Hairy Sphynxes with fur are cuties that bring a special atmosphere to every home. Contrary to the prevailing stereotype, sphinxes are not only bald! Hairy cuties have an equally exotic look and are suitable for those who like to stroke their cat's fur, but don't want fur flying everywhere.
They have coarse hair and an incredibly affectionate nature. This breed is also called Don or Russian, because it appeared in Russia in the ninety-sixth year of the last century. She appeared like this: in Rostov, a woman found a cat named Varvara on the street, she took her home and began to care for her, but she gradually became bald. The treatment did not help, and one day she gave birth to kittens from a European cat. One of them marked the beginning of a variety of hairless animals, which appeared thanks to the felinologist I. Nemykina. But you can’t cross them with each other, so there are hairy brush animals with sparse and curly fur.
Description of the breed
The appearance of these animals is unusual - they have hard hair on their muzzle and paws, and the same on their tail. Sometimes there are specimens in which fur grows exclusively on the legs and the body is bald. Here are the distinctive features of all these animals:
- The fur is coarse, slightly curly. As a rule, babies are born with normal fur, and only then does it thin out. In the fall, many people grow longer hair - they are insulated for winter - and in the spring everything falls out, only the paws and tail remain hairy.
- They have no eyebrows, their skin is velvety, like velor, their mustache may be either absent or curly.
- The eyes are angled and oval.
- The back is strong, muscular, straight, the tail is also straight, the limbs are of medium length, thin, graceful, strong, the fingers also seem elongated.
- The tail is thin and elongated, rounded at the end.
- The head is wedge-shaped, the cheekbones and brow ridges are clearly visible.
- The muzzle is medium, the nose is without depressions or humps, the chin is small, the ears are large.
- The colors vary. The most common species are white, blue, red, black and sometimes lilac.
- The size is usually small, but there are also large cats.
- The skin is soft and wrinkled, elastic, and there are wrinkles on the head, tail, paws, neck and belly.
- There is no musky smell, males rarely mark territory.
- Females are smaller, they have a narrower chest, thin neck and small head. The weight of the animal is three to five kilograms.
- The lifespan of the animal is twelve to fifteen years.
- Babies' eyes open a few hours after birth.
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There are three subtypes of hairy sphinxes:
- velor, whose hairs are sparse, short and dense,
- point, distinguished by velor hairs on the body and curly, short, coarse hair on the paws, tail and muzzle,
- dense, with hard and frequent fur, through which the body cannot be seen.
At what month does a Sphynx cat lose all its hair?
Currently, there are three intra-breed varieties: barebred (rubber), velor “flocked” (with rudimentary hairs all over the body) and “brush” (with thick wavy and very soft hair or with hard, crimped, almost broken hair). One litter can produce both bare-born and “brush” kittens and velor kittens. If at birth a bald spot (“tonsure”) appears on the crown of the kittens of the last two types, then over time these kittens will shed their hair and turn into true sphinxes. How quickly this will happen can be determined at the age of 1-2 months. If the coat remains fine and silky at this age, the kitten will “undress” at about 4-5 months. If the coat is harsh to the touch, shedding the coat can take up to 1.5-2 years. However, the process of “undressing” is individual for each animal.
Naked and velor varieties of Don Sphynxes compete for titles and are successfully exhibited at various exhibitions. Brushes may be exhibited without the right to receive titles. At the same time, they are very actively used in breeding, especially when paired with naked-born. Some “brushes”, after reaching puberty, begin to intensively shed their hair and become completely hairless, with the exception of the limbs, on which short, soft and slightly wavy hair remains. Such animals can also be exhibited at exhibitions, they receive titles.
Character
These cats are very curious and playful, they love to communicate, love to be looked at and played with. They quickly adapt to a new home and can easily cope with moving. They trust people, become very attached to their owner, and are loyal to him, like dogs. They accompany “their” person everywhere and do not leave him a single step. It is important for them to sleep on their owner’s lap or next to them in order to feel protected and loved.
