Fun at the vet!

[Kyla L]

So Nigel is the first Sphynx any vets have seen in town, so we went with the one that sees my dogs. She is a good vet when it comes to them so I thought we would see how things went.

He was so excited to see all the dogs and people. He wanted to play.

He got sleepy and cold cause they had to take his shirt off, so he snuggled in his blankey.

So the vet visit went well. He is healthy and has no respiratory issues or any health issues we should worry about. He will be neutered in 3 weeks and I asked her about if they use ketamine as we are unclear on his HCM status and she said they don't use it at all. Which is great.

She did chew me out and was shaking angrily about his raw diet. I am not about to lie to my vet, but she gave me the science diet blab about how it will kill him and give me ecoli and poison my dogs and family. I told her I did my research, and he gets a balanced diet that I have worked hard to make for him. I also told her that a lot of Sphynx owners swear by their raw diets. He is doing great on it. Since he is my pet she will let me do what I want but is very upset about it.

I wish there was a vet here that had experience and was more educated about the raw diet. But I don't care, I have done my research and he loves it.

And on a light note, I've got one last pic of Nigel to share.

Five more minutes, please?!

 

[GizmosMommy]

Such a cute boy

 

[curlysue]

Well I am right there with you on the finding a vet with Sphynx experience. We live in a small town on the coast of GA and taking the nakkid babies to the vet is like taking a unicorn to the vet. Hell taking them anywhere is like that. I have had to educate my vet on the breed and he is really great about listing to what I want and explaining what he thinks then we go from there. I have people tell me there is another lady in town with hairless cats and I explain that it's me and some will argue that I am wrong till I show them a picture of one of them and they recognize one. Enjoy the fame it's kind of fun. LOL

PS I love the 5 more minute paw!!

 

[Cleopatra Beers]

It's great that your vet is able to treat Nigel so well. If the only thing she disagrees with you about is diet, then that isn't the worst thing in the world. Our visiting vet Blanche, whom we really love for all her efforts with our geriatric cats, isn't at all fond of Sphynxes. When she first saw Cleopatra, she told us how she feels about them. Most of her problems with them have to do with the allergies, skin problems and heart problems that she has seen in other Sphynxes. But when Blanche came twice a week or so ago to help our elderly Kermit on his final journey a week or so ago, she was very impressed at how well Cleopatra has matured and how healthy she was! What really impressed Blanche was that Cleo is well filled-out ( I think she is almost too fat). Blanche said that several of her clients kept their Sphynxes too skinny! She still isn't too fond of the breed, but she does love Cleopatra!

I also want to give my 2 cents about raw feeding. I don't want to start any nastiness--there are lots of animals that are apparently thriving on raw food, and having you and your babies thrive is what this is all about. Having said that, I spent a week in the hospital and 2 weeks off work last May because of Campylobacter infection. Campylobacter is food poisoning that comes from raw chicken. And, unfortunately, animals that are fed a raw diet can and do shed bacteria in their feces. I am not saying that anyone shouldn't feed raw diets, but please be careful if you have very young or old people and anyone with a compromised immune system around pets who are fed raw diets. This is why therapy animals aren't fed raw diets.
Nigel is gorgeous and I also love the 5-minute foot. Enjoy your unique baby!

 

[zoinks]

Sorry about your vet giving you a hard time about diet. Hopefully she accepts you have done your research and doesn't continue to give you a hard time about it but if she is making you uncomfortable then you don't have to put up with that.

Our vet is a firm supporter of the raw diet and when we told her about it she said "good for you" - If you practice good kitchen hygiene then there shouldn't be a problem. It's not like you are feeding them a fad diet it is natural.

 

[Kyla L]

Well I am right there with you on the finding a vet with Sphynx experience. We live in a small town on the coast of GA and taking the nakkid babies to the vet is like taking a unicorn to the vet. Hell taking them anywhere is like that. I have had to educate my vet on the breed and he is really great about listing to what I want and explaining what he thinks then we go from there. I have people tell me there is another lady in town with hairless cats and I explain that it's me and some will argue that I am wrong till I show them a picture of one of them and they recognize one. Enjoy the fame it's kind of fun. LOL

PS I love the 5 more minute paw!!

