Sphynx cat breed: pros, cons, is it worth getting?

For many people, their pets become not only joyful animals, but also full-fledged members of the family. To choose a suitable pet, you first need to decide on priority qualities and character traits, such as complaisance, obedience, love for children, devotion or cleanliness. The Sphynx is a very unusual breed of cat, because not everyone will like it.

What features is the unusual breed of sphinx famous for? What positive and negative characteristics does it have?

History of the origin of the Don Sphynx breed

The homeland of the Donchak was the city of Rostov-on-Don . Like most gene mutations, it all happened by chance. A stray kitten picked up on the street in the winter of 1986, who was severely tormented by children, served as the starting point for the birth of this original and exotic breed. The small and shabby animal was picked up by the compassionate Elena Kovaleva and named Varvara, since it turned out to be a cat. The baby's appearance was not quite blooming and atypical, for this reason she was immediately taken to the veterinarian and all the necessary examinations were carried out. According to their results, it turned out that the animal was completely healthy and did not experience any discomfort due to the lack of fur.

A mangy cat was picked up on the street

The cat grew up and after mating with a European shorthair cat named Vasily in 1990, she gave birth to three kittens. One cat was completely hairless. Felinologist Irina Nemykina received it as a gift and began to develop a new cat breed in her nursery. Because of its external and intellectual similarity to a small monkey, she named the kitten Chita. It is this cat that is considered the ancestor of all Donchak cats. In the selection process, European shorthair cats, similar in genotype to ordinary domestic and Siberian cats, were used.

The founder of the Don Sphynx breed Irina Nemykina and her first cats

The first experimental breed standard was described in 1992. Donchak dogs were first shown at a Russian exhibition in 1993. At a special seminar held a year later, a preliminary standard was approved by felinologists. At a joint meeting of CIS clubs and Russian phenological organizations in 1997, the breed characteristics of the Don Sphynx were finalized, clarified and finally approved. International approval was received at the WCF World Conference in Riga in 1998.

Breeding

To become a breeder of Sphynx cats, you must carefully take care of the health of the cat and the kittens that are born. It is imperative to approach this issue as responsibly as possible and regularly carry out the prevention of various diseases.

If your cat is pregnant and will soon give birth, everything should happen exclusively in the presence of a doctor or in a veterinary hospital.

We strongly do not recommend breeding pets that already have health problems.

Don Sphynx: description of the breed

The Donchak resembles the Canadian Sphynx only in the scarcity of its coat. Most exterior characteristics vary greatly. In Canadian cats, the hairless gene is recessive. For all kittens in a litter to be hairless, both parents must be hairless. If one of them has normal hair, then only half of the litter will inherit hairlessness, while the second part will be completely or partially covered with fur.

The gene for hairlessness in Don cats is dominant

Don cats are carriers of a dominant gene. Therefore, even if only one parent is bald, most of the offspring will also be hairless. This feature makes breeding Don Chaks easier.

Appearance of the Don Sphynx

The body of the Don Sphynx is slightly elongated, massive and very muscular, with strong and wide bones. The back line is straight, the back is wider than the shoulder girdle, making the whole figure look pear-shaped.

The Donchak's body is pear-shaped

Breed standards include the following exterior characteristics:

• wedge-shaped head, cheekbones and eyebrows are well defined, a flat wide forehead with many small horizontal skin folds, a short nose with a slight depression, a slightly elongated rounded muzzle with a visible pinch, a firm and masculine chin;
• vibrissae (whiskers) thickened and curved, often broken off or completely absent;
• large triangular, set high and located quite far from each other, the ears are slightly tilted forward, the tips are rounded;
• medium-sized, almond-shaped, slightly slanted eyes, not wide open, absolutely any color, no eyelashes;
• weight: cat - 3–4 kg, cat – 5–7 kg;
• limbs are tall, long, strong and prominent, with movable elongated fingers;
• the elongated straight tail is flexible and mobile.

The Don Sphynx has a large number of skin folds on its muzzle

Don Sphynx babies open their eyes earlier than kittens of other breeds; they are sometimes born sighted.

Donchak people have very soft skin. velvety and elastic, there are many wrinkles throughout the body (belly, neck, head, paws and even tail). To the touch, their skin resembles human skin, only much hotter (40–42 °C).

The standard allows a wide variety of colors:

• white;
• cream;
• black;
• smoky;
• lilac;
• ginger;
• chocolate;
• calico;
• red-pink;
• blue;
• tabby;
• tortoiseshell;
• color point;
• and all their combinations.

The standard allows for a variety of colors of Don Chaks

Tortoiseshell coloring is acceptable only in females. Cats with this coloring are not recognized as Don cats.

The skin can be of several types:

1. Naked (“plasticine”, “rubber”). The skin is devoid of hair. There are several options:
   homozygous - the skin is sticky and rubbery to the touch, pink and uncolored, kittens are born completely bald, hair never appears;
2. undressed - babies are born slightly pubescent, the finest fluff disappears after 1–2 days;
3. thin flock - to the touch, the cat’s velvety body is covered with short (no more than 1 mm) thin fibers.

   The bald Sphynx has no fur at all.

4. Velours. It is divided into the following varieties:
   light velor - newborn kittens with sparse fur, which later comes out; an adult cat is covered with thin hairs no more than 2 mm long, on the limbs it is slightly longer;
5. velor point - a velor cover about 4 mm long extends over the entire body, an adult loses its fur in the summer, by winter panties appear on the hind legs again, hairs grow on the tail, head and ears;
6. downy velor - short velor (about 5 mm) there is a long, curly pile on the whole body, on the legs, back of the head, tail and on the neck.

