Editing Sphynx cat (section)

==Care==
Care should be taken to limit the Sphynx cat's exposure to outdoor sunlight at length, as they can develop sunburn and skin damage similar to that of humans. In general, Sphynx cats should never be allowed outdoors unattended, as they have limited means to conserve body heat when it is cold. In some climates, owners provide coats or other clothing in the winter to help them conserve body heat.<ref>{{Cite web|title=How To Keep Sphynx Cats and Other Hairless Cats Warm|url=https://www.petmd.com/cat/care/how-keep-sphynx-cats-and-other-hairless-cats-warm|access-date=2021-07-11|website=PetMD|language=en}}</ref>

While they lack much of the fur of other cat breeds, Sphynxes are not necessarily [[hypoallergenic]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Allred |first=Alexandra Powe |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-VCWohlbCuoC |title=Cats' Most Wanted: The Top 10 Book of Mysterious Mousers, Talented Tabbies, and Feline Oddities |date=2014-05-14 |publisher=Potomac Books, Inc. |isbn=978-1-61234-293-1 |pages=102 |language=en}}</ref> Allergies to cats are triggered by a protein called [[Fel d1]], not cat hair itself.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |last=Robbins |first=Nancy |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KdOUDwAAQBAJ |title=Domestic Cats: Their History Breeds and Other Facts |publisher=Barnes and Noble Press |isbn=978-1-9870-6180-2 |pages=264 |language=en}}</ref> Fel d1 is a [[protein]] primarily found in cat [[saliva]] and [[sebaceous glands]].<ref name=":0" /> Those with cat allergies may react to direct contact with Sphynx cats.<ref name=":0" /> Even though reports exist that some people with allergies successfully tolerate Sphynx cats, they are fewer than those who have allergic reactions.<ref>{{cite web| url= http://www.ankhamun.com/Hypoallergenic%20cats.htm |url-status= dead| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110718192703/http://www.ankhamun.com/Hypoallergenic%20cats.htm| archive-date= July 18, 2011 |title= The Big Question, What about allergies? |website=Ankhamun and Utopia Sphynx |access-date= February 9, 2017}}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=October 2020}} 

The skin of the Sphynx cat is known for its excessive production of a greasy secretion, which often results in the accumulation of a sticky, dark brown, or reddish-brown layer that necessitates regular cleaning.<ref name=":10">{{Cite journal |last=Åhman |first=Susanne E. |last2=Bergström |first2=Karin E. |date=December 2009 |title=Cutaneous carriage of Malassezia species in healthy and seborrhoeic Sphynx cats and a comparison to carriage in Devon Rex cats |url=http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1016/j.jfms.2009.04.011 |journal=Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery |language= |volume=11 |issue=12 |pages=970–976 |doi=10.1016/j.jfms.2009.04.011 |issn=1098-612X |via=Elsevier Science Direct|pmc=11318777 }}</ref> Furthermore, Sphynx cats typically produce more earwax than most hairy domestic cats. This increased wax production is attributed to the minimal to absent hair within their ears, which allows for the accumulation of dirt, skin oils (sebum), and ear wax, thereby requiring frequent cleaning. Additionally, they often accumulate oils and debris under their nails and within their numerous skin folds due to the lack of fur. Regular maintenance of these areas, including the nails and skin folds, is essential for the health and hygiene of the breed.<ref name=":10" />