Raising a pet with allergies can be challenging. For me, growing up with severe cat and dog allergies while being a lifelong cat lover was quite the paradox. From childhood, my passion for cats was undeniable – in fact, “cat” was reportedly my first word! Despite the discomfort of itchy, red eyes from constant exposure, our home was always filled with feline companions. Whiskers, our domestic shorthair, lived to a ripe old age of 18, and we also had a Maine Coon named Zima and another domestic shorthair, Big Leo. My love for animals extended beyond just our pets; I was always the one to bring home and care for any sick, abandoned, or injured creature I found. It was simply an innate passion.
Chloe as a kitten
When I finally moved out, my Maine Coon came with me. However, the thought of adding another cat to my home was daunting due to my persistent allergies. Searching for “hypoallergenic” breeds led me to the Sphynx. I was instantly captivated! Having never bought a cat from a breeder before, I impulsively sought out the first available Sphynx kitten. She was a blue and white bicolor, and I already had the perfect name: Chloey. She was being shipped from a breeder on the West Coast, and the anticipation during those seven days felt immense!
Two days before Chloey’s scheduled arrival, I received a concerning call from the breeder. Chloey’s mother had been diagnosed with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), a serious heart condition. The breeder explained the genetic component of HCM and offered me the choice to either receive the kitten, understanding the potential health risk, or get a refund. Giving up on Chloey simply because she might develop a disease was not an option for me. I decided to proceed with the adoption and committed to having her heart regularly checked for HCM. Despite her incredibly playful nature, which seemed to defy any health issues, a heart scan at eight months old revealed that Chloey had HCM. It was devastating news. How could this energetic kitten be affected? But we started her on prescribed heart medication, and thankfully, Chloey is still with us today, eight years later.
The Sphynx Breed: Why They Become Family
If you’ve ever owned a Sphynx, you understand their addictive charm. Chloey needed a companion – or at least, that’s how I justified getting another one! I found a beautiful blue and white Sphynx boy online and named him Jake. His arrival was a joyous occasion. He came with a tiny sweater and the most endearing expressions. The bond was instant, not just with me but also with Chloey. However, about a week later, Jake’s health began to decline. He lost his appetite and became lethargic. When I held him, his heart was racing. A vet visit confirmed a level 4 heart murmur, likely a congenital defect. The prognosis was grim, especially for such a young kitten. Heartbroken, I refused to leave Jake’s side. He came to work with me, on errands, everywhere – even to the bathroom. I contacted the breeder, who dismissed my concerns, claiming heart murmurs were normal in kittens. But a level 4 murmur? That didn’t sound right.
Jake’s condition worsened. He became very thin, and I had to syringe-feed him. He slept beside me every night, and due to bladder control issues, we used pee pads. Desperate, I took him to the University of Pennsylvania Veterinary Hospital for specialized tests, hoping for a different answer. But the specialists confirmed the initial diagnosis – there was nothing more they could do. Sadly, Jake passed away at just five months old. His short life left a lasting impact. Despite the heartbreak, it reinforced the importance of love and care, even in the face of illness.
Seeking a Companion and Facing New Challenges
Months after losing Jake, the house felt empty, especially for Chloey. My older Maine Coon wasn’t the playful companion she needed. Hesitantly, I decided to get another Sphynx, Jasmine. She was a striking solid black kitten. Picking her up from the airport should have been exciting, but as soon as I opened her carrier, a foul odor filled the air. Jasmine’s eyes were sealed shut with pus, and her ears were scabbed. Scars marked her body, and the sweater she wore was filthy. Rushing home, I cleaned her up and immediately took her to the vet. Jasmine was very ill, requiring eye drops and antibiotics. Despite diligent care and expensive vet bills totaling $4000, her recovery was slow and fraught with worry. Eight months of constant care later, Jasmine finally recovered and is now a healthy and happy member of our family.
From Problem to Passion: The Breeder’s Journey Begins
These challenging experiences might lead many to question why anyone would choose to breed Sphynx cats. For me, it became the very reason. I wanted to be a different kind of breeder – one who prioritized health and transparency. My negative experiences fueled a determination to learn everything about Sphynx cats and to be a resource for others. Unlike breeders who ignored my desperate pleas for help when Chloey and Jake were sick, I vowed to answer every question, even from those who didn’t get their kittens from me. My goal was to contribute positively to the Sphynx breed, a breed that had brought so much joy to my life.
I immersed myself in research, studying veterinary textbooks to understand Sphynx health in depth. My aim was to breed the healthiest cats possible, learning from the missteps of others. I connected with a reputable breeder in Europe and imported a female Sphynx, Vanessa. She was everything I hoped for – healthy, robust, and with stunning blue eyes. Another import followed, China, equally beautiful and healthy. Finally, Jax, a strong and handsome blue mink male, joined our family as our stud. With healthy foundation cats, I was ready to start my breeding program. The birth of China’s litter, seven healthy kittens, marked the beginning of the Nocoatkitty generation and the realization of a long and passionate journey.
NoCoatKitty: A Different Approach to Sphynx Cat Breeding and Adoption Considerations
My story underscores the importance of responsible breeding, especially when considering Sphynx Cat Adoption. My experiences with Chloey, Jake, and Jasmine highlighted the health challenges that can exist within the breed and the varying levels of breeder responsibility. At NoCoatKitty, our philosophy is deeply rooted in ensuring the well-being of every cat and kitten. We reject the notion of cats as mere commodities. Our cats are family members, living freely within our home, not confined to cages. Kittens are raised in dedicated nurseries within our house, receiving constant care and socialization.
We are committed to providing the best possible start in life for every kitten, going above and beyond for their health and survival, regardless of perceived “value.” For 20 years, this commitment has driven NoCoatKitty. My journey from an allergy-suffering cat lover to a dedicated Sphynx breeder was born from both joy and heartbreak. It’s a commitment to improve the breed I love and to ensure that anyone considering Sphynx cat adoption finds a healthy, well-adjusted, and cherished companion. While I cannot control genetics or guarantee perfect health, my dedication is unwavering. NoCoatKitty is more than a breeding program; it’s a passion-driven mission to honor Chloey, Jake, and Jasmine by producing the best Sphynx kittens possible and supporting the wider Sphynx community.
Come meet our breeders and check out one of our new nurseries.
