A unique and very rare cat breed Velor Sphynx: description and character

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Varieties of the Don breedVelor SphynxBrush SphynxFlock Sphynx Description of what it looks like and what colors there are Differences between the Canadian, Don and St. Petersburg SphynxesCharacter and special habits of the BrushSphynxHow to care for the Don SphynxCharacterHow to toilet train a SphynxRules for bathing a SphynxCharacter and behaviorPhoto gallery: Sphynxes live next to us - interesting factsWhy sphinxes have fur ?Sphinxbrush of the Don breedPetersburgbrush (Peterbald)Health How long do they live? Breeding the breedHow to choose a kittenTypes of coat of sphinxesFlockVelourBrushStraight-hairedHealth and susceptibility to diseases What to look for when choosing Prices for kittensPros and cons

Description of what it looks like and what colors there are

Any colors of the Don Sphynx are allowed, except lilac and chocolate. There are purebred Donchak dogs:

• white;
• black;
• gray;
• red;
• blue;
• red;
• pinkish.

Tabby-colored cats (patterned, striped) are also recognized by the felinological community, but they are classified into a separate subgroup, without division by pattern.

And here you will find the schedule of WCF cat shows for 2020.

Differences between the Canadian, Don and St. Petersburg sphinxes

The Canadian Sphynx became the first breed to officially recognize hairlessness as a standard. The Don Sphynx and Peterbald are related breeds whose homeland is Russia. The St. Petersburg Sphynx appeared as a result of crossing the Donchak and the Oriental cat.

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Visual differences in the structure of the muzzle of these three breeds are clearly visible in the photo below.

External description and standard

Velor Sphynxes have short whiskers and sometimes curl them

The velor cat is popular among the Don Sphynxes. It is similar to other representatives of the breed, but differs in its hair. It's a pleasure to stroke him - a velvet sphinx.

Leather and wool

Depending on the length of the coat and where the pile grows, the velor Sphynx comes in three types:

1. Light velor - hair (up to 2 millimeters) is located throughout the body. Kittens are usually born with sparse hair and a slightly bald head.
2. Velor point - the sphinx's pile grows up to 4 millimeters and is located on the paws and muzzle.
3. Downy velor – the animal is completely covered with hair. There are curly hairs on the tail, hips, chest and legs. The fur is as pleasant as velvet.

The animals' temperature is 40 degrees, so they seem to be hot. And cat owners note that the Sphynx feels like velor.

Colors of velor Don Sphynxes

Purrs come in different colors. Felinologists do not recognize animals with lilac and chocolate colors. The most common sphinxes are:

• black;
• white;
• gray;
• red;
• blue
• redheads.

There are cats with a tabby pattern, which looks like stripes and circles on the animal's body. The shades of the eyes, nose and pads on the paws should be combined with the main color.

Red baby

Dimensions and weight

The Don Sphynx of the velor type grows of medium size: the height at the withers is from 25 to 30 centimeters. Females look smaller and more graceful than males. Their weight reaches 3.5–5 kilograms. Males weigh up to 7 kg. At the same time, castrated animals gain weight faster, so owners must monitor their pets’ diet and prevent overeating.

Anatomical characteristics

The main characteristics of the breed include:

• strong and muscular body;
• elongated silhouette;
• wedge-shaped head;
• curled mustache that breaks easily;
• straight nose;
• large ears that are set wide apart;
• almond-shaped eyes (one of the differences from the Canadian cat, which has round eyes);
• folds on the head, neck, armpits;
• average limb length;
• long and flexible tail.

Character and special habits of brushes

These cats can be characterized as playful and inquisitive. Over time, they become full-fledged members of the family. They choose one master or favorite for themselves, they always obey him unquestioningly, carrying out all his commands. They treat other people with warmth and good nature. Also, the Sphynx Brush is intelligent, but tends to be touchy. However, he is not vindictive. You should not punish this animal physically and psychologically.

Brushes can be called empaths, capable of sensing changes in a person’s mood. They react to this, trying to pity and cheer up the person. Cats love affection, all kinds of manifestations of tenderness, care, and attention to themselves. This breed is characterized by quickly getting used to a new place, observing all the requirements that the owners place on them. If the animal refuses to visit the tray assigned to it, you just need to move it to another place.

