How much for an unregistered Sphynx kitten?

[munk]

I know I'm swimming in bad waters. I'm in the US and couldn't find a kitten for the summer when my youngest son returns. He really loved our late great Sphynx cat, and here was a chance for both of us to share raising one, if only for a few months. Our wonderful friend passed several years ago, and he had heritage and I registered him, not that it was of any consequence. He was a member of the family, not a show cat.
So a gal in Canada has a three kittens for sale, 1200 dollars US each. She does not have papers, saying she could register mom and dad but does not to so she can keep price down. I don't know if I entirely believe that but don't care that much. The whole thing seems sketchy. She's just a cat lady really. She lives with her dogs and cats and sells the offspring. I'm not sure if I can communicate how persons who live in rural settings and are not economically full, can think differently than what many are used to. I lived in very small mountain community in the rocky mountain west so I have a clue. She probably doesn't register her sire and dam (sic) because it costs money, but it's possible she can't get papers. Perhaps there are tests she doesn't want to do. She has to get a health certificate to allow the kitten to cross the border with me, so there is that. I know from talking to her she knows sphynx cats. She has the feelings of one who appreciates them. She does not pay for spaying and neutering. I'd do that at six months. I don't think she wants the cost, and doesn't really care if people breed them. She was hesitant to give me her last name and address.

Looking at ads I see a lot of Sphynx cats for sale for 600 bucks out of Oakland and SF California. No way those cats could be registered.

I think the kittens are real and probably cannot be registered. I'm hoping there isn't anything else going on. It's a lot of hope for 1200 dollars. There was a scam from the Edmonton area not long ago of people shaving (?) or chemically removing hair from Siamese and selling them as Seal Point Sphynx. I raised pure bred Siamese with my family when growing up. We had Seal, Chocolate and Blue point Siamese. The markings do not match so I'm pretty certain these kittens are Sphynx. I guess Sphynx from the wrong side of the tracks.

How much would you pay for a Sphynx kitten sold out of the back of a truck, I guess is the question. I know I'm making it sound bad. But I wanted your opinions. Note; our pure bred Sphynx only lived 9 years and developed the heart condition that took his life. So...you can see why I don't necessarily think much of paper.

Please help,

Thank you,
munk

 

[Catzzzmeow]

You can look on sites like Craigslist or Petfinder for prices for unregistered Sphynx to get an idea. You definitely feel something is up with her though…I always say trust your gut. Is there a contract etc or is she truly a backyard breeder? You can keep your costs down by looking for registered breeders retiring their breeding cats as well and they can provide heart scans as well. Just giving you options. How to Detect fraud sphynx cat adoption ads

What to expect from a responsible sphynx breeder

We get this question quite a bit here on Sphynxlair so I figured we would compile some useful information, a check list if you will for a first time sphynx buyer or even an existing sphynx parent looking to get another sphynx cat or kitten. All of these items listed below aren't necessarily deal...

sphynxlair.com

 

[munk]

Thank you. I like your byline. Our lives were changed forever when Doogan arrived, craziest cat I ever loved. We've never been the same and that's why I want another Sphynx, particularly as my wife is allergic to cats with hair.

I'm still threshing it all over in my mind. I've seen pictures of the cats. The gals speaks to me whenever I want on the phone. She has revealed her address, full name.

People out here don't always have cash or resources. They do a lot of trading. One thing about her privacy concerns is that electronic money transfer has become far different in Canada than it is in the US. Your email and or phone number is used for funds. The govt there expanded the ability to do electronic transfer and there may be fraud concerns amongst citizens I'm not versed in.

 

[Yoda mom]

@munk , welcome to the lair family. soo glad you joined us and are asking questions.

for me personally, I would pass , especially with the $1200 etc , just red flags for me and you feeling it feels sketchy. Go with your gut/ mind and not heart has saved me several times.

