets me in person is charmed by my personality and looks!

Tags: Thursday Thirteen, Sphynx, Canadian Sphynx, Canadian hairless, cat, kitten, hairless cat, hairless kitten