Sphynx kittens.

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.

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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.

Character

Velor beauties are very affectionate

Don Sphynxes are friendly cats. These are companions who are happy to spend time next to people: they love to lie on the couch with their owner, and run after a person around the apartment. Purrs, as sociable animals, find it sad to be alone for a long time. They are loyal, non-aggressive, but can be offended if the owner swears loudly.

The tailed cats of this breed are comfortable with living with dogs and other medium-sized pets. In addition, they get along with children: they are ready to play with kids and do not scratch. Animals are especially active when they are young. Adult cats prefer a quiet rest, but sometimes they are not averse to frolic.

Don Sphynxes are distinguished by their intelligence. They can be trained. But at the same time, you cannot roughly force the animal to obey, otherwise the pet will become stubborn. It is better to use the reward method - for each execution of a command you need to treat the cat with a treat. Hairless purrs can learn different tricks. Tailed animals are able to understand the requirements to “sit” and “lie down”. They love to fetch the ball.

Origin story

In 1996, the World Cat Federation recognized the Don Sphynx, including velor

The history of the formation of the Don Sphynx breed began in 1986 in Rostov-on-Don. City resident Elena Kovaleva noticed on the street how hooligans were mocking a kitten. The woman scared the boys away and took the little purr to her home. She named her new pet Varvara. Later, the owner noticed how the animal began to go bald. Veterinarians found no disease in the cat, and no treatment stopped the hair loss. Varvara became completely “naked”, but at the same time remained healthy.

Four years later, the cat gave birth to kittens from a shorthair cat. The babies, like their mother, turned out to be bald. Of all the newborns, the cat named Chita, who had velor fur, survived. Soon Irina Nemykina took her. She bred kittens and secured the genetic qualities of the animal. Thus, Chita became the ancestor of a new breed. During the breeding process, 4 types of Don Sphynx were bred: bald, brush Sphynx, velor and Don flock Sphynx. Hairless cats have no fur at all. The flock representative of the breed has short hairs on the body (they fall out by the age of two). Velor purrs have fur that grows up to 3 millimeters (may fall out with age). Brush hair is hard and sparse.

Gradually, bald tailed animals became popular. In 1992, the standard of the Don Sphynxes was determined. Then in 1996, the World Cat Federation and felinological organizations recognized cats.

How to toilet train a Sphynx

Sphynxes are clean animals and are easily litter trained. If your pet ignores the toilet, it means he doesn’t like something. Try choosing a different tray or experiment with fillers. Do not use physical force or scold your pet during training.

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It is not recommended to use silica gel filler: the baby may accidentally swallow the “balls” and get poisoned. Life hack: before pouring the filler, place the bag on the tray - this way the plastic will not absorb the smell. During cleaning, collect the film and throw the granules into the trash.

Choosing a kitten

You should buy a kitten when it is 3 months old. By this age, he becomes strong and independent, knows how to use a scratching post and a tray.

Buy a pet from a nursery or at an exhibition. The seller must provide the buyer with a pedigree and a veterinary passport with entered vaccination data.

A healthy kitten is selected based on the following characteristics:

• friendly, fearless, non-aggressive, lively, inquisitive behavior;
• a well-fed, harmoniously built body;
• clean eyes, ears, nose, anal area;
• elastic abdomen without inflammation and knots;
• soft brush wool that evenly covers the entire body;
• absence of bald spots, traces of parasitic and dermatological diseases.

Rules for bathing a sphinx

Hairless cats love bath treatments. The optimal water temperature is 36-38 degrees.

How to bathe a Sphynx:

1. There is a rubberized mat at the bottom of the bed bath to prevent your pet's paws from slipping.
2. Use special products for washing hairless cats, and make sure that the liquid does not get into the eyes and ears.
3. After the bath, dry the kitten with a soft towel, take it to a warm place or cover it with a blanket.
4. Do not dry your pet with a hairdryer - dry and hot air can burn the delicate skin.

Skin care and bathing

The Sphynx breed, due to its physiological characteristics, needs more frequent bathing than their furry counterparts. This procedure must be done correctly so that the cat does not experience stress and avoid health problems. It is better to do this in a shallow container or bath; the depth of the water should not exceed 15 cm. Cats are often frightened by the stream of flowing water.