You can post a thread " looking for""..... and give your area for members to PM responsible breeders in your area and travel distance. many of us know responsible breeders who are also extremely versed in shipping.

please please read the fraud tips thread and the responsible breeder thread

How to Detect fraud sphynx cat adoption ads

What are some blatant and obvious signs of fraud or scams have you read about or stumble upon? Have any tips to avoid fishy transactions and deals. I would love to know some pointers, feel free to share.

sphynxlair.com

What to expect from a responsible sphynx breeder

We get this question quite a bit here on Sphynxlair so I figured we would compile some useful information, a check list if you will for a first time sphynx buyer or even an existing sphynx parent looking to get another sphynx cat or kitten. All of these items listed below aren't necessarily deal...

sphynxlair.com

not to alarm but to share for educational purposes :

I will share my heartbreak experience with a kitten from a backyard breeder, no papers, no health records, etc that my fiance purchased at the time for a time frame birthday surprise for me. she told him "giving you such a deal " for $800 and said a friend would meet him with the kitten in a parking lot because she couldn't make it. She ghosted right after she got the money and later learned she was a scammer that sold several extremely ill kittens and even changed cattery names, info etc. western union and some others a big red flag in advertisements.

Yoda (my avatar pic I keep in her honor) turns out it was the best birthday present that ended in a lifetime of forever heartbreak that still rips to my core over a decade later. Poor Yoda was sick from day one along with severe HCM. She threw numerous gut wrenching thrombosis embolism blood clots, paralysis, and eventually at barely age 2 got her angel wings from a saddle thrombosis embolism.

In Yoda's honor I wanted to adopt. members steered me to the responsible breeder link and the fraud tips link. I was blessed with adopting 4, 2 from a member and one retiree from a responsible breeder. **Toby was a near scam from a craigslist ad, later learned she scammed someone with the same story and ghosted. he had no papers, she said she couldnt remember his birthday with an ummm april 1st. they guessed on his name "prince" too. lots of red flags. She really didnt care about selling him not neutered ! and was asking $600. I told her against my better judgement ignoring red flags and paid $500 from the backyard closet breeder saying I was neutering him asap and the the 100 going towards his neuter especially since he has no papers etc.

my Retiree adoptee was 2 yrs old, $600. she came from a responsible breeder. HCM scanned , registered and raised underfoot extremely socialized and cared for, from a meticulous breeder that regularly HCM scans and goes above and beyond we stay in touch regularly. my girl just turned 12 and healthy happy never a vet visit for anything wrong.


****the fraud tips thread a valuable resource to learn about red flags. saved me many times to think with my head and not my heart . there are many scammers out there that are creative with copying/ pasting contracts, photos etc. recently a member shared how she was scammed out of alot of money..heartbreaking.. I have even google searched photos etc and caught scammers

I truly believe Doogan will send you the one to love like he knew in this world.

just the fact you are reaching out and mention " the whole thing seems sketchy" . always Go With Your Gut.
I did turn down the first kitten that came along on an online ad after my Yoda passed , went with my gut and mind and looked for red flags. some are not as glaringly obvious.

we have members that can PM responsible breeders. we are here for you.

 

[Letitia]

I understand what it feels like to want one so badly. However, I think it is getting in your way. I get this, but please rethink working with this lady. Wishing you all the best.

 

[munk]

Yoda mom,
That was a touching and very considerate post. This world has gone to hll. We moved into our little crooked home and there was a cat who kept coming to the back door. He and I became friends- I've a way with cats. He was deserted from the folks who sold us the house!!!! They just left him outside with the Montana winter coming in two weeks. They'd told the Realtor they'd pick him up. Never showed. We had him cleaned, given shots, neutered and brought him inside. My wife thought she wouldn't be allergic because she'd had all HER shots. But this was not the case. After six days, she was having trouble breathing, though I didn't find this out until months later after Heywood was gone. Heywood acted fine until evening came. At about five OClock, when people typically returned from work, he started showing PTSD symptoms. Yeah, I know, we're talking about a cat. If I was carrying anything in my hands, little Heywood acted like I was going to throw or hit him with it. Anything. And he would hide. I was the bad man. He would seek my wife out because she was the good savior. Only my wife was not very demonstrative to him. He freaked out. On day seven he started spraying all over the house. It was the worst smell I'd ever found in cat piss. I didn't know what to do. My heart was broken. I'd waited years after Doogan to get a cat and now couldn't keep him under these circumstances. One thing I learned from raising Siamese as a child is that once a cat is a sprayer they tend to stay a sprayer, and the issues Heywood was responding to though no longer current would keep him stressed and in trouble. We took him to a non lethal pound. My wife tells me it wasn't our fault, we tried, it was the former owner's fault. But Heywood was a good guy. I'd even begun to sing songs to him. "Who put the Hey in Heywood?" My sons were happy for me with Heywood. They knew and loved my songs. We're only talking about the most ridiculous songs ever...I can't sing. Some of them might make good advertising jingles but that's about it. But Doogan and my sons loved them.


