Q) Are Sphynx hypoallergenic?

A) People who suffer from allergies have found that they do not have allergic reactions to a sphynx.  Other people still have allergic reactions just as they always have around cats.  I suffer from terrible cat allergies but, I have never had problems with a sphynx.  We suggest that you visit a cattery or a sphynx owner to test your allergies.  I have had people who have spent hours on my couch with a sphynx wrapped in their arms to test their allergies. 

Q)  How much does a Sphynx cost?

A) Our pets range from $1200.-$1500. You may find kittens for more or less than this, but you need to be more concerned about the breeder and their ethics over the cost of the kitten.  You may think you got a "great deal" and bought a sphynx for "cheap" but it turns out to not be what you bargained for. I can personally tell you from experience that you get what you paid for.  Ask yourself why this breeder is asking less than the average breeder.

Q) What do I need to look for in a breeder?

A) I would make sure to ask questions that are important to you. 

 1) Ask about the parents, siblings, prior litters, etc.  It is always important to me to know how the cats live in the cattery. I welcome people into my cattery all the time.  If someone is interested in purchasing a kitten that lives far away I offer to send them a video of my home, every corner, even outside.  I have nothing to hide here.

 2)Are they caged is my first question? I can answer for us that our cats are NEVER caged.  If you see a picture of one of our cats on our website in a cage it is at a show hall while being judged. 

 3)Ask for references.

 4) Ask if they show? Dedicated breeders show their cats or have in the past.  We always make sure that our cats see a show hall several times before they breed.  We also try to show after they breed as well. Cozmel Cattery believes that showing is important for this breed and the owners.

 5) Follow your instincts!!!

Q) What is the temperment of a Sphynx?

A) I always describe a sphynx as being a combination of a cat, dog, monkey, and human.  They are still a cat, but they like to play more like a dog.  They are extremely smart and personable.  They will curl up in to your lap and purr for hours. It is important that the kitten is well socialized.  The way the breeder raises the kitten the first few months will effect their personality.  From the first moment kittens are born here they know humans.  I have spent nights laying on the floor next to the bed of a new mother and her litter with my hand on the mother to insure that when she moves I would wake up to check on the kittens. 

Q) What care is required for Sphynx?

A) Due to the fact that Sphynx are hairless they do not have hair to absorb oils their body makes.  This causes the sphynx to need a little extra care.  They need weekly bathes, nail clipping, and ear cleansing.  Our kittens here begin this routine very early and they are used to this routine.  Our cats love their bathes and rarely do I have a kitten that is against water.  My tip for these cats is to put a towel in the bottom of the bathtub, then they have something to hold on to. 

Q) Are Sphynx good with kids, dogs, or other animals?

A) Yes, Sphynx are very affectionate to everything. The question shouldn’t be if they are good with kids or dogs but if your kids or dog would be good with the Sphynx. A Well-socialized Sphynx kitten will love everything it comes into contact with. 

Q) Are they truly hairless?

A) No animal is truly hairless. The body of a Sphynx looks and feels hairless, just like a woman’s face. We all have that very fine baby hair they we can’t see or feel unless we look very closely.  The Sphynx are the same way. Now, it is normal for them to have it on the ears, tip of nose, and tip of the tail like a lion. You  must remember that the Sphynx have been outcrossed to other cats in their history this is the reason for this. 

Q) Do they get cold or have skin problems? Are they as healthy as other cats?

A) A Sphynx should never be allowed outside. Their comfort level is your comfort level. If you are cold in your house, they may be cold. My cats love the winter because it is warmer in the house and they have the fire. In the summer with the air conditioner going  sometimes have sweaters I put on them. They do not have any skin disorders unless they are exposed to it, which they shouldn’t be. You will notice everything on their skin including moles (my sweet Ms. Kensington has a few), or if they play rough and get a scratch. The Sphynx cannot keep anything a secret, because it is all out there for you to see. Sphynx are just as healthy as other cats if they are taken care of properly. Actually the oldest cat in the Guinness Book of World Records is a Sphynx at 31 years old.