Frequently Asked Questions
Everything You Need to Know About Our Cats, Our Program & Bringing Home a Royal Velvets Kitten
Choosing a Sphynx, Devon Rex, or Lykoi kitten comes with a lot of questions… good questions.
This page brings together our most commonly asked topics so you can understand how we breed, how we raise our kittens, and what you can expect when you work with Royal Velvets.
If you don’t see your question here, you’re always welcome to reach out. We believe in full transparency, honest education, and making sure every family feels supported from the first inquiry to lifelong ownership.
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1. What health testing do your Sphynx, Devon Rex, and Lykoi breeding cats receive?
All of our Kings and Queens are fully DNA tested for breed-specific conditions and receive regular HCM screenings through a licensed cardiologist. We also maintain FeLV/FIV-negative lines and follow strict veterinary protocols. Health is the core of our program, not an afterthought.
2. Are your kittens TICA registered, and what does that include?
Yes. All eligible kittens come with TICA registration. This ensures verified parentage, ethical breeding, and accurate breed standards. Registration papers are provided after spay/neuter unless otherwise arranged.
3. How often should Sphynx cats be bathed, and what products do you recommend?
Sphynx cats generally do best with minimal bathing. While it’s a common belief that they need frequent baths, less is more.
Bathing too often strips away the skin’s natural protective oils. When those oils are removed repeatedly, the skin tends to overproduce oil to compensate, which can actually make your cat feel greasier and lead to irritation or breakouts.
Recommended bathing schedule
- About once a month is typically ideal for most Sphynx cats
- Some may even go longer if their skin stays clean and healthy
- Spot-cleaning with a warm, damp cloth between baths is often sufficient
Product recommendations
- Use a gentle, pH-balanced shampoo specifically formulated for cats
- Avoid human shampoos, dog shampoos, or products with heavy fragrances, essential oils, or medicated ingredients unless prescribed by a vet
Look for:
- Hypoallergenic formulas
- Soap-free or low-lather shampoos
- Products designed for sensitive skin
Additional tips
- Always rinse thoroughly to avoid residue buildup
- Gently dry and keep them warm after bathing
- Regular ear cleaning and nail care can reduce the need for more frequent baths
4. Do Devon Rex cats shed, and how do I care for their curly coat?
Devon Rex cats shed very lightly due to their soft, wavy coat. They typically need minimal grooming, gentle brushing (if tolerated) and occasional baths. Their curls are delicate and should be handled gently.
5. How does the Lykoi coat work, and why do they sometimes appear more hairless?
Lykoi have a naturally occurring roaned coat, meaning some hair follicles produce hair while others do not. They may “molt” during seasonal changes, giving them varying levels of hairlessness throughout the year. This is normal and part of the authentic Lykoi look. And they’re bathing schedule should be similar to a sphynx. About once a month with a ph balanced shampoo.
6. Are Sphynx, Devon Rex, or Lykoi cats considered hypoallergenic?
No breed is truly hypoallergenic. Many allergy-sensitive families do well with Sphynx because there is no fur to shed allergens into the home. Devon Rex and Lykoi may also be easier for some people, but responses vary widely between individuals.
7. What is HCM testing, and why is it important?
HCM (Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy) is a heart condition that can affect all cats. Annual or biannual screening through a cardiologist helps monitor heart structure and maintain responsible breeding practices. Every breeding parent in our program is screened regularly.
8. How do you socialize your kittens before they go home?
Kittens are raised in our home, where they receive daily handling, grooming exposure, litterbox training, sound desensitization, and interaction with adults, kids, and normal household life. This builds confident, adaptable companions.
9. What age do your kittens go home?
Typically 14-16 weeks, depending on development, temperament, and veterinary clearance. We do not release kittens early.
10. What is included in the price of a Royal Velvets kitten?
TICA Registration Papers
Full transparency—we share all our testing with you
Spay/neuter already done, saving you both cost and stress
Bloodwork done prior to surgery, to ensure your kitten is healthy
Microchipped and ready for safe identification
FELV/FIV tested, ear cytology, and fecal—all clear before going home
3-year congenital & 5-year HCM/FIP health guarantee
30 days of free pet insurance
A loaded go-home bag with essentials to get you started
Lifetime breeder support—you’re part of the Royal Velvets family
A community of fellow Royals—a network of love and support
11. How does your waitlist work for upcoming litters?
Approved applicants may place a deposit to reserve their position on the waitlist. Families on the list receive first notification of litters and pick before kittens are publicly listed.
12. Do you allow out-of-state or long-distance placements?
Yes. We place kittens throughout the United States and offer trusted, professional transportation options.
13. What transportation or delivery options do you offer?
We use vetted, experienced couriers who specialize in hand-delivering kittens safely and comfortably. Ground and flight nanny options are available depending on location.
14. What should I expect during the first week with my new kitten?
We send home a transition guide to help with food, litter, routines, and bonding. Your kitten may need a few days to settle, but because they are raised in-home, they typically adjust quickly and confidently.
15. What food and nutrition do you recommend for these breeds?
We provide a complete list of approved diets. Nutrition matters deeply for hairless and curly-coated breeds, so we guide families toward foods that support skin, heart, and coat health.
16. Are Sphynx, Devon Rex, or Lykoi cats considered hypoallergenic?
We follow strict health testing, maintain small intentional litters, raise kittens in-home, and prioritize temperament, structure, and breed integrity, not trends or quantity. Transparency and responsible breeding guide every decision we make.
17. How do pricing, deposits, and reservations work?
Our pricing reflects the health testing, TICA registration, veterinary care, and in-home socialization each kitten receives. Once your application is approved, a deposit is required to reserve your place on the waitlist or hold a specific kitten. Deposits are non-refundable but may be transferred to future litters if needed. The remaining balance is due before or on go-home day. We provide full transparency about pricing and what is included before you commit.
18. Do you offer ongoing support after the kitten goes home?
Always. We’re available for the lifetime of your kitten, questions, guidance, nutrition, introductions, and more.
19. Can these breeds live with dogs or other cats?
Yes. Sphynx, Devon Rex, and Lykoi are social and generally thrive in homes with other pets when introduced properly.
20. What supplies should I have ready before bringing my kitten home?
We send a full preparation guide including litter recommendations, feeding equipment, grooming items, and safe environmental setup.
Want to learn more?
Our mission is to preserve the integrity of the Sphynx, Devon Rex, and Lykoi breeds through health testing, ethical pairing, and in-home socialization, ensuring families receive kittens with sound genetics, steady temperaments, and exceptional care.