Our Ethics, Practices
We started breeding sphynx because we love the breed. Every decision we make regarding our program is based on what is best for our kittens and cats. Their well being is priority when planning and placing. Below are some of our ethics and practices.
Agreements
All of our transactions are handled in writing including adoption applications, reservation ageements, purchase agreements, breeding rights, health guarantees and stud service. There is a paper trail on all payments and deposits. Therefore, if a problem arises, all parties will know a fair course of action well in advance.
Altering
Unless they are to be bred by an approved breeder, all kittens and cats will be altered before leaving Beeblebrox Sphynx Cattery. There are no exceptions to this. We understand that occasionally a pet owner may want their own doctor to perform the surgery but we feel that it is in the best interest of the kitten to stay with the us until well after the surgery is completed.
Breeding
We breed for quality not quanity and therefore we do not initiate breeding unless we have a waiting list. Typically we keep 1 - 2 kittens from every litter in our cattery and therefore may have 1 - 3 pets or breeders to place. We only breed cats that have good health and tempermant.
Cattery
We maintain an extended cattery in our family homes in order to maintain our program and to provide love and care to all of our cats and kittens. All cats have full access to our home, interact with our children and sleep in our beds. We also have additional quarters for quarentining, birthing, studding, etc. You are welcome to come visit either of our catteries at any time by appointment.
Health
All of our breeders are HCM scanned, blood typed and tested for FELV/FIV. We aim to keep Feline Corona Virus free and therefore, our FCoV titers are checked on a regular basis. Our first priority is health and that all of our cats and kittens are disease and parasite free. The DNA of all are breeders are tested for various genetic illnesses and attributes. All of our health documentation is available from us or directly from our veternarian or board certified cardiologist.
Partners
We work with other catteries that scan for HCM, register their cats and require contractual agreements. We do not work with other catteries that slander other breeders or that deny helping ethical new breeders for selfish reasons. We have compassion for the sphynx breed as well as honest sphynx breeders; old and new. Although we may chose not to do business with some other catteries due to conflicting values and ethics, we are always open to sharing knowledge.
Pedigrees
The pedigrees of all our kittens and cats are available for viewing. We are striving for a inbreeding percentage of less than 10%. We are continually working to improve the breed by working with new and established, healthy lines.
Records
We keep all health records of our breeders and kittens. We keep accurate records of all matings and pedigrees and all of our felines are registered with at least one of the following organizations: CFA, CCA and/or TICA. All health records are filed and available from us or directly from our vet and board certified cardiologist.
Purchasing a Pet Kitten
Kittens go to their new homes as 12 - 16 weeks old. Everyone who purchases a cat or kitten must complete our online application. Kitten prices are placed at a rate which is directly influenced by the high cost of veterinary and home care. Contrary to popular belief, the sale of kittens is not a profit making endeavor. It is really an expensive hobby and all income generated by kitten sales goes right back into the cattery.
Purchasing a Breeder
We are happy to discuss a working relationship with breeders in other sphynx breeding programs. We feel that working amongst a community of breeders is much more benefical than working alone; as long as honesty and strong ethics is your priority. For approved seasoned breeders, do we sell or trade breeding quality kittens without restrictions. For new breeders, we work closely with you throughout the breeding process to ensure success and ensure protection of our lines while requiring specified conditions.
Stud Service
We offer stud service to approved breeders that can demonstrate good ethics. All queens must be registered, blood typed and HCM scanned prior to breeding. We also require an approved health examination 2 weeks prior.