Why You Should Interview Us

It is truly our belief that when you bring one of our kittens into your home you become part of our family. Why do we feel this way? Because that is the experience we have had as pet owners with our breeder over the past six years. Having said this, you need to get to know us to such a degree that you feel assured that we will be there for you. Also, Sphynx are a very unique breed and questions like, "Is this normal for a Sphynx?" come up frequently. Although web resources and books may give some help in answering these questions, there is no better teacher than the time and experience we have had with this wonderful breed that we can share with you.

Choosing a breeder is an important decision and even more so with this breed. Here are some essentials to keep in mind when trying to locate a reputable breeder:

• Is the cattery name registered with CFA, TICA, or ACFA?
  
• Are the cats registered with CFA, TICA, or ACFA and will you be receiving papers? (This is important to knowing that you will be receiving an actual pedigreed kitten.)
  
• Will you be given or have access to the kitten's pedigree?
  
• Are they well versed in what the Sphynx standard of the various registry organizations listed above calls for?
  
• What aspects of the standard is the breeder currently working on? (These last two questions are important as it allows you to gage whether or not they are breeding for quality and the betterment of the breed or for other, less savory reasons.)
  
• Do they actively show in any of the above organizations? (Not only would someone running a kitten mill be less likely to show their animals and risk scrutiny, but showing in general allows breeders to get a grasp on what the standard looks like and what to work towards.)
  
• Are they willing to allow you to tour their home/cattery? If distance is an issue, are they willing to send you extensive pictures of their home/cattery?
  
• Does the price of the cat/kitten seem appropriate? (Most that are willing to sell a Sphynx for cheap are, in reality, a kitten mill.)
  
• Will they give you a list of references?
  
• Are they willing to speak with you openly and honestly about health issues they have had? (90% of breeders have encountered health issues if they have bred long enough or have been a pet owner long enough. Can they speak with you about this or do they just want to "skate" past the issue?)
  
• What kind of health guarantee is included in their contract?
  
• Do they outcross or actively bring outcrosses into their breeding program to improve the "heartiness" of their lines and the breed?

This list of essentials by no means covers the whole gamut of questions you could ask but is a good starting point from which you will be able to make an educated decision. It is so difficult to slow down when looking for a Sphynx. Excitement sometimes takes over the process and can make you want to hurry to get one too quickly. By slowing down and taking the time to really research the cattery you choose to go with may save you years or trouble and/or heartache.