Hairless cats Donskoy Sphynx: breed standard and health, care, nutrition and breeding

The Don Sphynx is a heat-loving and very whimsical animal, distinguished by curiosity and intelligence. Treats its owners with tenderness and affection. Like a real hairless cat, the Donetsk cat will definitely make a lasting impression on the people who come to visit his owners. These cats love to sit in their arms for a long time, purr, and any owner will enjoy petting him while sitting in a comfortable chair.

Don Sphynx

Origin story

The Don Sphynx breed became known in 1990. It was named after the city on this river - Rostov-on-Don, where the first individual was born. The story began in 1986, when Elena Kovaleva found a kitten on the street and gave her the nickname Varvara. After some time, the cat began to quickly lose its fur. This alerted the owner and she turned to the veterinarians, but they were unable to determine the cause of the baldness.

The cat was in excellent health; no diseases were found in her. Somewhat later, she was matched with a cat of the Celtic breed, as a result of which three kittens were born. One cat from the litter was completely hairless. The owner named her Chita. It is Chita who is considered the first representative of the Don sphinxes. She became interested in the experienced felinologist Irina Nemykina, who began breeding and propagating the new breed, and already in 1996 she achieved official registration for it.

Don Sphynx kitten

Education and physical activity

Like other domestic animals, Don Sphynxes need training. Like other cats, they are not without natural willfulness, so they should start training from a very early age. A model of behavior formed in time will help you avoid bad habits that spoil the mood of your household.

Moderate physical activity is important for Donetsk people. If they don’t get enough of it in games, then furniture, wallpaper, and house plants will suffer. These cats have excellent jumping ability. With daily training, they can be taught simple tricks, such as reaching for an object or overcoming a high obstacle.

Something else interesting: How to train a cat?

Breed standard and description

This breed's standards allow for little hair on the skin by the age of two. The amount of fur on an animal’s body depends on the time of year, hormonal levels, and room temperature.

There are strict standards establishing the description of the Don Sphynx breed. The animal's body has an athletic, raised shape with well-developed muscles. The croup should be wider than the shoulders, but the silhouette itself is elongated. The head, neck, and armpits have folds of skin resembling wrinkles. Males are larger than females, the average weight of a male is 7 kg, females - about 5 kg.

Naked sphinx

Velours

Brush

The skin is pleasantly smooth and feels hot to a person. The Sphynx has a higher body temperature than other cat breeds. For him, this is the norm and in this case there is no need to show the pet to the veterinarian.

The skin contains the pigment melanin, thanks to which the sphinx tans, and from an overabundance of the sun even burns from ultraviolet radiation form. An animal can sweat over the entire surface of its body. The legs are of medium length, the toes are elongated, reminiscent of human ones. The tail is long, straight, tapering to the tip.

The head is wedge-shaped, clearly defined cheekbones with a straight nose and chin. The Sphynx's ears are large and tilted forward, but not too much. The eyes should be slightly slanted and almond-shaped. Eye color can be any. The cat's whiskers are small and slightly curly. An animal may also have no whiskers at all.

Table of Don Sphynx standards.

Don Sphynxes live on average 13-15 years, but there are long-lived individuals who have lived for more than 20 years.

Vaccinations and antiparasitic treatments

To protect the Don Sphynx from viral diseases, he is regularly vaccinated against calcivirosis, panleukopenia and rhinotracheitis.

A kitten of this breed is first vaccinated at the age of 7-8 weeks. After 28 days, the Don Sphynx is revaccinated with the same drug, but with an anti-rabies component. Subsequently, the procedure is carried out once a year.

To protect the Donetsk from helminthiases, he is regularly given prophylaxis with special drugs. Antihelminthic tablets are given to a cat of this breed once every six months and repeated after 10-14 days.

