Care guide
Caring for rex and hairless cats
Curly-coated rex breeds and hairless cats such as the Sphynx are affectionate and lively, and their unusual coats (or lack of coat) need some particular care.
Skin and coat
Hairless cats build up skin oils and need a gentle bath every week or two, plus ear and nail cleaning. Rex coats are delicate; use a soft brush or just a hand rub.
Warmth and sun
With little or no coat, these cats feel the cold. Keep them indoors, give them warm beds and blankets, and consider a cat sweater. Hairless cats can sunburn; keep them out of strong sun.
They burn a lot of energy keeping warm, so they often eat more than other cats.
Health to ask about
Ask about heart (HCM) scans, which matter for the Sphynx and Devon Rex in particular. Devon Rex breeders often blood-type their cats.
Further reading
General information to help you prepare, not veterinary advice. Every animal is different: ask an experienced vet about yours. Reviewed by PerfectPal on October 13, 2026.