January 15, 2025, 9:27 am | Read time: 5 minutes
The Don Sphynx, also known as the Donskoy or Russian Naked Cat, is a fascinating and unique breed of cat that stands out for its hairless appearance and affectionate character. Originally from Russia, this breed has an eventful history that began with a single stray cat. But behind their extraordinary appearance lie special care requirements and controversy.
The Don Sphynx is among the most recognized hairless cat breeds, captivating and dividing opinions with its unique appearance. Originating in Russia during the 1980s, this breed is genetically distinct from the Canadian Sphynx; its hairlessness stems from a dominant gene, in contrast to the recessive gene of its Canadian counterpart. However, the lack of fur and often also whiskers does not only result in visual differences. The absence of fur presents the Don Sphynx with unique challenges in care, health, and husbandry. Simultaneously, its exceptionally social, intelligent, and trusting nature endears it to experienced cat enthusiasts.
Origin
The story of the Don Sphynx began in 1986 in the Russian city of Rostov-on-Don, where a stray cat named Varvara was discovered. This cat was rescued from mistreatment by cat lover Elena Kovaleva. Varvara was initially sparsely furred but lost her coat completely after a few months, although she was otherwise healthy. She became the dam of the breed when she mated with a local tomcat and gave birth to partially hairless offspring.
Selective breeding with European shorthair cats led to the emergence of a new, stable breed characterized by a rare, dominant genetic mutation responsible for its hairlessness. Unlike the Canadian Sphynx, this is not a recessive gene but a semi-dominant mutation. The World Cat Federation (WCF) recognized the breed in 1997, followed by the International Cat Association (TICA) in 2005. However, the breeding of Don Sphynx cats remains a subject of controversy, as their lack of whiskers and fur is considered unethical breeding in certain countries.
Appearance & Coat
The Don Sphynx is a medium-sized, muscular cat with a shoulder height of around 25 to 30 centimeters and a weight of three and a half to seven kilograms. Its body is slender but strong, with long legs and a long, straight tail. The breed’s wedge-shaped head features pronounced cheekbones, large, high-set ears, and almond-shaped eyes available in a spectrum of colors.
The most striking feature of the Don Sphynx is its hairless skin, which is warm and leathery to the touch. It is often characterized by deep wrinkles, especially on the face, neck, and chest. The skin exhibits a variety of colors and patterns that shift in perception with the play of light.
A distinction is made between four coat types in the Don Sphynx:
- Rubber bald: completely hairless.
- Flock coat: a light, barely visible fuzz that feels like peach skin.
- Velour coat: a fine, wavy down that falls out completely in the first year of life.
- Brush coat: a denser, often curly coat that remains partially intact – however, this variant is not permitted for shows.
Character & Disposition
The Don Sphynx is exceptionally people-oriented, affectionate, and intelligent. Its constant desire for closeness to its owners makes it an ideal companion for households that can provide abundant attention and affection. It displays an open-minded curiosity towards strangers.
Its lively temperament and curiosity make it an active and playful companion. The Don Sphynx is also exceptionally social and gets on well with other cats, dogs, and children. However, due to its high need for affection, the Don Sphynx requires constant companionship and should not be left alone.
Training & Activity
Owing to its high intelligence and amiable disposition, the Don Sphynx is readily trainable. It loves interactive games, intelligence toys, and search games that challenge it mentally. The Don Sphynxalso enjoys learning tricks and playing fetch. It is important that it is kept sufficiently occupied; otherwise, it will suffer from boredom.
Correct Keeping & Care
The Don Sphynx is a purely indoor cat, as its hairless skin is sensitive to sunlight and cold. An ideally well-secured balcony or garden, complete with a shady retreat, suits the Don Sphynx perfectly. Avoiding draughts is crucial as they can lead to rapid illness in these cats.
Skincare is particularly important because the Don Sphynx has no fur to absorb excess sebum; this must be removed regularly with a soft cloth. Occasional bathing with a mild shampoo is necessary to prevent a greasy film on the skin. Regular cleaning of the deep skin folds, ears, and paws is essential to prevent inflammation.
Nutrition
The Don Sphynx requires more calories due to the increased energy needed to maintain body temperature. A diet of high-quality, protein-rich cat food is essential. Compared to other cats, it should be given around 20 % more food.
Susceptibility to Certain Diseases
Despite its special care requirements, the Don Sphynx is considered to be relatively robust. Its resistance to infectious diseases may be attributed to its high metabolic rate. However, it is suspected that heart muscle diseases such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) may occur more frequently in the breed. Therefore, regular veterinary check-ups are crucial.
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The Don Sphynx at a Glance
- Character: People-oriented, intelligent, playful, and trusting.
- Size: Medium-sized, shoulder height 25-30 cm.
- Weight: 3.5-7 kg.
- Coat & Skin: Hairless, warm, and leathery skin, various colors and patterns.
- Grooming requirements: High (skincare, cleaning of wrinkles, occasional bathing).
- Housing: Purely indoor cat, sensitive to sun and cold.
- Health: Robust, but possible genetic risks (e.g. HCM).