Skin and fur of the Don Sphynx

The lack of hair in these animals is dictated by a gene mutation. As they grow older, their “baldness” only progresses. The Don Sphynx acquires its final appearance at two to three years. There are several types of hairlessness:

• Hooded or rubber. In this case, the fur is completely absent; in addition, the animal has no mustache, eyebrows, or hairs on its paws. The future color of a kitten can be determined by the color of the pads on its paws. The animal's skin itself is elastic, with a large number of folds throughout the body. During the cold season, sparse, fine wool may form.
• Flock and velor. Such cats have short fluff that resembles these fabrics when touched. Flock cats have hair evenly distributed throughout the body, while velor cats only have hair on the face, tail, and paws. The Don Sphynx Velor completely loses its fur with age due to the death of hair follicles.
• The Don Sphynx Brush has longer and denser hair compared to flocked individuals. They may grow new fur and then be lost completely. This depends on many factors - hormones, temperature, living conditions and others.
• Straight-haired. These cats do not have the gene responsible for hairlessness. The animal has the usual fur for cats. However, it is characterized by the presence of other features of the physique of sphinxes.

The gene for lack of hair is recessive or in other words weak. When crossing an animal with fur and a hairless one, individuals with normal hair will be born. There may only be a few Sphynx kittens.

Skin and fur of the Don Sphynx.

Differences between Don Sphynx brush and velor

Brush Sphynx cats have short, almost invisible hair on the skin, a few millimeters long. Because of this, the cat may not have a very bright appearance, and in some colors create the impression of untidiness. That is why such kittens are cheaper than representatives of other varieties of Don Sphynxes. However, this is a distinctive feature that makes it a unique animal.

How does a Sphynx get along with other cats?

Hairless cats and cats get along well in pairs with individuals of their own species. Touchingly hugging their paws, they love to cuddle, lick each other and show mutual care in every possible way.

Sphynxes have a friendly character, so they do not get into trouble with other pets and do not arrange for division of territory. The only thing that a bald cat cannot share with another cat is the love of its owner. Sfin cats require more attention to themselves than other pets.

“Master, have as many cats as you want, but love only me!” - this is the motto of the naked cat.

Colors

The colors of hairless cats are varied. But due to the lack of wool, they do not look very bright. The colors themselves can be divided into several groups - solid, points, and patikolours. Solid or solid colors include:

• White. This color is found in all breeds. Don Sphynxes with this coloring may have cream shades than pure white.
• Black. In color painting it is called seal point. Black individuals have varying degrees of skin pigmentation. It can be from dark black to gray. When determining color, you need to examine the paw pads, nose and ear rims. Eyes can be any color.
• Blue. This color is a lightened version of black. May appear as baby blue or light grey.
• Red. This color cannot exist without tabby coloring. Newborn red kittens are often confused with cream kittens.
• Cream. Lightened version of red.

Tortoiseshell colors are unique to cats and there are several types of tortoiseshells:

• black tortoise is a combination of black and red colors;
• The blue turtle is a combination of cream and blue.

White sphinx.

Black Sphinx.

Blue Don Sphynx.

Red Sphinx.

Cream Sphynx.

Tortoiseshell color.
An important condition for determining the color of a turtle is the ability to distinguish it from a tabby-torby. The tortoiseshell color is a combination of black, red or cream. There are also other types of colors of Don Sphynxes:

• Chocolate. This variant is black in color, in the eastern group it is called “Havana”. This type of color is rare and atypical for Donetsk residents.
• Particolors. There are some variations of this color, calico and bicolor. This type is a tortoiseshell color with a combination of white. More than half should be white. Bicolors are a mixture of the main coat color and white. The proportion can be 9 to 1.
• Color points. These colors are found in all cat breeds and the Don Sphynx is no exception. It is a mixture of three or more colors in varying proportions.
• Tabby. Can be classic, spotted black, brindle.

The Don breed does not have different patterns on its body. It is extremely difficult to see them on naked animals.

Material on the topic: popular colors of the Scottish cat breed.

Useful tips

• During pregnancy, you should limit your cat from jumping on high objects. At this time, the center of gravity is slightly shifted, which can lead to falls.
• The tail should be wiped with a special cosmetic product, sold at a veterinary pharmacy, that does not contain alcohol.
• The Don Sphynx always looks forward to the arrival of its beloved owner. Upon arrival, it is always recommended to give your pet at least a little personal time.
• Breeders recommend petting your pet more often. Don Sphynxes have a very strong biofield that calms, heals, and relieves the effects of stress.

