Frequently Asked Questions

General Info

1. What is a Sphynx cat?
A Sphynx is a breed of domestic cat known for its lack of fur. They are friendly, energetic, and love human interaction. You can expect a sphynx to cuddle next to you at night as your real life teddy bear.

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2. Are Sphynx cats hypoallergenic?
The answer to this depends on what drives your allergy issues. Some allergy sufferers are allergic to cat dander and cat saliva. While no cat can be considered entirely hypoallergenic, Sphynx cats are less likely to trigger allergies compared to other cat breeds due to their lack of fur. Fur often carries dust, dirt, pollen and other allergens. Sphynx cats CAN still produce dander, which MAY drive reactions in some allergy sufferers. It is best to consult with a healthcare provider for allergy testing if this is a concern. You want to rule out cat dander and saliva as a cause of your allergy symptoms.

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About Purradox Sphynxery

3. Where is Purradox Sphynxery located?
We are based in Nashville, GA. We screen our applicants to find the best homes for our Sphynx kittens and operate by appointment only.

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4. What sets Purradox Sphynxery apart from other breeders?

I have 13 years of experience, and counting, running a 501c3 nonprofit cat rescue prior to breeding Sphynx cats. Animal Welfare is important to me and I go above an beyond for all felines. They are my true passion in life. I believe they all deserve loving homes and proper care. Rescue has given me a vast knowledge about felines, veterinary care and kitten development. I know the importance of producing desirable kittens that will be able to find the best homes. I believe in spay/ neuter to prevent backyard breeding and protect the Sphynx breed from ending up in shelters. When you purchase a Sphynx from Purradox Sphynxery, you join our Sphynx family. I will always be here and encourage updates from our adopters. I want to see our cats grow, age and I want to know the future outcomes of their life. This guides my breeding decisions in the future as I want to breed healthy kittens that live full and happy lives. 

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Adoption Process

5. What is the process for adopting a kitten from Purradox Sphynxery?
The process includes an initial inquiry application, a personal interview to assess your suitability for owning a Sphynx cat, a non-refundable deposit to reserve your kitten, a completed adoption contract/agreement and finally, pick-up once the kitten is ready to join your home. We offer lifetime support and encourage a relationship beyond adoption. We send you home with a kitten care package that includes: a sample bag of food, probiotics, handmade out fit by me :), and health records.

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6. Do you offer any health guarantees?
Yes, all our kittens come with a 2 year genetic health guarantee, up-to-date vaccinations, spay/neuter and a comprehensive health record.

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Kitten Care Post-Adoption

7. What initial supplies do I need for my new Sphynx kitten?
Before bringing your new Sphynx kitten home, you will need a litter box, food and water bowls, high-quality kitten food, a scratching post or pad, toys, soft, warm bedding, and a cat carrier. We recommend maintaining the same diet our kittens are currently on so you do not cause your new kitten to have significant diarrhea. We feed Hills Science Diet Kitten Dry available at all times for free feeding and Hills Kitten Wet Food on a scheduled feed. Our cats drink fresh water from a stainless steel water fountain. We use a Litter Robot so their litter box is always clean and fresh. Our litter is Arm and Hammer Clump and Seal. Our kittens love snuggling in a heated cat bed and a furry blanket. Avoid plastic food and water bowls as they harbor bacteria over time and can lead to allergies in your cat. Glass or stainless steel is best. Avoid feeding your Sphynx cows milk as this will cause significant diarrhea. Our kittens do love kitten milk as a treat which helps increase hydration. We purchase milk products specifically designed for feline consumption. Keep Nutrical on hand, a vitamin supplement and probiotics.

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8. What is the feeding regimen for a young Sphynx kitten?
Young Sphynx kittens should be fed a high-quality dry kitten formula, such as Hills Science Diet Kitten, available at all times. They may be supplemented a few times a day with quality wet food. If wet food causes diarrhea in your kitten, staying with dry food only is recommended. The most important thing is that your kitten has access to food at all times, has healthy stools and is eating well and growing. It is important to keep your kitten on a probiotic for digestive support. I recommend Fortiflora, which can be sprinkled on their kibble.

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9. How can I ensure my Sphynx kitten gets proper socialization?
Sphynx kittens benefit from exposure to different people, environments, and pets in controlled and safe conditions. It is important to isolate your kitten for the first 14 days of being home. This helps reduce stress and decrease the likely hood of stress related upper respiratory infection. Allow your kitten to acclimate and then slowly introduce to other pets of the house. Even if you do not have other pets, it is still recommended to isolate in a smaller space before introducing to the entire home. Reducing your cat's stress is highly important for their health and well being.

