The Endless Skin Care Routine
Without fur, Sphynx cats can't absorb the oils their skin produces. That oil has to go somewhere. Usually onto your furniture.
Weekly Baths Are Not Optional
Gollum gets a bath every week. Sometimes twice if he's extra greasy.
If I skip a bath, he leaves brown oily stains on everything. The couch. The bed. My white dress shirt that one time. The oil builds up in his wrinkles and starts smelling weird.
I've spent probably $300 on different cat shampoos trying to find one that works without drying out his skin. We've settled on a medicated oatmeal formula that costs $18 a bottle.
Most cats hate water. Gollum tolerates it because he's been getting baths since he was a kitten. But it's still 30 minutes of wrangling a slippery naked cat every week.
Ear Infections Every Other Month
Sphynx cats produce more earwax than furry cats. Way more. Their ears look like someone filled them with dark brown clay.
I clean Gollum's ears twice a week. Even then, he still gets ear infections constantly. The vet says it's just how Sphynx cats are.
Each ear infection costs about $180 for the vet visit and medication. We've had six infections in two years. That's over $1,000 just for ears.
The vet prescribed a special ear cleaner that helps. $35 a bottle and we go through one every month. Still cheaper than infections.
The Acne Situation
Yes, cats can get acne. Sphynx cats get it constantly because their skin is exposed and oily.
Gollum gets blackheads on his chin and along his tail. The vet showed me how to clean them with medicated wipes. It's basically giving my cat a facial.
Sometimes the acne gets infected. Then we need antibiotics and prescription medicated shampoo. Those flare-ups cost $200-300 each.
I never thought I'd be comparing skincare routines with my cat, but here we are.
The Genetic Problems Are Serious
Sphynx cats are a relatively new breed. All that selective breeding for hairlessness came with some health consequences.
Heart Disease Is Almost Expected
The vet recommended a cardiac screening when Gollum was two. She said Sphynx cats are notorious for heart problems.
The echocardiogram found early signs of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. His heart muscle is thickening. At two years old.
Gollum is now on heart medication daily. $50 a month. Plus cardiac checkups every six months at $400 each.
The cardiologist said HCM affects up to a third of Sphynx cats. One in three. Those are terrible odds.
We caught it early, which is good. But watching and waiting to see if it progresses is stressful. Some cats live normally with HCM. Others don't make it past age five.
They Get Cold, Obviously
No fur means no insulation. Gollum is cold all the time.
I keep my apartment at 74 degrees year-round. My heating bill in winter is insane. He has sweaters and heated beds and still wants to burrow under blankets.
When he gets too cold, he gets sick. Upper respiratory infections mostly. The vet said Sphynx cats have weaker immune systems and temperature regulation.
Gollum's had three URIs in two years. Each one costs about $250 for the exam and antibiotics.
I've spent probably $400 on cat sweaters and heated pads. It's like having a very demanding, very expensive, very naked baby.
Sensitive Digestive System
Gollum has stomach issues. Frequent vomiting, occasional diarrhea, always making concerning noises from his gut.
The vet says Sphynx cats often have sensitive digestive systems. Something about their breeding making them prone to food sensitivities.
We've done allergy testing, elimination diets, special foods. $800 worth of testing to determine that Gollum is sensitive to chicken and grain.
He's on hydrolyzed protein food now. $75 for a small bag. Goes through one every three weeks.
His stomach is better but not perfect. Some weeks are good, some weeks my carpet suffers.
What Sphynx Insurance Must Cover
After two years of Gollum's various issues, I know exactly what matters in Sphynx coverage.
Cardiac Coverage Is Non-Negotiable
Don't even consider a policy that doesn't fully cover heart conditions. With Sphynx cats, HCM isn't an if, it's a when.
Make sure they cover diagnostic imaging, ongoing medication, and potential emergency cardiac care. Gollum's heart care runs about $3,000 per year and will only increase as he ages.
Some insurers try to exclude HCM as a breed-specific condition. Find a different company if they do.
Skin Condition Coverage
Sphynx cats will have skin problems. Infections, acne, rashes. It's part of being naked.
Look for policies that cover dermatological conditions including recurring infections. Some policies limit skin problem coverage or have low annual caps.
Also make sure they cover medicated shampoos and prescription ear cleaners. These things add up fast.
Chronic Condition Management
Gollum's issues aren't one-time problems. His heart needs lifelong monitoring. His skin needs constant care. His stomach needs special food forever.
Find insurance that covers chronic conditions without annual limits resetting. Some policies treat each year as a fresh start and make you hit the deductible again for ongoing conditions.
With a Sphynx, you're signing up for lifetime management of multiple issues. Make sure your insurance understands that.