If you have a Sphynx cat, you know that they have extremely sensitive skin. Anything that touches their skin, like their blankets, clothes, harness, or the detergent you use, has the ability to impact their health.
There's more to keeping your cat's laundry clean; it's also about preventing any issues that could irritate your Sphynx’s skin. Below, we'll cover some tips on cleaning your Sphynx cat's clothes and harness.
Use Gentle, Non-Toxic Cleaners That Lack Dyes And Harsh Chemicals
It's important to know that since Sphynx cats' skin is so sensitive, traditional detergents may not be the right option for them. Traditional detergents are full of chemical softeners, dyes, and fragrances. Since they don't have the protective barrier of fur, the harsh ingredients will transfer to the skin and cause issues like:
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Clogged pores
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Dry skin
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Allergic reactions
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Rashes
Instead, choose a detergent that's dye-free, natural, and fully non-toxic. One of the most recommended detergent options is Branch Basics. It's safe to use on babies' and pets’ clothes with sensitive skin.
Tip: Add a small scoop of Borax to the wash. It'll be that extra cleaning boost your pet’s clothes need without stripping the fabrics.
Carefully Wash Your Cat’s Clothes To Protect Their Fabrics And Skin
To keep your Sphynx’s clothes and other fabrics soft and long-lasting and to prevent irritating their skin, be sure to follow these simple cleaning tips:
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Hand-wash their clothes in cold water. Hot water tends to weaken fabric and set stains.
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Use a natural detergent that's fragrance-free.
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Skip bleach. It can cause damage to their clothes and irritate their skin.
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Make sure you thoroughly rinse the fabrics to remove all detergent residue.
For harnesses, especially your hairless baby's daily walking vest, hand-wash only to maintain its structure.
For a high-quality recommendation, try my favorite cat harness.
Dry Without Dryer Sheets Or Harsh Chemicals
While dryer sheets may smell nice to you, they can be a huge skin irritation to your hairless cat. The harsh chemicals will coat their fabrics and transfer to their skin, causing irritation. Ditch the dryer sheets when cleaning their fabrics; instead, air dry them and choose a low-air tumble setting. Also, always use wool dryer balls. They naturally soften the fabric without leaving residue behind. Wool dryer balls will prevent clothing from overheating while also reducing drying time.
Try these options:
Final Thoughts
Sphynx cats’ skin is sensitive and delicate, and deserves special care to avoid causing unnecessary irritation. Make sure you use a detergent that's gentle on clothes and free of harsh chemicals, hand-wash their fabrics, use wool dryer balls, and ditch the dryer sheets. You'll be surprised at how making small changes like these will make such a big difference in protecting your Sphynx's skin.
With Love,
April Arguin A.S., C.P.N., M.P.H.
(aka) PetCoach-April
