Help please!!!

[danielle5683]

Hi everyone..I am kind of freaking out. I've wanted a sphynx for as long as I can remember. Tonight, I chose one and gave the "breeder" my deposit. I'm writing now because after reading that a sphynx shouldn't leave before the age of at least 12 weeks, I am panicked. She says he'll be ready to go at 9 weeks. Also, her cats are not scanned for HCM and after reading some threads on here about the importance of the scan, I am sick. I don't know what to do. I'm sorry if this all isn't making much sense I'm just so nervous right now and could use some guidance. Thanks in advance!!

 

[MollysMom]

You have 2 choices, really. Try and think of a reason/ excuse to ask for your deposit back. Or ask that she keeps the kitten until at least 12 weeks. They are REALLY tiny and fragile still at 9 weeks - plus that extra socialization time helps too. Did you sign any kind of contract? What does it say? How much was the deposit. If you end up getting the kitten, get pet insurance on it ASAP. This will help with the cost of potential vet bills. Once the kitten has been to the vet and a symptom is documented (ex -watery eyes) a corresponding illness is often not covered (ex - feline herpes).

 

[Toa and Ross]

Sorry to hear you're so stressed @danielle5683 about something you wished for so long.
Did you see the kittens? Are you able to visit the breeder? If so I would try to talk with the breeder and come to an arrangement that she keeps the kittens untill 12 weeks. But that only makes sense when the enviroment at the breeders is okay.

You could also tell the breeder you changed your mind. Probably you'll loose your desposit then.

Hope you'll find a way to get this sorted out.

Welcome to sphynxlair by the way!
Natasja

 

[Hairless Blessing]

Bad situation. I would, ask, for, her to keep, the baby until 12 weeks.
Then, maybe, he, won't get HCM. There, is no, guarantee,
They won't get it anyway, with, the parents, being scanned.
But, it is preferable, the parents be scanned.
Or see if you can get your deposit back.
Most won't, give it back. I just pray for the best.
For you and the baby.

 

[Catzzzmeow]

@danielle5683 great advice was given I agree with @MollysMom that if you go with this breeder, ask to pick it up at 12 weeks of age. Has this breeder been breeding for quite some time? Research online if there are a rash of complaints against them/their cattery. It might help you make the decision.

Patti

 

[danielle5683]

I'm new to this so I'm not sure if I should be replying to everyone individually or if a response like this is okay.

Thanks, everyone, for the advice. I did visit the kittens yesterday. The deposit was $400, which is a lot to lose. She basically just gave me a piece of paper stating that I left that amount to hold a kitten. She also said I'd get a written (literally written in her handwriting) contract stating that if anything were to happen to him within a year (beyond my countrol) that I could have a refund or another kitten from a future litter.

 

[Catzzzmeow]

You are fine to write to the group like you are. That is a lot to lose, but if you feel uncomfortable with her, trust your gut. Does the the paper she gave you say you lose the deposit if you back out or does it just say you gave $400...big difference. Most reputable breeders have a well written contract that covers the kitten as well as themselves.

Patti

 

[danielle5683]

It literally just says that I gave her a $400 deposit for a male kitten. I feel so stupid.

 

[Catzzzmeow]

Don't feel stupid...you are learning. That is not a real contract. My assumption is for it to hold up in court you it would have to state that it was non-refundable. If you really feel this is not the breeder you want, go in person and say you have had to change your mind and be respectful. Hopefully she will make good on the deposit as you do not want to have to go with legal fees etc. did you give cash? If you gave a check out a stop on it.

Patti

 

[danielle5683]

No, I gave cash. Also, I am not trying to bash her or paint a terrible picture of her. I understand that what she is doing is not of reputable breeder standard, however, I did not get a bad feeling of her as a person or with the cats. I'm thinking maybe she's not as informed? I don't know what I'm trying to say but basically I did not feel uncomfortable or uneasy with her or her intentions I'm just uncomfortable knowing what I know after reading the advice of so many others with experience, if that makes sense. I'm just in a panic now.

 

[danielle5683]

Also, she said that the "written health guarantee" would be given to me when I pick him up. What she gave me last night was intended just for me to have her signature and word stating that I gave a deposit.

 

[Catzzzmeow]

I understand. She might be new to breeding and not have a mentor to help her. There are no guarantees about kittens being HCM free even if the breeding parents were scanned and negative. You see many of us saying go to one that does scan parents, because it shows they are investing in their cattery in hopes to better the health of the breed. I hate that this is taking away the sheer joy you should be having. If you want to push it a bit, ask for a copy of the health guarantee...say you understand it will not be signed until pick up, but you have the right to see what will actually be covered. I will PM you the contract our breeder uses so you can compare and get a better feel on what should be covered. Either way trust your gut and know we will support you on your decision.

Patti

 

[Kate]

I would kindly ask her for some references for other clients that she has sold kittens too and see about contacting others and inquire about the health of their kittens. It's a good sign that you don't have negative feelings. There may be nothing wrong with getting the kitten at 9 weeks, if it's healthy, and you're able to really care for it and watch it. I agree with the suggestion above, I would look into pet insurance, at least for a short term, just in case.
Good luck, I'm sorry that you're having such a stressful time with something that should be so exciting.

