Introducing your Sphynx to their new home can be very stressful for a kitten (and new parents).
We recommend that you take your sphynx kitten home when you have a couple of days free to supervise the new sphynx kitten. This will help reduce stress to your new baby.
If this is your first sphynx kitten you will need the following items:
For a listing of products you need before you introduce your Sphynx to their new home can be found at our pet store page.
Before you bring your baby sphynx kitten home, make sure you kitten-proof your home. You may need to remove items that could be knocked over. Also, do a thorough vacuum of your home as kittens are very inquisitive and will eat anything they can get their hands on (even metal rubbish bag ties). Don't forget to vacuum behind things where the little one will go to hide or play.
Your baby sphynx kitten may miss their mum and cry the first night, this is normal. Your kitten has been sleeping with mum and our other Sphynx, and has felt mum's heartbeat and warmth for the last 14 weeks.
At this stage you will need to question whether you would like your Sphynx sleeping on your bed or in their own bed. (If your like us you end up purchasing a king size bed so you can have your own space, and the Sphynx have theirs) If you prefer the kitten has its own bed it is recommended you purchase an analogue clock (not digital) so the kitten can feel the vibrations of the clock which mimics the heartbeat from their mum. Be prepared for possible crying - wandering during the night.
Your baby sphynx kitten will feel more comfortable sleeping with you (we have found), as it can feel your warmth and heartbeat. Once a Sphynx gets used to sleeping with you, it is very near impossible to break the habit. They are very persistent!
Introducing your new Sphynx Kitten to another cat
Introducing your new Sphynx kitten to another cat can be more difficult as your resident cat may feel like the kitten is invading his or her territory and assert dominance over the kitten. We will give you further advice before you take the sphynx baby home.
The key to a successful introduction is to make sure your Sphynx kitten and your resident cat feels secure. If the resident cat feels insecure it will hiss, growl spit and run away, or even attack. It is best to give your resident cat extra attention so he or she doesn't feel 'replaced' or threatened. This can be a very difficult time for you the owner, and this is when we recommend you take some time off to be with both during their introduction days.
It is best to have a separate room for the new kitten with a clean litter box, a clean glass water bowl and a food bowl. See our Frequently Asked Questions for information about what to feed your new kitten and what litter to use. It is important to use the same litter and feed your cat the same food as we have, this will reduce the stress to your kitten.
Let the kitten roam the room by itself and get used to the different smells and sounds. Whilst your kitten will be well socialised it may be reluctant to sit in your lap or play with you the first day. Don't worry your kitten just needs time to feel secure in their new surroundings. You will have time to introduce yourself at our place prior to taking your sphynx home, and we insist you visit us regularly (if possible).
Once your kitten is feeling comfortable in its room, you can open up the door slightly and allow your sphynx kitten to venture out, and explore. It is very important to supervise during this time and ensure the resident cat feels comfortable by softly talking to him or her. You may also encourage your resident cat to play with his favourite toy to show that everything is 'okay'. Be prepared for some issues.
If your resident cat feels threatened and does hiss or growl, continue to talk softly to him or her. Do not yell or shout as this will make the resident cat feel more insecure. If they do fight have a water bottle handy and give a quick squirt of water, whilst you say in a low stern voice "NO".
The time it takes for your resident cat to accept the new addition will depend on their friendliness and if their is any other animals in the household. There is no hard and fast rule. However, in time both cats will begin to feel comfortable around each other. We will continue to support you during this phase, and help troubleshoot if you need.