Welcome to Sphynxlair! Connect with Sphynx owners & enthusiasts around the world!

General Questions-New Owner

Shontae

Lairian
Joined
Sep 28, 2016
Messages
57
Points
29
Hello everyone!

I have my new baby picked out and am impatiently waiting for the first week of November when I can drive 7 hours to go get him! However, in the meantime I am obsessively learning all I can so I can be the best new mom I can be. I have found out so much, but do have a few general questions. For starters, what ear solution is the best? Shampoo? I currently am looking at the Purepet D-grease for shampoo. I have scoured amazon but have been confused with conflicting reviews. I am pretty adament about using as natural of ingredients as possible. Suggestions?

I also am wondering about litter box information. I've heard, and read, that these guys have a finicky digestive track and that their feces can be quite smelly. Do self-cleaning litterboxs help or do they not make much difference? I already have a domed litterbox for now, however, I was thinking a self-cleaning box might be necessary. How often do you usually have to clean for one Sphynx? Any tips on smell control? I will do anything and everything to avoid smells. Also, litter recommendations?

I also wanted some input on harness/leash training. I really want to harness train my new little guy so I can have him go most places with us. Any tips or suggestions? I've heard this breed is easier to train in this way.

I believe I have toys, grooming, and food under control, but I would like tips on making his transition less traumatic. I will optimally be picking him up by car and, unfortunately, we'll have a 7 hour drive home. Would this be too much cooped up time? If so I can fly part way to cut down on time. Is there a certain way I should approach him in the first few days? How should I set up my home to invite him in and make him comfortable? What carrier would be best (soft or plastic)? Any other tips for a gentler transition would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you so much for reading this guys!
 
Last edited:

Yoda mom

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Joined
Apr 23, 2012
Messages
28,478
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653
@Shontae Welcome to the lair family!
so excited for you !
Looking forward to your journey with us amd lots of pics and tales especially gotcha day!

Many of us drive to pick up our babies -
Some breeders will get kitties used to those plastic carriers ( with door off )by putting it in the cattery with treats or a blankie inside

Members will chime in with great suggestions


I personally picked up my kittie 7 hrs each way
I used a plastic carrier , seat belted in
Put a towel over 3 sides to make a comfy cave
No food or water bowls
A blankie inside
Most just sleep the whole way home just fine

(If you have a big vehicle - you can use a dog crate and use one of those small litter trays with some of the breeders litter in it)
I just use the small crate with blankie for a comfy small cave they like

I added. A catnip banana which is supposedly actually calming
Who knows - I did it when I adopted two supposeded don't travel well kitties
Amd they were purrfect travelers on the long. Rode just slept all the way

I set up a kitty safe room like a bathroom with litter box, food , even cat tree :)
This is good to make kitty comfy and slowly introduce to new home
Amd good if you have other pets to separate for slow intros and ward off Uper respiratory stuff they can get from stress -
I actually do this for a week with lots of cuddling in the "safe" room and then let explore alone ome room opened at a time - playing with a Dabird pole toy and treats
They will often run back to their room and peek out and explore further and further

A nice warm blanket from the dryer on the lap is soothing and inviting:)

* I always set up a a vet wellness check before bringing kitty home
To include a stool sample check for parasites not uncommon with kitties needing to be dewormed etc
( I would not use over the counter dewormers- I would always consult your vet )

Some by contract have clauses to do a vet wellness check within a certain time**
So best to make an appointment in advance since vets are often booked up

Many of us use dr elseys non scented litter hypoallergenic
I use it in a jumbo Catit amd put in about 3-4 inches
I remove any plastic doors on litter boxes!

