Sphynx rats

Sphynx rats (bare rats, hairless rats) are completely or almost completely absenthair cover. According to the standard, bare rats should have a minimum amount of wool. Let's assume an easy fluff above the eyes, on the limbs, cheeks and groin. In rats-sphinxes, whiskers (whiskers) can be completely absent, and if there are, then usually short and slightly curly. The skin should be matte.

Why do some pet lovers prefer rats-sphinxes? On that is a few reasons. First, naked rats are suitable for those whosuffers from an allergy to wool - they do not have wool! Secondly, bare rats do not smell so much, and if you choose the correct filler - they will not smell at all. Hairless rats are less aggressive, they are pleasant to the touch and look rather exotic.

Unfortunately, hairless rats are more susceptible to various diseases than normal. Among the most common diseases naked rats can be identified as follows:

• skin diseases and allergies


• malignant and benign tumors


• acute respiratory infection


• diabetes


• anemia


• abscesses


• heart diseases


• problems with the eyes


• kidney and bladder diseases

The weak place of naked rats is eyes. Since wool is absent in rats-sphinxes,they do not have eyelashes. Therefore, it is more likely that dust and dirt will enter the eyes. Once you notice that your rat has something wrong with your eyes, contact the veterinarian urgently.

To avoid all these unpleasant diseases, rats-sphinxes need properly contain. Because of the lack of hair, bare rats are moreare capricious to conditions of the maintenance, than their hair-covered relatives. The most comfortable rat-sphinxes feel themselves in the summer (however, note - the maximum temperature is 30 °). Naked rats are exposed to ultraviolet light and can tan. Therefore, the cell must be protected from direct sunlight. By the way, the skin of a rat can be lubricated with sunscreen.

In the cold season, the minimum allowable ambient temperature is 16 ° for rats that live in a colony, and 22 ° for single or living pairs of animals. Best to keep several rats. First, rats-sphinxes, like other rats -social animals that need society. Secondly, naked rats will be able to bask in each other. It is better, if animals will be same-sex - so it will be possible to avoid uncontrolled reproduction.

To keep the rat warmer in the cage, hang onwall heating pad or put an incandescent lamp over one of the corners of the cage. However, the entire cell can not be heated - if the rat is too hot, it should be able to move to an unheated area. Hairless rats are very afraid of drafts, so the Sphynx rat cell should be in place, as much as possible protected from the wind. In addition, protect the rat from drafts and cold house and non-woven rags.

In the cell must be filler. The best option for the filler is celluloseor pressed wood filler, napkins, toilet paper. Contraindicated to rats (both naked and common) granules and sawdust of their coniferous trees. The quality of the filler is especially important for rats-sphinxes, because they are more likely than ordinary rats to suffer from allergies.

Make sure that there are no objects in the cage that could scratch the delicate skin of the Sphynx rats. Clean the cage You need at least once a week (you can often - as soon as the cell is contaminated and there is a smell). Once a month, the cell is disinfected.

The diet of naked rats is no different from the diet of rats covered with hair. However, in order to maintain body temperature, the rat Sphinx has eat more and drink more. Take this into account and keep the rat getting enough food and water.

That the rat does not scratch itself, regularly clip her claws with the help of manicure scissors or file themnail file. It is necessary to cut off the white part of the claw without touching the pink one - blood vessels pass there, and damage to this part can cause bleeding.

2-3 times a year, hairless rats need bathing. They are bathed in a basin with warm water,the head of the rat was always above the water. For soaping, you can use human shampoo, and to clean the tail - a soft toothbrush. To bat rats-sphinxes must be very carefully!

Sphynx rats are funny and original pets. Hairless rats become almost as popular as their coat-coated counterparts.