Health/Food

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Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a genetic mutation commonly found in cats. Some breeds are predisposed more then others. 1 in 7 felines develop it. Not every cat will get it. Some are affected and still live long happy lives. A common misconception is that HCM is solely acquired due to genetic/inherited reasons. Studies have found this to be FALSE.

Having yearly Scans is not the only way we kick HCM in the rear. 

Each of our parents are tested for the HCM gene. Here is where we use "Science" in our breeding program. Every kitten born takes 1 copy of each parents gene, and it makes up its own. 

There are 3 genetic outcomes.

• Negative- The cat has NOT received 2 copies of the gene =neg/neg 

Negative cats have two copies of the normal, unmutated gene. Very importantly, the absence of the mutation in this cat does not mean that it will never develop the disease. It means that it does not have the only known mutation that can cause the disease in the cat at this time. In the future, additional mutations may be identified that may be tested for as well.

• Heterozygous: The cat has received  1/1 copies of the gene =neg/pos

Cats who are Positive Heterozygous for the HCM mutation have 1 copy of the mutated gene and 1 copy of a normal gene. Cats that are positive for the test will not necessarily develop significant heart disease. Some cats will develop a very mild form of the disease and will live quite comfortably. We recommend annual evaluation by an echocardiogram and discussion with a veterinarian for treatment options if hypertrophy develops.

• Homozygous: The cat has received 2 copies of the gene =post/pos

Cats who are Positive Homozygous for the HCM mutation have 2 copies of the mutated gene and may have a greater likelihood of showing severe signs of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

When selecting our breeding pairs the optimal mating would consist of breeding 2 negative parents to create a litter of negatively affected kittens. You can breed a Negative to a Heterozygous and the offspring could be neg/neg. The most important thing to understand is that in order to better the outcome-NEVER breed a Homozygous.

With that being said, We strive to better our bloodlines and produce kittens that only have a better quality of life by using science when selecting our breeding pairs. But the hard truth is that HCM is not only formed due to genetic issues. Poor diet, Hyperthyroidism, High Blood-pressure and a variety of other things are also at fault.

Credit can be given to NCSU for their extensive research and genetic testing. To view the breakdown of how we use their knowledge in our program click the link below and go to page 7 to see "Sphynx."

Many breeders have their take on which type of food they recommend and what works for them. Not every cat is the same and what works for one does not mean it will work for another. 

We have tried it all! Grain-Free, Raw, and Grain-Inclusive. 

Grain-Free: When we got each of our cats as kittens this is what their diet consisted of. It was not all rainbows and flowers! Grain free causes horrendous smelling stools. The smell would wake a dead horse! It also contributed to the crazy amount of oil production on their skin. This in turn made cleaning ears/eyes/and between toes quite a chore and quite often. 

In an effort to get away from these side effects and have a (not so funky smelling house) we gradually switched to raw because supposedly it helped with all of these things.

Raw Diet: Boy oh' Boy did they LOVE the taste! BUT it did NOT agree with their stomachs. We made our switch gradually and slowly to try to avoid negative side effects. We did tons of research. Maybe the Recipes we were using didn't agree with our girls, but they drastically started to lose weight and were always hungry. Some breeders have great success stories and swear by this diet, and we are happy that it worked out for THEM. 

WE FEED GRAIN INCLUSIVE!

Purina One+Plus

We were amazed with our Kitty's stools, clean skin, ears, toes and NOT so oily body. The smell just drove them bonkers! To the point they would try to rip a new bag open to get to it. THEY LOVED IT! We have since switched all of our cats to Purina One+Plus are having nothing but success on it. Less cleaning-their ears only need cleaned maybe once a month now. Their toes don't gunk up so fast. And their skin is so smooth and clean. 

Common misconception is that your Sphynx needs bathed at least once a week. 

De-Bunked: Bathing/oil buildup-The more you try to wash it the faster the body tries to replace it. 

Diet is also contributes to oil production. High quality feed is key! 

We feed a grain-inclusive diet and since switching have had less headaches, less oil stains, less bathing & much happier cats!