I live in a town of maybe 4500 people next to a town of a whole whopin' 30,000! The girl at the pet store in the nearby bigger town has a sphynx, but from what I can tell she doesn't vet her anywhere nearby.

So far he has been ogled by everyone. He likes to play meerkat while we drive and look out the windows and I swear people are going to crash because they stare so hard! It's a strange type of fame, but I think Nigel loves it!

 

[Kyla L]

It's great that your vet is able to treat Nigel so well. If the only thing she disagrees with you about is diet, then that isn't the worst thing in the world. Our visiting vet Blanche, whom we really love for all her efforts with our geriatric cats, isn't at all fond of Sphynxes. When she first saw Cleopatra, she told us how she feels about them. Most of her problems with them have to do with the allergies, skin problems and heart problems that she has seen in other Sphynxes. But when Blanche came twice a week or so ago to help our elderly Kermit on his final journey a week or so ago, she was very impressed at how well Cleopatra has matured and how healthy she was! What really impressed Blanche was that Cleo is well filled-out ( I think she is almost too fat). Blanche said that several of her clients kept their Sphynxes too skinny! She still isn't too fond of the breed, but she does love Cleopatra!

I also want to give my 2 cents about raw feeding. I don't want to start any nastiness--there are lots of animals that are apparently thriving on raw food, and having you and your babies thrive is what this is all about. Having said that, I spent a week in the hospital and 2 weeks off work last May because of Campylobacter infection. Campylobacter is food poisoning that comes from raw chicken. And, unfortunately, animals that are fed a raw diet can and do shed bacteria in their feces. I am not saying that anyone shouldn't feed raw diets, but please be careful if you have very young or old people and anyone with a compromised immune system around pets who are fed raw diets. This is why therapy animals aren't fed raw diets.
Nigel is gorgeous and I also love the 5-minute foot. Enjoy your unique baby!

Thank you very much, I really do appreciate your 2-cents. I am aware of the risks of feeding raw, and I know that the bacteria can be in the poo. So we are super careful with our kitchen and litter cleaning. If we ever get sick the raw feeding will probably change to pre-made like honest kitchen or something like that.

Thanks for your honest advice! It is much more welcome than the scare tactics.

 

[Kyla L]

Our vet is a firm supporter of the raw diet and when we told her about it she said "good for you" - If you practice good kitchen hygiene then there shouldn't be a problem. It's not like you are feeding them a fad diet it is natural.

I'm a super clean freak and we have figured out a pretty good cleaning routine and Nigel even gets his face washed afterwards! I'm glad your vet is supportive.

 

[Ollie]

I'm about to see Oliver's vet and fear her reaction to us feeding him raw. She is an older vet and seems to push purina foods....switching to raw seemed to solve all of Oliver's digestive issues within a few days! I totally wish I could throw down kibble and feed canned but it didn't seem to sit well with our guy. I never thought I would be on this side of the raw food debate but whatever works for your kitty should be supported. Good for you for researching and standing up to your vet for your choices. I hope my vet doesn't " freak out".....

 

[Hairless Blessing]

Nigel is a little doll.

 

[Kyla L]

@Ollie I hope your vet can come to a happy medium with your choices too. Loose poops are bad for kitties, and the moisture they lose is not good for them. I do know that they go to school and have done lots of studies, but if they haven't been doing continuing education things can go bad. I'm sorry you're having trouble as well it is no fun!

 

[Kyla L]

Nigel is a little doll.

He is! The breeder told me he was such a ham and loved attention, little did I know that meant he has to be the center of our universe! He pulled the blanket over his face cause I unwrapped him and let the light in after he said what my husband calls "neow." And it means "no."