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10. Do Sphynx kittens require any specific grooming?
I recommend using warmed wet wipes or a wet/soapy microfiber cloth to regularly wipe down and keep your sphynx cat clean as needed. Sphynx are very clean and do bathe/self groom like other cats. Most Sphynx are not 100% hairless, meaning they do carry some soft down just like us human on our arms and legs. Use ear wipes weekly to keep their ears clean. Sphynx ears produce more wax than traditional breeds and weekly ear cleaning is required. Never put Q-Tips down into the ear canal. Ear flush works great to get the ears  clean and bring wax out form deep in the ear canal. I use ear wipes to clean the rest of the ear. I only recommend a FULL bath to your sphynx if they are very dirty. Full baths are really not needed for your Sphynx and can be stressful. Over bathing will cause your sphynx to produce more oils that are then left behind on cloth surfaces like the sofa or bed sheets. Your sphynx  self grooms just like any other cat. You will find they are cleaner and leave less oils behind when they are not bathed frequently. Keep a check on their teeth. Hard kibble will help keep them clean. Most vets recommend dental cleanings every 2 years. You should follow your vets guidelines for dental health. Some Sphynx may require more dental care than others. Sphynx are more prone to dental issues because of their lack of fur. The same gene that causes hairlessness can also affect their teeth. Regular tooth and mouth checks are recommended.

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Special Needs and Health Concerns

11. Are there any common health issues in Sphynx cats?
Sphynx cats are a healthy breed. Some common concerns include heart issues like HCM. HCM is found in almost all breeds of cat, including the common house cat. It is not exclusive to Sphynx. We scan our breeding cats yearly to check for HCM. Any cat can develop HCM at any point in their life. Many things can cause it, not only genetics but also things in the environment and age. We screen on the genetic side of things to try and prevent it but cannot fully control if it develops or not. It is important to keep your sphynx cat scanned yearly for HCM. You will need a Certified Cardiologist and follow their guidelines for your Sphynx heart needs. If a diagnosis of HCM is ever made, it can be easily controlled with medication if caught early and prolong the life of your Sphynx. Sphynx can live normal lives with treatment and the medication is not expensive, especially if your cat is on health insurance. HCM can be a death sentence if not caught early and allowed to advance. It is not something to fear, but simply something to be aware of and watch for in your pet Sphynx so you can give them the best life possible.

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12. How do I take care of my Sphynx's skin?
Occasional wipe down with with a mild, cat-safe shampoo and warm wet cloth helps maintain clean and healthy skin. Purradox Sphynxery breeding cats have excellent skin.

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13. Is it necessary to keep my Sphynx cat indoors?
Keeping your Sphynx indoors is a must. Truly ALL cats belong indoors for a number of reasons. Cats are not safe outside due to harmful people, dogs and other predators and vehicles. If you want any cat to live a long life, do not let them outside. You would not let your 3 year old outside unsupervised and a cat should be no different, they are mentally just toddlers too. Sphynx are susceptible to sunburn, cold, and potential diseases when outside. All sphynx cats should be kept indoors. A screened porch or catio is a great addition to your home to allow your Sphynx to safely experience the outside, fresh smells and wildlife, without killing the wildlife.

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14. How often should I schedule vet check-ups?
Several wellness visits may be needed in the first year of life. Young kittens do not have a well developed immune system until adulthood. Once they reach adulthood, annual wellness exams are recommended.

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15. What should I know about the HCM gene in Sphynx cats?
The genetic basis of HCM in Sphynx cats isn't fully understood. A mutation in the MYBPC3 gene has been identified as being associated with HCM in some Sphynx cats. This gene is responsible for producing proteins that make up part of the cardiac muscle fibers. There are believed to be other genes not yet identified.  Genetic testing is available for the identified MYBPC3 mutation. This allows breeders to determine if a cat is homozygous positive (two copies of the mutation), heterozygous positive (one copy of the mutation), or negative (no copies of the mutation).   Just because a cat tests positive for the mutation doesn't necessarily mean it will develop HCM. Conversely, a cat testing negative for the mutation isn't guaranteed to be free from HCM in its lifetime. The genetic test is just one piece of the puzzle to aid in proper breeding. It is not currently recommended to take all Sphynx cats with a copy of the HCM gene out of breeding programs as other good genetics can be carried alongside this gene and we do not want to devastate the Sphynx breed by removing a vast number of healthy cats all at once. Genetic testing for HCM is not 100% reliable. The only true method to guard against HCM is regular cardiac screening by Echocardiogram for all sphynx cats. This may only be performed by a Certified Veterinary Cardiologist. This is the most reliable method to detect the presence of HCM, especially in cats that might not show any symptoms. 

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16. If the parents are tested for HCM, does it guarantee the kitten won't get it?
No, HCM screening in the parents does not guarantee that a kitten will never develop HCM.

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17. How can I mitigate the risks of HCM in my Sphynx cat?
Annual cardiac screenings and regular vet check-ups can help in early detection and management of HCM.

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18. What are some signs of dental issues in Sphynx cats?
Signs include bad breath, difficulty eating, drooling, or pawing at the mouth.

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19. How important is dental care for Sphynx cats?
Regular brushing, dental treats, and annual dental check-ups can help prevent dental issues.

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20. How can I perform at-home dental care for my Sphynx?
At-home dental care includes tooth brushing, dental chews, and regular mouth inspections.

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Contact Information

21. How can I contact Purradox Sphynxeryfor more information?
You can email us at ashleylong@purradoxsphynxery.com. We are also available through our Contact Us page. Our phone number

is 229-329-1015. We recommend email or text message as we stay very busy. Our priority is caring for our cats and kittens.

Once you start the adoption process, we are happy to schedule a video chat with you so you know we are real people.

We send weekly pictures/videos of your precious kitten.