What makes a responsible breeder?
A responsible breeder is someone who strives to raise healthy, well adjusted kittens that meet breed standard. TICA and CFA have published voluntary guidelines for outstanding cattery recognition and responsible practices. Responsible breeders will strive to meet these standards and beyond.
Click here to view TICA voluntary code of ethics
Click here to view the TICA voluntary cattery of excellence evaluation requirements
How do I recognize a responsible breeder?
Prior to adopting a kitten, ask questions! If you are met with unsure answers or avoidance for any specific subject, be suspicious. Topics to discuss include:
General health of adult resident cats
Housing
Genetic health screening
Early spay and neuter practices
Kitten vaccine and healthcare status
Registration
A responsible breeder is someone who recognizes that there must be accountability for reproduction, and takes steps to prevent over breeding, continuation of genetic health concerns, and makes maintaining good health of cats/kittens included in their program a priority. Continuing education is a MUST for a responsible breeder, and this includes attending registry shows. At a cat show, a breeder is offered the chance to learn about breed standard in depth and is provided with an evaluation of cats in their program. I am often told "I just want a pet, not a show quality Sphynx." This cannot be further from the truth! Cats that meet the breed standard have the correct coat (like velour), sweet amenable disposition, and expression. These are the three most important qualities of a show cat and often what causes you to fall in love!
Click here to view the TICA Sphynx breed standard!
Why should I purchase from a responsible breeder actively showing? I only want a pet.
"I only want a pet." This could not be further from the truth! When adopting a sphynx, requisite traits that come to mind are:
Soft clean coat type, sweet disposition, physical appearance that fits breed standard and great health.
These are the most important traits of a show quality sphynx, so you absolutely DO want a show/breeding quality kitten! Responsible breeding programs recognize that meeting the established breed standard is the goal, and do not differentiate between their kittens based on this quality. All of our kittens adopt for the same cost, regardless of show potential, since it is our ultimate goal to meet the breed standard with every kitten. And of course since the majority of our babies are adopted as pets, their adoption cost is reasonable for the breed and quality of care that they receive while growing in our home.
How old should my kitten be before coming home?
TICA's voluntary code of ethics states that kittens should be no younger than 12 weeks old when they depart to go to their new homes. There are many good reasons for this, and most of them involve psychological and social development of your new kitten. Prior to 12 weeks, the weaning process has not been fully complete. For the kitten, weaning is more than simply learning to be self sufficient when it comes to feeding- it is a process of learning independence, social skills and confidence that will allow it to be a functioning adult away from the presence of its mother and familiar siblings. Simply stated, weaning is a time that a kitten is able to learn that it is a cat.
When a kitten is removed from its mother and siblings too early, there is an increased likely hood that it will suffer from behavioral problems stemming from its lack of confidence, social skills, and emotional weaning. This is where problems arise in a new home. The inability to cope may result in problematic behaviors such as biting, scratching, skittish behavior, and a general aversion to humans out of fear. On the other hand, babies that have been allowed to grow and develop with their mother and siblings are typically more confident and faster to adjust in their new homes.
Litter box training is another huge milestone that happens during the first 12 weeks or so, and the best way for new babies to learn is by watching their mother. Kittens denied this opportunity may struggle with this basic skill many years into the future.
Finally, vaccine efficacy is minimal in a very young kitten. Travelling and exposure to new environments and animals causes stress on an already tiny immune system and greatly increases the chance of acquired illness. The first series of vaccines (FVRCP) will help to offer protection against common things that they are exposed to in just about any environment, but only once the series is complete. Exposure beforehand will not be readily fought off, and the baby may end up with a chronic disease.
When should my kitten be spayed or neutered?
Kittens that are not intended to be actively involved in a registered breeding program should be spayed/neutered while young. Veterinarians generally perform this procedure once the kitten is 12 weeks old or 2 pounds. Many studies have been performed to evaluate the long term effects of early spay and neuter practice on both pedigreed and shelter cats, and have concluded that performing early desexing does not have a negative impact on long term health or behavior.
Early spay and neuter practices help to prevent development of problematic behaviors related to reproductive hormones. (Marking and aggression that develops from sexual development is incredibly hard to discourage once it has begun.) Additionally, early desexing practices help to prevent harmful illness related to breeding or failure to breed, such as pyometra, metritis, infection of bite/scratch wounds due to roaming etc.
But there are other breeders that sell kittens for less. Why the price?
