Aeon’s wigging again. It would be one thing if this were something manageable. Most cats run and hide and sulk in a secluded corner when faced with a perceived threat. Not this freak, she just keeps trying to barrel forth and dominate. When I was researching this breed online, there wasn’t as much info as there is today. For this reason, and recent events, I feel obligated to share our story with anyone contemplating this breed of cat, the Sphynx.
To start with, this breed is extremely affectionate, unlike any other cat, they are more like alien-monkey-dog-creatures. They enjoy snuggling, being held, kisses and constant attention. They are overly-alert and intelligent (read: into everything) and doing acrobatics to get your attention.
However, our Queen, Aeon, has had issues ever since the stud was introduced to the household for breeding. The hissing, pissing and diarrhea-ing in fear has been sporadic ever since. She is mentally ill, and our veterinarian said that this is not uncommon with this breed. We literally have to keep her medicated on Buspar, but she recently started rejecting the portion of the food with the medication in it.
Additionally, they are extremely prone to heart murmurs. The baby boy we’d kept from her litter died suddenly before ever reaching his 2nd birthday, without warning. Also not uncommon with this breed, I’ve read of other instances online - and when you get a good Sphynx, like he was, it’s gut-wrenching. He never had episodes, unlike his fruitcake calico mother.
Not to mention, Aeon, whom we paid an exorbitant amount for, sprouted a full undercoating of curly Dilute Calico hair, so that only her voluptuous belly is hairless at this point. She’s soft like a bunny and very, very loving when not going batshit.
So, in brief, that’s our story. Personally, I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything, but would have chosen differently going into this had I only known. I recommend adoption of strays, salvation from animal shelters over buying a purebred any day. The gene pool was meant to be broader than this. The Himalayan I had growing up died early as well.
The moral of the story is:
- Regular cats that are not bred by design are healthier and live longer.
- If you are going to a breeder, check them our thoroughly - trust your gut-instinct if you sense anything is awry.
- Ask to speak to other people who’ve bought cats from them, or repeat customers.
- Pay close attention to how they treat their cats - is it with love or with cold calculation of the hard cash to come?
- Do they take their cats to the vet or do it themselves at home? Ask for their vet’s name and number as another reference.
- Don’t just take the breeder’s word on things, do your own research in books or online. They don’t always know or - if they’re shady - they will do and say anything to make the sale !
- Extensively search for first-hand accounts or online groups of owners of the breed you are interested in. You could discover illnesses and maladies the breed is prone to, extra care required
- Google the breeders as well in case there are horror stories to be found.
Excessive? Perhaps, but we’ve been burned and “Oh… the suffering!” The shit I’ve been through with this effing cat who is now banished to the Bathroom of Solitude once again. Heed my warning!
Beware… Take care… Beware… *Ed Wood reference*
