Free Range Sphynx

Where cats are never caged.

Each baby is loved and nurtured by its parents

and the people blessed to have them.

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

Who We Are

Meet the Parents

Babies Available

Terms for Adoption

Photo Gallery

You probably read a little bit about me in the opening page. Let me tell you about the rest of the human and feline family!

My husband and I run a driving school here in Arizona. Our school helps pay the bills. Our cats enrich our lives. I've lived in Arizona since I was five years old...so let's just say it's been a few decades. My husband is retired from the US Air Force. We have two daughters, who have lived with Sphynx since they were in diapers.

Our very first Sphynx was Poozcat, born in 1998. Absolutely in love with the intelligence and personality of the Sphynx, we just had to get Pooz a friend. One year later, we adopted Rogaine. A year later, Cueball joined the family. All three boys were unique in personality...each loving and remarkable.

In 2005, a local breeder had a litter that was dying from "kitten fade". The kittens had no sign of the real condition known as "Fading Kitten", but instead were suffering from what I call "Lazy Breeder". It turns out that the mother of the litter had refused to nurse the babies, and the breeder didn't want to put time into raising them. In my opinion, the mother cat had been overbred. Rather than hand-feed the kittens, the breeder let the kittens nurse off of other lactating mothers, slowly dying as they were turned away from nursing. This nasty breeder sold me her dying litter...thus began the most intimate relationship I've ever had with a feline infant.

These four undernourished kittens were barely skeletons. With the assistance of my veterinarian, I was able to supplement their feedings every two hours for two months. My original plan was to raise them to be healthy kitties and adopt them out. However, the close bond that was built helping them struggle to survive made it impossible to part with them. This brought me up to seven cats. Okay...I was approaching the title of "Crazy Cat Lady". I didn't care...I love my cats.

Nurturing the kittens from near death only sparked the fire to breed them. We adopted two girls and one male to our family. The kittens that were hand raised were altered, as they weren't meant to be parents. Thus began romance in the Orton household.

Once you've owned a Sphynx, you won't ever want a hairy cat again. Their unique personality sets them above all other breeds. Finding a good, reputable, responsible breeder can be difficult. Profit-driven catteries are more prevalent the anyone would want to think. Inbreeding, disease, malnutrition, neglect, kenneling, and lack of hand-raising are just some of the horrors that can be found in an undesirable cattery.

We raise each baby with love, affection, proper medical care and respect. Our babies don't go more than a few hours (which they're usually sleeping) without hugs, kisses, playing and nurturing to make sure their tummies are full and they're completely happy. All babies are nursed by their mothers. In the event that their appetites aren't satisfied through nursing alone, they are supplemented with KMR (Kitten Milk Replacement). Nursing is ALWAYS preferred over any milk replacement. However, sometimes mama's milk can't keep up with these hungry little babies.

All our kittens receive their first set of shots that include panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, and calicivirus. Kittens are also given a dose of dewormer. This is something that is recommended of all newborn kittens, and is no way a treatment for worms. They also have been bathed at least four times to keep them clean and help them adjust to this grooming process.

When choosing a kitten to adopt, we recommend not only picking a kitten that is pleasing to the eye, but also matching a personality that is compatible with yours. Since our kittens are raised by hand, we know their personalities intricately. When you're adopting, let us know if you're looking for a "fireball", or a more laid-back kitten. We can tell you who the more adventurous kitties are, who likes to sit and cuddle more than play, and who seems to get into everything. We want your family member to blend with your lifestyle.

Our kittens are sold with The International Cat Association (TICA) registration as soon as they are spayed / neutered. We ask that you spay /neuter your kitten within six (6) months of adoption. There are many reasons that we request spay/neuter of our kittens. The primary reason is that animal instinct is stronger than human response. If you have a whole animal who goes into season, you have a chance of having a litter. This breed is tremendously difficult to raise from newborns. Only experienced individuals should venture into raising them. Unwanted litters result in kitten deaths. Some other unwanted effects of a whole cat is nearly tolerable cat-calls all night long while the females are in season. Worse, would be a male who feels the need to mark his territory. I can tell you from personal experience that a male that is neutered prior to maturity will stay smaller, leaner, and more personable. Our whole male, Kato, has a thicker neck, more solid body, and is very protective of his territory. Our neutered males are more laid back and easy going. If you haven't had a female go into season, you'd be in for an experience. Based on listening to my girls when they're in season, I can only imagine that most neighbors in a two-mile radius have HEARD them too! We're talking loss of sleep here! However, to experienced individuals, I will consider selling my kittens with breeding rights. Breeding rights are available for an additional fee and are considered on a case by case basis.