Our kittens are distinct in the world of sphynx! The price of a kitten is directly related to the quality of care and upbringing. If a kitten is sold at a very inexpensive price then corners have to be cut. All distinct kittens come from a lineage of show cats, have completed their kitten vaccines and routine worming, been spayed and neutered while at a familiar environment for the best recovery, been provided with a premium diet for healthy growth, and are registered with full showing rights at no additional cost.
The saying "you get what you pay for" is very true. I have met many spectators while at cat shows that have shared their experience with obtaining a very inexpensive pet kitten. Chronic health issues, incorrect coat and foul disposition tend to be central in those experiences. Adopting families often experience heart ache over shortened life expectancy, financial burden due to high vet bills, and general dissatisfaction with breed trait quality.
Why is it important to find a breeder actively scanning to prevent HCM?
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a disease that affects all breeds of cats, not just the sphynx. It is the physical enlargement of the heart muscles that causes disruption in normal function and blood flow through the essential organ, which in turn causes heart failure and a number of other things.
There are quite a few different known causes and contributors to cardiac disease in small animals, cats included, that can range from endocrine imbalance, high blood pressure, congenital causes or even a secondary development from another primary illness or disorder. Responsible breeders should not only be concerned with the general health of the cats in their breeding programs, to ensure that they are continuing the healthiest lineages, but with the genetic health as well.
Pedigree research and study has shown that HCM can be heritable, though it is of note to say that not ALL cases are. Unfortunately, a genetic test does not exist yet that will determine if a sphynx is negative or positive for the genes that cause this disease. (This does exist for some other breeds, such as the Ragdoll, but is not comprehensive enough to include EVERY gene mutation) Lack of definitive testing strategy at this point means that breeders must periodically review the heart health of all members of their program through annual echocardiograms (HCM scans) performed by a board certified cardiologist.
Why is it important that your breeder screens for HCM annually?
HCM is a disease of dynamic and often silent change. Not all cats that develop it will do so at the same time, or in the same manner as another. Often times a cat that does have HCM will not present with unusual heart sounds when at their annual wellness checkups or display any unusual behavior at home until the condition becomes moderate to severe. The timeline of this disease, from it's first subtle developments to the point of death, can vary in length widely, which is why it is important for breeders to be actively looking for it. An intact individual left in a breeding program that is unscanned, or infrequently scanned, can produce many kittens that may potentially suffer from HCM if it is not identified in the parent, and the parent removed from the program.
Annual echocardiograms are often performed between litters, or before "kitten season" to ensure health prior to breeding. There are many available resources for breeders to have this done at significantly reduced costs, especially in the United States. Many board certified cardiologists in private practices will offer clinic dates annually or semiannually to provide low cost screening. Many cardiology units at veterinary college specialty hospitals will also provide this service at reduced cost with far fewer scheduling restrictions. With these wonderful services provided, expense should never be an excuse for your breeder not to scan!
Why is it important that your breeder participates in genetic screening for other heritable diseases?
There are many heritable diseases that afflict the feline besides HCM, covered above. These conditions can affect the kidneys, blood, muslces/skeleton, eyes etc, and are not always evident at birth. HCM is a popular topic among Sphynx owners and breeders, but it is very important to understand that Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy is not the ONLY genetic disease present in Sphynx cats. The unique background of this breed, stemming from domestic shorthair, Devon Rex, American Shorthair and a few other breeds of cats makes it very possible that the heritable diseases that exist in those roots can be present in our hairless babies.
Genetic testing for heritable diseases is increadibly easy for any breeder, since it can be performed at home without a visit to the veterinarian, so there is not a good excuse for excluding this prior to breeding. To perform this test, a cotton swab or "buccal swab" is used to rub the inside of the cheek and collect a DNA sample. Once collected, the sample can then be mailed off to be tested, and reports are sent directly to the breeder.
The Distinct Sphynx program tests for the following conditions known to be heritable in cats:
PK Deficiency, Mucopolysaccharadosis, PDK, Neimann-Pick Disease, Familial Episodic Hypokaleamic Polymyopathy, HCM (the gene found in Ragdolls and Maine Coons), Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Spinal Muscular Atrophy, and Gangliosidosis.
Can I show my new kitten?
Absolutely! TICA has two classes in show just for pets- Alters and Household pets. Unlike AKC dog shows, participation in cat shows is allowed for all spayed and neutered animals. On occasion there is even an agility course just for fun. Frequent show attractions include custom made cat furniture, raffle table, hand made cat toys, jewelery and crafts.
Championship Alter class is for cats and kittens that are pedigreed and spayed/neutered. Household Pet class is for NON pedigreed cats (or pedigreed cats with lost/surrendered registration) and kittens that have been spayed/neutered.
