First time Sphynx!

[sphynxsophia]

Hi. I just recently purchased my first Sphynx. I have been researching all morning as to if mine is actually a purebred. I bought her from someone who needed to rehome and I wasnt exactly sure what they should feel or look like. We corresponded through emails and I was skeptical as first but the owner seemed to know brands of what was used for her and diet and feel. I didnt get a chance to interact with her before she was put into a crate. The original owner wasnt even there. It was very weird and uneasy but I had driven so far and was tired so it didnt really matter. Today I got a good look at her and she has a soft down on what I would call her thighs. Her legs, tail, and ears have small traces of hair. I have been curious as to if someone could shave a cat and get the same effect? She doesnt have whiskers or eyelashes and had a very odd smell, like talcom powder. She feels like one of those rags that will soak up crazy amounts of water that people use on cars after its been washed. Im just really nervous as I find i odd that a person wouldnt even be present to rehome their own cat. I spent in my mind, quite a bit for an adult cat who came with no papers, vet records, or anything. I even brought the crate in which she came home in. Can someone reassure me? She fits the profile and has the personality, but everything I have read says she shouldnt have this furry stuff on her thighs.

Other than that, I am excited. I put a deposit down on a kitten that is due any day now and I get pick of the litter and will bring her home in July to be a companion for Sophia. That one I am 100% sure is purebred. This is my first experience with the breed, never even seen one in real life, but I have decided this is MY breed. I am the kind of person when I find a good thing, I stick with it. I will always order the same thing at the same restaurant. anytime I vary, it just doesnt seem to be as good, so why mess with perfection?!

Thank you and Im excited to snoop around the Forum.

Sincerely,
Sophias mom.

 

[admin]

Hello sphynxsophia and welcome to Sphynxlair! Yes, sphynx can have areas where they have hair, especially in the areas you suggested. A picture will surely help! When you get a chance that is. I will leave you this link on how to add pictures, when you get a chance http://www.sphynxlair.com/f9/how-add-pictures-post-thread-3253/ Please enjoy the site and keep us posted on your new baby as well!

 

[Jennifer]

Hello and welcome. Sounds like a sphynx, Do you have any pictures to help us? My boy has a lite fuzz on his back and little furry paws,, and his tail and face. He is a purebred. He has no wiskers or eyelashes either.
Some sphynxes are fuzzy, some are velvety and some are totally naked! They do have a different smell then other cats. Maybe she needs a bath. After that you will know her smell. I love the way my cat smells. He smells like home, love...sad, I know.
How exciting that you get a kitten soon. I hope they grow to be great friends. You will find some useful info here. Have fun

 

[susi794]

Welcome to the Lair. She sounds like sphynx to me. Adults often have hair patches especially if they have been spayed/neutered, are older, or it's winter time.

 

[sphynxsophia]

The more I look, the more Im convinced she is. She loves to hide under my daughters blanket. She has stunning eyes. These tufts of hair though are really weird but I cant seem to get her to sit still long enough to get a close up pic as she wants to rub on everything, including the camera lens! She is still a little frightened but our home has very excited children so I understand. For some reason though, she nips my son. She will just walk over and nibble his toe or his hand? He giggles but I dont know why she does this? And she keeps scratching her ear, which seems to have darker spots in it so I assume they need cleaned or perhaps she has mites?

 

[admin]

Yes, she is surely a Sphynx, what a beautiful girl you have!:Laugh: Also I recommend all new Sphynx owners check this area out, it will help with those dirty little ears as well!
Sphynx Cat Owner Help Center

 

[susi794]

A couple of my cats like to love bite my toes and fingers.....they are just being playful usually or are just loving you. If you don't like it, make a noise that indicates pain....like one of their littermates would do when they were wrestling. She will get the idea.

 

[sphynxsophia]

Thank you for the replies and reassurance! She is having a blast running all over the house. boy can she jump! We were only planning on getting the kitty in june but the more I read about the breed, the more impatient I got and came across this little girl and just couldnt say no. Even sight unseen, I was smitten. The pic that was sent to me did not do her justice. I thought she was all grey only to see she isnt and has striping on her tail and legs. I will definately check out the ear link. she is not spayed, which is something I want to look into. Also, without having any vet records, even though I have asked the previous owner several times for a record and have yet to receive it, should I just take her to the vet and have everything done to be on the safe side?

One MORE THING: Do dog sweaters fit the cats or are there actual cat sweaters available and where? She was supposed to come with her supplies but I didnt receive anything so I wanna know the right thing first!

 

[admin]

Thank you for the replies and reassurance! She is having a blast running all over the house. boy can she jump! We were only planning on getting the kitty in june but the more I read about the breed, the more impatient I got and came across this little girl and just couldnt say no. Even sight unseen, I was smitten. The pic that was sent to me did not do her justice. I thought she was all grey only to see she isnt and has striping on her tail and legs. I will definately check out the ear link. she is not spayed, which is something I want to look into. Also, without having any vet records, even though I have asked the previous owner several times for a record and have yet to receive it, should I just take her to the vet and have everything done to be on the safe side?