Did you like the article? Share it with your friends. As always, we are waiting for reviews, questions, comments, stories about your favorite pets.

Care and maintenance

Caring for the Don Sphynx requires special conditions. This is due to the peculiarities of the animal’s heat exchange, which consist of the absence of fur and increased body temperature. If a kitten ends up in a home where there are other animals, it is recommended to isolate it for several weeks for safety reasons. These animals are sensitive to changes in environmental temperature. It is worth taking this into account, especially during the off-season, when the apartment has already become cool, but the heating has not yet been turned on. Many owners buy clothes for this or turn on the split system in heating mode.

In general, all hairless cats do not need walking and feel great all their lives in an apartment, without contact with the outside world. You also need to know that the skin is exposed to ultraviolet radiation. The cat should not spend a lot of time in the sun, as it may get burned. Many owners note the increased appetite of these animals, which is dictated by their fast metabolism, which also depends on heat exchange. The animal is forced to spend a lot of calories to maintain its optimal body temperature.

The Don Sphynx must receive food at least 3 times a day, but adhere to certain diet rules. Like any other cat, it is necessary to monitor the condition of the eyes, ears, and teeth. Due to increased secretion of the glands, the cat needs to be bathed at least once every 10 days, preferably every week.

Character and behavior

It is common for such cats to choose a “pack leader” from the first days. This is a person whom they will obey unquestioningly. This is a social animal, it needs communication and affection.

Donetsk residents are friendly to people and love guests. They do not offend children; manifestations of aggression are not typical of the breed. They are empathetic - they feel emotions and subtly experience the owners’ frustrations and pain. There are often cases when the sphinx knew exactly what was hurting its owner and lay down in that place.

Sphynxes are active and love games; the owner must take care of purchasing toys for the cat, since if they are not available, the smart animal will definitely select one of the household items to suit these needs.

Breeders note the vulnerability of Donetsk residents: a raised voice and screaming traumatize the animal, the sphinx can hide under the bathtub or sofa. As a last resort, just sit with your face to the wall and sit there until the owner realizes his mistake.

Sphinxes take a long time to get used to the toilet and require special attention in these matters.

Relationships with other animals

These cats are not jealous and sociable. If there are rodents or birds or fish in the apartment, the breeder is calm about them. No predatory habits. Dogs and Sphynxes always get along great.

Relationship with a person

Sphinxes depend on humans and show their love with all their might. They are affectionate, sometimes to the point of annoyingness. The owner's grief is misfortune for the cat.

The Donetsk resident is an excellent playmate for a child who will never be harmed.

Many inexperienced breeders regard the absence of hair as a sign of hypoallergenicity, however, this is a mistake - allergies are caused by specific components of the saliva and sweat of animals, which are also present in sphinxes. Before purchasing, it is advisable to first spend a couple of hours with the animal.

Diet

The majority of the diet should consist of proteins and carbohydrates - this is the main requirement for proper nutrition of the Don Sphynx. In addition to them, there must be vitamins, proteins, minerals, macro-microelements. Nutrition can be provided with ready-made food or natural food. Natural nutrition should consist of meat. This is the best source of protein. It is better to choose chicken, veal, and rabbit meat. Fatty varieties should be excluded. By-products can be used - kidneys, liver, chicken hearts. Scars can be given no more than once a week. Cereals, raw or boiled vegetables are used as additional nutrition for meat.

Feeding the cat

Don Sphynxes are distinguished by accelerated metabolism and increased heat transfer. Hairless cats require more food to maintain their body temperature than other breeds.

Complete diet

When fed dry food, the Don Sphynx is given premium, super-premium or holistic-class products, which do not contain any questionable components.

The best brands to meet these criteria are RoyalCanin, ProPlan, Hills, Acana and 1st Choice.

When feeding natural products, the menu for Donchak is designed so that lean, fresh meat predominates in it. The sphinx is also given:

• sea ​​fish;
• eggs;
• dairy products;
• porridge with water;
• boiled vegetables.

Don Sphynx dogs should not be offered pork, river fish, bones, sweets, baked goods, smoked meats or sausages. It is forbidden to feed cats of this breed salty, spicy, fried and fatty foods, as well as leftovers from the owner’s plate.

Feeding frequency

Small Don Sphynxes eat less and more often than adult representatives of the breed. Therefore, the diet is made taking into account the age of the cat:

• up to 3 months – 5 times a day;
• 3-6 months – 4 times a day;
• from 6 months – 3 times a day.

Vitamins and minerals

If the Don Sphynx eats natural food, a lack of microelements may occur in its body. Therefore, it is recommended to give vitamins to a cat of this breed twice a year in courses.

But, before introducing mineral supplements into the Donchak’s diet, it is better to show the Sphynx to a veterinarian. He will assess the animal’s condition and recommend suitable vitamins.

On a note. Don Sphynxes, which feed on dry food, do not need additional mineral supplements. Industrial feed contains the entire range of useful substances.

Raising a pet

Don Sphynxes have a very vulnerable and gentle soul. This animal can be easily offended. Pets have a soft and affectionate character. These animals are not characterized by jealousy or aggression. It is worth raising them taking into account these characteristics, without aggression and unnecessary pressure.

Character traits

These cats like to sit on their owner's lap for long periods of time. If a person is busy, the cat will make every effort to attract his attention. The character of the Don Sphynx can be described as moderately lazy. They equally enjoy running around the apartment and lying on a warm radiator or under a blanket. They suffer from curiosity only at a young age. This is manifested in the most common cat pranks that kittens of all breeds commit. As they grow older, their activity decreases, and the rhythm of life becomes measured and calm.

Another character trait is peacefulness. They extremely rarely become the instigators of conflicts in relation to other animals, and especially to people. This is especially true for small pets (rodents, birds), which are highly likely to survive being in the same room in the company of a sphinx.

Material on the topic: all about the character and habits of Maine Coons.

Specifics of training

Don Sphynxes have a fairly developed level of intelligence, so they are easy to train, and even more so to raise. Accustoming to the tray occurs after the first acquaintance with it. With a little effort, patience and time, your cat can be taught simple commands, such as fetching slippers and even giving a voice.

Characteristics of sphinxes

By nature, the creatures from the Don are kind, friendly and sociable. Many owners describe the breed as “kissing.” A cat with smooth, soft skin constantly wants to be petted and rewarded for good behavior. And the pet itself always reaches out to the owner to rub against him, expressing his adoration and devotion. Usually, a feline family member chooses only one “leader” from among all members of the household, whom he will love more and obey more often.

How to train a Don Sphynx to use a litter box

Hairless Don pets are unlikely to be jealous of a person’s other pets. Although, if a Donetsk resident feels that he received less affection and attention than others, he will definitely be offended. The cat will not take revenge or commit meanness, but will only cast an expressive glance at the owner, full of reproach.

In childhood and adolescence, Don Sphynxes are very active and playful. Young hairless meteors rush around the entire perimeter of the apartment - from floor to ceiling. Over time, many individuals become calmer and wiser. Although at any age they will be happy to communicate with people. Cats have a hard time being separated from their beloved “leader,” so experienced owners advise getting another animal.

Don cats are reasonable and understanding, so they are calm about hygienic procedures and are reserved even when examined and vaccinated by a veterinarian. They are also patient when playing with children and show a gentle character. These animals defend themselves much less often than others with the help of teeth and claws. Therefore, they are safe for families with children.

They say that such cats have healing energy and properties. Although this has not been scientifically proven, this assumption is difficult to ignore. Practice shows that hairless Rostov cats are more likely than other cats to engage in “doctoring.” They intuitively find the diseased area, lay their whole warm, warming body on it and send healing impulses inside.

Breeding

Now this breed is especially popular. That is why there are more and more nurseries and breeders who deal with them. There are no problems with breeding this breed. Puberty occurs in sphinxes at the age of 1-1.5 years, in females earlier - at about 6 months. But breeding can only begin after the third heat. This minimizes the risk of health problems for the cat during pregnancy and childbirth.

