Sphynx cats are prone to dirty ears and therefore it's possible for the ear canal to become a breathing ground for bacteria thus leaving room for infections. Sharkey, L., Radin, M., and Seelig, D., 2020. You can speak to your vet about the options for your Sphynx. When possible, Pet Vet Tips uses affiliate links (at no additional cost to you) to earn a commission on qualifying purchases. Because these kitties have no fur, they tend to leave grease spots on the areas that they frequent. Its really important to have a vet familiar with these cats so that if and when you run into problems, they can be properly diagnosed, she says. The Sphynx cat is prone to skin conditions such as sunburn, urticaria pigementosa, and certain skin infections. Beyond the issues that come with regulating temperature in cold weather, Sphynxes lack of fur means theyre very prone to sunburn. Any excretion that accumulates on the skin can cause eventual skin irritation and inflammation. The commensal organisms on the skin can be compared to the microbiota that lives in the gut of animals and humans and plays an equally important part in the normal functioning of the digestive tract. A fresh dryer towel or blanket can be a wonderful way to finish bath time. link to What To Do With Silkie Cockerels: 8 Ways to Manage Unwanted Cockerels, link to Why Do Sugar Gliders Smell Bad, And What You Can Do About It. But, if in doubt, rather be safe and have it checked out by your vet. The skin will often start looking slightly worse before it improves. This article explains how to best treat and prevent fleas and mites in sphynx cats. This is an infographic on cat ear canal health issues. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'petvettips_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_1',147,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-petvettips_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');Remember that you will have to gradually transition onto a new diet over several days to prevent digestive upset due to a sudden dietary change. Just think of how someone with darker skin can spend much longer in direct sun before getting sunburnt than someone with very fair skin. Sphynx cats can get pimples and blackheads similar to what humans may get. BTW your English is great! Oral medications caused major stomach issues so that didn't work, I tried using an athlete's foot cream and it started to work, but now has gotten worse again. There are plenty of options for keeping these kitties warm. Starting with the presumption that the scratch and bite are of about equal severity, to answer the question the title British citizens and citizens of other countries may have recognised the latest developments in the woke movement. Not cleaning your sphynxs ears regularly will lead to a build-up of wax, sebum, and dead skin cells that will cause skin irritation and eventually lead to compromise of the skin barrier, as mentioned in the discussion of dermatitis. Antiseptic wipes such as Duoxo S3 are great for cleansing areas of mild skin irritation such as a superficial skin abrasion, or skin folds where sebum and exfoliated skin cells have accumulated but will not be effective in treating Malassezia dermatitis. Unfortunately, this infection can sometimes be frustrating to treat, as not all cats cooperate with the treatment. Shes crazy, but I love that about her.. It is important to note that there are many causes of red itchy bumps on your cats skin, and if you notice these symptoms, it is best to get your kitty to a vet for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Despite their lack of fur, mites and fleas can still infect sphynx cats. A good general rule is that a sphynx with healthy skin must be bathed using a fragrance-free, mild veterinary or baby shampoo every 7-10 days. Because it peels off I am wondering if you are not rinsing the head completely? Therefore, vets commonly use medicated shampoo containing an antifungal and antiseptic to treat these infections. Medicated shampoos may initially be drying to the skin, and you may want to follow with a modest amount of cat-safe skin cream such as this one by Behr Pet Essentials. You are using an out of date browser. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. Malassezia species are a type of yeast that are commonly found on the skin of mammals, including cats. Pet Vet Tip: To read more about how food sensitivities can aggravate skin conditions, have a look at this article on chicken and other food allergies in sphynx cats. Sphynxes are not hypoallergenic cats. It is often associated with underlying conditions such as hypersensitivity skin diseases, metabolic diseases, neoplasia (the formation of tumours), and paraneoplastic syndromes (conditions that occur as a result of cancer). Plus, I would have the skin scraped and checked for yeast infection. When youre done bathing a Sphynx, its important to dry them off quickly with a soft, warm towel to prevent their skin from getting chapped. All of our cats/kittens have pet fountains and because we fill