If this is something you are interested in, we are more than happy to mentor you as you begin such an exciting hobby.
Click here to view a list of shows in your area!
Do Sphynx have special needs?
Yes, Sphynx cats do have some special needs. Many of their most basic requirements are general for any cat breed though.
The most important requirement for a sphynx is a heat source. Blankets, sweaters, fluffy or heated cat beds are all very common in our home. In the colder months of the year, it is necessary to either maintain an indoor environment that is comfortable to your kitty with your thermostat, or provide space heaters as a source of warmth. Now, this sounds like a daunting task, but that is not the case. Much of the time if the human of the house is comfortable (generally between 68 and 80 degrees) then a hairless cat will be as well. I often hear from adopting pet families "I see pictures of hairless cats in clothes all the time" as they express worry over maintaining a large wardrobe. Well, I would have to say that a large part of sphynx clothes is for human indulgence. Clothing the kitty is simply irresistible!
Another special requirement is a high protein diet. This is generally true for felines across the board, but for the sphynx it is imperative. Lack of coat results in a very high metabolism in order to keep your kitty warm. A high protein diet meets the needs of a cat with a high metabolism and activity level. When people touch a hairless cat for the first time at a cat show, I often hear remarks about how warm they are. Many calories are burned to keep them this way. Foods with high amounts of carbohydrates and plant/grain fillers do not meet their nutritional needs, so premium high protein animal source based diet is a must.
What behavior can I expect from a Sphynx?
"The Sphynx is sweet-tempered, lively, intelligent and above all amenable to handling." (TICA breed standard)
The Sphynx is an inquisitive, intelligent breed that is overflowing with personality. They are often described as a cross between a monkey, dog, and child. Activity levels in your home will be higher with a Sphynx as opposed to calmer natured breeds such as the Ragdoll or Persian. In the Distinct home, cats and kittens are at heel nearly all the time, waiting for affection and a cuddles. Playtime with teaser toys is also a very rewarding bonding experience with our na-kids, and when the day is done it'a a race to pile in the bed.
I am worried about destructive behavior. Why not declaw?
Scratching behavior is natural for cats, and can even give you clues as to what your four legged family member is thinking or feeling about living in your home. When this behavior becomes excessive, it becomes problematic for people that are owned by a Sphynx. Before considering this procedure, please understand what exactly it involves and common problems that arise from a kitten or cat being declawed. Also be aware that excessive scratching behavior often indicates that your Sphynx may be experiencing something that is unsettling. Environmental or behavioral modifications may be all that is needed to put a stop to scratching behaviors.
Declawing is not like a manicure. It is a serious surgery in which large portions of your cat's toes are amputated. This is because your cat's claws are not like tonails. They are very closely and strongly adhered to the bones... so in order to remove the claw, the bones must be removed too. Doing this changes the structure of the foot entirely. Bone endings that are not normally close to the skin surface become exposed to the pressure of play, walking etc.
Deep nerve endings and blood vessels become exposed after surgery that cause a great deal of pain and excessive bleeding while healing- even if laser technique is used, since scabs open up while paws are used. This nerve pain never goes away in a large portion of declawed cats (called neuropathy), and frequently causes discomfort while using the litter box or playing/walking/running/jumping. Many cats that experience this nerve pain while using the litter box will stop using it altogether, due to discomfort, and this cannot be fixed! Please note- nerve pain can tend to be worse with the Sphynx, because there is no furr coating on the toes or paws to act as a buffer between litter or hard surfaces. Neuropathy is chronic, long lasting pain and can also change the disposition of your cat entirely! It is widely reported that gentle tempered animals that have undergone this procedure become more prone to biting and a short temper due to this constant pain.
Your cat will have to wear bandages on his/her paws during a long recovery period. There is no bed rest for cats, so daily activities such as litter box, eating, and walking will be impaired. Frequent bandage changes to avoid harmful infection will be necessary, and the recovery time is lengthy.
Joint pain that affects the knees, shoulders, spine and hips is also common after this procedure, because of the changed structure and articulation of the foot and toes. This may lead to less mobility and the need for potentially harmful daily pain medications.
Declawing also removes a very important defense mechanism for your cat, should he accidentally find himself outside.
What else can be done about scratching behaviors?
One of the best ways to prevent damage to household items, or to your tender skin, is frequent claw trimming during bath time. This will dull your cat's nails, so that damage is almost none, while allowing your pet to have full functionality of his paws. Vinyl nail caps, such as Soft Paws, may also be used. These caps can be glued onto claws, effectively covering the sharp tips. (this solution is not for every pet, as some cat's strongly dislike the sensation of caps glued to their nails, may be sensitive to chemicals found in the glue, or may develop fungal nail infections with prolonged use)
Behavioral modification and training techniques are also a great tool. Sharpening the claws is a natural behavior for cats, which becomes problematic when there is no way to express this. Obtaining items such as a scratching post, cardboard scratchers, and textured cat trees etc. will give your pet an outlet for this behavior.