White Don Sphynx.

Mating

Before breeding, the animal must receive all required vaccinations. The animal must not be lethargic, sick, have defects or deviations from breed standards.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy becomes noticeable in the third week. Lasts on average 64 days, and the litter consists of 4-6 kittens. During this period, the cat needs special care and increased nutrition. You need to feed more often and more. The feeding frequency is 3-5 times a day, and the usual portion should be increased by at least 20%-30%. The same recommendations apply to nursing cats.

Castration and sterilization

Sphynx cats are highly sexually active compared to other cat breeds. If the owner does not intend to breed, it is worth undergoing surgery. Otherwise, the cat will begin to mark its territory, and even mental disorders may begin. This is observed in males and females.

Don Sphynx kittens.

First days at home

Before buying a kitten, you need to secure the room in which it will live: remove wires and flowers from the windowsill. If you have other animals at home, you should not introduce them on the first day, the pet will be scared.

At the pet store you need to purchase: dishes for feeding (it is better to choose ceramics or stainless steel), a tray, a scratching post, a bed, toys.

In the first days, give the animal as much time as possible. It will take 2-3 days for him to adapt to new living conditions.

Diseases of the Don Sphynxes

The Don Sphynx is a young breed, far from the healthiest. These cats have a number of hereditary diseases that are caused by breeding characteristics. Donetsk residents have eczema and microphthalmos. These shortcomings were passed down from our ancestors. Another external defect that is often found in them is entropion of the eyelid. Some of these problems can be treated with surgery. They also experience other characteristic diseases of the Don Sphynxes.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

This disease is characterized by thickening of the walls of the heart, resulting in a disruption of all blood circulation. The animal experiences difficulties during the period of activity, it develops breathing problems, and becomes easily fatigued.

Interesting material: how to choose a Scot and care for him.

Myasthenic syndrome

Clinical symptoms are muscle weakness. This is especially acute after stress. Signs of the disease appear at three months and begin to gradually progress. There are cases when the disease remains static, without showing any dynamics. But most often it leads to death.

Skin diseases

Kittens are predisposed to inflammatory skin diseases. They have ulcers, corneal pathologies, conjunctivitis, and eczema. Any changes in the skin should cause suspicion and a visit to the veterinarian.

Gray Sphinx.

Required vaccinations

The cat must receive mandatory vaccinations, which include:

• rabies;
• adenoviral infection;
• hepatitis;
• peritonitis;
• parainfluenza;
• leptospirosis;
• rhinotracheitis;
• leukemia

The kitten receives its first vaccinations from the breeder, later they need to be updated every year, according to the schedule drawn up by the veterinarian.

Health and illness

Sphinxes without congenital pathologies have good health. They rarely suffer from colds and viral diseases and are not susceptible to cardiovascular diseases. Sphinxes rarely get genetic diseases, but they are susceptible to them.

Microphthalmos

A very dangerous congenital eye defect. This is the name given to all cases where the eyeball is reduced or underdeveloped. This is associated with complete or partial loss of vision. The causes of the occurrence have not been fully identified, but it is believed that chlamydia can cause microphthalmos during pregnancy. How to recognize microphthalmia:

1. The palpebral fissure does not open completely.
2. Microphthalmos most often occurs in kittens born with their eyes already open (this happens in Sphynx cats).
3. The eyeball is small or irregularly shaped.
4. Translucent cornea.
5. Intraocular pressure.
6. The occurrence of other eye diseases (cataracts, tumors, coloboma).
7. In the earliest stages, microphthalmos often occurs with symptoms similar to herpesvirus or ankyloblepharon.

Microphthalmos can be completely “cured” only by removing the affected eye. If the case is not very serious, plastic surgery is recommended.

Shortening of the lower jaw, or underbite

Among the sphinxes, it is especially common among the Don sphinxes. This defect is characterized by a malocclusion, that is, a misalignment of the upper and lower rows of incisors. With an underbite, the lower jaw is shorter than the upper jaw. The norm for Don Chaks is considered to be an undershot of up to 2 mm.