It is recommended to use special care formulations or products for children as shampoo. They do not contain harsh ingredients that can cause irritation, and this breed has very sensitive skin.

Sphynx dogs have a high temperature, so they need to be washed with preheated water. The optimal temperature should be 36-39 degrees. When washing an animal, you need to calmly talk to it and stroke it so that the animal remains calm and does not get nervous. The amount of shampoo depends on the degree of soiling of the cat.

Table describing care procedures for Sphynx cats.

In some cases, you can do without it altogether by simply bathing it in warm water. When bathing, water should not get into the animal's ears, as this can lead to inflammatory processes. In this case, it is not recommended to wash your hair at all; you can use wet wipes.

It is not recommended to wash kittens that have recently been given a new home and have not yet had time to adapt to their new living conditions. The Sphynx should be bathed at least once every ten days. After bathing, the animal should be thoroughly dried and the room should be warm. Otherwise, the cat may catch a cold.

Sphynx kitten at six months.

Character and behavior

Owners of “bald cats” are convinced that their pets have the highest level of intelligence among domestic cat breeds - it is quite possible that this is so. All Sphynx cats are very affectionate and affectionate cats. They are dog-oriented and interested in their owner, they train well and explore the world around them with great curiosity.

The Sphinx cannot imagine her life without her beloved owner

Loneliness is not for them, keep this in mind if you are planning to get a Sphynx. Donchak dogs are more self-confident and, at least for a short time, will be able to find something to do to pass the time while waiting for the owner. Canadians are very sensitive, withdrawn and fixated on their rich inner world - being left without an owner, they suffer greatly. Peterbalds are emotional, active and will constantly “tell” you about all their activities and fun.

These cats are bright, unique personalities, and this certainly has nothing to do with the type of coat they have. Much more important is whether you can find mutual understanding with them - then your life will become more interesting and sparkle with new colors.

Photo gallery: sphinxes live next to us - interesting facts

They are friends with pets and seem to consider themselves a little like dogs. Sphinxes hardly feel pain and often get burned while warming themselves on a stove or radiator. They love to dress up and be photographed. The Sphinx is ready to follow its owner everywhere. The hunting instinct of sphinxes is highly developed. They are cunning and gluttons for food. It’s better to hide it from them They know how to not only warm the owner, but also treat him Sphinxes like shiny toys, why is unknown An uncomfortable or ugly outfit can greatly spoil the Sphinx’s mood The Sphinx should be dressed for a walk so that the grass does not cut the delicate skin Sphinxes love to sleep in the embryonic position - it’s warmer this way Sphynxes recognize themselves in the mirror, other cats rarely know how to do this They say that they understand humor - but they definitely know how to smile!

Character of the sphinxes

Brush Don Sphynx kittens are very energetic, friendly and love attention. One of the distinctive features is the rapid adaptation to any changes and almost “iron” nerves. This breed is very affectionate and inquisitive.

They are very active and love games. Unlike other types of cats, Sphynx cats prefer to be close to their owner, so they learn and respond very quickly to words “yes” and “no”. The preferred place to rest and sleep is the lap of its beloved owner. They are very peaceful and quickly adapt to homes with other animals.

Why do sphinxes have fur?

The appearance of new hair on an animal of this breed, or, conversely, its disappearance after the woolly kittens grow up, is associated with many factors. There will be no clear answer. The reasons may be the following:

• The appearance of hairiness is sometimes influenced by vaccinations;
• hormonal manifestations of the individual associated with bearing kittens;
• unsuccessful selection of feed;
• weather;
• castration.

If a litter has ideal parents, but one of the kittens was still born with hair, do not forget that he had great-grandparents who gave the baby hair.

In the end, the lack of fur only reduces the price of a kitten, but does not in any way affect its character, which is sweet and good-natured, like all sphinxes.

pros

Many owners note the friendly and easy-going nature of Sphynx cats with fur. Cats of this breed have the following advantages:

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• 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.

Petersburg brush (Peterbald)

Russian breed, in the selection of which Don cats took part. Just like their predecessors, these sphinxes are covered with curly hair and some of them remain in this form for the rest of their lives. The second half “undresses” not completely. In adult cats, dense growth is observed on the face, tail and may be on the paws. This option is called brush point due to the characteristic location of the hair at the ends of the body.

