Getting a Sphynx cat is exciting, but choosing the wrong breeder can turn your dream into a nightmare. I’ve seen too many heartbroken families dealing with sick kittens from bad breeders. That’s why I put together this complete Sphynx cat breeder checklist to help you avoid the same mistakes.
Finding a good Sphynx breeder isn’t just about finding cute kittens online. These hairless cats need special care and come with unique health risks that only experienced breeders understand. The questions in this guide will help you separate the good breeders from the bad ones.
Why This Sphynx Breeder Checklist Can Save You Thousands
Here’s the truth: a cheap Sphynx kitten from a bad breeder will cost you way more in the long run. Heart problems, skin issues, and behavioral problems are common when breeders cut corners. I’ve talked to owners who spent $10,000+ on vet bills because they didn’t ask the right questions upfront.
Good breeders welcome your questions. In fact, they should be asking YOU questions too. If someone gets annoyed when you ask about health testing, that’s your first red flag.
The #1 Question That Separates Good Breeders from Bad Ones
Before we dive into the full checklist, here’s the most important question you need to ask:
“Can you show me the HCM test results for both parents?”
HCM (heart disease) is the biggest killer of Sphynx cats. Any breeder who doesn’t test for this or can’t show you the results should be crossed off your list immediately. No exceptions.
Health Testing Questions: Don’t Skip These
Heart Health Questions
Sphynx cats are prone to heart problems, so these questions are life-or-death important:
Ask these exact questions:
- “Do you do yearly heart scans on all your breeding cats?”
- “Can I see the echocardiogram results from a certified cardiologist?”
- “Do you test for the HCM gene mutation?”
- “What happens if you find heart problems in your breeding cats?”
What you want to hear: They should show you recent test results (within the last year) and explain their testing schedule. Good breeders retire cats with heart problems from breeding.
Other Health Tests You Need to See
Ask about these tests:
- “What other genetic tests do you do?”
- “Are all your cats tested for FIV and FeLV?”
- “Can you show me the test results?”
- “Do you test for other hereditary diseases?”
Red flag alert: If they say “my cats are healthy” without showing actual test results, run away. Health isn’t something you can see with your eyes alone.
Kitten Health Questions
For your specific kitten, ask:
- “What shots has this kitten had?”
- “Has this kitten been examined by a vet?”
- “Does this kitten come with a health guarantee?”
- “What health problems should I watch for?”
Questions About the Breeder’s Experience
How Long Have They Been Doing This?
Ask them:
- “How long have you been breeding Sphynx cats?”
- “Are you registered with cat organizations like TICA?”
- “Do you show your cats?”
- “Can you give me references from other buyers?”
What you want to hear: At least 3-5 years of experience with Sphynx cats specifically. Membership in breed organizations shows they’re serious about doing things right.
Their Breeding Philosophy
Ask these questions:
- “Why do you breed Sphynx cats?”
- “How do you choose which cats to breed?”
- “How many litters do you have per year?”
- “What happens to your cats when they retire from breeding?”
Good answers: They should talk about improving the breed, not just making money. They should have a reasonable number of litters (not pumping out kittens constantly) and a retirement plan for older cats.
Questions About Meeting the Cats
Visiting the Cattery
Essential questions:
- “Can I come visit the kittens and meet the parents?”
- “Where do your cats live?”
- “Can I see where the kittens are raised?”
- “Are your cats caged or do they live in the house?”
Red flags: Won’t let you visit, wants to meet in parking lots, or keeps cats in cages all the time. Good breeders are proud to show off their setup.
About the Kitten’s Parents
Ask to meet the parents and ask:
- “Can I meet the mother cat?”
- “What’s the father like?” (He might not be on-site)
- “What are their personalities like?”
- “Are they friendly with strangers?”
What to look for: Friendly, social cats that come up to you. Sphynx cats should be people-oriented, not hiding or aggressive.
Questions About Kitten Care and Socialization
How They Raise the Kittens
Ask these important questions:
- “How do you socialize the kittens?”
- “Are they handled daily by different people?”
- “Are they exposed to household sounds and activities?”
- “When do they start eating solid food?”
What good breeders do: Handle kittens daily, expose them to normal household sounds, and have them around people regularly. Well-socialized kittens are confident and friendly.
When Can You Take Your Kitten Home?
Ask:
- “When can the kitten come home?”
- “Why do you wait until that age?”
- “Are they litter trained?”
- “Are they eating solid food on their own?”
The right answer: Never before 12 weeks old. Sphynx kittens need extra time with mom for proper development. Anyone trying to send a kitten home at 8 weeks doesn’t understand the breed.
Contract and Money Questions
The Purchase Agreement
Ask about:
- “Do you provide a written contract?”
- “What health guarantees do you offer?”
- “What if the kitten gets sick?”
- “Are there any breeding restrictions?”
What you want: A written contract with clear health guarantees. Good breeders stand behind their kittens.
Money Talk
Ask these questions:
- “What’s the total cost including everything?”
- “What does that price include?”
- “Do you require a deposit?”
- “When is the rest due?”
Be careful of: Prices way below market rate (usually means corners are cut) or breeders who only care about getting paid quickly.
Support After You Take Your Kitten Home
Ongoing Help
Ask:
- “Can I call you if I have questions after taking the kitten home?”
- “Do you want updates on how the kitten is doing?”
- “What if I can’t keep the cat for some reason?”
Good breeders: Want to stay in touch and will take the cat back if needed. They care about their kittens for life, not just until they’re sold.
Red Flags That Should Make You Run
Immediate Deal-Breakers
Run away if the breeder:
- Won’t show you health test results
- Won’t let you visit or meet the cats
- Has kittens available all the time
- Doesn’t ask YOU any questions
- Wants to meet in strange places
- Prices way below everyone else
- Can’t provide references
- Seems more interested in your money than the kitten’s welfare
More Warning Signs
Also be careful of breeders who:
- Separate kittens from mom too early
- Don’t provide health guarantees
- Breed cats with known health problems
- Don’t belong to any cat organizations
- Have lots of bad reviews online
- Don’t seem to know much about the breed
What to Expect When You Visit
Come Prepared
Bring with you:
- This list of questions
- A notebook to write down answers
- Your phone for pictures (ask permission first)
- References about yourself
What to Look For
During your visit, notice:
- How clean everything is
- How the cats behave around people
- Whether the kittens seem healthy and active
- How much the breeder knows about Sphynx cats
- Whether they seem to genuinely care about their cats
Questions to Ask Yourself
Are You Ready for a Sphynx?
Be honest about:
- Do you understand their special skin care needs?
- Can you handle a very social, attention-seeking cat?
- Are you prepared for potential health costs?
- Is your living situation stable for the next 15 years?
- Do you have time for daily interaction and care?
Making Your Final Decision
Take Your Time
Don’t rush this decision. Good breeders will understand if you need time to think. In fact, they should want you to be sure. Anyone pressuring you to decide quickly is a red flag.
Trust Your Gut
If something feels off, it probably is. Good breeders make you feel comfortable and confident. If you’re having doubts, keep looking.
The Right Breeder Will…
A good breeder will:
- Answer all your questions thoroughly
- Show you health test results happily
- Let you meet the cats
- Ask YOU questions about your lifestyle
- Provide ongoing support
- Stand behind their kittens with guarantees
Final Thoughts
Finding the right Sphynx breeder takes time and effort, but it’s worth it. The questions in this checklist will help you find someone who truly cares about their cats and will give you a healthy, well-socialized kitten.
