The Sphynx world unfortunately attracts scammers, because the kittens are expensive and demand is high. These five questions filter out almost all of them.
1. Can I visit and meet the mother? 🏠
This is the single most important question. A real breeder will happily show you where kittens are raised and introduce the parents. If visiting is somehow never possible, walk away.
2. Are you registered, and with whom? 📜
Ask for the cattery's registration and look it up. We are an ICFA registered cattery (No. 3975) and we show the certificate at every visit.
3. What health testing is behind the parents? 🩺
Ask specifically about HCM, the heart condition Sphynx are prone to, and ask to see it in writing along with the vaccination record. Verbal promises do not count.
4. When do kittens go home? 📅
The correct answer is 12 weeks or later. Anyone offering an 8-week-old Sphynx is cutting corners on socialization and health.
5. How do you take payment? 💳
Normal answers: deposit by card or bank transfer with a receipt, balance at pick-up. Red flags: wire transfers to strangers, gift cards, crypto, or pressure to pay in full before you have ever seen the kitten. And if someone offers to "ship the kitten tonight", it is a scam. Reputable local breeders let you pick up in person.
The bottom line 🐾
A good breeder answers all five questions without blinking, because the answers are their everyday routine. Come ask us these questions in person, we would love that.