Some individual pets become obsessive with this behavior when upset, or unsettled about something in the home. The aid of a pheromone diffuser/spray, or careful investigation into your environment and routine with your pet should be considered. Common culprits that contribute to this are stress, anxiety, and nervousness. Resolution of the cause of these feelings will often reduce this harmful behavior.
Is pet insurance worth it?
All cats and kittens that reside at the Distinct home are insured against accident, injury, illness and breeding related complications. In my own experience, pet insurance has definitely been worth it!
When adopting a new member of the family, whether insured or not, it is important to financially plan for health needs. At some point your baby will get ill, be injured, or have an accident requiring medical expenses just like a child would. (After all, cats are inherently curious and mischievous!) Being prepared for these moments will help reduce stress and heartache during a difficult time. Hundreds/thousands of dollars as a lump sum can be a real burden, vs a $15-$25 monthly charge for guarantee of peace of mind.
Trupanion is the insurance company of choice for the Distinct sphynx home. This company was selected because there are no payout caps per condition, any deductible (if chosen) is per condition rather than annually renewing, and the cat or kitten's base rate will not increase from the time they are enrolled based on their age increase. Additionally, Trupanion is the ONLY company that offers coverage for breeding related claims, such as cesarean sections, mammary/testicular cancer, uterine infection etc.
Click here to visit the Trupanion website.
What is out crossing?
When breeding, the term 'outcrossing' refers to the practice of including cats that are NOT the same breed into the pedigree. This has been done in every breed of cat in the TICA registry at some point in time, and continues to happen in many breeds even today. Even with dogs! Other registries such as CFA and associations founded in Europe overseas also allow for out crossing. This is especially common during the development of new breeds, when there are few cats to be found that express or carry the genetic traits that are necessary to establish a breed.
Why is out crossing so important? and what are the risks?
Out crossing is incredibly important to build a healthy foundation to any breed of cat. The practice of bringing in new and unrelated genetics helps to strengthen health and immunity as well as decrease the amount of inbreeding that takes place IF THE PRACTICE IS USED CORRECTLY.
At this point in time there are only 3 breeds of cat deemed acceptable for use as an out cross in the Sphynx breed. Devon Rex, American Short Hair, and Domestic Short Hair. This was determined after reviewing individual traits and standards of each breed to see what was most likely to improve the Sphynx breed while achieving diversity.
Responsible programs keep in mind that health and immunity is a central goal in implementing out crossing. As a result, it is very important to closely monitor any cats or kittens that participate in this effort for an extended length of time to be sure that they are offering a good foundation. This means that any Devon Rex, American Short Hair, or Domestic Short Hair that participates in a responsible Sphynx program should be regularly health tested for HCM, heritable feline diseases, and communicable diseases even past the point that they are actively breeding. Out crossing can be a very valuable tool to decrease the incidence of harmful illnesses and diseases in the Sphynx breed, but only when it is carefully done and the cats are thoroughly tested for many years to be sure that they are healthy and clear. If thorough testing is not done over many years and even into retirement, risks of health problems being introduced that do not routinely appear until later in life are increased.
What about the other 'breeds' that come from out crossing?
The only acceptable breeds that can be used for out crossing in the Sphynx breed are the Devon Rex, American Short Hair, and Domestic Short Hair. The practice is not used for the purpose of creating a new breed, but for the strengthening and diversity of an already existing breed. You might ask then, what exactly constitutes a 'breed' of cat? A breed of cat is a genetic line that exhibits ONLY ONE natural mutation and/or set of traits that distinguishes it from other breeds of cats. In the case of the Sphynx, it is the natural gene mutation that causes them to be hairless.
Breeding a Sphynx cat to any other established or un-established breed of cat is not creating a new breed. It is compounding the number of mutations to have multiple mutations in a single cat. This is dangerous, as correct health testing and tracking is nearly impossible when cats are bred at the speed needed to achieve this. Additionally, the risks of compounding other health problems common in the different breeds is very high.
Bambinos, Elves, Dwelfts, Skinderlops, Bam-bobs etc are all examples of this. These breed crosses are not deemed acceptable by TICA, CFA, and other established genetic cat registries because of the high risk involved in this. They parallel designer breeding in the dog world, and it is not sanctioned with any responsible program.
