Do your Sphynx cat's ears get dirty quickly? It's easy to feel like something is wrong when thick buildup practically appears overnight. The good news is that this is normal in most cases. However, there are a few things you can do to keep your cat's ears infection-free, clean, and healthy. Below, we'll discuss why they get so much ear buildup and how you can keep them clean. Let's begin!
Natural Skin Oils In Sphynx Cats
Every cat produces natural oils (sebum) to protect their skin and keep it moisturized. In cats that have fur, their fur typically absorbs it. Since Sphynx cats don't have fur, the oil typically just sits on top of their skin. The oil can migrate into places like paw pads, skin folds, around the chin, and in the ear canals.
The built-up oil will mix with normal earwax and dead skin cells, which form a thick, dark wax.
Ear Shape
Sphynx cats are known for their large and wide-open ears. While they are undeniably adorable, it's easy for dust and debris to enter their ears. Between the way their ears are shaped, oil production, and dust entering their ears, you'll see a decent amount of dark, thick wax. It's important to keep in mind that this doesn't mean your cat is unhealthy; they just need a little extra maintenance in keeping their ears clean.
Why Is Regular Ear Cleaning Important?
Even though wax is normal, allowing too much to build up can lead to:
If the odor, consistency, or color of the wax quickly changes, that’s typically an indication that their ear is infected. If you see these signs, make sure you have their ears checked out by your vet.
Recommendations
Final Thoughts
It's not uncommon for Sphynx cats to get heavy buildup. It’s actually quite normal for this breed, but stepping up with care and maintenance is important. With a healthy diet and routine ear cleanings, your cat will thrive with clean, healthy ears!
With Love,
April Arguin A.S., C.P.N., M.P.H.
(aka) PetCoach-April
