Opportunity to rescue a kitten, what is wise?

[FeralFamiliar]

Hey folks, I’m a long time lover of the breed but have yet to be blessed by the presence of one! For a long time I’ve been on the search for the perfect rescue, assuming I would take in an older sphynx, always open to potential behavioral issues and the like.

An opportunity may have fallen in my lap to rescue a 9 week old sphynx tomorrow, who’s current owner is planning a shelter drop off otherwise.

This kitten is entirely unvetted, no vaccines, no deworming, no spay, and the parents have had no health testing that I’m aware of, this was an unintentional litter of I believe, one.

I do have the connections and resources to get this kitten everything she needs for routine care, and we would get her insurance right away, but I’m a little worried about what potential health issues could be on the horizon. I know that a sphynx of any age could have issues crop up at any time, but it does feel more risky to go this route and I’m not sure of ultimately, it’s wise.

Surface level, I’m jumping with joy at the thought of having a rescue sphynx of any age, but I do want to be practical and realistic. I’m scared I’m going to get attached to this girl and then have her pass away in 2-3 years of HCM or something.

As folks with sphynx, is the risk worth it? What should I be considering and keeping in mind? I want to be responsible and not let my emotions cloud my judgement simply because I’ve wanted a sphynx for a long time.

I welcome and appreciate all advice!

 

[Catzzzmeow]

Oh gosh you have to be filled with excitement yet your gut says something is off. You just asking makes me feel you know it is so risky. Every baby deserves a chance in a great home, but if meet up with them any signs of skinny, runny eyes, runny nose, hind end inflamed, rashes etc is a def to walk away. 9 weeks old is 3 + weeks too young that any reputable breeder would even think of sending to a forever home. Lots of red flags for sure. Hoping this helps

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

In the end I always trust my gut.

 

[FeralFamiliar]

Oh gosh you have to be filled with excitement yet your gut says something is off. You just asking makes me feel you know it is so risky. Every baby deserves a chance in a great home, but if meet up with them any signs of skinny, runny eyes, runny nose, hind end inflamed, rashes etc is a def to walk away. 9 weeks old is 3 + weeks too young that any reputable breeder would even think of sending to a forever home. Lots of red flags for sure. Hoping this helps

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

In the end I always trust my gut.

Thank you!! I did end up meeting with them today, they refused to meet at their home and met us at a public location with her. She was freshly bathed and her ears are a little dirty but she’s otherwise in great shape. We did end up bringing her home with us and will get her scheduled at the vet this week. I’m quickly falling in love, she’s asleep in my lap now. There are lots of questions left unanswered but she’s safe, will never have to worry about being bred, crated, cold, or having an empty belly and that’s what matters to me right now. We’ll figure out the rest as it comes.

 

[Catzzzmeow]

Keep updating us. I hope all checks out. Congrats.

 

[Yoda mom]

@FeralFamiliar , (((hugs)))) bless your heart to give this sweetie the purrfect forever home soo deserving of. she struck gold.
here for you. I know she is loved and will be spoiled beyond measure. let us know what name you decide on . I can just see her sleeping in your lap.

sharing, I rescued/adopted my boy , no papers etc from a suspected closest breeder who couldnt remember where she got him from, yeah right.
we shared an amazing 12 yrs together.

hugs n head smooches! happiest gotcha , she is a youngster and she surely will have a strong bond with you.
*** ps, will you have insurance in place before the wellness check? anything they find before insurance could be considered pre existing.
I always recommend taking a fresh stool sample ( sounds gross, but you can collect a sample and seal it, refrigerate it before vet appointment or a fresh one if lucky just before you leave for the vet). I always ask to take a good listen to the heart. keep in mind some can have "ghost murmurs" from stress and on recheck not detected.


we gotcha! CONGRATS! HAPPIEST GOTCHA! HUGS N THRIVING VIBE HEAD SMOOCHES!!!

Look forward to pics and tales! all paws are family!

 

[Toa and Ross]

Congrats with your girl! I think it is great you picked her up and are ready to give her a loving home. I hope she lives a long healthy and happy life.

 

[FeralFamiliar]

@FeralFamiliar , (((hugs)))) bless your heart to give this sweetie the purrfect forever home soo deserving of. she struck gold.
here for you. I know she is loved and will be spoiled beyond measure. let us know what name you decide on . I can just see her sleeping in your lap.

sharing, I rescued/adopted my boy , no papers etc from a suspected closest breeder who couldnt remember where she got him from, yeah right.
we shared an amazing 12 yrs together.

hugs n head smooches! happiest gotcha , she is a youngster and she surely will have a strong bond with you.
*** ps, will you have insurance in place before the wellness check? anything they find before insurance could be considered pre existing.
I always recommend taking a fresh stool sample ( sounds gross, but you can collect a sample and seal it, refrigerate it before vet appointment or a fresh one if lucky just before you leave for the vet). I always ask to take a good listen to the heart. keep in mind some can have "ghost murmurs" from stress and on recheck not detected.


we gotcha! CONGRATS! HAPPIEST GOTCHA! HUGS N THRIVING VIBE HEAD SMOOCHES!!!

Look forward to pics and tales! all paws are family!View attachment 118327

Absolutely! Thank you so much!

We’re calling her Veda, like Veda Bo Beda from the movie My Girl. I am absolutely obsessed with her! Also getting her set up with insurance ASAP, just trying to get settled on the perfect plan. Once that’s established, I’m ordering the genetic test for HCM and I’m waiting on a callback from a semi-local cardiologist to establish care for when she will need her first echo.

I’m trying to get on top of everything. We cleaned her ears out last night, I don’t think they ever had and they were so yucky!

She woke me up at 4:30am this morning doing zoomies lol. I’m so grateful.

 

[nudebea]

It's hard to keep your head and not fall completely in love with these special little beings very quickly . Sending positive vibes for you and little Vader, so glad you found you

 

[Kalyan]

Mine was the love of my life for 15 years. No regrets!

 

[Cleopatra Beers]

We adopted 14-year-old Cleopatra from a rescue at 12 weeks. She did have vet care, spaying, and first shots. But she had no heart testing, and when we asked our vet about it, we were told her heart sounded great, so unless symptoms arose, testing was unnessary. And her heart and general health today are good for her age.
Enjoy your new baby!