A responsible breeder is someone who strives to raise healthy, well adjusted kittens that meet breed standard. TICA and CFA have published voluntary guidelines for outstanding cattery recognition and responsible practices. Responsible breeders will strive to meet these standards and beyond.
Click here to view TICA voluntary code of ethics
Click here to view the TICA voluntary cattery of excellence evaluation requirements
How do I recognize a responsible breeder?
Prior to adopting a kitten, ask questions! If you are met with unsure answers or avoidance for any specific subject, be suspicious. Topics to discuss include:
General health of adult resident cats
Housing
Genetic health screening
Early spay and neuter practices
Kitten vaccine and healthcare status
Registration
A responsible breeder is someone who recognizes that there must be accountability for reproduction, and takes steps to prevent over breeding, continuation of genetic health concerns, and makes maintaining good health of cats/kittens included in their program a priority. Continuing education is a MUST for a responsible breeder, and this includes attending registry shows. At a cat show, a breeder is offered the chance to learn about breed standard in depth and is provided with an evaluation of cats in their program. I am often told "I just want a pet, not a show quality Sphynx." This cannot be further from the truth! Cats that meet the breed standard have the correct coat (like velour), sweet amenable disposition, and expression. These are the three most important qualities of a show cat and often what causes you to fall in love!
Click here to view the TICA Sphynx breed standard!
Why should I purchase from a responsible breeder actively showing? I only want a pet.
"I only want a pet." This could not be further from the truth! When adopting a sphynx, requisite traits that come to mind are:
Soft clean coat type, sweet disposition, physical appearance that fits breed standard and great health.
These are the most important traits of a show quality sphynx, so you absolutely DO want a show/breeding quality kitten! Responsible breeding programs recognize that meeting the established breed standard is the goal, and do not differentiate between their kittens based on this quality. All of our kittens adopt for the same cost, regardless of show potential, since it is our ultimate goal to meet the breed standard with every kitten. And of course since the majority of our babies are adopted as pets, their adoption cost is reasonable for the breed and quality of care that they receive while growing in our home.
How old should my kitten be before coming home?
TICA's voluntary code of ethics states that kittens should be no younger than 12 weeks old when they depart to go to their new homes. There are many good reasons for this, and most of them involve psychological and social development of your new kitten. Prior to 12 weeks, the weaning process has not been fully complete. For the kitten, weaning is more than simply learning to be self sufficient when it comes to feeding- it is a process of learning independence, social skills and confidence that will allow it to be a functioning adult away from the presence of its mother and familiar siblings. Simply stated, weaning is a time that a kitten is able to learn that it is a cat.
When a kitten is removed from its mother and siblings too early, there is an increased likely hood that it will suffer from behavioral problems stemming from its lack of confidence, social skills, and emotional weaning. This is where problems arise in a new home. The inability to cope may result in problematic behaviors such as biting, scratching, skittish behavior, and a general aversion to humans out of fear. On the other hand, babies that have been allowed to grow and develop with their mother and siblings are typically more confident and faster to adjust in their new homes.
Litter box training is another huge milestone that happens during the first 12 weeks or so, and the best way for new babies to learn is by watching their mother. Kittens denied this opportunity may struggle with this basic skill many years into the future.
Finally, vaccine efficacy is minimal in a very young kitten. Travelling and exposure to new environments and animals causes stress on an already tiny immune system and greatly increases the chance of acquired illness. The first series of vaccines (FVRCP) will help to offer protection against common things that they are exposed to in just about any environment, but only once the series is complete. Exposure beforehand will not be readily fought off, and the baby may end up with a chronic disease.
When should my kitten be spayed or neutered?
Kittens that are not intended to be actively involved in a registered breeding program should be spayed/neutered while young. Veterinarians generally perform this procedure once the kitten is 12 weeks old or 2 pounds. Many studies have been performed to evaluate the long term effects of early spay and neuter practice on both pedigreed and shelter cats, and have concluded that performing early desexing does not have a negative impact on long term health or behavior.
Early spay and neuter practices help to prevent development of problematic behaviors related to reproductive hormones. (Marking and aggression that develops from sexual development is incredibly hard to discourage once it has begun.) Additionally, early desexing practices help to prevent harmful illness related to breeding or failure to breed, such as pyometra, metritis, infection of bite/scratch wounds due to roaming etc.
But there are other breeders that sell kittens for less. Why the price?