In hindsight Heywood might have lasted if we'd given him to our son who lived in our former home. But he couldn't make it in the home that taught him so much ....fear.
The gal in Canada has to have a health certificate in order to sell the cat and get it across the border. She is going on Tuesday as it is scheduled shot day.

 

[munk]

Letitia and Yoda Mom et al;

what are the significant tests/health screens a cat should have before being sold? I can ask the Canada gal to provide proof.

 

[munk]

Gal writes back about the HCM scan and states it cost 750 plus tax in her area so doesn't do it. She has the vet check the heart and lungs.

I apologize for posting to my own posts, probably faux 'paw'.

 

[eggs]

Gal writes back about the HCM scan and states it cost 750 plus tax in her area so doesn't do it. She has the vet check the heart and lungs.

I apologize for posting to my own posts, probably faux 'paw'.

You mentioned Edmonton in your original post. Whatever you do, do NOT get a kitten from Skin Is In cattery. They're a horrific breeder, and the poor souls are riddled with health and behavioral problems and mistreated. In fact, in my research, all the Alberta breeders I looked at came up shady for various reasons. You want to review the contracts carefully, do in-person and/or video calls, and get the correct vibes from the breeder. They need to be open and forthcoming and vet you as well so that you can tell they actually care where their kittens are homed. I ended up going with a breeder in Winnipeg for my happy, healthy baby. It's worth taking the time to do research. You must be careful. $1,200 is not market price for a healthy and properly bred Sphynx. It just isn't. A responsible breeder also will not be cheap with testing for health stuff and should be forthcoming. Never, ever do backyard breeders. Just don't. You'd be signing up for heartbreak.

 

[Yoda mom]

@munk , awh.. you did your best with baby Heywood. surely hearts aligned for him.

I personally would run from a breeder that does not HCM scan and ontop of it asking so much for kittens.

to be a responsible breeder is not just about selling kittens. it is health testing them, etc, HCM testing for the betterment of the breed. ( I personally know the heart ache )..it is part of the cost of being a responsible breeder. a vet visual audible check is not a true indicator of heart health. all the audibles are subjective. some kitties can not show signs and only way is thru HCM screening. I see too many red flags personally.

I hope you red the responsible breeder thread and the fraud tips thread. I know you want a sphynx , I personally would pass.
the right one will find you. I passed up the first few after reading the threads on responsible breeders and fraud tips.

***** @munk please check your pm's , a member shared info on a specific cattery to beware of in Edmonton area.

 

[munk]

