Rescue Me
by Diana Scott

The world, as we know it, is not perfect, because in a perfect world, no animal would end up in a shelter or rescue. Of course, all caring breeders and owners would prefer to rehome their cats themselves under severe circumstances. However, there are those rare times when the breeder of a rescue cat is unknown, unavailable, or just plain doesn’t care. The owners turn them over to rescue for various reasons, but mainly due to behavioral issues, such as urinating and/or defecating inappropriately, biting family members, or the cat develops a sudden dislike to other pets.

Other reasons may include health issues of the family or cat, or even lifestyle changes of the owners, such as a breakup, divorce, or moving into a living space where pets are not allowed. Diana Nelson, Sphynx rescuer in Northwest USA, said: “The biggest reason I see cats in rescue is because people are not well enough informed when they adopt a cat. They do not comprehend the time and work involved, especially with a Sphynx. I find that folks often want something unique without doing the research as to the special needs of this breed, or they do not realize that they are making a commitment to the cat for its entire life. We live in a disposable society and when the cat becomes too much trouble, out it goes!” Kristen Kranz of Specialty Purebred Rescue stated that she is rehoming more and more Sphynx. In her opinion, the main reasons Sphynx find their way to rescue are, “…typically from three sources: owner surrenders, shelters, or breeders dumping their cats.” “We placed eight Sphynx in the last three weeks and have a female that is very pregnant at the moment,” said Linda Brackett of NOAH (Nemasket Animal Orphaned Haven), an all breed rescue that does a lot of purebred rescue. “If you had asked me two years ago I would have said we are not comfortable placing them but, that has changed.” The various cat fancies are trying to play their part in purebred rescue too. TICA forwards their readers to Purebred Cat Breed Rescue.

Though there are a number of groups and organizations listed here, not all may be currently active. Nevertheless, it is a good composite of contact information for Sphynx rescue. CFA’s Breeder Assistance Program (BAP) focuses on catteries in trouble. This group has a no questions asked approach to helping breeders of cats that need help rehoming purebreds for any number of reasons.

Some of these reasons may include:

We are so fortunate to have these rescue groups available to help our Sphynx. As more Sphynx are bred, more are ending up in rescue and, as we all know, difficult economic times can only cause these cases to increase. My hope is that education of new owners and breeders will help to keep the Sphynx rescue numbers down. Every Sphynx breeder should be active in rescue, in my opinion. You never know when, through no fault of your own, a cat of your breeding may end up in rescue. You rescue because you love Sphynx and want to help.

To help do our part, the SBEN will maintain a list of all Sphynx Rescues on our website. If you know of a Rescue group not currently on our list please contact us at sphynx.newsletter@gmail.com

Editor’s Note: In order to take an active roll in preventing any of your kitties from ending up in rescue, please microchip each and every cat or kitten you place. The first thing any pet rescue, veterinarian or humane society does is to scan for a microchip. Responsible parties registered within the manufacturer’s database will be promptly contacted.

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