Why the defect is dangerous:

1. With a critical underbite, when the teeth practically do not touch each other, the upper layer of the teeth does not wear off. Because of this, they grow excessively long and injure the cat's palate.
2. It is difficult for a cat to eat, and for a kitten to suck milk.
3. Often, malocclusion leads to gingivitis and other oral diseases.
4. Also, underbite is sometimes accompanied by dwarfism and lordosis.

Entropion of the eyelids

The defect is associated with weakening of the muscles and ligaments of the eyelid. It is dangerous because the eyelid turns inward, and the skin and hairs come into contact with the cornea of ​​the eye. As a result, the cat experiences discomfort. In severe cases of entropion, blinking causes injury to the eye, which often leads to visual impairment and removal of the eye.

Volvulus can be primary (congenital) or secondary (acquired).

Symptoms:

1. With mild volvulus, lacrimation is observed.
2. In moderate and severe forms, the eyes turn red, vision decreases, and profuse lacrimation is observed.
3. Often hairs and eyelashes grow into the cornea. This can be noticed if you carefully examine the eye.

Treatment is only surgical. In kittens up to 8-9 months of age, volvulus may go away on its own. But it is better to consult a veterinarian.

Dermatitis

Quite an unpleasant skin disease. There are several types of dermatitis:

1. Surface. Its symptoms: Slight itching.
2. Appearance of a rash.
3. Light redness on the skin.

Note: feline dermatitis is not contagious to humans.

Hairless cats are more susceptible to dermatitis.
Treatment of dermatitis is difficult. They are mainly treated with diet, special medications and the elimination of irritants, allergens and symptoms of the disease.

Prevention of dermatitis:

1. Regular hygiene procedures.
2. Visits to the veterinarian to identify prerequisites.
3. No stress.
4. Proper care.

Eczema is a type of dermatitis. One of the most difficult skin diseases to treat. Inflammation that occurs due to increased sensitivity of the skin.

Symptoms of eczema:

1. For dry eczema: Skin peels.
2. There is dryness.
3. Crusts form.

Treatment: first of all, you should contact a veterinarian immediately, and eczema should not be treated - it will complicate diagnosis. Treatment is medicinal and also includes the elimination of internal diseases (for example, with reflex eczema).

There is no itching with eczema

Nipple hyperplasia

Often the disease is inherited from mother to daughter. The risk group is females of blue, light blue and cream-blue color with blue eyes.

Symptoms:

1. Severe redness of the nipple.
2. The nipple enlarges.
3. The skin around the nipple thickens and becomes keratinized.

The disease not only causes discomfort to the cat. Such a female gives birth to non-viable or defective kittens an order of magnitude more often.

Nipple hyperplasia often develops due to the use of drugs that suppress sexual function.

Treatment: sterilization and removal of affected nipples.

Nipple hyperplasia can only be treated surgically

Trichophytosis

Fungal disease, a type of lichen.

Attention! Trichophytosis is contagious to humans. At the slightest suspicion, the cat is quarantined.

Characteristics of trichophytosis:

1. The incubation period is from 7 to 30 days.
2. The main carriers are rodents and stray cats.
3. Symptoms: No itching.
4. Hair loss (if any).
5. The affected skin is covered with gray scales.
6. Delamination, thickening, change in color of the claws.
7. In severe forms: fluid secretion in the affected areas, suppuration.

Trichophytosis is a type of lichen

Congenital underdevelopment (absence) of the thymus, or “kitten sleep syndrome”

A dangerous disease that occurs in naked sphinxes. Characterized by underdevelopment or complete absence of the thymus gland, or thymus gland.

Characteristics:

1. Occurs most often during inbreeding.
2. The lifespan of such kittens is from two days to two weeks.
3. Symptoms: Blueness of the face and limbs.
4. “Parchment” skin (dehydration).
5. Lag in weight gain and growth.
6. Lack of sucking reflex.

How to choose and name a kitten

When buying a small Don kitten, first of all you should come up with a name for it. You can give a nickname based on the lack of fur (Bold, from the English “bald”, or the ironic Fluffy, Fluffy (English “fluffy”), or in honor of your favorite movie character. It is also worth focusing on the character and habits in the first days of living in a new place (Tishka, Zabiyaka, Viking). The name for the Don Sphynx is an important part of his life. Popular nicknames for cats are shown in the table below.