One MORE THING: Do dog sweaters fit the cats or are there actual cat sweaters available and where? She was supposed to come with her supplies but I didnt receive anything so I wanna know the right thing first!

If you want quality and beauty right here on the Lair! Gorgeous sweaters! Pretty Kitty Shop

 

[Inflamed]

Welcome to the lair! Your cat is very beautiful
As for the scratching, her ears do look a bit dirty in the pictures so I would definitely clean them. Good luck with everything!

 

[sphynxsophia]

Welcome to the lair! Your cat is very beautiful
As for the scratching, her ears do look a bit dirty in the pictures so I would definitely clean them. Good luck with everything!

previous owner says they were cleaned weekly but i see a lot of buildup so Im thinking thats not the case. I think I am going ot take her to the vet and have it done professionally first so i can make sure i do it right and since its so uiltup, it all gets cleaned.

I am loving this site! Can someone link me to a good diet page? I wasnt given any food so I am kind of winging it right now. Using Iams sensitive digestion or something (ink bag!) mixed with some raw turkey and chicken broth to soften it. blended it in the food processor. Im told Raw is best but Imnot sure how to keep it fresh or can it be frozen? I am sure there is an awesome forum for this somewhere but i cant seem to find my way to it just yet! thanks!!

Oh and I figured it out. she smells like tortilla chips!

 

[kimmieb]

Oh and I figured it out. she smells like tortilla chips!

Welcome, and congratulations on your girl, she's beautiful! It's funny you say she smells like tortilla chips. We have three chihuahuas, and their toes always smell like Frito chips. They've earned the nickname Frito feet!

 

[Kittay4me]

previous owner says they were cleaned weekly but i see a lot of buildup so Im thinking thats not the case. I think I am going ot take her to the vet and have it done professionally first so i can make sure i do it right and since its so uiltup, it all gets cleaned.

I am loving this site! Can someone link me to a good diet page? I wasnt given any food so I am kind of winging it right now. Using Iams sensitive digestion or something (ink bag!) mixed with some raw turkey and chicken broth to soften it. blended it in the food processor. Im told Raw is best but Imnot sure how to keep it fresh or can it be frozen? I am sure there is an awesome forum for this somewhere but i cant seem to find my way to it just yet! thanks!!

Oh and I figured it out. she smells like tortilla chips!

She's beautiful! I'm sure you'll find a lot of great information about the Sphynx on this website.

I think my baby smells like a portabella mushroom... especially when she's been cuddling under the covers. Hehe

Good luck with your new girl

 

[maxtmill]

You have a very pretty girl - I love her "eyeliner"! Sphynx are really great cats!

 

[Ripley]

Welcome! You have a beautiful girl there. You may notice more defined markings once you bathe her. I originally thought Sphyncter was pointed until I bathed him and discovered he's cream! He is very very bald and has a 'sticky' feel when he's super clean. Belle has a very fine down on her face and just a bit on her feet. She has a more 'velour' feel. There are quite a few variations. Be careful with changing food, or changing too many things at once for that matter. I constantly battle diarrhea with him, but thankfully not much affects her. If you find a food she tolerates well, I would stick with it.

 

[Big Hoss]

Welcome!! Beautiful girl you have there. Yes, I use dog sweaters from walmart.

Just a side note , I see you said you were mixing raw with kibble. You shouldn't do that. If you have to feed both you should do so at different times, Never together...Just my .02

Again welcome..

 

[Hairless Blessing]

Welcome, congrats on your new baby. Hope you enjoy the site.
You will find this site is very helpful, and friendly like family.

 

[sphynxsophia]

Welcome!! Beautiful girl you have there. Yes, I use dog sweaters from walmart.

Just a side note , I see you said you were mixing raw with kibble. You shouldn't do that. If you have to feed both you should do so at different times, Never together...Just my .02

Again welcome..

Yes I was made aware of this,. Thank you. The previous owner told me they did this so I assumed it was safe.However, she doesnt seem interested in raw ground turkey alone OR any kibble i present her with. I have tried to Iams and she wouldnt touch it. And now I am trying earthborn but she is eating very little. I think she is in heat as she wont shut up so could this affect her eating? I know I shouldnt change her diet but I dont know what she was on before. They always skipped over the topic but mentioned that they did feed her ground turkey and ground hamburger. I want to feed her the best and Earthborn is the best grain free that my pet store offers. If anyone can suggest something that works for picky eaters (as she seems to be), that would be awesome!! I know some people feed canned as well. I have no issues with that. Point me and I will go! I just want her to be happy.

