What Should I be Checking for When it Comes to Rehoming?

[Crayne]

As I am currently searching for a sphynx, I am trying to determine the best questions to ask people who are rehoming their Sphynx.
1. I am not comfortable with anyone that will not FaceTime with me & show me the cat
2. I have had people tell me I cannot see vet records until the rehoming occurs, I have been told that is because vet records can be used as proof of ownership. Is this accurate? Should I be allowed to see vet records from someone, breeder or not, before I bring a cat into my home?
3. Is it recommended for Sphynx to have the FIV/FeLV vaccination? I have spoken to someone rehoming their cat that told me it’s recommended for Sphynx to NOT have that vaccination, & I haven’t found whether that is accurate or not.
4. What is the best way to ask where someone got their Sphynx from? Is it okay for me to ask to see adoption papers or know the info of the breeder they received their cat from?
I know that Sphynx cats are a more expensive breed, and being a college student I cannot afford to be duped into spending money & not getting a cat or getting an unhealthy cat, as I do not have the money to care for a cat with health issues atm (not saying I would never care for a cat that developed issues I would do everything I can) it’s just that right now what is ideal for me is a healthy Sphynx and I want to make sure I am asking the right questions and also know whether or not I am being told accurate or shady info from those looking to rehome their Sphynx.
Thank you!

 

[SarahsRedmon]

Hello,

I can only tell you about my experience. I have taken in rehomed sphynx on two different occasions and went through a breeder once.

1. Ok, that’s fine. I don’t see a reason why someone would not face time with you. Unless they are not tech savvy, but they still should be able to send photos.

2. No, you should be able to see vet records to know what you are getting into. The records may be a pain in the ass to get for the owner, but it is not an unreasonable request. They can be used as proof of ownership, but not for you. Those records will be under the original owners name. You’ll just have records with someone else listed as the owner. There is no way you could use them as proof of ownership.

3. Feline Leukemia is a touchy subject. I have seen breeder contracts (with all different types of breeds, not just sphynx) clearly state the contract is void if you vaccinate for felv. Felv is a strong vaccine that CAN (not will) cause reactions. Felv is recommended for outdoor cats that can come in contact with other cats. Outdoor cats can come in contact with cats that you do not know the vaccine history of and may be sick. Since sphynx are indoor only this vaccine is not typically recommended, unless you are taking your cat out and about. Fostering cats things like that.

4. You ask, you say what breeder did your cat come from and you look that breeder up. Always good to know if that breeder has a clause in their contracts saying rehoming is not allowed and cats must be returned to breeder.

Sphynx are an expensive breed. You have to feel out the situation. Rehoming a cat can be tricky. You are either taking on someone else’s problem or you are helping someone who just wants to do right by their cat. It is a gamble and you have to decide if you are going to take the risk. There is no 100 percent guarantee.

Good luck, they truly are a special breed.


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[SarahsRedmon]

Also want to add, in both my rehoming situations. I was 90% sure based on the photos that I was taking the cat. Then when I went to see them in person I knew within the first minute,I was 1,000% sure, I was taking the cat. You just know, you feel it with all your being that this is your cat. That’s how it has been for me anyways. But you do have to trust the process.


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[SarahsRedmon]

My first boy I got from Craigslist rehoming

And my boys I recently got from a rehoming situation on Sphynxlair

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[Toa and Ross]

Great you are doing research and try to find a healthy happy sphynx. I think you should be able to ask all questions you want. It the owners wants the best for the sphynx that is up for adoption he/she will take the time to answer your question and ask questions to you too!
Face timing, going over to the home if possible, vet records, name and papers of the breeder. All should be very normal!