   The velor Sphynx is covered with very short, sparse fur, through which the skin is visible.

7. Brush (bristly). There are several options:
   brush velor - the body is covered with sparse, short (up to 5 mm), hard, thin and crimped hairs;
8. brush point - velor on the body, longer hair on the legs, muzzle and tail;
9. dense brush - thick, bristly hair covering the entire body.

   Don Sphynxes with brushed skin have fairly thick and slightly wavy fur.

   Read also:  Seal tabby point, seal point, red point, blue point - colors of Thai cats: characteristics, features of care and breeding

Quite often, Don Sphynxes exhibit a transition of skin variants from one variety to another. This process is unstable and depends on the pet’s hormonal status, time of year and other factors.

The exterior disadvantages of the Don Sphynx are as follows:

• weak, small body;
• low-set and small ears;
• complete pubescence of the body;
• narrow, shallow or shortened head;
• undershot up to 2 mm;
• short tail;
• round eyes;
• severe strabismus;
• weak, undefined chin.

The disadvantage is that the coat is too long

The following are considered defects that disqualify animals from breeding:

• obvious underbite (over 2 mm);
• eversion of the eyelids.

In terms of their general physique, Donetsk people are lighter and more graceful than Canadians. The latter are never completely naked, they always have a small fluff and possibly a tassel on a long and pointed tail. Thick leather is gathered in many folds and feels like suede. The Don cat's tail is straight and not so thin (it tapers only towards the very end). There are significantly fewer skin folds.

The Canadian Sphynx has larger ears and more skin folds than the Don Sphynx

The build of Rostov cats is distinguished by a special elegance and grace; their body and limbs are elongated. The head is also long and narrow. The profile is characteristic of the eastern type of cat (with a long and straight nose). Curly whiskers are always present; this is a distinctive feature of Peterbalds. Their ears are strikingly different; they are set low and spread to the sides. Canadians have a shorter head and never have a mustache.

The St. Petersburg Sphynx has lower-set ears and a lighter, more graceful build.

A sphinx lives at a distant friend's house. Judging by the fact that he had no fur at all, he is of the Don breed. But hardly a purebred. This cat is hot to the touch and a little sticky, instead of whiskers there are some clumsy stumps left. And very hot ears. In general, the sensations from such an animal are extremely strange, you just have to get used to it. The body is all covered in wrinkles. You can take him by the fold of skin on his back and lift him into the air, and he will hang on his own skin, like in a string bag. The most interesting thing is that he is not in pain. If you take two or three folds along the ridge, it is very reminiscent of a dinosaur, since the body widens slightly towards the back. Thus, the children played with the cat, but he did not mind at all.

The character of the Don Sphynx

Little kittens of this breed are very active and playful, like all kids. They are extremely inquisitive, ready to stick their curious nose everywhere and take part in all events that come into their field of vision. Having matured a little, after about six months, they become more experienced, more sedate and wiser. But they will never refuse to play, although they prefer to spend most of the day in a warm corner. Adult cats are quite lazy and can often be seen blissfully dozing on a soft sofa or a hot radiator.

Don Sphynxes love to play

The Don Sphynx is distinguished by its complete lack of aggression towards anyone. His disposition is calm and phlegmatic; it is extremely difficult to remove such a cat from a state of stable equilibrium. He perceives everyone and everything with Spartan calm and easily makes friends with any pets. He will love other cats, dogs, birds and fish, even hamsters and rats equally and will never conflict with them. This hairless cat is completely devoid of outstanding hunting qualities. If there are rodents in the house, then it does not pose any threat to them.

Don Sphynxes get along well with any animals, including dogs.

She tolerates children stoically and allows them to do things to themselves that another cat would never allow. At the same time, it does not scratch or bite. If the kids bother him too much, the Donchak will flee and hide in such a way that even the most cunning tomboy won’t find him for a couple of hours. Don cats are distinguished by their sociability. From all those living in the house, they choose a leader, whom they consider the owner. The attitude towards the rest of the family members will be based on who exactly feeds him and how much attention he pays to him.

Don Sphynxes are constantly cold, so they love to lie on radiators

These pets need constant communication with people; loneliness is painful and unacceptable for them, and they tolerate it extremely hard. They will rejoice at their beloved owner coming home from work as if he left home six months ago. If he is out of sorts or very tired, then they are able to moderate their ardor and wait a little with manifestations of love. But as soon as you sit down, the pet materializes from oblivion and settles down with a victorious purr on its knees.

Donchak people are not at all afraid of strangers, they boldly go to meet people, allow themselves to be stroked and squeezed. Tactile sensations are extremely important for these cats; they love affection very much. They are credited with healing qualities. They say that cats always intuitively lay their hot body on a sore spot on the owner’s body. In ancient Egypt, such hairless cats were officially used for medicinal purposes. All Don Sphynx cat owners claim that interacting with their pets improves their mood and relieves fatigue.

Donchak dogs love to stretch their flexible body

Don cats are quick-witted and intelligent, and can be taught a few simple tricks. But the pets will perform them only of their own free will, without being guided by the will of the trainer. They never show jealousy, but can become seriously offended by prolonged lack of attention from their beloved owner. Cats will not play dirty tricks or take revenge; they will simply look at you with a look full of reproach. Pets endure all necessary hygiene procedures with restraint and courage, even a visit to the veterinarian is assessed philosophically and behaves decently.