Our kittens are distinct in the world of sphynx! The price of a kitten is directly related to the quality of care and upbringing. If a kitten is sold at a very inexpensive price then corners have to be cut. All distinct kittens come from a lineage of show cats, have completed their kitten vaccines and routine worming, been spayed and neutered while at a familiar environment for the best recovery, been provided with a premium diet for healthy growth, and are registered with full showing rights at no additional cost.
The saying "you get what you pay for" is very true. I have met many spectators while at cat shows that have shared their experience with obtaining a very inexpensive pet kitten. Chronic health issues, incorrect coat and foul disposition tend to be central in those experiences. Adopting families often experience heart ache over shortened life expectancy, financial burden due to high vet bills, and general dissatisfaction with breed trait quality.
Why is it important to find a breeder actively scanning to prevent HCM?
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a disease that affects all breeds of cats, not just the sphynx. It is the physical enlargement of the heart muscles that causes disruption in normal function and blood flow through the essential organ, which in turn causes heart failure and a number of other things.
There are quite a few different known causes and contributors to cardiac disease in small animals, cats included, that can range from endocrine imbalance, high blood pressure, congenital causes or even a secondary development from another primary illness or disorder. Responsible breeders should not only be concerned with the general health of the cats in their breeding programs, to ensure that they are continuing the healthiest lineages, but with the genetic health as well.
Pedigree research and study has shown that HCM can be heritable, though it is of note to say that not ALL cases are. Unfortunately, a genetic test does not exist yet that will determine if a sphynx is negative or positive for the genes that cause this disease. (This does exist for some other breeds, such as the Ragdoll, but is not comprehensive enough to include EVERY gene mutation) Lack of definitive testing strategy at this point means that breeders must periodically review the heart health of all members of their program through annual echocardiograms (HCM scans) performed by a board certified cardiologist.
Why is it important that your breeder screens for HCM annually?
HCM is a disease of dynamic and often silent change. Not all cats that develop it will do so at the same time, or in the same manner as another. Often times a cat that does have HCM will not present with unusual heart sounds when at their annual wellness checkups or display any unusual behavior at home until the condition becomes moderate to severe. The timeline of this disease, from it's first subtle developments to the point of death, can vary in length widely, which is why it is important for breeders to be actively looking for it. An intact individual left in a breeding program that is unscanned, or infrequently scanned, can produce many kittens that may potentially suffer from HCM if it is not identified in the parent, and the parent removed from the program.
Annual echocardiograms are often performed between litters, or before "kitten season" to ensure health prior to breeding. There are many available resources for breeders to have this done at significantly reduced costs, especially in the United States. Many board certified cardiologists in private practices will offer clinic dates annually or semiannually to provide low cost screening. Many cardiology units at veterinary college specialty hospitals will also provide this service at reduced cost with far fewer scheduling restrictions. With these wonderful services provided, expense should never be an excuse for your breeder not to scan!
Why is it important that your breeder participates in genetic screening for other heritable diseases?
There are many heritable diseases that afflict the feline besides HCM, covered above. These conditions can affect the kidneys, blood, muslces/skeleton, eyes etc, and are not always evident at birth. HCM is a popular topic among Sphynx owners and breeders, but it is very important to understand that Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy is not the ONLY genetic disease present in Sphynx cats. The unique background of this breed, stemming from domestic shorthair, Devon Rex, American Shorthair and a few other breeds of cats makes it very possible that the heritable diseases that exist in those roots can be present in our hairless babies.
Genetic testing for heritable diseases is increadibly easy for any breeder, since it can be performed at home without a visit to the veterinarian, so there is not a good excuse for excluding this prior to breeding. To perform this test, a cotton swab or "buccal swab" is used to rub the inside of the cheek and collect a DNA sample. Once collected, the sample can then be mailed off to be tested, and reports are sent directly to the breeder.
The Distinct Sphynx program tests for the following conditions known to be heritable in cats:
PK Deficiency, Mucopolysaccharadosis, PDK, Neimann-Pick Disease, Familial Episodic Hypokaleamic Polymyopathy, HCM (the gene found in Ragdolls and Maine Coons), Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Spinal Muscular Atrophy, and Gangliosidosis.
Can I show my new kitten?
Absolutely! TICA has two classes in show just for pets- Alters and Household pets. Unlike AKC dog shows, participation in cat shows is allowed for all spayed and neutered animals. On occasion there is even an agility course just for fun. Frequent show attractions include custom made cat furniture, raffle table, hand made cat toys, jewelery and crafts.
Championship Alter class is for cats and kittens that are pedigreed and spayed/neutered. Household Pet class is for NON pedigreed cats (or pedigreed cats with lost/surrendered registration) and kittens that have been spayed/neutered.
If this is something you are interested in, we are more than happy to mentor you as you begin such an exciting hobby.