them frequently we know they drink lots more with the fountain than a standard water bowl so we highly recommend you invest in one. If you have an intolerance or sensitivity to it, yeast may cause digestive issues. This is probably the most common type of skin infection in Sphynx cats because they have a much larger population of normal or commensal Malassezia living on the skin than longer-haired cats. My youngest Sphynx kitty was a rescue. Aug 2007;45(5):449-455. However, some sphynxes have a few thin whiskers. While it's not possible to eliminate this odor, ensuring their diet is well balanced, litter training Hello there, fellow animal lover! I have actually started popping the filter cartridges open with a knife and filling them with activated carbon pellets I buy in bulk on amazon as well because I like them better than the ones they sell. Around $27 with free shipping; including cleaning brushes and filters. In many cases, ear disease is caused by infection, and it is crucial to treat the infection effectively to prevent recurrence of the problem. Read ingredient labels to make sure a product is yeast-free before you eat it if you have an allergy. The difference is that while the sphynx cats hair follicles still grow hairs, the hairs are abnormally keratinized, meaning they do not have the integrity and structure of a regular strand of hair. He's also very jumpy and shy. Pet Vet Tips: For more tips and tricks on how to keep your sphynxs ears clean, have a look at this helpful article. Skin allergies can be due to several causes such as environmental (for example, pollen), food intolerance, flea bite allergy, or contact dermatitis (allergy to materials such as plastic food bowls, certain types of metal, or cat litter). Dec 2009;11(12):970-976. Candidiasis is a yeast infection that affects primarily the skin and mucous membranes of the skin. They still produce the protein in their saliva that most people with cat allergies are allergic to; however, some people with cat allergies report being more tolerant of the sphynx. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Oh and about the lotion, it's from the pharmacy and should be non-toxic for him. Read this article to learn about albinism in sphynx cats and how it relates to common color variations of sphynx cats like thermals or color point sphynxes. Or at least that's what the doctor said, but I'm not always so sure how much they know about sphynxes. Yeast infections are treated with medicated ointments or other anti-yeast (antifungal) preparations. Symptoms of diabetes include excessive drinking and urination, weight gain or weight loss, slow healing wounds, and, in advanced stages, cataracts. Treatment. The infection should clear up with treatment in . I bought and used Malaseb a few times now and my Harry is sparkly clean with no flakes or bumps now. As a general rule, medicated shampoos must be worked into the skin and left on the skin for around 10 minutes before rinsing. They have pretty terrible teeth, as far as cats go. Even though the lesions may take many months to disappear completely, most cats eventually recover from urticaria pigmentosa. Some people with a more moderate allergy may be able to drink small amounts of lower-yeast alcoholic products like vodka. This condition is not often seen in cats, but can occur in cats that are immunodeficient. If youre allergic to yeast, you may get hives or experience an anaphylactic reaction when consuming it. Common symptoms of this condition include dark, waxy debris in the ears (otitis externa inflammation of the ear canal see section below), scaling, black waxy debris under the nails (paronychia), itching, redness, and exudative dermatitis (a type of inflammation that involves the release of fluid from the blood vessels) (Study: Malassezia). Consider nutrition above all when treating issues! This article contains affiliate links, and we may earn a commission at no cost to you if you choose to purchase through these links. Unlike regular domestic shorthairs, theres a lot of active work that goes into keeping Sphynx cats clean.. Melanin helps protect the skin against sun damage but does not prevent sunburn and the other side effects of long-term sun exposure. This study looked at the presence of Malassesia species yeast in 32 Sphynx cats and in ten domestic shorthair cats (DSH). Unfortunately, the abnormal hair follicles are also what places the sphynx at risk for developing hair follicle disorders that could result in alopecia. Theyre adorable but a lot of work. His head isn't the only part peeling, his hips look the same and also the top parts of front legs too. It's always a challenge finding a vet that's truly familiar with Sphynx. This creates a moist, greasy and warm environment in which Malassezia thrives. Depending on the location and size of the lesion, surgical removal of the affected skin may be considered. Thanks everyone for the advice and support! Skin Problems Sphynx cats need help keeping their skin healthy and free of excess oils. Your vet will need to do blood tests if