Names for Scottish cats.

Prices for Don Sphynxes

The cost of purchasing a Don Sphynx kitten is 15,000-35,000 rubles. The price depends on the class of the animal. On the Internet you can find advertisements for the sale of individuals at prices up to 5,000. In this case, the kitten does not have a pedigree or may not be a purebred animal or have serious health problems.

Choosing a kitten

First you need to decide why you need a cat. Based on the requirements for the animal, you need to choose a class:

1. Show. The best of the best, the most expensive in price. Suitable for exhibitions and breeding. The price of the Show-Don Sphynx is from 30,000 rubles.
2. Breed. Full compliance with the standard, but minor defects are possible that do not allow for an exhibition career. however they are suitable for breeding. The price of such a sphinx is from 15,000 to 30,000 rubles.
3. Pet. There are disadvantages that do not allow participation in breeding and exhibitions. Sold as pets. Price - from 9,000 to 15,000 rubles.

Kittens are sold no earlier than 4 months of age. How to identify a purebred Don Sphynx:

1. Curled whiskers are a mandatory distinguishing feature of newborn Don Sphynxes.
2. You can judge by its coat whether the kitten is a representative of the breed (it must meet the standard).
3. You should also look at the kitten’s parents and ask for their documents - if they meet the standard and are completely healthy, then the kitten will be a true representative of the breed, healthy and fully developed.
4. Pay attention to the kitten's health:
   healthy babies are active and cheerful;
5. the kitten should not be scared, should show curiosity and playfulness;
6. the eyes do not water, pus does not ooze from the nose and ears;
7. there are no wounds or redness on the skin, it is clean and smooth.

Healthy kittens are active and cheerful

Pros and cons of the Don Sphynxes

The positive aspects of the Don sphinxes include;

• always warm and pleasant to the touch;
• absence of wool, which makes cleaning the apartment easier;
• tenderness, affection;
• kindness, dislike of conflicts;
• developed mind, which makes training possible.

On the negative side, it is worth mentioning the unusual original appearance, which not everyone will like. Due to the increased temperature, the animal sweats; the cat must be bathed frequently. It is also important to monitor the temperature in the apartment - the air should not be too cool so that the Sphynx does not get sick.

Interesting facts about Sphynx cats

1. A naked cat is a “kissing” cat! The owner of a loving Sphynx should come to terms with this fact, because a hairless pet constantly requires communication and tactile contact. Sfin cats love to lick the hands of their owners - this is how they show their love.
2. Sfin cats are extremely jealous. No, they are not at all against other pets. It's just that hairless cats want their owner to love the Sphynx more than other pets.
3. Hairless cats love to cuddle.
4. In addition to the well-known types of breed varieties (Canadian, Donskoy, Peterbald), there are several interesting varieties of hairless cats - Bambino, Ukrainian Levkoy, Elf, Dwelf, Cojona, Minskin.
5. What kind of kittens will be born if you cross a Sphynx with an ordinary cat? Mixed half-sphinxes will be attractive in appearance, but they are unlikely to fully meet the breed standard - in this case, outbred genes will not add advantages to the animal’s exterior. However, kittens born from a half-sphinx will be carriers of the hairless gene.

Hollowborn

• Truly naked (homozygous)

They are born completely naked with pinkish skin. After three days, the colors of the kittens appear. Animals lack vibris. They feel sticky and rubbery to the touch. Such cats are quite rare.

• Naked born undressed

Kittens of this type have a barely noticeable thin fluff at birth, which disappears during the day. Otherwise, a newborn pet of this type does not differ from homozygous kittens.

The difference between these two representatives can only be noticed by the breeder who is present at the birth of the litter.

• Bare in spraying (having a thin flock)

A newborn kitten appears with a thin coating or with long, thin, sparse hairs that are evenly distributed throughout the body. An adult Don Sphynx is either hairless or has pleasant velvet skin.