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 the facts. Mocking something simply because it’s not part of the “current norm” or because you don’t understand it doesn’t make you clever—it exposes your ignorance. Genetics isn’t static; it evolves. What isn’t a concern for the Sphynx breed today could easily become relevant tomorrow. By testing for over 70 genes, I’m not just protecting the present; I’m safeguarding the future.
If research eventually links a new health issue to a specific gene, I’ll already know where my cats stand. Meanwhile, those who mock proactive testing will be left scrambling, unprepared to protect their own lines. That’s the difference between being responsible and being reckless.
The Sphynx Gene Pool: The Truth They Ignore
Here’s a fact that some people conveniently ignore: Sphynx cats don’t have a “pure” gene pool. For those who’ve taken genetic tests to trace ancestry, Sphynx cats have been found to carry genes from breeds such as Exotic Shorthairs, Thai cats, Orientals, Egyptian Maus, Ragdolls, Abyssinians, Norwegian Forest Cats, Burmese, Savannahs, and others.
These contributions come from the breed’s history of outcrossing to establish its traits and from intentional breeding programs to address genetic diversity. Ignoring this genetic reality—or pretending that Sphynx genetics exist in a bubble—isn’t just foolish; it’s dangerous. Genes don’t respect breed boundaries. A mutation causing health issues in one breed can absolutely appear in another, especially in breeds with overlapping ancestry.
When someone mocks me for testing beyond “Sphynx-specific” genes, they’re not just dismissing responsible breeding—they’re exposing their lack of knowledge about the science behind it.
Learning from the Past
History has shown us time and again that proactive breeders are the ones who push the industry forward. The DM gene in dogs (Degenerative Myelopathy) was initially dismissed, but research proved its significance across breeds. Similarly, the PKD gene in cats was thought to only affect Persians—until it was found in other breeds. Breeders who went the extra mile to test early were the ones who protected their lines.
The same applies to Sphynx cats. With such a diverse genetic history, testing broadly isn’t just responsible—it’s essential. Ignoring genetic reality doesn’t make it go away; it just leaves your breeding program unprepared.
Setting the Standard
Breeding isn’t about shortcuts or chasing profits—it’s about protecting the breed, improving its future, and placing kittens responsibly.
Mock me all you want, I’ll keep choosing progress and responsibility over shortcuts, ignorance, and manufactured narratives every single time. Can you say the same?
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