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I've been trying to get a hold of useful answers, but still no luck. I have a Sphynx cat and he has a dark layer on top of his skin, not filmy, no different in texture as his normal skin, but does not look normal. I bathe him about every 2-3 weeks. I've looked it up and it seems to be a film from the oil build-up. I wash him with a soft tooth brush with baby shampoo when I bathe him, but still doesn't come off. Is there anything that will take it off? What kind of wash should I bathe him with if not baby shampoo? Toothbrush? Please help. Thankyou.
You should never bathe a cat or dog with any human shampoo. The PH is off and it exposes the skin to infections that way.
One thing that could be happening is that the very act of shampooing this cat with human shampoo, which is basically a fairly harsh detergent, is causing his skin to protect itself with a darkened layer called hyperkeratosis and hyperpigmentation. I haven't found any kind of skin disease directly related to the Sphinx so I am just guessing.
You didn't mention whether this was a new occurrence or something you have been dealing with since you have had the cat. I also don't know the age of the cat.
I can't imagine bathing a Sphinx cat, hairless or not, as often as you are is any better for them as it is for a haired cat. We don't ever recommend bathing a cat. Their grooming is enough to keep them clean and healthy.
The oil buildup you are referring too is also there to protect your cat's skin from the elements. I have worked on many Chinese Crested's and they not only have the oiliness to their skin but they also grow larger and larger pigment spots all over their bodies as they age.
You might want to look up Sphinx breeders and see what they can tell you about the condition or better yet go to the vets and ask them what it is.
While you are there get some shampoo made for a cat's skin PH. Your cat will thank you.
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Answers by Expert:
Jana Connell RVT, CVT
Expertise
PLEASE READ BEFORE SUBMITTING TO ME: I am NOT a vet and do NOT diagnose diseases. That is only for a licensed Veterinarian to do. I will give you suggestions and steer you toward calling your vet for help. You can call the vet's office and talk to the technician there or the vet at times. Don't be afraid to call them! If you have a serious issue with your pet please post it to one of the veterinarians in here- I will tell you the same thing in my answer. IF your pet is injured or in an emergency situation, CALL YOUR VET- Do not wait and post in here. Just call the vet's office and get them in to see the vet right away. Critical treatment time is lost if you seek answers here when you should have your precious pet at the vets!! Don't sit at home waiting for an answer when your pet is critically ill or injured!! I can answer most questions about small animal and wildlife care as well as small animal nutrition. I can also answer questions about all phases of dental care for small animals. I DO NOT answer questions about birds (unless it is wildlife or songbirds) or HAMSTERS/GERBILS/CHINS/GUINEA PIGS/REPTILES/FROGS/RABBITS/PET BIRDS OF ANY KIND so please submit these questions to the appropriate sections. I, as well as other experts in here, do NOT do homework questions- that is for YOU to do! Please respect these rules for all of us. Thanks!
Experience
I have over 35 years experience in the field of veterinary medicine. I specialized in small animals and did wildlife rehab for over 25 years, mostly raptors, squirrels and opossums. I am a Small Animal Nutritional Consultant with 6 certificates from Hills Pet Foods, CNM and Purina.
I also specialized in Small Animal Dentistry which is a field I truly love.
Organizations
Audubon,World Wildlife Federation, American Society of Veterinary Dental Technicians.
Education/Credentials
Licensed with California and Oregon, RVT and CVT.
Certified Veterinary Dental Technician
Have over 500 logged hours of Continuing Education Credits(that means I keep up to date!).
Awards and Honors
Nominated for Expert of the Month for the last 5 years.
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