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LabyrinthLabyrinth, a tuxedo Sphinx, passed away in 2011 from Cancer and complications from his younger days and neglectful beginning. He, like most Sphinx cats, had a big personality and was a friend to all people and animals he came in contact. He was a teaching tool as well and ambassador for his breed. Sorely missed, our family looks forward to the day when we can bring another hairless kitty into our home and hearts.
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Who he Was : |
Labyrinth was a fun and funny cat. He could be a bit ornery in the beginning on hygiene care but eventually came around to it and even began to enjoy his baths especially if it was with a human in the tub. He would snuggle into the towel until he decided it was too cold and he was dry enough. Then would hop out and slink under the covers of the bed. He loved being cuddled, especially in blankets or under them. He preferred to play with other living beings rather than toys and was superbly happy interacting with people.
This boy was also what we like to call s 'shoulder cat'. He could jump from the ground up to a persons shoulder and without hurting them. This was useful at events because we could walk around with him and talk with people about him and our rescue. He was an excellent Ambassacat. Since he wasn't afraid of anything, he would meet any animal they may have had with them and was great at showing how cats and dogs get along even if it was a 'power breed' like Rottweilers and Pit Bulls. He even rode on their backs sometimes! Labyrinth was good at walking on his harness and leash. More than once people mistook him for a small dog. (Which we thought was silly) Sometimes people didn't understand he was a cat when he was on our shoulder or draped around our neck. His oddity opened the door for many animals to get adopted and showed how cats could easily be more than just an ornament in the home to pet. His wonderful outgoing personality with other beings helped many along the way of their recovery. He was truly a cool cat. |
His History : |
Labyrinth came to us through a breeder who had pulled him from his previous terrible conditions in hopes that with care and his excellent breeding that he would be able to help create the next generation of Sphinxes. He was unable to produce healthy kittens and the decision was quickly made to rehome him as a pet. Knowing the intense care these cats need, they were very cautious about where to place him. They were confident in us and he came into our lives.
We were told about his past. He had been living in the basement of the cattery where he was being bred. The conditions were horrible for any cat but especially for a Sphinx. It was damp, dirty, wet, and cold. All things that are terrible for this breed of cat. After they rescued him from this situation it took a while to get him to a decent health standard and without training they had to work hard with him to do normal routine things that every Sphinx needs to have done. He despised baths, hated his face and ears being cleaned, claw clipping and teeth brushing were almost out of the question. He also had developed the feline herpes virus which would flare up making the needed care that he fought even more necessary. He truly needed more help and training than they had time to devote. None of this was intimidating to us and we brought him into our lives. Labyrinth quickly became a part of the home and hearts of the foster home and it was clear immediately that he would probably stay. We found that his history with his first owners was something he couldn't shake. The damage was more extreme than they had realized. It came out in his Teeth, his Skin, and his Claws. His need for additional skin care came from the toxins in his body from the environment he lived in so long before they had gotten him. This Claws would grow and have dark lines of black, yellow and purple that would crumble out as they were cut. It was a miracle he never had severe foot infections from this. His Teeth also had black lines in them, especially in the canines. The herpes affected him badly in the flare ups causing intense sneezing, mucus, and eye drainage that sometimes required antibiotics. It was tough going in the beginning continuing the work the people we got him from had started. He despised baths in the beginning. It took a while to find the right products that didn't agitate his skin in any way. Lotions were used to help get his skin back in shape. Slower introduction to direct sunlight and clothes to protect him in changing seasons. Ear and face cleaning were a battle that required more than one person. He was never vicious, just like trying to hold onto a greased up pig! Sometimes he was just as loud in his complaints. With time he got used to his claws being clipped and the digging out of gunk that seemed never ending with each session. We also found out from the vet that he was too much of a risk to get neutered. That sealed the deal. This cat wasn't going anywhere. We were not going to take the risk of him being bred again. He didn't mark where he wasn't supposed to or act aggressively with the other cats so there was no problem or need to have him isolated. After a while, suspicions we had about why his teeth and claws were the way they were was confirmed at an adoption event where we had him for education purposes. A woman came to look at the cats and she was fascinated by Labyrinth. As we were talking, we found out that she was a Doctor and she took a good look at his teeth and claws. She asked the question that confirmed our suspicions. Being in that basement he was exposed to moisture from the pipes. Copper and Lead. It was his water source. He had ingested so much that it leached out in the only ways it could. It was validating and heartbreaking all at the same time. The amazing thing about Labyrinth is nothing could really keep him down. He was always engaging and a great example of his breed despite his health issues and past. We feel blessed to have had him in our lives. He taught us things that helped with other animals in our care and people who needed answers about their own animals. Labyrinth was a reminder that we do not need to be bound by our past and with healing, commitment, and love we can move forward with our lives and even help others through our experiences. |