 

[1sphynxlover]

So glad Nigel had a super time at the vets. Loved the pics. Luckily my vet is very experienced with The Sphynx breed. One of the techs brings her baby everyday at the office. The sphynx runs the office. She is quite a little character. I feel so fortunate to have such a knowledgeable vet. I have to drive about an hour to see him, but it's worth it. No one in my town has any experience and they refused to see my babies because they don't have the leukemia shot.

 

[Hairless Blessing]

He is! The breeder told me he was such a ham and loved attention, little did I know that meant he has to be the center of our universe! He pulled the blanket over his face cause I unwrapped him and let the light in after he said what my husband calls "neow." And it means "no."

Yes, you will learn his words. They will talk to you and you will listen too

 

[nfaerie]

I feed my kitt raw also. I freeze mine before I feed it, I read somewhere that it helps reduce chances of bacteria problems.

 

[andreanar]

I love the photos. That last one is priceless! Their is a lot of controversy about raw diets. I used a bleach and water mix on food cut up days and just made sure my hands were washed well after handling food or litter.
I'm glad he got a clean bill of health!

 

[NinaGato]

Yes, When I first got my Sphynx and Peterbald it was like taking a unicorn to a vet! So glad things are going well.
The matching shirt and blanket are so tre chic. Did you make them?

 

[rlewis899]

My vet gave me a hard time about feeding raw, from now on I will probably lie to avoid confrontation. My girls love it and so that's what they shall have in addition to their kibble. If they make me sick I guess I'll deal with it at that time, might even lose a few pounds that way, there is always a bright side.

I love the startled stares when my kitties are with me in the car. It's hilarious!

 

[SphynxKid]

His pics are gorgeous, and glad the vet visit went well with the exception of the raw diet controversy. I do not feed raw due to a few reasons. First and foremost, Fluffy is a therapy animal and therefore unable to eat raw currently as @Cleopatra Beers stated. Secondly my work schedule does not really permit feeding raw. So, I really can't comment on the pros/cons. Mine are doing well on their current food regimen so, I am not really forced to commit either way at this point. If it works for you and Nigel, you need to do what keeps him the most healthy!

The pic of him snuggled up is precious. He has clearly won your heart over!

Jen

 

[assibassi]

awww NIgel is so cute, i am sure he stole everyones heart!!!!

I am glad my Vet loves Raw feeding. She even carries some Raw meats at her office to buy for owners. I was not going to lie about it to mine either and thought she would be upset but she was very happy.

 

[Kyla L]

Yes, When I first got my Sphynx and Peterbald it was like taking a unicorn to a vet! So glad things are going well.
The matching shirt and blanket are so tre chic. Did you make them?

Yes, I made the matching shirt when I figured out I had leftover fabric and they don't really make kitten sized shirts. Everyone loves his matching blanket, shirt and he has a collar that matches too.

 

[NinaGato]

Yes, I made the matching shirt when I figured out I had leftover fabric and they don't really make kitten sized shirts. Everyone loves his matching blanket, shirt and he has a collar that matches too.

Do you have a pattern that you would be willing to share? I love making things for the cats. If you want a few free patterns search milla milla online. She has a great tank top pattern for free in different sizes

 

[Kyla L]

Do you have a pattern that you would be willing to share? I love making things for the cats. If you want a few free patterns search milla milla online. She has a great tank top pattern for free in different sizes

I don't have a pattern but I could make one. When I get one made I'll share it with you for sure! Right now I'm experimenting with different shapes for the body and once I get it down I will draw one up.

 

[NinaGato]

I don't have a pattern but I could make one. When I get one made I'll share it with you for sure! Right now I'm experimenting with different shapes for the body and once I get it down I will draw one up.

AWESOME! Thanks

 

[pashtcat]

I've figured out a pretty decent sweater pattern that can be modified, if anyone is interested. What size is your baby? The sweaters I currently make are for a cat 6 - 9 lb, but I could probably figure out how to decrease the size. Let me know.