The secret is to constantly scoop the litter box- You will be an expert in poo patrol like us!
I wash boxes out n disinfect weekly
Many uses auto boxes amd can chime in

With new kittie I leave in one poo amd pee ball so they know it's the right place to go I thr box
Amd give a little treat amd verbal praise when they use the litter box

Also a good idea to have at least two boxes or more
Especially if you have a multi level home
I use regular boxes amd make litter box benched etc
You can google "litter box hacks " for great ideas

Harnesses are not fool escape proof
( think of it kitty got spooked - could they get out of it or bsck out of it - I have had this happen :( )
I know many use voyager brand and sure our active harness users will chime in

So glad you joined us! Great questions!

Also be sure to check your breeders contract t about vaccines that can void your contract
Sphynx can have a reaction to certain vaccines
Ask your breeder if kitites come microchipped?
You can discuss options during your wellness check
 

Catzzzmeow

Administrator
Staff member
Joined
Jan 16, 2011
Messages
36,412
Points
673
Welcome! Here is an area of the community you might find helpful.
Sphynx Cat Help Center

1. I personally love DGrease shampoo. All 3 of ours do well with it.just rinse very well.
2. We just invested in the Open Air litter robot and love it! I change the bag daily and have 4 cats. With one cat you might be able to go a week. I could probably go 2 days, but I just prefer to do it daily. The litter box has a sensor to warn you when it is full.
3. If you plan on taking your baby out frequently, then definite go for a harness. I swear by the name brand Voyager voyager pet harness - Google Search we ordered size XS and it works great and has a clasp and Velcro for double protection. As a kitten you might need to find something much smaller.
4. We have a new member who opened up a store front, so best we direct you to take a look at their shop. They have some very interesting items. If others have toy suggestions, they can PM you while this store front is open. Introduction: Who is Something Special Pet Supplies?
5. Last tip...I swear by swaddling babies in a warm blanket right out of the dryer at night they learn right way you are their safe zone.

So excited for you!

Patti
 

Shontae

Lairian
Joined
Sep 28, 2016
Messages
57
Points
29
Yay!! Thank you so much for taking the time to write all that out, I am so grateful! I am pretty happy with the breeder thus far as they will have almost all vaccines done, and will guarantee health for various issues between 1-2 years. I actually do have to take him into the vet within three days of picking him up, and I never really thought I might have to make an appointment far in advance, so I appreciate that piece of information. Unfortunately, he will not be microchipped, but besides that I am happy with all of the arrangements and the breeder. She also has been very responsive when I want a quick pic of the little guy. He is so ugly/cute, I am already in love, I swear! Haha.

All of you suggestions were very helpful and I definitely feel better about the cat box situation. I had never thought about the cat getting out of the harness, so I will proceed with caution, and probably practice in safe environments where he can't get hurt or run away. I will be getting him microchipped ASAP.

I also had wondered if anyone had made an outside cat enclosure for their Sphynx? If so, how did your cat respond to it, and is it worth building, or hiring someone to build? I am thinking about making my own cat tree, however, I also wondered about any brand preferences anyone might have?

I totally loved the car ride home suggestions, as well as getting the home ready for the kitten. Luckily we don't have any other animals here, but he will be going to my mother's house to play with her cat while I am at work. So this is good to know, so I can help him acclimate to her environment slowly.

Thank you so much for the suggestions!



@Shontae Welcome to the lair family!
so excited for you !
Looking forward to your journey with us amd lots of pics and tales especially gotcha day!

Many of us drive to pick up our babies -
Some breeders will get kitties used to those plastic carriers ( with door off )by putting it in the cattery with treats or a blankie inside

Members will chime in with great suggestions


I personally picked up my kittie 7 hrs each way
I used a plastic carrier , seat belted in
Put a towel over 3 sides to make a comfy cave
No food or water bowls
A blankie inside
Most just sleep the whole way home just fine

(If you have a big vehicle - you can use a dog crate and use one of those small litter trays with some of the breeders litter in it)
I just use the small crate with blankie for a comfy small cave they like

I added. A catnip banana which is supposedly actually calming
Who knows - I did it when I adopted two supposeded don't travel well kitties
Amd they were purrfect travelers on the long. Rode just slept all the way