an endocrine disease is suspected. As Kranz noted, Sphynx cats are prone to ear infections, so owners must be diligent about keeping ears clean and removing excess wax. Provided that the scratch is not total skin thickness, your cat should be fine with daily wound cleaning with saline or an antiseptic and perhaps a wound ointment such as Silver Honey. That way they dont have to be fully immersed.. Because they have no eyelids, Sphynx cats are susceptible to a condition called conjunctivitis, which is an inflammation of the eye. To read all about the dangers of sun exposure in sphynx cats and UV protection tips, have a look at this article. Canadian Society of Intestinal Research: "Yeast & Mould Allergy. By some stroke of luck there is a brand of food that makes a renal support food that also has hydrolyzed protein - expensive as, but if they will eat it and it helps it will be worth it! Clumps of sebum and exfoliated skin cells that collect in skin folds cause a mild local inflammatory response which, if combined with a massive overgrowth of commensal yeast, will lead to Malassezia dermatitis. While diet does help control a Sphynx cats overall greasiness, they will occasionally need baths to remove accumulated dirt and grime. Smelly ears. In some cases where surgery is not indicated, topical chemotherapy drugs, cryotherapy, and local radiation therapy may be used. Both Dr. Verrilli and Kranz say that Sphynx cats make wonderful pets, if youre able to put in the extra time and effort that their care requires. This site does not constitute pet medical advice, please consult a licensed veterinarian in your area for pet medical advice. Its just part of having their delicate skin. I cant sit down without having at least one of them on my lap At night, they want to be under the covers. She adds, If youre looking for a cat thats going to sit in the window and sleep on the bed but is overall kind of aloof, dont get a Sphynx., Sphynx cats are also generally known to be very vocal. Infectious diseases such as Feline Immunosuppressive Virus (Feline AIDS or FIV) and Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) cause immunosuppression. You also dont want to bathe a Sphynx too often because that will dry out their skin. You can also make yeast-free bread at home. Because Malassezia thrives in a lipid-rich environment, the accumulation of sebum on the skin surface and in the skin folds of the Sphynx creates an ideal environment for Malassezia to grow in an uncontrolled manner, disrupting the normal microbiota living on the skin. Hello and welcome! Genovese, D., Johnson, T., Lamb, K. and Gram, W., 2014. Kirsten Kranz, founder and executive director of Wisconsin-based Specialty Purebred Cat Rescue, says that caring for a Sphynxs skin starts with diet. There is never anymore wondering. Required fields are marked *, Click this to send email to Michael Broad, the site's owner and author. It will ease the itching, and because chamomile is both antibacterial and antifungal, may help to clear it. Oh my, your baby either has a yeast infection, or allergies. An overgrowth of bacteria or yeast due to an accumulation of sebum on the skin can also lead to skin infections. A vaginal yeast infection is a fungal infection that causes irritation, discharge and intense itchiness of the vagina and the vulva the tissues at the vaginal opening. 2-3 times a week and apply external sunscreen if they go outside and for indoor Sphynx cats they should avoid solar exposure i.e., the sun. If the cat isn't getting relief you should seek a more aggressive treatment from a vet. Silkie chicks are tough to sex until they reach sexual maturity, Why Do Sugar Gliders Smell Bad, And What You Can Do About It. Mast cells play an essential part (among other immune system mechanisms) in the red, itchy skin reaction we see in, for example, insect bites. Histological and dermatoscopic description of sphynx cat skin. Yeast and bacterial skin infections are not uncommon in both dogs and cats, but they are almost always secondary infections. Ever since Sphynx cats first hit the scene in the 1960sthe result of a genetic mutation, according to the Cat Fanciers Associationcat lovers have been enamored with these adorable, hairless kitties. As Kranz noted, Sphynx cats are prone to ear infections, so owners must be diligent about keeping ears clean and removing excess wax. EveryCat Health Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. My other sphynx, Newt, was also at the vet yesterday and had repeat bloodwoork that confirmed he has stage 1 kidney disease. Some studies found that the number of Malassezia on the skin of a sphynx is more than double that of a domestic shorthair cat. It is commonly treated using medicated shampoo or oral antibiotics and antifungals. We know that due to the lack of hair, Sphynx cats ears get a lot of buildups which consists of dust, debris and excess oils which must be cleaned . Swollen or red ear canal. VERY IMPORTANT Avoid Ketamine, a COMMONLY USED anesthetic that has been shown to be harmful to exotic breeds. This