Chimera cats. People throw that word around too much. Have you seen a cat with a split face and odd eyes advertised as „Chimera”? Most of the time, it’s not. A chimera cat isn’t about looks – it’s about DNA. This phenomenon occurs when, at a very early stage of embryo development, two separate embryos fuse together to become one body. As a result, a cat is made up of two different genetic sets. It depends on what fused: XX/XX – Two female embryos → Female cat, quite often

We are proud to announce that IconicSX Cattery is home to the first Sphynx cat with a genetically confirmed DBE Celestial gene. O ur Queen Sofia is genetically confirmed  heterozygous N/ DBECEL, one of the safest Dominant Blue Eye (DBE) genes recognised today. This line is the best studied and well known for its genetic health*, making it a cornerstone of our breeding program. The DBE-CEL gene , previously classified under the DBE-Altai group, was officially identified and d

There has been growing discussion among breeders about the ALMS1 gene and its connection to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in Sphynx cats. However, some misunderstandings have arisen, particularly in interpreting the clinical data from a recent study. The study focused on a relatively small sample of 55 Sphynx cats. While the data offers valuable insights, it’s important to note that conclusions drawn from such a limited sample should be viewed cautiously. Additionally, si

Recently, I learned that some discussions in a local Facebook group involved mockery of my choice to test my cats for a wide range of genetic markers—beyond those typically associated with the Sphynx breed. It’s ironic, really, how some people seem more focused on exposing their own ignorance than on improving their breeding practices. So, let me set the record straight and focus on what really matters: the health and future of the breed. Exposing Ignorance Let’s start with t