I set up a kitty safe room like a bathroom with litter box, food , even cat tree :)
This is good to make kitty comfy and slowly introduce to new home
Amd good if you have other pets to separate for slow intros and ward off Uper respiratory stuff they can get from stress -
I actually do this for a week with lots of cuddling in the "safe" room and then let explore alone ome room opened at a time - playing with a Dabird pole toy and treats
They will often run back to their room and peek out and explore further and further

A nice warm blanket from the dryer on the lap is soothing and inviting:)

* I always set up a a vet wellness check before bringing kitty home
To include a stool sample check for parasites not uncommon with kitties needing to be dewormed etc
( I would not use over the counter dewormers- I would always consult your vet )

Some by contract have clauses to do a vet wellness check within a certain time**
So best to make an appointment in advance since vets are often booked up

Many of us use dr elseys non scented litter hypoallergenic
I use it in a jumbo Catit amd put in about 3-4 inches
I remove any plastic doors on litter boxes!

The secret is to constantly scoop the litter box- You will be an expert in poo patrol like us!
I wash boxes out n disinfect weekly
Many uses auto boxes amd can chime in

With new kittie I leave in one poo amd pee ball so they know it's the right place to go I thr box
Amd give a little treat amd verbal praise when they use the litter box

Also a good idea to have at least two boxes or more
Especially if you have a multi level home
I use regular boxes amd make litter box benched etc
You can google "litter box hacks " for great ideas

Harnesses are not fool escape proof
( think of it kitty got spooked - could they get out of it or bsck out of it - I have had this happen :( )
I know many use voyager brand and sure our active harness users will chime in

So glad you joined us! Great questions!

Also be sure to check your breeders contract t about vaccines that can void your contract
Sphynx can have a reaction to certain vaccines
Ask your breeder if kitites come microchipped?
You can discuss options during your wellness check
 

Shontae

Lairian
Joined
Sep 28, 2016
Messages
57
Points
29
I am so glad I was on the right track with the D-grease shampoo :)

I definitely am resigned to probably cleaning the litter box daily with the box I have currently, but ultimately I would love to find a automatic litter box. Is the one you're talking about the Litter-Robot III Open Air Automatic Self-Cleaning Litter Box?
Thank you for the harness suggestion, and I'll go take a peek at the store right now :) Also, thanks for the swaddling tip. I am so excited and I can't wait for my boy to realize I'm his new safe zone, so tips like this are greatly appreciated.


Welcome! Here is an area of the community you might find helpful.
Sphynx Cat Help Center

1. I personally love DGrease shampoo. All 3 of ours do well with it.just rinse very well.
2. We just invested in the Open Air litter robot and love it! I change the bag daily and have 4 cats. With one cat you might be able to go a week. I could probably go 2 days, but I just prefer to do it daily. The litter box has a sensor to warn you when it is full.
3. If you plan on taking your baby out frequently, then definite go for a harness. I swear by the name brand Voyager voyager pet harness - Google Search we ordered size XS and it works great and has a clasp and Velcro for double protection. As a kitten you might need to find something much smaller.
4. We have a new member who opened up a store front, so best we direct you to take a look at their shop. They have some very interesting items. If others have toy suggestions, they can PM you while this store front is open. Introduction: Who is Something Special Pet Supplies?
5. Last tip...I swear by swaddling babies in a warm blanket right out of the dryer at night they learn right way you are their safe zone.

So excited for you!

Patti
 

Hairless Blessing

Gold Lairian
Notable Member
Joined
Nov 9, 2010
Messages
25,203
Points
673
Welcome to sphynxlair, good to have you.
It's so hard waiting. It's a killer.
The closer, it get's, the harder it is.
I love the HyLyt Shampoo, it's hypoallergenic, easily rinsed.
Rinsing and rinsing, is best, no matter, what, you use.
But, HyLyt Shampoo, is easy.
Google for best price.
31BmmqsXmjL.jpg

Be sure to get Lysine, to have, when, baby get's home.
100% natural.

