There are high levels of Malassezia colonization in Sphynx cats which can cause a yeast infection called ‘Malassezia dermatitis’. The hairlessness of the Sphynx causes many problems another of which is that the sebaceous oils deposited on the skin and not the hair attracts grime and can cause stains.
“They stain sheets and such due to the oils on their skin. They’re adorable but a lot of work. Just be 100% sure before deciding.” – Reddit user: 1fuzzysock.
Malassezia species are a type of yeast that are commonly found on the skin of mammals, including cats. These yeasts can cause skin conditions such as seborrhoea and otitis externa (ear inflammation) in cats. In this study, Malassezia species were found to be present in high numbers on the skin of Sphynx cats, a breed of hairless cat. M. pachydermatis was the most common species isolated from the Sphynx cats and was found in high numbers on the cats’ axillae (armpits), groins, and claw folds. These findings support previous reports of high levels of Malassezia colonization in Sphynx cats (Study: Malassezia pachydermatis and M nana predominate amongst the cutaneous mycobiota of Sphynx cats).
“The high counts of M pachydermatis obtained from the axillae, groins and claw folds of the Sphynx cats exceeded those of healthy Devon Rex cats (DRC), Cornish Rex cats (CRC) and domestic shorthair (DSH) cats; axillary populations were comparable to those of seborrheic DRC. These data support recent reports of high Malassezia species colonisation in Sphynx cats.”
Conclusion: Sphynx cats have a higher-than-normal level of Malassezia yeast on their skin.
And:
Malassezia species are a type of yeast that are commonly found on the skin of healthy animals, including humans. In most cases, these yeasts do not cause any harm and are considered a normal part of the skin microbiome. However, in some individuals, especially those with compromised immune systems, Malassezia yeasts can cause skin infections and other diseases. Unlike some other types of yeasts, such as Cryptococcus spp. and Rhodotorula spp., Malassezia species are primarily associated with skin diseases, rather than systemic infections.
Malassezia dermatitis is a type of fungal infection of the skin that affects cats. It is often associated with underlying conditions such as hypersensitivity skin diseases, metabolic diseases, neoplasia (the formation of tumours), and paraneoplastic syndromes (conditions that occur as a result of cancer). Common symptoms of this condition include dark, waxy debris in the ears (otitis externa – inflammation of the ear canal – see section below), scaling, black waxy debris under the nails (paronychia), itching, redness, and exudative dermatitis (a type of inflammation that involves the release of fluid from the blood vessels) (Study: Malassezia).
On ear disease in cats generally.
Ear disease is a common problem in veterinary medicine. It is important for veterinarians to have a thorough understanding of the underlying causes of ear disease in order to effectively diagnose and treat the condition. In many cases, ear disease is caused by infection, and it is crucial to treat the infection effectively to prevent recurrence of the problem. In some cases, chronic changes to the ear canal can lead to recurrent ear disease. It is important to address these underlying causes and manage any changes to the ear canal in order to prevent recurrence of the problem. Ongoing damage to the ear canal can lead to more serious problems, such as infections in the middle ear. It is important for veterinarians to use a combination of medication and other treatments to effectively manage ear disease and prevent recurrence.
This yeast infection can cause dermatitis. “Due to their hairlessness, Sphynx Cats are prone to skin infections caused by yeasts that normally live on the skin, also known as Malassezia Dermatitis”. (Pet Vet Tips).
Treatment.
“Antifungal medications can be used to help decrease the numbers of Malassezia organisms on the skin and may be administered orally (as pills), topically (as an ointment or cream), or as a shampoo that your veterinarian prescribes.” Glencoe Animal Hospital and Kennel.
One scientist wrote about the dermatological problems of the sphynx cat for his final degree project. His name is Mar Cusidó Mas. You can take or leave his advice, but he recommends that a Sphynx cat’s diet should be enriched with fatty acids (omega−3 and 6), and a check for the yeast Malassezia should be conducted regularly because of the known overgrowth of this yeast in this cat breed. He also recommends applying otic cleaner once a week, wash the cat frequently i.e. 2-3 times a week and apply external sunscreen if they go outside and for indoor Sphynx cats they should avoid solar exposure i.e., the sun.
Below are some more articles on BACTERIAL infections:
