BATHING

Since the Bambino and Dwelf are hairless they require a bath.  One time a week is best!  In general, cats do not like water but can learn to tolerate it.  We start bathing our kittens at a very young age so they are used to getting bathed when they go to their new homes.  

I bathe my cats in the kitchen sink, (easier on my back!).  I use an anti-microbial/antifungal shampoo which you can purchase from your veterinarian.  If he does not have it, I am sure if you ask, he will have someone in the office order it for you.  I fill the sink half-full with warm water and squeeze a little shampoo onto a wet cloth and bathe them just like I would a baby being careful not to get any shampoo in their eyes.  Rinse and quickly dry with a fluffy towel. 

EARS 

The hairless breeds also need to have their ears cleaned regularly.  They lack hair in and around their ears and tend to get more of a dirt “build up.”  I try to clean their ears once a week.  A gentle ear cleaner and a Q-tip will be what you need.  Ask your veterinarian to recommend an ear cleaner for you.  Most Vets carry these products for your purchase.   Follow the instructions on the ear cleaner and be careful not to go any further into the ear as you can see.  It is a good idea on an initial visit with your cat to your Vet to have him show you how.  

EYES 

The hairless breeds also lack eyelashes which can result in dirt in the corner of their eyes.  Wipe them gently with a damp cloth to take care of this.  Do not use any detergent or over-the-counter wipes for this.

NAILS 

The hairless breeds have no to very little hair on their feet so you will also need to clean their nails.  To do this, gently press on their toes to make their claws stick out.  Then wipe them clean with a damp cloth or paper towel.  This is also a good time to clip their nails.  When clipping their nails look for the pink inside of their nails.  Do not cut into the pink part of the nail because this can cause bleeding.  If you should happen to slip and cut this part and it begins to bleed.  You can use what is called “Quick Stop” or if you do not have this, try using Baking Powder.  This will help to clot the bleeding.   

FOOD

Because of the hairlessness the hairless breed bodies need to work harder to keep warm.  This creates a higher metabolism.  Because of this, they eat more and eat more often than “regular” cats do.  I feed my cats a premium dry cat food with the first ingredient being real meat such as chicken, (NOT Chicken meal, as this is a filler) and a food with vitamins and minerals.  I “Free” feed my hairless cats so that they can eat whenever they need to.  I also supplement with a wet food or sometimes raw chicken or venison.  Also, be sure your hairless or any cat for that matter, has enough fresh water at all times.  

LITTER BOX 

The type of cat litter you use is up to you but I do not recommend using the clumping litter with the hairless breeds due to the fact that they have no hair and it tends to stick to their feet and toes and if they lick it, the litter can cause intestinal blockage.  Pay attention to what happens when your kitty urinates in the clumping litter, it turns hard and solid.  It also can clog your sink in a hurry!!  Most important is to be sure to clean the litter boxes daily and change the litter at least once a week.  I also use Basic G to clean any bacterial or viral residue.   

BEDDING 

Hairless breeds tend to want to keep warm.  So, my way of thinking is, if I need a jacket or sweater, then so do my hairless cats!!  I use the thermal blankets for cats which reflect their own body heat or I simply let them sleep under the covers of my bed.  I also have blankies laying around the house for them to slip under.