Vetoquinol Viralys L-Lysine Powder Cat Supplement, 3.5-oz - Chewy.com
Give daily. Kittens under 6 months gets 250mg daily.
After 6 months, give 500mg. Unless Vet tells you differently.

I would use, the same food, as, the breeder, until 1yr. old.
Unless, it's not a good food. Don't try, to bathe, your baby
until, at least 2 Weeks after, you have it. It's to stressful
with a lot of changes. Let it settle and get use to you and
It's new home.
 

Catzzzmeow

Administrator
Staff member
Joined
Jan 16, 2011
Messages
36,412
Points
673
This is the first we have purchased. I watched numerous videos on the different models. Updated button placements, flap at entrance, size of opening/unit, clearance and appearance of model all were upgraded.
 

GoldHazel

Gold Lairian
Notable Member
Joined
Feb 11, 2013
Messages
12,083
Points
653
@Shontae congratulations on getting a new baby in November. Lots of shopping for the little one helps pass the time while you are waiting. LOL

I love the PetGear soft carrier pictured below:
I have them for all my sphynx cats and for my two dogs as well. They come in different sizes and different colors. They are also airline approved for the cabin while traveling with your pet. But you'd have to check each individual airline for measurement requirements.
It's a car seat, a wheeling carrier with a telescoping handle like an overnight suitcase, it's a backpack, it lays down as a bed, it's a shoulder carrier and a one-handed carrier. All-in-one and I LOVE it. It's got pockets too. All my pets willingly go right in by themselves.

157236845_pet-carrier-car-seat-wheeled-backpack-pet-gear-i-go-.jpg


Baby proof your home. No plants and wires or anything valuable/breakable out. They are little monkeys and will jump and climb and can knock things over.

Find out what human foods and plants are toxic to cats too before your baby comes home.

Oh, and I know you will avoid stinky smells if you can, but understand the sphynx does have a tremendous reputation for stinky poops! If they cover it, it's not so bad. If it's left uncovered, it will smell a lot. A covered litter box helps somewhat and the automatic litter boxes will help too.

After trying just about every kitty litter out there, I LOVE Clump & Seal Lightweight. It's got 0% dust and clumps, smells nice and did I say, 0% dust"? LOL I've tried so many that claimed to be 99% dust-free and my home was covered in litter dust. YUK!

If you have a lot of room or a few floors in your home, then you will need more than one litter box to avoid accidents mostly.
 

Toa and Ross

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Jan 23, 2015
Messages
33,238
Points
643
Welcome to sphynxlair! What an exciting time for you, waiting for your sphynx.
I let my sphynxes play in the garden everyday when the weather allows it. My garden has a high fence so they can't escape. It's important to make sure your little one can't go out of the garden. If so, I think he will love playing outside.
 

Shontae

Lairian
Joined
Sep 28, 2016
Messages
57
Points
29
@GoldHazel That is the best pet carrier ever! It is super versatile, which I really like. Thanks for the suggestion! I definitely will baby proof our home, but luckily I don't think we have too many breakables, and we don't have plants. However, I am worried about making it fun enough for the baby so he is not bored. I have seen a lot of cool setups so that cats can get high up and watch what's going on below them, so I am going to try that as well as a cat tree for sure. I also had read that these cats do have smelly poops, so I know I have to make sure and clean the box daily. I just want to help with that issue as much as I can :)

@Shontae congratulations on getting a new baby in November. Lots of shopping for the little one helps pass the time while you are waiting. LOL

I love the PetGear soft carrier pictured below:
I have them for all my sphynx cats and for my two dogs as well. They come in different sizes and different colors. They are also airline approved for the cabin while traveling with your pet. But you'd have to check each individual airline for measurement requirements.
It's a car seat, a wheeling carrier with a telescoping handle like an overnight suitcase, it's a backpack, it lays down as a bed, it's a shoulder carrier and a one-handed carrier. All-in-one and I LOVE it. It's got pockets too. All my pets willingly go right in by themselves.