As far as her patches, they are quite fuzzy..like a sweater after you dry it..how sometimes you get some super spots that pulled and caused a pile on the surface// she has hair on her ear tips, thighs, tail, paws, and small fuzz in various other places. her neck and spine seem to be the only 'bald' spots. she feels quite soft and she def has Sphynx personality. I dont know anything about her coloration. Weird thing is, if she had hair, she would look identical to the cat i had as a kid.. I picture it being white with dark big spots across the back and stripes on legs and tail.. Very coincidental but nice. makes me feel like it was meant to be.

as far as clothing.. I have tried several from different places and it just doesnt seem to fit right so I think I might be having a custom sweater made. I was told she wore a sweater before but she seems to be foreign to it.. and water. SHE HATES IT so im guessing bath time is going to be problematic.. BUT I did clean her ears fairly easily! Yay!!!

I just love her personality and it makes me super excited to get an actual kitten in a few months and think Sophia will benefit from a playmate.

Still waiting on her cattree!! She loves to play!

 

[sphynxsophia]

Have to update! My kitty was born!! Momma had three healthy babies. We arent sure of sex or really color yet but I got some pics and Im super excited to watch them grow. I dont get to be there in person as its in another state but Im really excited to pick out our kitty and bring her home this summer!!! (or him I guess!? Whichever one calls to us!)

 

[linepp]

You have a beautiful girl in Sophia.... There is so much good info here on the site, I am sure your questions will all be answered. Its definitely a good idea to take your girl to the vet right away and get checked out. If you don't have a vet yet, be sure to ask about their experience wtih sphynx. If you can, choose a vet with experience who will answer your questions and any concerns.
One canned food I like is Nature's Variety. I feed my boy raw (mostly) but he sometimes gets (and loves) an NV can of venison or duck. It seems they all have their preferences, but I would recommend a grain-free diet if possible.
You can get sweaters or shirts from lots of places, Pretty Kitty here on the lair does amazing custom work. Also try etsy and k9 closet
Welcome!!

 

[sphynxsophia]

Sophia has adjusted well. We love her. The howlin gis getting obnoxious but she goes in Tues. she was sposed to do it last week but they had an emergency and had to reschedule. I notice if he give her extra loving, it tides her over. We also put her int he bathroom at night with her food and litter box and she doesnt make a peep. It sucks to not cuddle with her but Im sure it isnt exactly happy times for her to be howling her head off either.. But we got her a huge cat tree yesterday.. we had bought once previously but I didnt like it and she would go near it... so we returned it and got this one.. its 80 inches tall and sh eloves it. Se jumps all over it and sits at the top like the queen she is. our new kitten that comes hom this summer is almost 3 weeks old. We still havent picked it out as we are awaiting confirmation of gender but Im pretty sure I know which one it will be.. something is just drawing me to it.. But just a quick Hi from Sophia and she would like to thank all her friends for being so sweet and welcoming!


Oh and the second pic shows her new handmade sweater from lillyloudesigns on Etsy.com. I love it! and the first is her perched on her tower of fun! Have a beautiful day!

 

[Boonecat]

Hi. I just recently purchased my first Sphynx. I have been researching all morning as to if mine is actually a purebred. I bought her from someone who needed to rehome and I wasnt exactly sure what they should feel or look like. We corresponded through emails and I was skeptical as first but the owner seemed to know brands of what was used for her and diet and feel. I didnt get a chance to interact with her before she was put into a crate. The original owner wasnt even there. It was very weird and uneasy but I had driven so far and was tired so it didnt really matter. Today I got a good look at her and she has a soft down on what I would call her thighs. Her legs, tail, and ears have small traces of hair. I have been curious as to if someone could shave a cat and get the same effect? She doesnt have whiskers or eyelashes and had a very odd smell, like talcom powder. She feels like one of those rags that will soak up crazy amounts of water that people use on cars after its been washed. Im just really nervous as I find i odd that a person wouldnt even be present to rehome their own cat. I spent in my mind, quite a bit for an adult cat who came with no papers, vet records, or anything. I even brought the crate in which she came home in. Can someone reassure me? She fits the profile and has the personality, but everything I have read says she shouldnt have this furry stuff on her thighs.

Other than that, I am excited. I put a deposit down on a kitten that is due any day now and I get pick of the litter and will bring her home in July to be a companion for Sophia. That one I am 100% sure is purebred. This is my first experience with the breed, never even seen one in real life, but I have decided this is MY breed. I am the kind of person when I find a good thing, I stick with it. I will always order the same thing at the same restaurant. anytime I vary, it just doesnt seem to be as good, so why mess with perfection?!

Thank you and Im excited to snoop around the Forum.

Sincerely,
Sophias mom.

Hi there,

Your cat sure does look Sphynxie, lol. They can develop fuzzy fur on their ears, legs, paws & tail. My Boone has gotten fuzzier in the 6 weeks I've had him. Congrats on the new kitten coming also!!!

 

[sphynxsophia]

Thanks! Yea, it got thicker when it was cold and now its thinning out. Its my favorite spot to pet as its super soft! She reminds me of a lioness in her face.. especially the evil glares she gives me. LOL.. Congrats on your baby too!!!