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A smiling older man in a tan cardigan gently washes a grey Sphynx cat in a sudsy metal tub in a backyard garden. 5 / 29

Grandpa Filled the Old Metal Tub With Bubbles. The Sphynx Knew Exactly Why.

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Out in the backyard, beside a wooden fence and a blue watering can, Clarence has filled an old galvanized tub with warm, sudsy water. He is bent over it in a cozy oatmeal cardigan, gently working a little foam across Moonpie's shoulders. The grey Sphynx stands in the water up to her belly, ears tipped back and expression somewhere between patient and deeply unimpressed. Bubbles float along the rim, and a terracotta pot and scattered garden tools hint that bath time is squeezed between other chores.

For most cats, baths are rarely needed, but the Sphynx is an exception. Because they have little to no fur, the natural oils from their skin build up on the surface instead of being spread through a coat, which can leave them greasy and prone to skin irritation. Many Sphynx owners bathe their cats on a regular schedule using a gentle, pet-safe shampoo and lukewarm water, then dry them thoroughly with a soft towel so they do not get chilled. Keeping the water shallow, speaking calmly and rewarding afterward can make the routine less stressful. Their ears and the folds of their skin also benefit from a gentle wipe. Your vet can recommend a schedule and products that suit your cat's skin.

Moonpie may never love bath day, but with a gentle pair of hands like Clarence's, she seems willing to put up with it.

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