Don Sphynxes are touchy, but not vindictive

Unneutered cats may be inappropriate, mark their territory and constantly call for a female (especially at night). It is not recommended to have two cats of this breed, as they will fight for leadership and power over the territory. Cats are always more affectionate and friendly, constantly hanging around people. At every opportunity, the sphinx clings to a person, rubs against the legs and waits for the right moment to climb onto the lap or cling to the warm side of the sleeping owner.

Closed doors, latches and bolts are not an obstacle for the Donchak. Having such a pet at home, you can forget about loneliness and boredom for a long time.

Don Sphynxes prefer to spend most of the day under a warm blanket

Don Sphynxes are very sociable and sociable cats. When we first entered our friend’s house, we immediately came across a curious pet. He didn’t even think about hiding somewhere, but immediately rushed over to see who had come. He studied it carefully with his intelligent eyes, and then began to purr loudly and caress. At that time he was not even a year old, so he galloped and jumped very actively. In terms of build, the cat was not at all small and fragile; it was difficult to expect such agility from him. But he easily jumped onto the cabinet along almost vertical surfaces. It seems that this animal is clumsy and clumsy, but only until the moment when the sphinx begins to move.

Breed varieties

Although the Don and Canadian Sphynxes are similar in appearance, they have different genetic origins. Among “Canadians,” the bald body gene is recessive, that is, in order to give birth to hairless babies, both the female and the male must be its carriers. In Don cats, the gene is dominant, so hairless kittens are born, even if one of the parents is furry.

Don Sphynx cats come in 4 coat varieties:

• bald;
• flock - with soft fur, similar to the touch, like peach skin, disappearing with age;
• velor – with wool up to 3 mm long;
• brush – with sparse and coarse hair.

Canadian cats are never completely hairless; their body is covered with soft, feather-like fur, which is slightly longer on the face, ears, tail and limbs.

Features of choosing a Don Sphynx kitten

Before buying a kitten, you should decide what class of pet you need. If you plan to engage in exhibition activities, then the issue of choice should be approached very seriously. You need to purchase a baby only in a specialized nursery or from a trusted breeder with the obligatory provision of the necessary package of documents (pedigree, veterinary passport with vaccination marks, purchase and sale agreement, club card, etc.).

It is better to purchase kittens from specialized nurseries.

Champion titles are never given to cats with brush-type skin; such individuals are only suitable for breeding. Since the coat of kittens changes, it is better to postpone the purchase of such an animal until 4-5 months. But often the skin can undergo changes for up to two years, so there is a possibility of error. Naked kittens are always more expensive because they never grow hair. But such kittens are born rarely.

Completely naked Don Sphynx kittens are not born very often.

It is necessary to carefully study all the features of breeding this breed and compare the data of the parents who participated in the mating. With a certain degree of probability, you can predict the future appearance of a pet by the appearance of a cat. The main characteristics of compliance with the breed standard and shortcomings (kinked tail, malocclusion, small ears, etc.) can be determined immediately.

When choosing a kitten, you should definitely look at its mother and other kittens

It is advised to visit the nursery several times and see in what conditions the animals are kept.

If there are no special requirements for the kitten and it will be kept as a pet, then you can buy it second-hand through an advertisement or at a pet store. It is enough for him to be healthy, dewormed and vaccinated.

The kitten should look healthy and active

The baby should be:

• active, mobile and sociable;
• there should be no discharge from the eyes, ears or nose;
• the skin is clean, without peeling or spots;
• the tummy is soft and elastic.

The likelihood of buying a healthy pet is much higher in a nursery than from an advertisement or at a poultry market.

Buy a Sphynx kitten

global $ads_google;
//data-ad-slot=”2475549904″ $ads_google = empty($ads_google) ? false : true; ?> if ($ads_google == false) {?> $ads_google = true; ?> } ?> There are many nurseries in Russia where you can buy a Canadian kitten. You shouldn’t trust sellers on Avito and other resources if you don’t want to get a “pig in a poke.”

The cost of Sphynx babies is not that high. The price for a baby averages 6-8 thousand rubles and may be higher depending on the pedigree.

What to name a Canadian Sphynx

A tiny sphinx has appeared in the house, and its external characteristics will not be very consonant with the simple name Vasya or Murka?
It is worth worrying about choosing a suitable nickname for a cat with such graceful body lines and such a non-standard appearance. Nickname table

Caring for the Don Sphynx

Cats of this breed cannot live under natural conditions; they are adapted only for life in greenhouse apartment conditions. They require constant and painstaking care.

Appearance care

The absence of wool creates a deceptive impression of the ease of keeping Donchak dogs . But actually it is not.

Bathing

The skin of the Don Sphynx requires special attention . Hairless cats sweat constantly. Moreover, sweat has a rather unpleasant odor and color. These secretions can leave brownish stains on upholstered furniture and bedding. At least once a week, the pet should be bathed in water with a temperature of about +37...+38 °C, and the room should also be warm. The cat's skin is washed with special cat or baby shampoos. After taking water treatments, the Donchak should be wiped dry with a terry towel, lubricate the skin with baby cream or Vaseline and wrap it in a warm blanket or blanket.

Don Sphynxes are bathed once a week

Every day, or preferably several times a day, secretions and fats are removed using a damp cloth, sponge or napkins soaked in veterinary lotion. Take special care to wipe all folds where dirt accumulates heavily.

For bathing, you can use a special shampoo for bald cats.

Some individuals will have to be additionally treated after using the toilet, since this breed is not prone to licking itself.

Availability of warm clothes

The room where the Don Sphynx is kept should be constantly warm (+25...+27 °C), drafts are strictly contraindicated for this breed. Animals get cold easily, so when the temperature drops or when there is ventilation, they need to be dressed in special clothes for cats. It is necessary to provide your pet with warm and soft bedding in his favorite places (on the radiator, under the bed, etc.).

Sphinxes need to be dressed in warm clothes so that they do not catch a cold.

Sunbathing

Donchak people benefit from sunbathing (in moderation) . Their skin tans and their color becomes brighter. But it is not recommended for the cat to be in direct sunlight; it is better to provide diffused lighting.

It is very useful for Sphynx cats to sunbathe

Ear care

Large ears require constant attention, as brown secretions also accumulate in them and dust from the air settles. At least once a week, the ears are wiped with a cotton swab dipped in a special solution for caring for the ears of animals.

Sphynx cats need to have their ears cleaned regularly.

Eye care

The eyes of the Don Sphynx are deprived of natural protection; they have absolutely no eyelashes. Therefore, the resulting discharge is carefully removed daily with a cotton pad soaked in a herbal decoction (chamomile, calendula, St. John's wort, etc.), tea leaves or a special eye care composition.

The eyes of sphinxes are wiped daily with a special solution.

Before carrying out all hygiene procedures, especially when treating your pet’s eyes, you must wash your hands with soap. All Donchak people are very susceptible to various infectious diseases.

Nail care

Once a week, the cat needs to shorten the claws on its front paws. On the hind limbs they grow a little slower, so the nails there can be trimmed once every two weeks. It is imperative to provide your pet with a good scratching post to independently remove dead areas of the horny plates. Donchak dogs love to sharpen their claws, so it is better to purchase a good sisal post or a high wall model. Small floor structures are unlikely to suit these cats.

The claws are trimmed with special scissors (nail clippers)

A friend who has a Don Sphynx at home says that they have to trim their cat’s claws very often (once a week). The fact is that when a pet sweats, it begins to itch and scratch itself. Unsightly scratches remain on its skin for quite a long time to heal. They wipe its skin constantly, several times during the day. If a cat crawls under the blanket, then in the warmth it immediately sweats. And when it comes out, it already emits a characteristic smell. If the house is cool, then the Donchak may catch a cold. That's why they always put a flannel blouse on him.

The Don Sphynx needs a good scratching post

Nutrition

Hairless cats have increased heat loss and increased metabolism, so they need to be fed 3-4 times a day. Kittens should eat 5-6 times a day. The food can be natural or ready-made dry food.

Experienced cat breeders recommend purchasing dry food for Don Sphynx cats at least premium class or specialized high-calorie diets intended for hairless cats.

It is recommended to feed Don Sphynx cats with special food for hairless cats.

The following products are used in natural feeding:

• lean meat (beef, veal, chicken, etc.), it is pre-frozen for disinfection and fed completely defrosted at room temperature;
• quail eggs (once a week) raw or boiled;
• cereal porridge (along with pieces of meat);
• sea ​​fish;
• vegetables;
• fermented milk products (cottage cheese, sour cream, kefir).

Special vitamin and mineral supplements must be mixed into the food. There should always be access to clean drinking water.

Don Sphynxes also love to nibble green grass

Meat and fish should make up at least half of the daily food intake.

Many Don Sphynxes are prone to overeating and excessive weight gain, so it is better to feed them more often, but in small portions.

Positive aspects of keeping sphinxes

• Cats are always warm , as their body temperature is 38-40°C . This allows them not to freeze at slightly lower temperatures, but breeders recommend buying special clothing for them.
• Lack of wool . Representatives of this cat breed do not need seasonal brushing (spring, autumn) and do not force their owner to clean clothes and all surfaces of hair.
• Incredibly gentle, devoted, friendly, affectionate character . They are ready to spend hours on the owner’s lap and be offended if he pays little attention.
• Cats are not vindictive or embittered . If something doesn’t go according to their “scenario,” the sofa upholstery and curtains will most likely remain intact.
• Not bad for training . You can teach your pet simple tricks with jumping and running (their jump is more than one meter), and bring some things. This can only be taught if the animal wants it.
• They get along well with other pets and small children . Very patient and playful.
• Cats have high intellectual abilities and love to please their owner, so litter box training should not be a problem.
• Animals are in good health , but vaccinations and helminth prevention should not be neglected.
• A varied palette of colors : gray, red, white, blue, black, and in females there is tortoiseshell (large dark spots).
• Babies open their eyes very quickly or are even born sighted, unlike others in the cat family.
• Life years are quite long: 13-19 years .
• As for food, are completely picky and have a good appetite, since maintaining a high temperature requires a large amount of energy. The diet should contain fiber and a lot of protein. It is important to give the meat thawed or boiled in order to avoid diseases.

Sterilization and castration

Animals with which it is not planned to engage in breeding must be castrated or sterilized to avoid unwanted matings. In addition, animals behave much calmer after such operations. Many breeders give kittens already castrated or sterilized. This is often stated in a separate clause in the contract.

It is better for females to have this operation done before their first heat, at about 8–10 months. It is possible later, but it is advised to do this no later than two years. Experienced breeders recommend spaying or neutering males up to 6 months while the pet is not yet fully grown. Otherwise, it may be too large with a large head.

The older the pet, the worse it tolerates surgery.

After surgical procedures, the animal must be carefully observed and well cared for. Postoperative care is as follows:

• after the operation, you must immediately put a special blanket or collar on your pet so that he does not lick the stitches;
• once a day, the seams are treated with disinfectant solutions (hydrogen peroxide, chlorhexidine, etc.);
• limit the cat’s physical activity;
• provide the pet with peace and quiet so that it is not disturbed by children or other pets;
• do not give food for 8–10 hours after surgery;
• if necessary, give painkillers (after consulting with a veterinarian).

After surgery, the animal must be put on a special collar or blanket.

Almost all cats behave extremely funny in a post-operative blanket. Some people try to take it off and get very nervous, but our cat just lay down and lay there. We called her “an accommodating cat,” that is, where we put her, she lies there. Later it turned out that many animals react this way and become extremely calm. But as soon as you remove the interfering blanket, everything returns to normal and the pets behave as before.

Education and training

For all her softness and pliability, the Don Sphynx is not alien to aristocratic manners. Moreover, these cats consider themselves equal to humans, so forcing the sphinx to do something against its will is a futile effort. Yes, bald eared cats have a tendency to learn and are even capable of performing simple acrobatic sketches, but only when they themselves want to.

Not the most pleasant feature of the breed is problems with the toilet. It’s not that the Don Sphynx is unable to learn the rules of using a litter box, it’s just that sometimes ancient cat instincts awaken in him, requiring him to immediately “mark” the territory. By the way, most often the owner’s bed suffers from the expansion of the “Donetsk resident”. There is no single way to deal with this behavior, but since you simply must demonstrate dissatisfaction with your pet, shout at the cat or direct a stream of water from a spray bottle at it. The usual oilcloth thrown over the bedspread slightly reduces interest in the master's bed: the Don Sphynxes do not favor pronounced chemical odors and the “aroma” of polyethylene.

Properly raised Don Sphynx cats are not prone to aggression, but the kittens have not yet developed a behavioral model, so during play they often release their claws, damaging surrounding objects, and sometimes even piercing them into someone’s legs. To wean your baby from such an ignoble activity, buy more cat toys and slip them to him every time the tiny bald head starts tearing the wallpaper. Often the cat spoils the interior from banal boredom and lack of attention, in this case, try to devote more time to the pet or get a second hairless purr so that the animals can play together. Spraying some water on a raging hooligan is also not prohibited: it doesn’t hurt and is effective.

Don Sphynxes do not really respect hygiene procedures, so it will take time to eradicate their innate dislike for nail trimming and bathing. To speed up the habituation process, take the space cat in your arms more often, otherwise later you will have to organize a real raid on your pet in order to take it to the bathroom. The usual threatening hissing also brings good results: the animal immediately becomes quiet and stops pumping the driver. In fact, fear is one of the most effective methods of influencing the Don sphinxes. A stern tone, a sudden sharp sound (clap of hands) - and the bald lawless man instantly forgets about his own privilege.

It is relatively easy to instill in your Don Sphynx the skills to properly use a litter tray. Moreover, with some persistence, representatives of this breed can be taught to use the toilet. At first, a separate toilet seat is bought for the cat, which is placed on top of the tray, and the tray itself is placed on a pile of magazines, corresponding in height to the level of the toilet. After the animal gets used to doing its business, leaning on the seat, which can take from several days to a couple of weeks, the bulky structure is removed, leaving a standard toilet at the cat’s disposal.

Mating of Don Sphynxes

Sphinxes are characterized by early puberty. A female's first heat can occur as early as 6 months. But the animal’s body at this age is not yet fully formed for full reproduction of offspring, so Donchak dogs are bred only after two years (both cats and female cats).

To get good offspring with show characteristics, it is very important to choose the right pair for your pet. Only an experienced breeder or professional felinologist can do this correctly, so it is best to seek advice from a specialist.

For breeding, only animals that meet all breed standards are used.

When such high demands are not placed on the quality of kittens, you can choose a pair yourself. The following criteria are taken into account:

• compliance with all breed standards, absence of flaws and defects;
• absence of pathologies and disorders transmitted by inheritance;
• For purebred individuals, it is necessary to have a pedigree, club card, etc.;
• all vaccinations must be done in advance (2-3 weeks before mating);
• one of the partners must participate in mating not for the first time (if both are inexperienced, then pregnancy may not occur);
• the pet must be healthy and active.

A partner for mating can be found by ad

Animals purchased only for domestic keeping are not allowed to be bred at all. They must be neutered or neutered.

Where to buy a kitten?

It is very difficult to choose a purebred kitten, especially if it concerns the Sphinx. This is a very specific breed and such cats are completely different from their furry brothers. Therefore, we advise you to choose a pet from exclusively proven nurseries or elite clubs.

Before making such a serious purchase, ask the breeders for the pedigree of the parents. Also make sure that the kitten has had high-quality vaccinations.

Little Sphinx

Tendency to diseases

Don Sphynx cats are predisposed to the following genetic diseases:

• congenital entropion of the eyelids (treated surgically);
• microphthalmos - reduction in the size of the eyeball (vision deteriorates);
• syndrome of “falling asleep kittens” (due to underdevelopment of the thymus gland, babies die);
• curvature of the caudal spine, causing a number of other pathologies (problems of the skeletal system, underdevelopment of the intestines, etc.);
• nipple hyperplasia in cats (if drugs to suppress sexual desire were used);
• undershot - shortening of the lower jaw (affects quality of life);
• skin vasculitis (inflammation of the vascular walls of the skin).