When you chose to adopt one of our kittens, you can arrange to pick him/her up at our home, we can arrange to deliver her (fees may apply) or we'll ship via Continental airlines. Continental has a temperature controlled cargo area. Shipping fees include a very sturdy traveling kennel and warm blankets. Vet health certification will be supplied if required. (Some states require this.) Shipping fees are $350. On occasion, I may fly with the kitten to her destination. In this event, we'll be traveling via Southwest Airlines, and your kitten would be inside the cabin with me, traveling in an appropriate carrier.

Always remember that you get what you pay for. Purebred Sphynx are worth more than cats from “backyard” breeders. A reputable breeder will spend tremendous amounts of time, money, and care with each of their kittens. You may have to wait many months for the right kitten to arrive! Beware of a bargain, but also beware of breeders that skyrocket prices for over-inflated “show quality cats” with show-quality fees. Just because someone earned a “Rosette Ribbon” at a show doesn’t mean they’ve put the time, care, and consideration into each one of their babies. A kitten mill or backyard breeder charges much less for their kittens because they are raised with minimal care, expense and many times spend all their time kenneled up. These breeders profit from quantity of litters, not quality. On the flip side, some of the high-end breeders raise babies simply for bloodlines and top-dollar adoption fees – yet still kennel and alienate the babies. Get to know each breeder that you’re considering, and also factor in all fees associated with raising the babies to adoption age. It costs a lot more to raise a healthy kitten with love and care on good food and with proper veterinary support. A reputable breeder is trying to improve the breed’s standard and genetic health… not produce solely for the pet market or profit.

All cats are susceptible to various viral infections. Make sure that the breeder’s cats are all tested negative for Feline Leukemia (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV). A kitten under the age of 7 months may not test accurately. A reputable breeder will test their cats, including adult pet Sphynx who share the home of the kitten you will be buying. Another virus is Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP). This is a rare disease without a current test available. A reputable breeder will educate you, and make sure that you are made aware of any health issues that might affect your kitten. An educated buyer will be a happier and more confident pet owner in the long run.

Before you agree to buy from anyone, you should try to see the environment in which the kitten was raised! Make sure that it’s clean and that all the cats are healthy and friendly with no signs of sneezing, swollen eyes, diarrhea, emaciation or anti-social behavior. It’s a good sign f you feel comfortable and welcome by the breeder AND the cats.

If you can’t visit the breeder, make sure that he/she is confident with the shipping process and that your kitten will be traveling on a direct flight. Beware of scams, as animals are one of the biggest target groups.

Ask as many questions as it takes for you to feel confident that your kitten has been bred by the most educated owners with integrity for the Sphynx bloodline. If you don’t have a comfortable, open relationship with the breeder at the time you adopt, it won’t get any better. A breeder and new owner should have a comfort level that leaves open the possibility for “anytime” communication. If you can’t call up and discuss or inquire about behaviors or situations that arise with your new kitten, than not only you will suffer…but your kitten.

Points to Ponder

Buy from a breeder who offers care and feeding advice and open communication. A breeder who will always be available to answer any concerns is someone you can trust.
Buy from a breeder who can offer references from other breeders, their veterinarian and previous kitten buyers.
Buy from a breeder who will take back a kitten at any time, for any reason if, for unforeseen reasons, you are unable to care for it any longer.
Buy from a breeder who is more concerned about the happiness of the kitten in its new home than making a sale.
Buy from someone with high standards and who cares to place kittens in the best possible home and asks a lot of questions.
Buy from a breeder who has a contract regarding the care of the kitten and a health guarantee to replace the kitten if it dies within the first year of a congenital or genetic disorder.
Buy from a breeder who guarantees that their cattery is free of infectious diseases, ringworm, fleas, earmites and all kittens have been dewormed.
Buy from a breeder who guarantees the temperament of their kittens. If the parents of your kitten are selected for health and personality, then your kitten will be confident, loving, and sweet.
Buy from a breeder who won’t let a kitten leave unless it’s in perfect health, and at minimum has had its first set of shots.

Communication is key. Adopting a Sphynx is a life changing event comparable with bringing home a newborn child. (Without all the crying, sore nipples, and diapers to change!) As you embark on this exciting time, we want to help you find a kitten so you can experience this amazing breed. No question is a bad question...so feel free to ask, discuss or explore. Happy adopting!