 

[danielle5683]

Thank you, Patty. I just need to let you know how much I genuinely appreciate the kindness I've received from you (and others) already. I couldn't sleep last night over this. I went from being over the moon after meeting my new baby, to full of fear. I love animals so so much. My boyfriend and I already have four cats (all domestic short haired rescued from outside and one from a shelter) but I've wanted a sphynx since I was a little girl. We have a house so there is plenty of room for all of our babies and we love them unconditionally. I'm so beyond ready to welcome one into our family and I just feel so defeated now reading about all of the experience so many people have and the breeders people have been to. Like I said, I did not get a bad feeling from this lady at all. we spent over 2 hours playing with her babies and their parents and speaking with her. I can tell she genuinely loves her animals, which makes me feel a little better.

 

[danielle5683]

Thank you Kate. You are all seriously so kind. I can't tell you how happy I am I found this forum and signed up. We will love him unconditionally and have already discussed looking into pet insurance even before my concerns just because we have quite a few fur babies so that may need to happen asap.

 

[celsei]

I got one of mine at I think 9 weeks, the standards are a bit more lax here. He was quite big, eating like a piggy on his own and didn't seem that babyish/was well developed and a little terror, well socialised too. The one I got at 12 weeks was actually smaller/more babyish, wants to be carried around in my shirt all the time Neither of them were ever really alone cause I already had a rescued one year old guy and I think he raised them quite a bit too, the one I got at 9 weeks has copied some of his habits like using the same box he uses for pooping for pooping and the other one for peeing, etc.. also learned to be polite with food and not try to switch bowls/steal food or treats after a little while.

 

[danielle5683]

I got one of mine at I think 9 weeks, the standards are a bit more lax here. He was quite big, eating like a piggy on his own and didn't seem that babyish/was well developed and a little terror, well socialised too. The one I got at 12 weeks was actually smaller/more babyish, wants to be carried around in my shirt all the time Neither of them were ever really alone cause I already had a rescued one year old guy and I think he raised them quite a bit too, the one I got at 9 weeks has copied some of his habits like using the same box he uses for pooping for pooping and the other one for peeing, etc.. also learned to be polite with food and not try to switch bowls/steal food or treats after a little while.

aww, how sweet Do you think me bringing him home at 9 weeks will negatively impact my bond with him? I'm excited for everything I've learned about the breed, but I am especially hopeful that he'll be as "attached" as I've learned they can be.

 

[celsei]

aww, how sweet Do you think me bringing him home at 9 weeks will negatively impact my bond with him? I'm excited for everything I've learned about the breed, but I am especially hopeful that he'll be as "attached" as I've learned they can be.

I don't think so, if anything he'll just be more attached. It mostly just depends on their personality and what you get them used to at a young age, they're all quite clingy and affectionate compared to furcats.. like say goodbye to ever using the toilet without company or cooking/eating/sleeping.. but some are extra extra clingy.. like this guy. The one I got younger wants to sleep in my arms/be held too he's just less demanding, like this one will just run/jump up my legs to get there or meow endlessly

If you want a kangaroo cat just stick them in your hoodie a few times and they'll probably get addicted

 

[danielle5683]

Omg stop that is too precious!!! I'm so excited. I have one fur baby who is completely glued to my side to the point where she stalks me sometimes haha and she'll even jump on my lap if I leave the bathroom door open lol. Which I know is uncommon for domestic cats, especially females. But we got lucky. I'm so excited to add another kitty with those traits to our home. Yours is beautiful!!

I don't think so, if anything he'll just be more attached. It mostly just depends on their personality and what you get them used to at a young age, they're all quite clingy and affectionate compared to furcats.. like say goodbye to ever using the toilet without company or cooking/eating/sleeping.. but some are extra extra clingy.. like this guy. The one I got younger wants to sleep in my arms/be held too he's just less demanding, like this one will just run/jump up my legs to get there or meow endlessly

View attachment 72522

If you want a kangaroo cat just stick them in your hoodie a few times and they'll probably get addicted

snso

 

[Sheldon13]

Off topic a little, I know, but I would just love it if you would post a few pictures of your current cat family?


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[danielle5683]

[QUOTE

="Sheldon13, post: 451315, member: 9563"]Off topic a little, I know, but I would just love it if you would post a few pictures of your current cat family?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk[/QUOTE]

Omg of course!! I think I've found my new favorite place if people are actually asking to see my fam!! Haha. Not sure if I did this right it was really hard to do from my iPhone. The white and tabby kitty is jaws (long story short she's not the friendliest but we love her.) The black kitty is Jax, white and grey is Luna (not going to lie, I feel like she's my human child) and the little orange guy is whiskey. We found him recently and I told my boyfriend we could keep him until we found him a home but, needless to say, he's here to stay. I told him I'm totally okay with keeping him (he's a love) but If we do, I finally get my sphynx.

 

[Catzzzmeow]

Great looking family....one thing you might make a note to yourself about...you might be looking for a new comforter lol. It is very hard to keep things white with these hairless babies lol.

Patti

 

[danielle5683]

thank you!! Yes, the oily baby is definitely one part I'm sure will take some getting used to, especially since we've only had fur babies!

 

[Sheldon13]

Omg I LUUUUV the little burrito kitty!!! ️️️


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[danielle5683]

Omg I LUUUUV the little burrito kitty!!! ️️️


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Hahah thank you!! My little "purrito" lets me do anything to her and loves every second of it. She's like a human baby lmao


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