Most often, Don people have skin problems caused by excessive production of sebaceous glandular secretions. These may be the following diseases:

• dermatitis;
• eczema;
• trichophytosis;
• acne.

Absolutely naked individuals are susceptible to skin diseases more often than those with fur.

Care and maintenance

Sphynxes are heat-loving indoor pets; you shouldn’t take them out for walks, otherwise you can’t avoid catching a cold. The cat's place in the house should be removed from heating sources and protected from drafts. If your home is cool, you should insulate your cat's body with a soft cat sweater.

Attention! Sphynxes love to lie in the sun. But prolonged sunbathing is unacceptable; a burn may remain on the delicate skin.

Hygiene rules

Bath the Sphynx cat with zoo shampoo for hairless breeds. The owner decides how often to bathe, but usually once every 1–2 months, when the body begins to emit an unpleasant odor. Hairless pets tend to sweat excessively. If you ignore bathing, you will have to clean the furniture from brown discharge left by the animal’s skin.

The hairless sphinx's eyes lack eyelashes, which is why discharge often appears on the tear ducts. They need to be removed daily with a cloth moistened with boiled water.

The ears are cleaned with cotton wool soaked in veterinary ear lotion. The claws are shortened with a nail clipper, being careful not to touch living tissue. The procedure is carried out once every 3 weeks.

Education and training

Sphinxes have high intelligence, they are understanding, obedient and obsequious. Therefore, training a litter box, the rules of behavior and hygiene is not difficult.

A one-year-old kitten can be taught to follow simple commands: “come to me,” “give me,” “sit.” Training should take place in a playful way, and positive results should be reinforced with treats and affection.

It is strictly forbidden to be rude and aggressive in raising a Sphinx. The pet is touchy and will forever remember cruel treatment.

What to feed the Sphynx

The best option for feeding the Sphynx is store-bought super premium or holistic food. It is advisable to choose a product designed for hairless cats.

If the cat eats natural food, then the diet should include:

• meat and offal;
• cereal porridge;
• eggs;
• vegetables;
• fermented milk products.

Important! Due to their fast metabolism, sphinxes are gluttonous; the daily portion of food for them is 2 times more than for ordinary cats. But overfeeding is unacceptable; it poses a great health hazard.

You can't feed the sphinx:

• fatty meat;
• fried foods;
• salinities;
• smoked meats;
• sweets;
• spices;
• bakery products;
• waste from the master's table.

Table: pros and cons of the Don Sphynx breed

Favorite place for sphinxes

In addition, you should be careful when purchasing a sleeping place for your animal. The fact is that due to the lack of a woolen coat, the cat is constantly freezing. Therefore, we recommend choosing the warmest and most comfortable place possible. This cat must be protected from drafts and open doors. The fact is that this cat is very weak, you should protect him from colds.

It is worth taking care of an individual corner for the cat. There must be a place where the animal can play, sharpen its claws and just relax.

Owner reviews

From the very first days, Koska identified me as his mistress unconditionally. This means constant communication, jumping into arms, grabbing with paws, purring from all sides and an offended, perplexed look if I do not obey. The cat sincerely does not understand how it is possible not to take him in your arms at the first request or not let him sit on your knees. Cat petting around the clock, with short breaks for sleep and food, this borders on intrusiveness.

Vera Golubeva

https://irecommend.ru/content/donskoi-sfinks-koshka-kotoraya-gulyaet-sama-po-sebe-net-neteto-koshka-kotoraya-gulyaet-po-te

Playful, jumping, vocal. She ate, said thank you, meow; I went to the potty, meow - clean it up. And as she walked, there was a completely wild scream. It became easier after sterilization. And as soon as the grandchildren cry, he immediately calls: go calm the kids down, otherwise I will bite you. The character is still the same, I don’t want it and don’t touch me. My beloved mistress is mine alone and I won’t give it all away to anyone. When I get home, he runs around for half an hour cursing: where have you been? Well, the housewife gets her dirty butt after using the toilet. It seems like the cat is licking itself, but its body temperature is 40 degrees, so everything sticks, you have to wash it. So it's fun. And there are no other problems. He sleeps under the owner’s blanket, if it’s cold he climbs onto his stomach, or under his side. She goes into the potty without any problems, that’s clear, she gnawed on the violets a long time ago.

Lucinda0309

https://irecommend.ru/content/khotite-myt-koshachyu-popu-zavedite-donskogo-sfinksa

I have never met more affectionate and intelligent animals. I came across a black cat. I read on the Internet that Don sphinxes can heal people, but I didn’t take it very seriously. Over the course of 10 months, my cat licked the thyroid gland on my neck, which was enlarged by 40%. When I was told at the ultrasound that the Don Sphynxes were being treated, I was shocked!!! I saw the results myself. Moreover, donchak have a final visual memory. I walk her on a leash down the street. I go to the store with her. Sits in the basket - doesn’t jump out - looks at everyone - inquisitive. If you are accustomed to water from childhood - not to be afraid of water - they love to swim and bathe. In winter it's as good as hot water bottles. They love to kiss, play, meet you at the door, and see you off. They are not picky about food. They are like lie detectors to me. We stopped buying many products in stores. We let the Donets smell it - if they eat it, then it’s a good product, if they don’t eat it, we don’t buy these products anymore.