I would add my amen to the consensus of only going to a reputable breeder. My son and wife insisted upon the paperless cat in Canada. I wanted to nix the operation entirely, especially after confirming what I learned here. I did in fact, but they talked me back into it for their sakes. I went to Canada. The gal met me in a large gas station outside Medicine Hat. She gave the little cat to me and he looked OK, except too thin. So he was the runt of the litter. His bigger and better formed brother used to beat him up. She said she thought he'd actually hurt him and had to segregate their eating so the little one could get nourished. I could have chosen the better looking one, but son and wife thought the other was adorable. Fine with me, I liked him too. I won't go into the full story now but suffice to say we get him home and he's sick. Get to a vet and he has Distemper and ear mites. Add that cost to the purchase price and I'm at what I could have spent with a reputable breeder at the end of summer. Plus I see some wonderful little ones here available for adoption. How is this little guy? Well, despite being sick and too thin, not healthful in the first place, he made every effort to be around me and spend time with me. I think he's a good guy. His character is good. I like him and it won't be hard to fall in love with him. He thinks a lot of me. I don't think anyone ever spoke softly and lovingly to him before this. He trusts me.
I will raise this criminal runt from a tainted enterprise and find a real friend inside. The vet shared when she spoke to the other vet ( in Canada) that the gal brought a lot of kittens in to be given shots. So she is a non papered breeder, I'd guess having kittens around the area with various parents. My guess.

Sigh. He's here now. He got so sick I got up at night to check on him- he could only breath through his mouth. His lungs are clear. He'd just got worse and worse after getting him home. Now he has medicines and is feeling better.

Once a long time ago my parents brought home a registered stud that was too old for the cattery to bother with. I called him the Auschwitz cat. He'd spent his life in a cage. Really. Dad built a extended cage in the window sill so he could see birds and things. Gradually, he started exploring the house. At first he'd have nothing to do with me, but eventually he became a friendly warm cat- and he was happy to be around us. No matter what there is life and hope in the most barren conditions. Sometimes it doesn't work out, but often life finds a way. We call him Lucas.

 

[tuffysmommy]

Good for Lucas, you and your family. Hope things continue to improve. A plague on that Gal’s head. You’ve truly made a rescue. My Paka was from a backyard breeder and was the only kitten in the litter to survive—for 12 years! Vet delivered her and cat-napped her. She was too small to ever know her mother. Sometimes blessings are in disguise.

 

[munk]

Thank you.

 

[Toa and Ross]

Congratulations with Lucas. I hope he feels at home soon,and you can enjoy being loved and spoiled

 

[munk]

I was thinking about the title of this thread. I tried looking for unpapered cats but those are just called 'cats'.
Asking for a unpapered Sphynx is like asking for a barking dog. Yeah, I see all those other dogs; how much for a barking dog?

Subsection; barking dogs for sale

 

[Yoda mom]

@munk , awh... Lucas certainly has the best of love and care in your hearts and home. do you have any other pets? was thinking about becz of the distemper diagnosis. I am sure vet gave instructions for his treatment plan and gaining weight.

what meds is he on? did vet rule out any URI (upper respiratory infection, not uncommon to newly home kitties from stress) . I personally would update the vet that he could only breathe thru his mouth . any sneezing , coughing?
I also ask vet to take a good listen to heart for any murmurs.

were the ear mites diagnosed under microscope ? I ask becz some vets not experienced with sphynx think mites when actually grime wax build up since that accumulates more since they have no ear hair.
my vet got me hooked on trizultra w/ keto to gently wipe out ears. never an ear issue again with any of my crew for nearly 20 yrs.

did you/can you drop off a stool sample to have checked? has he been dewormed?


look forward to updates on baby Lucas. I see he has quickly wrapped around hearts.

(bless your heart too for your past rescue of "A" cat. been there too in the past with a bengal many years ago no one wanted and was in a cage for 3 yrs)

hugs n positive vibe for baby Lucas. he has the best of love and care. happy gotcha!
hope to see pics!

 

[lightprobe]

My wife and I purchased our Mochi a few months ago. She has had all her shots and is very healthy. She is fun loving and a beautiful Sphinx. However , our son is allergic to her and we must find a home for her. We paid $2400 for Mochi and would like recover some of our loss, but want to make sure she goes to the right home. Could use some advice on how to find a home for her.

 

[Sheldon13]

My wife and I purchased our Mochi a few months ago. She has had all her shots and is very healthy. She is fun loving and a beautiful Sphinx. However , our son is allergic to her and we must find a home for her. We paid $2400 for Mochi and would like recover some of our loss, but want to make sure she goes to the right home. Could use some advice on how to find a home for her.