article provides a few options for responsibly managing your cockerel conundrum. Remember to wear gloves when washing skin lesions with medicated shampoo! Allergies to cats are usually caused by an allergen in feline saliva. What Makes A Sphynx's Skin So Different? Oral medication such as liquid solutions and pills are also sometimes used along with injectable medication. They commonly also have short hairs on their face, ears, and feet that have a velvet or suede-like feel. My suggestion is to maybe rub a bit of coconut oil ( safe for cats)instead of the lotion (not sure if it's toxic or not). But these two entities are at each other's throats. Food: All of our cats and kittens are on100% RAW due to continued education of its benefits to our babies and education of the truth about packaged pet foods. This is because sphynx cats hair follicles do not produce normal keratin (the protein that hair consists of), and they, therefore, have very fine or rudimentary hairs. Oral and injectable medication will be the preferred treatment modality when the infection involves deeper skin layers or the cat does not tolerate bathing with medicated shampoos. WE ARE NOT VETS but if you have any questions we are always available for you and love for our new parents to stay in touch, send us pictures, and ask any question you want anytime. Typically other microorganisms like naturally-occurring bacteria keep it in check. http://sphynxlair.com/community/threads/sphynx-skin-conditions.4236/, http://sphynxlair.com/community/search/588198/?q=yeast+infection&o=date. Its also worth noting that Sphynx cats shouldnt be let outside. We are a husband and wife team of veterinarians from sunny South Africa on a mission to provide free and accurate information to pet owners everywhere.We hope you enjoy what we put together here! with an Optimized Colorimetric Broth Microdilution Method. Common ailments present differently in Sphynx cats because of their lack of fur, and someone unfamiliar with the breed might not recognize something as common as ringworm in a Sphynx if they dont already know what it looks like, says Kranz. Many people adopt these cats because they think they are hypoallergenic, which is not the casethe lack of fur does not make them hypoallergenic. Oral medication such as liquid solutions and pills are also sometimes used along with injectable medication. Welcome to Sphynxlair! Use only commercially prepared tea bags, as these are always the German variety of chamomile. Winograd hates PETA. It causes patches of brown spots on the head, feet, and belly; the lesions are usually mildly itchy. Common symptoms are a rash, white discharge, or itching. Before qualifying I worked in many jobs including professional photography. The main difference between Malassezia and fungal skin infection (like ringworm) is that fungi are multi-cell organisms and reproduce through a different mechanism (producing spores). Yes, Sphynx cats can still get fleas despite their lack of fur! Baths seem to work for a brief time only for it to get worse after a day. If you would like to read more on yeast infections in sphynx cats, have a look at this article on the topic. I advise trying out a different type of food and seeing how your cat responds to it. Endocrine conditions such as diabetes Cushings or hypothyroidism all cause a compromised skin barrier through different mechanisms. Yeast and bacterial skin infections are not uncommon in both dogs and cats, but they are almost always secondary infections. This is due to healthy skin naturally resisting overgrowth and infection by these microbes (also called commensal microbes) through mechanisms such as pH, sebum production, and the cells from the immune system that reside within the skin. I strongly recommend regular echocardiograms to catch it early if it does occur, Dr. Verrilli says. If your house is particularly cold, you can pre-warm beds with things like microwavable heating pads. The yeast can spread across the body and can cause pain. Dr. Annerien de Villiers graduated as a veterinarian from the University of Pretoria in 2018. Oral medication may sometimes also be used, but this is usually reserved for deep or widespread skin infections. Dirt and wax buildup on sphynx cats' ears must be avoided at all costs. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5442545/#:~:text=Treatment%20of%20Malassezia%2Drelated%20infections,third%20of%20patients%20(6). For a commensal such as Malassezia to cause an infection, there needs to be a disruption in the skins normal defenses or a skin barrier breakdown. Another we have used and works okay are a few of the Tidy Cats instant actions in the large plastic tubs. Another idea is to use unleavened crispbreads, like matzah, Ryvita crackers, or rice cakes. Avoiding possible skin irritants, including shampoo with potential skin-irritating ingredients such as fragrance and excessive sun exposure, is best to prevent pigmentation. Many skin infections in Sphynx cats are secondary to an underlying food allergy. Sphynx cats are not entirely hairless.