SLSLondon

TICA Registered Sphynx Cattery

We are a proud and good standing member of The International Cat Association Inc.

We specialize in Sphynx and Domestic Shorthair Outcrosses.

Code of Ethics

Given that our kittens are in excellent health at the time of sale, our cats are highly sought after, and we maintain a discriminative breeding process through our waitlist and the patience of our adopters; It's a point of pride for us that we adhere strictly to the code of ethics established by our organization.

Additionally, our cattery practices early spay/neuter (ESN), and since our cats are hairless and require indoor care, we ensure their well-being accordingly.

While the cause remains unclear...

We do our best to prevent HCM

Outcross Breeding

It's generally acknowledged in veterinary and breeding communities that limited genetic diversity within a breed can contribute to an increased prevalence of genetic disorders like HCM (Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy).

Here at SLSLONDON, we carefully consider the pedigrees of our cats. Rather than emphasizing extremely purebred or show-quality cats, our focus is on longevity. Cats designated as SBT (very high pedigree) are bred with Domestic Shorthair x Sphynx outcrosses. By incorporating outcrossing across all our lines, we aim to minimize the risks of developing HCM (Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy). Our objective is to lessen the impact of a limited genetic pool, which can increase susceptibility in Sphynx cats.

Regular Cardiovascular Exams

We regularly perform cardiovascular exams on our breeding cats. Starting at 8 weeks and continuing until 25 weeks of age, they undergo multiple heart murmur checks. Additionally, all cats slated for breeding undergo an Echocardiogram once they reach 1 year of age or older. This imaging procedure is administered by a board-certified cardiologist and is repeated annually for the duration of their time in our breeding program. If echocardiograms cannot be scheduled promptly for renewal, we supplement with an ECG (electrocardiogram) alongside a Feline Cardiopet® proBNP Test from Idexx Labs.

Moreover, through our lifetime HCM guarantee, we encourage our adopters to perform annual echocardiograms throughout the entire lifespan of our offspring. This initiative enables us to gather long-term health data on our kittens. If any concerning trends emerge, we retire that particular line of cats (luckily we have not had to do this yet).

Genetic Testing

Finally, we conduct Wisdom Panel testing on all our breeding cats. While this doesn't eliminate the risk of HCM, it provides insight into their genetic diversity percentage and identifies any potential carriers of other genetic disorders, particularly those associated with cardiovascular disease. Additionally, these genetic tests help us assess blood type compatibility for our nursing queens.

Our Cats Are Family

Unless quarantined for medical reasons, or separated in their specific grouping, our cats will be found always with us in our living area.

Every single individual cat gets 1:1 time with us and free roam time in our living area on a weekly basis.

(Bird Watching at Cottage, 2023)

Raised in Our Home Responsibly

Separation, but Transparency

We recognize that cats have territorial needs and really built our home around separating our cats when required (as a responsible cattery). All of our cat areas remain in our living areas.

No backyard cat areas around here! (even our outdoor catio is connected through our living room window).

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Heated Indoor Catios

Measuring 8 feet tall, our custom indoor Catios are used during quarantine periods, or 1-3 days of the week for particular adult cat groupings (during rotations).

All six catios are connected, but are also separate when necessary. Females and Males are always separate. Pictured: 2 of 6 catios. A door, just in front of Anna (white cat) connects the two. Each catio has 1-4 levels each.

For the health and safety of our young socializing kittens, with developing immune systems, we never will have large groups of cats running around the house simultaneously. Instead, we rotate our cats and allow them their own spaces to... Well, be cats.

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Decor and plant foliage is changed often for enrichment purposes and the cats enjoy calming nature sounds through their very own Apple Home system. This cat area is specifically painted white to ensure that we never miss a spot cleaning.

Water and food is changed daily. Litter boxes are sifted 2x per day and the enclosure is fully sanitized (using steam + Dettol or Bleach) in between cat switch overs.