Hello there. We allow up to a $200 rejoining fee on Sphynxlair to help ensure kitties go to the right home. Feel free to create a new post in the adoption section for little Mochi.

Sphynx Cat Rescue & Adoption

This area is for Sphynx cat rescue or re-home.

sphynxlair.com

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[eggs]

My wife and I purchased our Mochi a few months ago. She has had all her shots and is very healthy. She is fun loving and a beautiful Sphinx. However , our son is allergic to her and we must find a home for her. We paid $2400 for Mochi and would like recover some of our loss, but want to make sure she goes to the right home. Could use some advice on how to find a home for her.

Contact your breeder. You'll often find in contracts that it's actually stipulated you're not allowed to rehome them, and they'd feel more comfortable taking the kitten back and then doing the interview process again for a new prospective parent they're aware of and approve themselves

 

[Yoda mom]

@lightprobe, I am so very sorry for your heartfelt decision. agree would contact breeder about taking her back. if not an option, please do not hesitate to start a thread in the adoption section here . it is a purrfect family to find a forever home. several of us have adopted from members. I have all adoptees.

the max rehoming fee is $250. if you start a thread, please tell us all about her and include photos of your sweet Mochi. we are here for you.

Sphynx Cat Rescue & Adoption

This area is for Sphynx cat rescue or re-home.

sphynxlair.com

 

[jennylvt2023]

I know I'm swimming in bad waters. I'm in the US and couldn't find a kitten for the summer when my youngest son returns. He really loved our late great Sphynx cat, and here was a chance for both of us to share raising one, if only for a few months. Our wonderful friend passed several years ago, and he had heritage and I registered him, not that it was of any consequence. He was a member of the family, not a show cat.
So a gal in Canada has a three kittens for sale, 1200 dollars US each. She does not have papers, saying she could register mom and dad but does not to so she can keep price down. I don't know if I entirely believe that but don't care that much. The whole thing seems sketchy. She's just a cat lady really. She lives with her dogs and cats and sells the offspring. I'm not sure if I can communicate how persons who live in rural settings and are not economically full, can think differently than what many are used to. I lived in very small mountain community in the rocky mountain west so I have a clue. She probably doesn't register her sire and dam (sic) because it costs money, but it's possible she can't get papers. Perhaps there are tests she doesn't want to do. She has to get a health certificate to allow the kitten to cross the border with me, so there is that. I know from talking to her she knows sphynx cats. She has the feelings of one who appreciates them. She does not pay for spaying and neutering. I'd do that at six months. I don't think she wants the cost, and doesn't really care if people breed them. She was hesitant to give me her last name and address.

Looking at ads I see a lot of Sphynx cats for sale for 600 bucks out of Oakland and SF California. No way those cats could be registered.

I think the kittens are real and probably cannot be registered. I'm hoping there isn't anything else going on. It's a lot of hope for 1200 dollars. There was a scam from the Edmonton area not long ago of people shaving (?) or chemically removing hair from Siamese and selling them as Seal Point Sphynx. I raised pure bred Siamese with my family when growing up. We had Seal, Chocolate and Blue point Siamese. The markings do not match so I'm pretty certain these kittens are Sphynx. I guess Sphynx from the wrong side of the tracks.

How much would you pay for a Sphynx kitten sold out of the back of a truck, I guess is the question. I know I'm making it sound bad. But I wanted your opinions. Note; our pure bred Sphynx only lived 9 years and developed the heart condition that took his life. So...you can see why I don't necessarily think much of paper.

Please help,

Thank you,
munk

DO NOT pay for a Sphynx kitten under 2k. Research breeders. Kittens must be tested for HCM, and have a good warranty. Too many people are breeding these cats just to get money. Putting this breed in jeopardy.

