Cleaning sphynx
As Sphynx do not have much in the way of coats, you don't need to worry about brushing them! However they are definately not maintenance free cats. Cat skin creates oils to keep it supple and these normally work themselves throughout the fur. On a Sphynx these oils remain on the surface of the skin and so Sphynx need bathing. How often a bath is needed depends on the individual cat - our Sphynx average once every ten days, in hotter weather we notice them looking grubby a bit sooner and in the winter they can go a few days extra between baths. Other people find their Sphynx need bathing much less often.
A breeder will start bathing the kittens from a few weeks old, trying to make it fun and as relaxed as possible for the kittens. By the time Sphynx kittens go to their new homes they are used to being bathed and should tolerate it well. Some Sphynx are water babies and love it, but even those that are not keen should allow a wash without major trouble due to the gentle temperament of the breed. We use a baby sponge and Elave body wash to clean our Sphynx and will make sure all new families feel confident about washing their kitten.
If you don't like the idea of regularly bathing your cat, please do not get a Sphynx. It is an essential part of keeping your Sphynx healthy, happy and pleasant to kiss and cuddle. Without bathing, the skin oils form a brown grease which leaves marks on clothes and furnishings. It takes less than 5 minutes to wash a Sphynx and they never look more beautiful than when they are sparkling clean post bath!
Sphynx ears and eyes need regular maintenence too - a quick wipe round once a day or so. Between the toes and on the claw sheaths is another area prone to dirt build up. Standing in the bath softens the grubby toes and claws and a wipe with a baby wipe straight after the bath lifts it off very easily.
All in all I'd say we spend less than 10 minutes a week keeping the Sphynx clean as you get much quicker as your confidence grows. We don't find it to be a chore and the lack of cat hair after cuddles more than makes up for the need to bath them!