It is not every day that Sphynx cats arrive at the Connecticut Humane Society, but the team of purr-fect humans is always prepared to adapt for the next pet who arrives. Every critter that comes through these doors receives unconditional love and a care plan tailored to their specific needs, and that’s precisely what happened for this dynamic duo of one-year-old male cats, Halo and Borealis.
Sphynx cats are born without fur, and it was clear from their arrival that Halo and Borealis required care that differed from that of a more common type of cat. The medical team began creating a plan that would support them in the best way paw-sible. Sphynx cats produce more natural oils compared to cats with fur and require regular bathing to prevent buildup and irritation. Cats like Halo and Borealis needed their skin constantly monitored for irritation, dryness, sun sensitivity, and minor scrapes.
The team kept these kitties’ skin moisturized with cat-safe products and kept wipes on hand to make them soft and clean. The incredible pet care staff provided Halo and Borealis with gentle and warm baths using cat-safe products that would not strip their skin of its natural oils. Their delicate ears also required regular cleaning to keep them nice and fresh every day.
During routine exams, the CHS medical team used a soft, rolled towel to provide extra support around the cats’ necks, facilitating gentle handling and preventing bruising. Their exposed skin is very delicate, and even routine handling can leave marks that furred cats otherwise are not impacted by. Luckily, these two cuties were an easy pair to work with – both remarkably tolerant, affectionate, and curious cuties.
These two boys are a closely bonded pair of brothers who deeply depend on one another—so much so that when they are separated for medical procedures or daily care, they immediately begin searching for each other. One staff member described their cries when apart as sounding like something you might hear in the middle of the jungle: loud, dramatic, and impossible to ignore. Once back together, they would settle down quickly, often curling together or grooming side by side. From their arrival, the behavior staff worked with the medical team to learn more about this bonded pair. They discovered quickly that Halo and Borealis have dog-like personalities and are curious about every single human they meet. They love affection and would often reach out their paws to be pet by passersby. At CHS, they were constantly kneading and “making biscuits” on their human friends. Borealis even enjoyed perching on shoulders!
As their care at CHS continued, additional medical considerations came into focus. Halo was found to have a slight heart murmur, as well as proteinuria, meaning a larger-than-normal amount of protein in his urine—something that can signal more serious underlying concerns and requires ongoing monitoring. Borealis also has a heart murmur and is polyuric and polydipsic, which means he drinks and urinates more than usual. He will need further diagnostic testing to determine the cause of these symptoms. While these conditions are manageable, they require time, resources, and breed-specific knowledge to ensure the best long-term outcome.
Every single pet’s needs are unique, which means that every part of their plan should be unique too: from their care plans in the shelters to the types of homes they would do best in after their stay. Pets here at CHS are always in great hands, whether that’s the staff, volunteers, foster families, or potential new adopters; it’s a great thing that Connecticut loves pets!
As Halo and Borealis’ needs became clearer, CHS took an important next step: identifying a partner organization uniquely equipped to support Halo and Borealis long term. CHS often works alongside other rescues and specialty organizations when collaboration offers pets the strongest path forward. For Halo and Borealis, that partner was Mona’s Place—a rescue led by people deeply knowledgeable about Sphynx cats and well connected within the Sphynx community.
While the brothers still have medical questions to work through, Mona’s Place was willing and prepared to take that on, giving Halo and Borealis an even better chance at the healthy, comfortable lives they deserve.
Thank you to Mona’s Place for opening their doors and their hearts to Halo and Borealis, and for providing them with the opportunity for their best possible life. Through collaboration, expertise, and compassion, these two unforgettable boys are one step closer to a future where they can stay together—exactly where they belong.