Purchasing Your First Sphynx

Keep your Sphynx in it's carrier until you have brought the carrier into a quiet room where it can be confined for the next day or two.  This will be your new baby's "safe" room.  Have a litter box prepared in that room, as well as a scratching post and bowls of food and water.  If you want your new arrival to feel especially at home, purchase a cozy cat bed ahead of time and place it in the safe room.  Be sure that all windows and doors in your house are closed, that loose electrical cords have been secured, and that any spaces behind appliances or large pieces of furniture are blocked off.

Once in the safe room, open the carrier and let the cat come out in her own time.  Keep noise and bustle in your house to a minimum while the cat orients itself. Stay quietly in the room while your Sphynx  explores, offering attention and gentle stroking if they seem to want it.  If there are no other animals in the house it's all right to leave the door to the cat's room open slightly when you leave, but don't be surprised if your baby stays in one spot for several days before exploring.

Hiding is normal.  Some Sphynx spend their first few days, or even  weeks  in a new home in hiding, usually under beds or in closets.  Hiding is how some Sphynx adjust to their now environment and it does not mean that the cat is unaffectionate, unsocial or sick.  This can be especially true if it senses there are other animals in the home.   Few Sphynx can repress their curiosity long enough to stay hidden for more than a few days.  If your Sphynx requires more hiding time, make sure it's getting food and water and is getting out at some point in time to use the litter box.  DO NOT forcibly pull or drive your sphynx  out from its hiding place as this will only intensify its fears and cause a longer adjustment period. 

If you have other cats or a dog living with you it is best to keep the new cat confined in the "safe" room for a few days while your established pets get used to the smell of the new arrival and vice versa.  When you bring cats together for the first time it would be best to choose a day when you can be around the house, encouraging friendly behavior with praise and affection.  Sometimes allowing them to have an "initial introduction" for a couple of minutes and then separating them will spark curiosity in both of them.  They will be a little more willing to cooperate in order to satisfy the curiosity.  Don't be surprised if they don't immediately think the other is wonderful.   Love at first site rarely happens.  Sometimes it may take several weeks for them to establish a cordial relationship.  You may find that your Sphynx will want to spend time with the family dog rather than another cat in the beginning, but eventually they do bond with the other cats. 

A dog meeting a new Sphynx should always be leashed.  Supervise the encounter, and watch your dog for signs of aggressive behavior towards the new baby.  Curiosity is normal, but a dog who lunges at a cat is not safe to be off-leash with the feline, especially as a kitten.  If your dog gets on well with the Sphynx but the Sphynx shows you that it is feeling extremely threatened during this experience, allow it to retreat to the "safe" room until it is willing to try again. 

There is no reason why young children and your Sphynx cannot be the best of friends, so long as your kids understand some simple facts about their behavior.  Keep in mind these important reminders:

1.  Sphynx DO NOT like to be squeezed, picked up by the neck or have their tails pulled.  They are sensitive to loud noises and sudden movements, and will feel threatened if they are chased or lunged at.  These behaviors are very often a child's first impulse.  Keeping a close watch and discipline with these behaviors will create a nice bond.  

2.  Sphynx DO NOT like to be disturbed while they are eating.

3.  Most Sphynx DO love to be scratched gently under their chins or behind their ears. 

Following these simple guidelines should make owning your new Sphynx a pleasurable experience that lasts for many years.