157236845_pet-carrier-car-seat-wheeled-backpack-pet-gear-i-go-.jpg


Baby proof your home. No plants and wires or anything valuable/breakable out. They are little monkeys and will jump and climb and can knock things over.

Find out what human foods and plants are toxic to cats too before your baby comes home.

Oh, and I know you will avoid stinky smells if you can, but understand the sphynx does have a tremendous reputation for stinky poops! If they cover it, it's not so bad. If it's left uncovered, it will smell a lot. A covered litter box helps somewhat and the automatic litter boxes will help too.

After trying just about every kitty litter out there, I LOVE Clump & Seal Lightweight. It's got 0% dust and clumps, smells nice and did I say, 0% dust"? LOL I've tried so many that claimed to be 99% dust-free and my home was covered in litter dust. YUK!

If you have a lot of room or a few floors in your home, then you will need more than one litter box to avoid accidents mostly.
 

Shontae

Lairian
Joined
Sep 28, 2016
Messages
57
Points
29
Thanks for the welcome @Hairless Blessing! The wait is killing me, and I feel like I will never be able to go get him, lol. It's driving me nuts! Thanks for the shampoo suggestion and the Lysine. I hadn't even put Lysine on the list, so I am glad you reminded me!


Welcome to sphynxlair, good to have you.
It's so hard waiting. It's a killer.
The closer, it get's, the harder it is.
I love the HyLyt Shampoo, it's hypoallergenic, easily rinsed.
Rinsing and rinsing, is best, no matter, what, you use.
But, HyLyt Shampoo, is easy.
Google for best price.
View attachment 71348
Be sure to get Lysine, to have, when, baby get's home.
100% natural.

Vetoquinol Viralys L-Lysine Powder Cat Supplement, 3.5-oz - Chewy.com
Give daily. Kittens under 6 months gets 250mg daily.
After 6 months, give 500mg. Unless Vet tells you differently.

I would use, the same food, as, the breeder, until 1yr. old.
Unless, it's not a good food. Don't try, to bathe, your baby
until, at least 2 Weeks after, you have it. It's to stressful
with a lot of changes. Let it settle and get use to you and
It's new home.
 

Shontae

Lairian
Joined
Sep 28, 2016
Messages
57
Points
29
Welcome to sphynxlair! What an exciting time for you, waiting for your sphynx.
I let my sphynxes play in the garden everyday when the weather allows it. My garden has a high fence so they can't escape. It's important to make sure your little one can't go out of the garden. If so, I think he will love playing outside.


@Toa and Ross Thanks for the welcome! I had been thinking about ways to let the kitty get some outside time. I was thinking about making an outside play area that is enclosed, and maybe accessed from a window with a makeshift pet door. A local person makes them, but we also were thinking of doing it ourselves.
 

GoldHazel

Gold Lairian
Notable Member
Joined
Feb 11, 2013
Messages
12,083
Points
653
@GoldHazel That is the best pet carrier ever! It is super versatile, which I really like. Thanks for the suggestion! I definitely will baby proof our home, but luckily I don't think we have too many breakables, and we don't have plants. However, I am worried about making it fun enough for the baby so he is not bored. I have seen a lot of cool setups so that cats can get high up and watch what's going on below them, so I am going to try that as well as a cat tree for sure. I also had read that these cats do have smelly poops, so I know I have to make sure and clean the box daily. I just want to help with that issue as much as I can :)

@Shontae, yes, it sure is the best pet carrier ever. I've been using these for over 10 years for all my cats and dogs and I can't say enough nice things about it. :)

Have you checked out my thread for great toys I posted? If you want to keep your baby from ever being bored, then check out my suggestions:

*GoldHazel's favorite sphynx TOY list*
 

Shontae

Lairian
Joined
Sep 28, 2016
Messages
57
Points
29
@GoldHazel Yes I did go over that list and was happy I had some picked out that were on there. It was really helpful in narrowing down what types of things interest them.
 
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