Click here to view a list of shows in your area!
Do Sphynx have special needs?
Yes, Sphynx cats do have some special needs. Many of their most basic requirements are general for any cat breed though.
The most important requirement for a sphynx is a heat source. Blankets, sweaters, fluffy or heated cat beds are all very common in our home. In the colder months of the year, it is necessary to either maintain an indoor environment that is comfortable to your kitty with your thermostat, or provide space heaters as a source of warmth. Now, this sounds like a daunting task, but that is not the case. Much of the time if the human of the house is comfortable (generally between 68 and 80 degrees) then a hairless cat will be as well. I often hear from adopting pet families "I see pictures of hairless cats in clothes all the time" as they express worry over maintaining a large wardrobe. Well, I would have to say that a large part of sphynx clothes is for human indulgence. Clothing the kitty is simply irresistible!
Another special requirement is a high protein diet. This is generally true for felines across the board, but for the sphynx it is imperative. Lack of coat results in a very high metabolism in order to keep your kitty warm. A high protein diet meets the needs of a cat with a high metabolism and activity level. When people touch a hairless cat for the first time at a cat show, I often hear remarks about how warm they are. Many calories are burned to keep them this way. Foods with high amounts of carbohydrates and plant/grain fillers do not meet their nutritional needs, so premium high protein animal source based diet is a must.
What behavior can I expect from a Sphynx?
"The Sphynx is sweet-tempered, lively, intelligent and above all amenable to handling." (TICA breed standard)
The Sphynx is an inquisitive, intelligent breed that is overflowing with personality. They are often described as a cross between a monkey, dog, and child. Activity levels in your home will be higher with a Sphynx as opposed to calmer natured breeds such as the Ragdoll or Persian. In the Distinct home, cats and kittens are at heel nearly all the time, waiting for affection and a cuddles. Playtime with teaser toys is also a very rewarding bonding experience with our na-kids, and when the day is done it'a a race to pile in the bed.
I am worried about destructive behavior. Why not declaw?
Scratching behavior is natural for cats, and can even give you clues as to what your four legged family member is thinking or feeling about living in your home. When this behavior becomes excessive, it becomes problematic for people that are owned by a Sphynx. Before considering this procedure, please understand what exactly it involves and common problems that arise from a kitten or cat being declawed. Also be aware that excessive scratching behavior often indicates that your Sphynx may be experiencing something that is unsettling. Environmental or behavioral modifications may be all that is needed to put a stop to scratching behaviors.
Declawing is not like a manicure. It is a serious surgery in which large portions of your cat's toes are amputated. This is because your cat's claws are not like tonails. They are very closely and strongly adhered to the bones... so in order to remove the claw, the bones must be removed too. Doing this changes the structure of the foot entirely. Bone endings that are not normally close to the skin surface become exposed to the pressure of play, walking etc.
Deep nerve endings and blood vessels become exposed after surgery that cause a great deal of pain and excessive bleeding while healing- even if laser technique is used, since scabs open up while paws are used. This nerve pain never goes away in a large portion of declawed cats (called neuropathy), and frequently causes discomfort while using the litter box or playing/walking/running/jumping. Many cats that experience this nerve pain while using the litter box will stop using it altogether, due to discomfort, and this cannot be fixed! Please note- nerve pain can tend to be worse with the Sphynx, because there is no furr coating on the toes or paws to act as a buffer between litter or hard surfaces. Neuropathy is chronic, long lasting pain and can also change the disposition of your cat entirely! It is widely reported that gentle tempered animals that have undergone this procedure become more prone to biting and a short temper due to this constant pain.
Your cat will have to wear bandages on his/her paws during a long recovery period. There is no bed rest for cats, so daily activities such as litter box, eating, and walking will be impaired. Frequent bandage changes to avoid harmful infection will be necessary, and the recovery time is lengthy.
Joint pain that affects the knees, shoulders, spine and hips is also common after this procedure, because of the changed structure and articulation of the foot and toes. This may lead to less mobility and the need for potentially harmful daily pain medications.
Declawing also removes a very important defense mechanism for your cat, should he accidentally find himself outside.
What else can be done about scratching behaviors?
One of the best ways to prevent damage to household items, or to your tender skin, is frequent claw trimming during bath time. This will dull your cat's nails, so that damage is almost none, while allowing your pet to have full functionality of his paws. Vinyl nail caps, such as Soft Paws, may also be used. These caps can be glued onto claws, effectively covering the sharp tips. (this solution is not for every pet, as some cat's strongly dislike the sensation of caps glued to their nails, may be sensitive to chemicals found in the glue, or may develop fungal nail infections with prolonged use)
Behavioral modification and training techniques are also a great tool. Sharpening the claws is a natural behavior for cats, which becomes problematic when there is no way to express this. Obtaining items such as a scratching post, cardboard scratchers, and textured cat trees etc. will give your pet an outlet for this behavior.
