Health, Testing
and Transparency.
Sphynx genetic health testing — every result documented, every result clear.
DNA.
Genetic screening across 70+
inherited conditions — all clear.
All our breeding cats undergo extensive DNA testing in worldwide recognised and accredited laboratories in China, USA, Austria, UK, and Russia. These tests confirm that our cats are 100% free from over 70 genetic diseases and are not even carriers of a single gene mutation that could lead to health problems.
Conditions tested include:
ALMS1 - HCM (Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy) — Clear.
CMS (Congenital Myasthenic Syndrome) — Clear.
SMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophy) — Clear.
GSD4 (Glycogen Storage Disease Type IV) — Clear.
PKD (Polycystic Kidney Disease) — Clear.
PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) — Clear.
PK-Def (Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency) — Clear.
HR (Hairlessness gene) — Tested.
BHK — Clear.
No carriers or affected copies. Every breeding cat at IconicSX holds clear results across all tested conditions. Full documentation is available to kitten families.
At IconicSX, we believe responsible breeding is not just about conducting tests but about openly sharing the results. Transparency and trust are key, and we are proud to ensure our cats are free of harmful mutations, setting the highest standards for their health and well-being.
Our cats are genetically tested for the genetic mutations, which may lead to:
Blood Disorders
Endocrine Disorders
Immunologic Disorders
Metabolic Disorders
Muscular Disorders
Cardiac Disorders, Including HCM
Ocular Disorders
Neurologic Disorders
Neuromuscular Disorders
Renal Disorders
Including PKD
Skeletal Disorders
DBE-Celestial Genetic Status
All IconicSX cats carrying the DBE-Celestial trait have been genetically tested and confirmed as heterozygous through Petgeno laboratory (China). DBE-Celestial (Dominant Blue Eyes) is a naturally occurring dominant trait with no documented health consequence in peer-reviewed literature when present in heterozygous form. Our breeding programme works exclusively with heterozygous carriers, maintaining full genetic transparency and sharing all laboratory certificates with adopting families.
IconicSX is the world’s first genetically confirmed DBE-Celestial Sphynx line and an official GEMS reference cattery for this trait under GCCF.
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)
Annual HCM echocardiogram by
veterinary cardiologist — All results HCM negative.
IconicSX performs both DNA marker testing and annual cardiac echocardiograms on every breeding cat. DNA testing alone identifies genetic risk but cannot detect active disease. Echocardiography measures heart wall thickness, chamber dimensions, and blood flow — the only way to confirm a structurally healthy heart at the time of scanning.
We screen before breeding, not at kitten handover. All current echocardiogram results: normal. All HCM DNA results: clear.
We also contribute cardiac data and samples to ongoing feline health research.
Key Feline Health Concerns
Infectious disease screening — all negative.
These tests are repeated at appropriate intervals — not performed once and assumed permanent. Screening is part of our ongoing health monitoring, not a one-time compliance exercise.
FIV / FeLV
Negative
Feline Coronavirus (FCoV)
Negative
Toxoplasmosis
Negative
Hearing.
BAER hearing test — all cats and kittens confirmed bilateral hearing.
IconicSX is one of very few Sphynx catteries in the UK performing BAER testing. This matters particularly for DBE (Dominant Blue Eye) and Odd-Eyed lines, where understanding auditory status is not optional — it is a requirement for responsible genetic planning. We test breeding cats and kittens. All results to date confirm normal bilateral hearing.
The Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER) test is a safe and non-invasive method used to evaluate hearing in animals by measuring electrical signals in the brain and ear. This test is effective in identifying both inherited and acquired deafness in cats and other domestic species.
URI, Parasites & Immunity.
PCR screening for upper respiratory pathogens (calicivirus, herpesvirus, chlamydia) and routine faecal parasitology are performed on all cats. Vaccination protocols follow veterinary guidance and are maintained throughout each cat’s breeding life.
All our cats undergo comprehensive health screenings and are regularly vaccinated to protect against Upper Respiratory Infections (URI). These measures ensure they are in good health.
Our breeding cats and kittens also receive the best studied supplement VetIMMUNE® PI as part of our cats health care routine and to safeguard them against lowered immunity and infections, particularly during stress associated with mating, spaying, and home transfers.
Why testing depth matters?
Many catteries say they health test. The difference is scope, frequency, and documentation.
A cattery that tests for HCM DNA alone, without annual echocardiograms, has not fully screened for HCM. A cattery that tests for five conditions and calls it comprehensive has not addressed the range of hereditary risk in the Sphynx breed. A cattery that scans hearts at kitten handover rather than before breeding has inverted the process.
IconicSX tests for over 70 conditions. We perform BAER hearing assessments. We scan hearts annually by cardiologist. We contribute reference data to genetic research. And we document every result — because accountability requires evidence, not statements.
Accreditations that verify these standards.
TICA Outstanding Cattery certification requires annual veterinary inspection of the cattery, its cats, and its breeding practices. IconicSX is the only Sphynx cattery in the UK holding this status following a completed inspection process.
GCCF Approved Breeder status is subject to inspection every three years by a GCCF Appointed Assessor, who reviews health documentation, breeding records, and cat living conditions.
These are not self-awarded titles. They are externally verified, regularly re-assessed, and require documented evidence — not declarations.