[email protected]

https://otzovik.com/review_119241.html

Loves children very much. But it is better for children to reach the age of 4–5 years so that they understand how to treat a pet. With younger children it’s more difficult; they know what’s not allowed, but they don’t always follow the rules. Now my daughter is 4 years old and she knows how to behave with a cat; before, it happened to both of them, naturally from each other. Therefore, I would not recommend having a cat with small children, so as not to injure any of your loved ones.

Gulnaz1

https://tutux.ru/opinion.php?id=22481

A kitten, or any other animal, is another child at home. Well, how can you not love her? Now I can’t even imagine having a wool cat at home with hair everywhere. But this breed requires constant care - we clean its ears and eyes every day. The body temperature of Don Sphynxes is 42 degrees, so they are always cold and hide under the blanket. At night he always sleeps with me and warms me like a hot water bottle. She doesn’t like to wash in the bathroom, but she likes the bath. This is our bald head - the most wonderful!

lena782008

https://spasibovsem.ru/responses/lysiki-luchshe-vseh.html

We also got a Donskoy, when I adopted it... I’ll be honest... I wasn’t very aware of the “peculiarities” of this breed. Everything was fine with us until I found myself in a position. As soon as the cat was replaced, he began to shit... about the litter box and the garbage, still the same... from the toilet he manages to spread the litter throughout the apartment, and there is now a small child in the house who is constantly crawling everywhere. All I have time to do is walk around with a broom and a rag (All the window sills are dirty, the radiators are dirty in the winter too, because he heats up on them... There’s always someone walking around yelling... it especially pushes when you just put the child to bed. You need to sleep exclusively on the bed, exclusively under the blanket, of course, while he gets under the blanket... he lifts up the bedspread, and with it the bed linen... after 2 days the linen can be changed, because it is all dirty from him. And what kills me most is that he does not wash himself!! !! In general! Some kind of underdog))))….he can hang “snot” on his face and walk like that..Yes, it’s better to have wool than dirt and stench!

npp

https://otzov-mf.ru/poroda-koshek-donskoj-sfinks-otzyvy/

Yes, of course, a cat of this breed is very active, they will not let you be alone and get bored. He will always follow you wherever you go. These cats love to be in the arms of people, even if it is the owner or a stranger. They quickly adapt to strangers. I would even call this breed somewhat annoying; it would be extremely difficult to drive it into another room where there is no one. Our cat was also quite vocal. She meowed almost always, mostly she begged for food. No, don't think we starved her. It’s just that these animals constantly want to eat, no matter how much they put in their bowl, after half an hour the next begging for food will begin again. As they explained to me, this happens because they are hairless animals, and in order to keep warm, they expend more energy than other cats. In general, we fed her countless times a day, but this did not affect her figure in any way. Speaking of loudness. Initially, we wanted to pursue her exhibition career. because she came to us with documents. But as soon as she started having troubles for the first time (and it started early - at six months), we gave up on breeding a cat, because she just really asked for a cat. She walked for about five days, then there was a lull, and about a week later the cat began begging again. In short, we couldn’t stand it and invited the veterinarian home for sterilization. There are cats that walk almost unnoticed. For example, my relatives have a British cat, she squeaks a little only when she is in heat. But this is not about the Don sphinxes.

Yuli89

https://nashemnenie.com/zhivotnye/18195-donskoy-sfinks.html

Now he is more than four years old, he has excellent relationships with us, and with our guests, and with other animals with whom he had to get acquainted from time to time (only the bird that accidentally flew into us was unlucky - he instantly killed it). He sleeps exclusively in our bed, is normal about bathing, and without any problems endured moving first to another city (25 hours on a train), and then to another country (2 flights).

froshik

https://citykey.net/review/moy-laskovyy-i-nezhnyy-zver-foto

Personally, I have two Donetsk cats. I am very happy with my babies. This is the most beautiful and loyal cat breed. My first girl came to me three years ago, a little purring little warmer, then I was just learning about care and everything else, a year ago I bought another cat. And I'm completely satisfied with them. This breed is very loyal, cats are able to remember and understand the speech of a three-year-old child, talk to them and back up your words with actions and your brachiki will pleasantly surprise you, they will not only understand you but also follow your verbal instructions. But there is, but only for those who are waiting for a naked pet, not all of them undress, I have one cat left with a veil and with hair on its paws and tail.

Periong

https://otzyv.expert/otlichnie-umnie-koshki-1513105

Exterior

Outwardly, Don Chaks give the impression of being strong, muscular, medium-sized cats. They are strikingly different from Peterbalds - the “daughter” breed is more graceful, with thin bones and a straight profile.

The body is pear-shaped - the croup is wider than the shoulders. The back is straight, the bones are strong. A noticeable belly, especially in older cats. The limbs are long and slender.

The tail of an adult Don Sphynx cat resembles a straight, strong whip, smooth without creases, with a rounded tip.

The head is massive, wedge-shaped, the cheekbones and brow ridges are pronounced. The chin is strong and strong. The neck is of medium length.

The nose is straight, with a noticeable but not sharp transition. The nostrils are open. The muzzle is round and short, the pads are well developed. The mustache is thick, twisted or broken off at the root.

The ears are large, set high, and do not fall apart. The tip is rounded, the blade is slightly tilted forward. The distance between the ears is equal to the width of the base of the shell.

The eyes are slanted, almond-shaped. Any color, different eyes are acceptable. Many folds on the forehead, strong cheekbones and chin give Don Sphynx cats a stern appearance even in photos. Kittens are cuter, but with age they acquire the breed’s “heavy” look.