Kids of this breed are extremely energetic, they are friendly and joyful, they often play pranks, chase each other, swing on curtains and adore their pets like their parents.
Cats often get cold both at home and outside, so they often sleep under a blanket. In winter they sit near the radiators, and in summer they bask in the sun. It happens that they even get a sunburn, their skin begins to peel off and come off in flakes.
Adult creatures are calm, love to sit on the windowsill and look at birds and passers-by. They get along well with children and other animals. It is better not to leave them alone for a long time; this can make the creature’s character aggressive, because it yearns for loneliness. Therefore, it is better to choose a different type if you are at work for a long time and there is no one at home. Another option is to get two cats, then they won’t get bored. They quickly get used to the tray, are clean and tidy.
Sphinxes are easy to offend, so you should treat them delicately, it’s better not to even raise your voice, because after screaming, your pet can sit in the corner for hours and remember the offense. He listens to his owner, follows his commands and tries to please him with his behavior.
He is calm and devoid of aggression, loves children and does not misbehave. He loves to play with children, allows himself to be dressed, wrapped in blankets, and painted. Will never scratch or bite. The Sphinx eats funny, he takes the tasty treat with his paw and puts it in his mouth, and opens his mouth to its full width over the bowl.
Health
Representatives of the hairless family are famous for their strong immunity. In good conditions, they practically do not get sick and live into their old cat years. Illnesses arise from negligence towards household members. Most often, Elves are diagnosed with the following diseases:
- Dermatitis due to unsanitary conditions.
- Obesity due to improper feeding.
- Food allergies due to poor quality nutrition.
- Hormonal imbalance due to lack of vitamins and minerals.
- Colds, rhinitis due to hypothermia.
Vaccination begins in the first 7-8 weeks of life. Adults are vaccinated annually. Twice a year the cat is given anthelmintic drugs, be sure to repeat the treatment after 10-14 days.
Care
Since these purrs have non-standard hair, caring for them has some features. They have an elevated body temperature - approximately forty to forty-one degrees.
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Therefore, they get sunburn easily. It is important not to let them spend too much time under the hot rays. The room should be warm and drafts should be avoided. When walking outside, it is important to ensure that the animal does not get wounded, because their skin is especially sensitive. It’s better not to let them out of the apartment at all.
Every day the animal needs to be wiped with water because it sweats. Once every seven days you are supposed to bathe him using a special shampoo. It is worth feeding a cat with premium food; many veterinarians do not recommend natural food. The creature has a fast metabolism, so it eats a lot. This is normal, due to this his immunity is strengthened. Cats love to try new things, like fruit. It is worth trimming your pet's claws and cleaning your pet's ears and teeth regularly. Buy him new toys, invent games, because otherwise he will be bored.
These cats live for about fifteen years, this figure is greatly influenced by nutrition. Sometimes it can change, the main factors influencing it are heredity, immunity and care.
To exclude diseases, you should regularly visit the veterinarian, get all the necessary vaccinations and give your pet vitamins. In the fall, it is important to dress him in special clothes, which are sold in pet stores. In winter, place a pad on the radiator, because the cat loves to bask there and can burn the delicate skin.
Origin story
Brush during molting period.
The official ancestor of this breed is a cat that was rescued in 1987 from the hands of street hooligans. This was a respectable act done by professor of the Pedagogical Institute E. Kovalev. This animal does not have hair on certain parts of the body. Soon she became completely bald. Veterinarians and the cat's owner explained this by shock or the consequences of a previous illness. After some time, the cat gave birth to new kittens, which initially looked like their mother. These kittens were mistakenly recognized as sick and for this reason they were killed, except for one.
The origin of the Don Sphynx Brush began with this kitten. During the formation of the breed, Brushes were crossed with shorthaired breeds. Today the gene pool of the breed is fully formed and pure. In 1996 they received recognition from the World Cat Federation or WCF. They received their own standard of appearance and an accurate description of their appearance. Today this breed takes part in many international cat shows, competitions and other events in the world of felinology.
