Free Range Sphynx

New Kittens Available for Adoption. Click "Babies Available" link below!

Located in Surprise, Arizona
623-872-1884 or angelao@cox.net

Welcome to FreeRangeSphynx. Yep, an odd name...a term usually reserved for chicken. Let's just say that when I decided to bring more Sphynx into this world, I wanted to make it very clear that any kitty in my house is treated like the precious living being that it is. I am staunchly against "kenneling", caging, mass breeding, or the dreaded cruelty often found in a "cattery".

My name is Angela Orton. I’ve always I've always loved cats, and had a Burmese when I was a little girl. Unfortunately, as I got older, I developed allergies that kept me from having one. Not having a cat in my home was one of life’s greatest losses…and that’s how the story starts.

I heard of a hypo-allergenic cat when I was 26. I’d seen Sphynx before and was fascinated with the novelty of a “hairless” cat…still I thought a cat was a cat. After doing some research, I felt comfortable that a Sphynx was a good match for me. Once you've had a Sphynx, you'll never want a different breed of cat again. Sphynx are more loyal, sweet, intelligent, cuddly, just absolutely remarkable.

Now…I can tell you from research AND from experience, these cats are not technically “hypo-allergenic”. Many people will say that it’s the dander that makes a cat an allergen, some people claim it’s the hair or saliva. Personally, I think it’s the hair that carries high amounts of dander. Make sure you research the breed thoroughly before you decide to make a Sphynx a part of your family. Sphynx are known to live a long, long time. As with any pet you adopt, make sure you're ready to dedicate your home and your life...because they'll change your world. (Always for the better...like bringing home a baby!)

Here are some details that you may have read about already...but in case you haven't, take a moment to learn about the amazing breed called Sphynx:

Personality: The Sphynx cat is possibility one of the most affectionate, sociable and intelligent cats in the world. They are almost like adoring dogs, "In your face" 24/7 and very much "people cats". They will greet you, curl up in your lap, or sleep right next to you. You may have no say in the matter. Very vocal, almost to the point where you find yourselves having a two way conversation, with changes in pitch and intensity. Sphynx are companion pets, and prefer not to be alone. Sphynx easily learn to play fetch and love to play. Small stuffed animals or anything with catnip works great. They love children and other animals, and make a wonderful addition to any family. The Sphynx is very outgoing, and can at times be very childlike in personality. I have one that I call my eternal 2-year-old...always taking my pen and running away.

Characteristics: Despite what you may have heard, the Sphynx is not a totally naked cat. Their body is covered with a soft fuzz, which is almost imperceptible to both the eye and the touch. I relate it much like that of a warm peach or a chamois cloth. It's important to remember that Sphynx have hair in their genetic make up. Typically, they have some fine hair over the bridge of their nose and on their feet. Also some fine hair can be found on their tails and back of the ears and scrotum of the males. Degree of coat depends on several factors, e.g. climate, hormones, hereditary predispositions. For more information on pedigree, visit www.tica.org. Sphynx bodies are warmer to the touch than other cats, typically around 101 to 102 degrees. Sphynx are very clever and they will pop under a blanket when it is getting cold, or find a warm human body or dog or cat to curl up with. A favorite spot of mine is on top of a computer monitor. (Obviously not a flatscreen!)

Kittens are very wrinkly, as they develop they grow into their skin, maintaining some of the wrinkles, especially on the head. Wrinkles are part of the cats charm, as you can see when they're skeptical by their wrinkles on their forehead!

Sphynx are indoor cats as they WILL sunburn, and have little protection should they come across other neighborhood cats. Sphynx can go out under supervision and weather permitting, ideally on a harness or in a enclosed safe garden or a purpose built run. Males are generally 25% larger then the females, and the Sphynx comes in all colors and patterns.

General Care

Bathing: As the sphynx is naked, they require a bath from time to time. It's important that you allow your sphynx to balance their oils naturally. Wash them when they need it, rather than on a schedule. This will avoid drying out their skin, or over-production of oils. Some sphynx get a lot dirtier than others. Bathing can be easy if you are well prepared. I personally recommend baby shampoo, as it's gentle. Be as cautious as you would be if you were bathing an infant. Your experience will vary as each cat is unique!

Ears: These are usual huge, so cleaning on a regular basis is recommended. Because there is a lack of hair around their ears, Sphynx get dark gunk in their ears. Some vets think this is a sign of earmites. Beware, a vet that isn't familiar with the wax found in a Sphynx ear is a vet that you shouldn't be going to. Never put Q-tips in your cats ear. I use my fingertip covered by soft tissue. This will leave some wax still visible. Remember that wax is a natural protection for your cats ear.

Eyes & Nose: Due to the lack of eyelashes, dirt can gunk up in the corner of your cats eye. Simply wipe gently with a damp cloth. Do not use baby wipes. If they get a little dirt around their nostrils, do the same. Starting young will make them comfortable with their grooming. (It's a great bonding experience also. You will become part of their litter...providing the services that a mother would.)

Paws & Claws: The paw of the Sphynx stands high like that of a hound with a extra thick pad. Again due to the lack of fur, paws get a little dirtier, at least more visibly than a hairy cat. You can clean their toes by gently pressing on them to make the claws stick out. You will then be able to rub a cloth and remove the build up that attaches it self to the claw. The claws need also to be clipped from time to time. Again press the paw and clip off the tip. Notice from the image below that the pink tissue ( the quick) on the inside of the claw. Don't cut this! It would be painful and cause bleeding (just like when we humans do it to ourselves!) Remove the sharp tip below the quick (away form the toe) Clipping half way between the end of the quick and the tip of the claw. If you feel you are unable to do this, your Vet will be happy to clip claws for you. I'll also be happy to teach you this at the time of adoption.

Feeding: Because of the lack of hair their body has to work harder to keep warm. Sphynx have a high metabolism, which in turn will result in eating more often than hairy cats. Sphynx are not normally fussy eaters and as long as it is good quality food, you will have a happy contented cat.

Litter Tray: Starting at three weeks, your Sphynx will have been litter trained. Just like hairy cat, they like to keep themselves clean. There is a wide range of litters for sale and individual owners can choose which type suits their cat and how they deal with disposing of it. Litter trays come in all shape and sizes. I find that my Sphynx prefer hooded boxes, as it allows them a bit of privacy during this vulnerable time. If you keep the litter box clean, your cat should never potty outside of it. I contribute this to their higher-than-normal intelligence.