All existing colors are recognized. A spectacular, clear pattern turns the standard Don Sphynx into a cat with great show potential.

Vices and shortcomings:

• the head is too round, short or narrow, weak chin;
• ears set low, hanging to the sides, small;
• eyes are round, set straight, squint;
• the body is graceful, weak, short, elongated;
• short tail, creases;
• pronounced underbite;
• complete growth;
• turning of the eyelids.

The goal of breeding and great luck is a truly hairless kitten with a lot of folds. Delicate warm skin should be “large” for the pet, hanging down on the neck, stomach, and armpits.

Photo gallery: Don Sphynx

Sphinxes need warm bedding, as they are constantly cold.

You don’t have to cut the claws, but simply put special caps made of plastic or rubber on them

Donchak people are very curious

Don Sphynxes can be completely black

Don Sphynxes love affection very much

Sphinxes can have very different colors

Sometimes Don Sphynxes have curled mustaches

Small kittens are more playful

Don Sphynxes prefer to sleep on a warm radiator

There is no need to walk with the Don, they are uncomfortable on the street

Not everyone likes the Don Sphynx breed. Keeping these cats is not at all easy, because they require a lot of care and attention. This is not just a pet; Donchak dogs often become full-fledged members of the family. But such animals will never let their owners get bored; they will repay with affection and tenderness for the time spent on them.

Characteristics of Canadians

It is worth listening to reviews from owners about the character of Canadian breed cats. As a rule, they sing long praises to their pets, but, to the animals’ credit, the odes of praise are fully deserved.

The character of these cats is similar to other four-legged animals - dogs. Cats are easy to train, as they are quite intelligent and can learn to fetch small objects and perform various tricks such as opening windows and doors.

They begin the training process by training them to use the tray and responding to their name. A kitten of this breed remembers all this almost the first time.

Sphinxes are very socialized, so they prefer to communicate with their owner, to whom they are infinitely loyal. The cat and the owner can watch TV together for a long time, and then also go for a walk around the apartment together.

The sphinx reacts calmly to other animals; the hunter's skill is fast asleep in him.

What is their character?

These are truly extraordinary animals. It seems that they have their own consciousness and intelligence. If you look into their eyes, you will immediately notice their mysterious depth. Hairless cats seem to be able to see right through your soul. They differ in a certain set of qualities, but each four-legged friend is an individual.

Curiosity

From the moment it appears in your home, familiarity with the space begins. The pet will not hide under the bed or hide in a corner. First, he will explore the living space and look into every crack.

From time to time he will cuddle up to you without leaving a single step. After a short break, he will resume his journey. Every day the baby will try to learn something new. He is attracted to everything - indoor flowers, books, slippers, scraps of paper. The Sphinx will definitely get to everything within its reach.

Lovingness

These are very affectionate representatives of the cat family. They love to rub their foreheads against their owner, expressing their trust in him. They are ready to lick your entire face, hands and ears to show their warmth towards you. Sometimes you don't even have to pet your hairless friend. He will jump onto your lap or climb onto your shoulder and start purring. At first he will follow you on your heels.

Activity

Mobility and passion for fun are another distinctive feature. If the kitten is not sleeping, then it’s time to run around the apartment, climb curtains, and jump high in order to reach the desired object. When your pet has few toys, he will find something to occupy himself with. It will bite your fingers, hunt your legs, ruffle your pant leg or sock. The energy is in full swing. Adults also love to play. They will not sit in one place for a long time.

How to choose a kitten

• Don Sphynx kittens are fragile, sickly creatures and often leave this mortal world in infancy. So buying a baby who is under 12 weeks old is a big and unjustified risk.
• Most parents pass on their temperament and character to their offspring, so before adopting a kitten, talk to its dad and mom. What if they are not charming at all, but evil misanthropes?
• Be sure to ask the cattery owner for a veterinary passport for the kitten. The Don Sphynx, which is taken to a new home, must receive a full package of vaccinations.
• Carefully examine every square inch of your potential pet's skin. If peeling or, worse, traces of eczema are found on it, this is a reason to leave the nursery and never return to it.
• Female and male Don Sphynx kittens differ in character. Cats are more independent and curious, and their skin and fur have a stronger odor. Kitties are more affectionate, more enterprising and more inclined to have close contact with their owner.
• The appearance of the young “Donetsk” is not the last selection criterion. When examined, a proper kitten should give the impression of a healthy and neat creature. As much as possible, avoid babies with bloated bellies, signs of diarrhea and pus-filled eyes, as the consequences of poor care in childhood will follow the animal for the rest of its life.

Nutrition

The menu of representatives of hairless cats should be as balanced as possible. This means that food must contain the required amount of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins of animal origin. It is important to calculate protein intake in a ratio of six grams per kilogram of animal weight per day. The selection of a diet must be approached with full responsibility. Otherwise, due to a lack of any substances, various diseases can be provoked.

There is always a question: which food to choose - natural or artificial. The choice is always up to the owner and depends on financial capabilities and cat preferences. Often, breeders combine food composition and use both ready-made food and natural food.

The diet of the Don Sphynx includes: meat (beef, chicken or fish); fermented milk products (kefir, cottage cheese, sour cream); fresh vegetables (cabbage, carrots); eggs.

With any type of food, the cat drinks a lot. It is important that the bowl is always filled with clean drinking water.