 

[Yoda mom]

Ways to help detect fraud & scammers when adopting/buying a cat

NEVER send money via Western Union. If possible - get a cat or kitten that is in driving distance of your home. Most breeders selling kittens or people re-homing or adopting out will communicate no problem via phone, emails or in person. If not - look somewhere else. Visit the breeder’s home if...

sphynxlair.com

What to expect from a responsible sphynx breeder

We get this question quite a bit here on Sphynxlair so I figured we would compile some useful information, a check list if you will for a first time sphynx buyer or even an existing sphynx parent looking to get another sphynx cat or kitten. All of these items listed below aren't necessarily deal...

sphynxlair.com

@jennylvt2023 , welcome to the lair family. so glad you joined us. do you have a sphnyx family member? love to see an introduction and photo.

kitten prices can be under 2k from a responsible breeder. (I have seen kittens from responsible breeders pricing between 1200 and 2000 in my area). responsible breeders should regularly HCM screen sires and dames and have careful record keeping of health histories available to purchasers.

I agree with you to research breeders and that too many people are breeding for the money putting the breed in jeopardy. my first sphynx was a surprise birthday present that sadly came from an irresponsible closest breeder who told my fiance back then that he was getting "such a deal" and he had no idea what questions to ask the breeder. My poor Yoda girl had severe heart problems as a kitten into her short life barely 2 years old got her angel wings. I keep her photo as my avatar photo in her honor.

I attached some links for those that are following the thread.

 

[Yoda mom]

@santosporto , welcome to the lair family. happy gotcha. look forward to an introduction post.

** please be aware No naming catteries or sharing breeder links. thank you for understanding. hugs n head smooches.

 

[andrewivy]

I know I'm swimming in bad waters. I'm in the US and couldn't find a kitten for the summer when my youngest son returns. He really loved our late great Sphynx cat, and here was a chance for both of us to share raising one, if only for a few months. Our wonderful friend passed several years ago, and he had heritage and I registered him, not that it was of any consequence. He was a member of the family, not a show cat.
So a gal in Canada has a three kittens for sale, 1200 dollars US each. She does not have papers, saying she could register mom and dad but does not to so she can keep price down. I don't know if I entirely believe that but don't care that much. The whole thing seems sketchy. She's just a cat lady really. She lives with her dogs and cats and sells the offspring. I'm not sure if I can communicate how persons who live in rural settings and are not economically full, can think differently than what many are used to. I lived in very small mountain community in the rocky mountain west so I have a clue. She probably doesn't register her sire and dam (sic) because it costs money, but it's possible she can't get papers. Perhaps there are tests she doesn't want to do. She has to get a health certificate to allow the kitten to cross the border with me, so there is that. I know from talking to her she knows sphynx cats. She has the feelings of one who appreciates them. She does not pay for spaying and neutering. I'd do that at six months. I don't think she wants the cost, and doesn't really care if people breed them. She was hesitant to give me her last name and address.

Looking at ads I see a lot of Sphynx cats for sale for 600 bucks out of Oakland and SF California. No way those cats could be registered.

I think the kittens are real and probably cannot be registered. I'm hoping there isn't anything else going on. It's a lot of hope for 1200 dollars. There was a scam from the Edmonton area not long ago of people shaving (?) or chemically removing hair from Siamese and selling them as Seal Point Sphynx. I raised pure bred Siamese with my family when growing up. We had Seal, Chocolate and Blue point Siamese. The markings do not match so I'm pretty certain these kittens are Sphynx. I guess Sphynx from the wrong side of the tracks.

How much would you pay for a Sphynx kitten sold out of the back of a truck, I guess is the question. I know I'm making it sound bad. But I wanted your opinions. Note; our pure bred Sphynx only lived 9 years and developed the heart condition that took his life. So...sandbox games you can see why I don't necessarily think much of paper.

Please help,

Thank you,
munk

$1,200 is far too much money to take on this level of risk without health testing or breeding transparency. If your budget is around that range, consider looking into retired adult Sphynx from reputable breeders (often $500–$1,000, fully vetted, spayed/neutered, and HCM scanned) or reaching out to a local Sphynx rescue organization.

If you do decide to go with a kitten, saving a bit more for a registered breeder who scans for HCM annually will save you thousands in potential vet bills and emotional pain down the road.

Wishing you and your son the best!