Price
You should only buy a kitten from trusted breeders or nurseries; a sick or outbred animal may be slipped into the market.
It is necessary that the parents and the baby have documents; it is better to conclude an agreement with the seller. Pay attention to whether vaccinations have been completed and whether worm prevention has been carried out; do not take a four-legged animal under two months old.
He must be active, without external defects, and cheerful. The average price of such a kitten is ten to fifteen thousand rubles, but can reach up to twenty-five thousand. Always pay attention to the conditions in which the hairworm is kept. If the apartment is clean and tidy, and the baby’s parents look healthy and well-groomed, then most likely this is a bona fide breeder.
Flock
Newborn kittens may appear hairless. But upon closer examination, you can notice sparse hairs no more than 2 mm long on the skin. The Sphynx flock has wool that resembles velvet in its structure. It covers the entire body of the animal.
The short coat persists only in childhood and young adulthood. As the animal grows, the hairs gradually become thinner and then disappear altogether. By about 2 years of age, cats become completely hairless.
Reviews
All owners of such tailed animals are very happy with them, it is impossible not to fall in love with them; as a rule, such pets become loved by all family members, even if someone is initially put off by their appearance. Cats of this variety are disciplined, easy to train and raise, and love to be photographed.
They are loyal and love their owners, meeting them at the doorstep and following them around the house everywhere. They often sleep in bed with people, love to purr on their knees and sleep in the warmth of human hugs.
To read: Features of the care and maintenance of the Don Sphynx cat breed, reviews from owners
Some take in adult animals, and they still quickly adapt to the new environment. They love children and easily find a common language with other representatives of the animal world. They do not spoil wallpaper and furniture, especially if you accustom them to scratching posts from childhood. They always go to the toilet in the litter box. The only thing that can be a problem for busy people is daily wiping, but for those who are already used to it, caring for a cat is a pleasure.
Advantages and disadvantages of plush sphinxes
Adult Don Sphynxes reach 30 centimeters at the withers, males look larger, and their weight ranges from 6 to 7 kilograms, while females weigh no more than 5 kilos. With proper care, representatives of the Brush breed live 14–17 years.
Interesting! The Sphynx Brush's body temperature fluctuates between 38-39 degrees, so when you touch your pet's skin it feels hot.
Advantages of the little hairy dog of this breed:
- friendly attitude towards children, lack of aggression towards other people;
- high intelligence, ability to train;
- easy contact with other animals;
- cleanliness;
- long lifespan, provided proper maintenance;
- absence of fleas and hair around the house.
A hairy pet also has a number of disadvantages:
- the need for regular skin care;
- the importance of maintaining the correct microclimate in a living space;
- increased susceptibility to dermatological type pathologies;
- specific body odor;
- insatiable appetite, increasing the risk of obesity.
Possible diseases
Sphynx Brush cats have a genetic predisposition to the following pathologies:
- eczema;
- entropion of the eyelid or underdeveloped eyeball;
- dermatitis;
- conjunctivitis;
- shortened lower jaw.
pros
Many owners note the friendly and easy-going nature of Sphynx cats with fur. Cats of this breed have the following advantages:
- lack of aggression;
- high intelligence;
- learning ability;
- good harmony with other species of animals;
- pickiness in food;
- cleanliness.
In addition, Sphynx cats with fur are considered healing cats. They have increased heat exchange, and the surface of the hair always remains hot. These animals can be used as living heating pads. They are extremely affectionate and love to cuddle up to the human body.
Cat Hair Types
Cat fur serves as an insulating layer between the skin and the external environment. The coat protects from cold and heat. Its type is classified depending on the thickness, length, and structure of the hair.
The type of cat's coat is an individual feature of each breed, regardless of color, and is determined by a specific combination of guard hairs, guard hairs and undercoat.