Some individual pets become obsessive with this behavior when upset, or unsettled about something in the home. The aid of a pheromone diffuser/spray, or careful investigation into your environment and routine with your pet should be considered. Common culprits that contribute to this are stress, anxiety, and nervousness. Resolution of the cause of these feelings will often reduce this harmful behavior.
Is pet insurance worth it?
All cats and kittens that reside at the Distinct home are insured against accident, injury, illness and breeding related complications. In my own experience, pet insurance has definitely been worth it!
When adopting a new member of the family, whether insured or not, it is important to financially plan for health needs. At some point your baby will get ill, be injured, or have an accident requiring medical expenses just like a child would. (After all, cats are inherently curious and mischievous!) Being prepared for these moments will help reduce stress and heartache during a difficult time. Hundreds/thousands of dollars as a lump sum can be a real burden, vs a $15-$25 monthly charge for guarantee of peace of mind.
Trupanion is the insurance company of choice for the Distinct sphynx home. This company was selected because there are no payout caps per condition, any deductible (if chosen) is per condition rather than annually renewing, and the cat or kitten's base rate will not increase from the time they are enrolled based on their age increase. Additionally, Trupanion is the ONLY company that offers coverage for breeding related claims, such as cesarean sections, mammary/testicular cancer, uterine infection etc.
Click here to visit the Trupanion website.
What is out crossing?
When breeding, the term 'outcrossing' refers to the practice of including cats that are NOT the same breed into the pedigree. This has been done in every breed of cat in the TICA registry at some point in time, and continues to happen in many breeds even today. Even with dogs! Other registries such as CFA and associations founded in Europe overseas also allow for out crossing. This is especially common during the development of new breeds, when there are few cats to be found that express or carry the genetic traits that are necessary to establish a breed.
Why is out crossing so important? and what are the risks?
Out crossing is incredibly important to build a healthy foundation to any breed of cat. The practice of bringing in new and unrelated genetics helps to strengthen health and immunity as well as decrease the amount of inbreeding that takes place IF THE PRACTICE IS USED CORRECTLY.
At this point in time there are only 3 breeds of cat deemed acceptable for use as an out cross in the Sphynx breed. Devon Rex, American Short Hair, and Domestic Short Hair. This was determined after reviewing individual traits and standards of each breed to see what was most likely to improve the Sphynx breed while achieving diversity.
Responsible programs keep in mind that health and immunity is a central goal in implementing out crossing. As a result, it is very important to closely monitor any cats or kittens that participate in this effort for an extended length of time to be sure that they are offering a good foundation. This means that any Devon Rex, American Short Hair, or Domestic Short Hair that participates in a responsible Sphynx program should be regularly health tested for HCM, heritable feline diseases, and communicable diseases even past the point that they are actively breeding. Out crossing can be a very valuable tool to decrease the incidence of harmful illnesses and diseases in the Sphynx breed, but only when it is carefully done and the cats are thoroughly tested for many years to be sure that they are healthy and clear. If thorough testing is not done over many years and even into retirement, risks of health problems being introduced that do not routinely appear until later in life are increased.
What about the other 'breeds' that come from out crossing?
The only acceptable breeds that can be used for out crossing in the Sphynx breed are the Devon Rex, American Short Hair, and Domestic Short Hair. The practice is not used for the purpose of creating a new breed, but for the strengthening and diversity of an already existing breed. You might ask then, what exactly constitutes a 'breed' of cat? A breed of cat is a genetic line that exhibits ONLY ONE natural mutation and/or set of traits that distinguishes it from other breeds of cats. In the case of the Sphynx, it is the natural gene mutation that causes them to be hairless.
Breeding a Sphynx cat to any other established or un-established breed of cat is not creating a new breed. It is compounding the number of mutations to have multiple mutations in a single cat. This is dangerous, as correct health testing and tracking is nearly impossible when cats are bred at the speed needed to achieve this. Additionally, the risks of compounding other health problems common in the different breeds is very high.
Bambinos, Elves, Dwelfts, Skinderlops, Bam-bobs etc are all examples of this. These breed crosses are not deemed acceptable by TICA, CFA, and other established genetic cat registries because of the high risk involved in this. They parallel designer breeding in the dog world, and it is not sanctioned with any responsible program.