It is very important that you regularly assess the health of the Sphynx so as to detect any potential injuries or illnesses as soon as possible. This is an essential part of being a responsible pet owner, but it can be difficult to know what you should be looking for when conducting these Sphynx cat's health assessments. The check list below outlines what to check when assessing Sphynx's health:
Sphynx Cat's Eyes
Examine the Sphynx cat's eyes for any signs of soreness, weeping or discharge. Healthy Sphynx eyes are clean, clear and bright.
Sphynx Cat's Ears
Sphynx cats have very large ears and these are prone to wax build-up and infection. It is very important that you regularly clean the wax from Sphynx cat's ears. If wax does build up, or there are any unpleasant odours coming from the ears, then you should take it to the vet immediately for a professional treatment. Failure to do so may lead to infection and deafness.
Sphynx Cat's Mouth and Teeth
Any problems with Sphynx cat's mouth and teeth are very serious as they can impact upon its ability to eat and digest its food. Check that the gums are pink or black and healthy looking, with no signs of abscesses or sores. The teeth should be white and straight without excess tartar build-up. Signs that your Sphynx may have a health problem inside its mouth include bad breath, salivating or frothing at the mouth, trying to scratch or rub the mouth region and being unable to hold or chew food properly. These are serious problems that should be treated immediately.
Sphynx Cat's Body
There are a few things to take note of when assessing the health of your Sphynx cat's body. Firstly, weight is very important as it is an indication of the overall health and condition of the pet. The weight is a gauge of whether you are potentially over or under feeding your Sphynx. It also is an indication of digestive illness. The Sphynx does have a naturally rounded stomach and an obvious waistline. The bone structure around the ribs should be visible and clear to the touch. If your Sphynx loses or gains an unusual amount of weight, without a corresponding change in diet, then it is probably a sign of illness that should be investigated further. The second thing to look for when assessing the health of the Sphynx cat's body is the condition of its skin and hair. The colour of the skin will vary depending on the natural pigments in your specific cat. These are generally pink, black or a combination of the two. Look for any scratches, sores or other signs of irritation, such as dryness or dandruff.
Sphynx Cat's Appetite, Thirst and Digestion
Changes to your Sphynx cat's appetite (for example, if they are not finishing all of a meal that they generally would finish) are a good indication that there is a health problem that should be investigated further. As with most other cats, Sphynx cats will sometimes eat grass and other plants and doing this will cause them to vomit. This, in itself, is nothing to worry about but if your Sphynx is vomiting or choking on its food more often, then you should investigate the reasons behind this further. It may require a change in diet or it could be the sign of a more serious digestive problem. You should also be monitoring your Sphynx's bowel movements. Look for any changes in the colour, texture or consistency in your cat's stools. If your cat is not using the litter tray on a regular basis, they may be constipated. Look for any signs of bloating or discomfort around the stomach and if this appears then you should take your cat to the vet as there may be serious problems with the digestive system. Similarly, if your cat has diarrhoea then this should also be treated. A Sphynx will generally only drink a small amount of water. The water consumption will vary depending on whether they are fed wet or dry cat food. However, if your Sphynx suddenly starts drinking more water then it may be an indication that it is dehydrated or trying to cure itself of another type of illness.
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