Undercoat
The undercoat consists of soft and fluffy hairs of equal diameter along the entire length, providing thermal insulation. It is the undercoat that helps animals keep warm during cold periods and protects them from overheating in hot weather. Without proper care, the undercoat becomes compacted, tangled, and tangles form. They are much larger in number, in contrast to the protective and guard layers, and they are the shortest, lying close to the body. When examining the undercoat under a microscope, it will appear corrugated (wavy), although at ordinary glance it appears straight.
Guard hair
The guard hair, or outer hair, forms the main middle layer of the coat. They are thinner than protective hair, stiff, with a thickening at the tip. The structure and length may vary depending on the breed. Some breeds have a awn that is the same length as the guard hair, while others have a shorter awn.
Protective hair
The guard hair usually determines the cat's base color. The protective top layer prevents the wool from getting wet quickly. Typically, guard hairs are longer than guard hairs, and are stiffer and coarser. They taper evenly to the tip along the entire length.
Pooh
Sparse, very fine hairs, characteristic of kittens. By the way, sphinxes’ hair is also called fluff. In adults, the down is difficult to distinguish.
Mustache
Vibrissae are long, thickened tactile hairs growing on both sides of the muzzle on the cheeks and above the eyes, as well as on the outer side of the lower leg. Vibrissae are very sensitive and important in a cat’s life. They cannot be cut, because with the help of whiskers the cat orients itself in space: it measures the distance to an object, finds its way in the dark, determines the direction of the wind, and recognizes odors. Whiskers are one of the ways cats communicate.
There are breeds with double or triple coats. Many people believe that some breeds do not have an undercoat, for example, the Turkish Angora, but in fact they do, it’s just weakly expressed, it is less abundant, unlike other breeds. Representatives of the Cornish Rex breed lack a awn, and wirehair cats have all three types of hair, they are all short and curly.
By the way, hair structure is determined genetically. Straight and curly hair in cats differ only in the shape of the shaft. Curly hair has a flat shaft, while straight hair has a round shaft.
Knitting features
Before breeding Sphynxes, it is necessary to take into account that completely hairless cats cannot be mated with the same cats. As a result of such a union, offspring with various pathologies may appear. Ideally, one of the parents will be bald, and the other will have brush or velor.
The cat should go on a “date”. Ideal for mating are individuals who have already gone through two heats - this is approximately one and a half years old. A sign for a cat to visit is the animal's excessive affection - the cat rubs against everything, and when you stroke its back, it purrs, arches and trembles. A cat will help you figure out exactly whether he is ready for mating - if the kitty arrived on time, he will immediately show his readiness for affection, filling the room with a loud cry. If the time has not yet come, the cat may leave altogether. A guaranteed result can be achieved only after several matings.
Diet
Nutrition plays an important role in the content. Due to the complete or partial absence of fur, pets are forced to expend more energy and effort. Therefore, nutrition should be balanced and energy-intensive. At the same time, do not overdo it and follow the portion. “Dandelions” love to eat, which promises overeating and obesity.
Don cats can be fed both natural food and prepared food. When choosing industrial feed, it is important that it be from the same manufacturer and of high quality. When feeding natural food, the basis of the diet is: lean meat, sea fish, low-fat cottage cheese and other protein-rich foods. Be sure to give vegetables, fruits, and cereals. It is advisable to create an individual diet only after an individual consultation with a veterinarian. If the diet is chosen incorrectly, the animal can quickly develop serious problems with the intestines and stomach.
The nutrition of an adult Don pet and babies differs in many ways. Kittens have a very sensitive gastrointestinal tract, so they should be fed 3-4 times a day, preferably with wet food. More dense foods are introduced with caution and in small portions so as not to cause allergic reactions and intestinal imbalance.
As you know, Don representatives are partial to sweets, especially flour products. You need to be careful about this and try not to indulge in such delicacies. It is worth refraining from feeding the animal from the table: our food is too fatty and contains a lot of seasonings, which is very harmful to health.