Why does the Sphynx begin to grow hair?

Kittens and adult Sphynx cats sometimes begin to grow hair. There may be several reasons.

• Cold weather.
  With the onset of cold weather, most sphinxes are covered with short fluff; in some areas of the body the hair can be quite long. It can grow back even if it only got cold outside the window, but the temperature in the house was always maintained at a comfortable level.
• Heredity.
  Canadian Sphynxes are the most stable breed. The appearance of fur on them usually indicates the “sins” of the breeder and accidental interbreed matings. You can expect everything from Donetsk, Peterbald, Levkoy and other hairless breeds. They are on the path of becoming. It happens that kittens do not shed their fur and this cannot be predicted, and adult cats can grow and remain fluffy.
• Hormonal changes.
  Wool can grow rapidly or, on the contrary, fall out as a result of puberty, pregnancy, castration/sterilization, disruption of the endocrine system and other factors affecting the general hormonal balance.

Observations show that reasons such as feeding, illness, stress in combination with the above can affect the amount of hair in a hairless cat.

Regardless of the amount and length of the sphinx's fur, the character and habits usually do not change. Even in their fluffy form, they remain very gentle and sociable creatures who adore warmth and comfort.

Health

The grass is good for the health of cats

Due to the fact that the skin of some velor Sphynx cats is not completely covered with dense hair, they are susceptible to skin diseases:

• dermatitis (purulent ulcers and rashes appear);
• acne (accompanied by the appearance of comedones, blackheads);
• fungal infection.

In addition, representatives of this breed are genetically predisposed to diseases:

• entropion (the edges of the eyelid turn inward);
• carp bite (a pathology in which the animal’s lower jaw is shortened: it is difficult for the cat to eat, the fangs injure the upper palate);
• microphthalmos (one or both apples are reduced in size);
• conjunctivitis;
• nipple hyperplasia;
• curvature of the caudal spine;
• breast cyst.

In order for a purr to be healthy, it must eat properly and receive all the substances necessary for the body. The Sphynx's ears should be cleaned regularly to prevent ticks from infesting them. In addition, it is important not to forget to vaccinate your cat. The first vaccination is given to a two-month-old kitten; after 4 weeks, revaccination is carried out. At 6 and 12 months, a second vaccination with a complex drug is given. After this, the tailed animal is vaccinated every year. And for preventive purposes, it is necessary to carry out deworming.

If you notice that your four-legged friend has become lethargic, and redness and irritation have appeared on the body, do not try to figure out the disease on your own. Take the animal to the clinic.

Content Features

Many people get hairless cats in order to avoid endless combing and cleaning up fluff throughout the apartment. But, alas, sphinxes are far from the easiest breed to keep. If you want your pet to be in excellent shape and in a good mood, you will have to constantly spend a lot of money and time for this. And here’s a paradox: the less fur a cat has, the more expensive its beauty requires. In this sense, velor is the optimal coating option.

To wash or not to wash?

These amazing cats are special in everything - and in their care too. They are neat and very clean, but their own washing is still not enough; the owner must help the pet care for sensitive skin so that irritation and dermatological diseases that hairless animals are prone to do not occur. Mandatory hygiene for sphinxes has much in common, but there are also differences - depending on the type of coat.

All sphinxes are amazingly clean

All cats of this breed group “sweat”: their sebaceous glands secrete a special lubricant that cannot be distributed throughout the fur and remains on the skin. Without such natural nourishment, the skin will dry out and begin to peel. As soon as, while stroking your pet, you notice that your palm is dirty, it’s time to arrange a bath day.

Starting from the age of two months, “rubber” Sphynx cats are bathed weekly, using only special shampoos for hairless cats. Such frequent washing usually does not irritate the delicate skin and does not provoke allergies.

But you can also use other cleaning products, for example, special cat wipes. Velor cats can be bathed less often - once or twice a month as they become dirty - and you can also wipe off dust and dirt adhering to the skin with napkins - especially a lot of it collects in the groin and armpits. Too frequent bathing is not beneficial for any cat, including a hairless one. Remember also that cosmetics (creams, gels, lotions and conditioners) are suitable for sphinxes only with a certain acidity - with a pH of 3.8 to 4.5.

Hairless cats love to splash in warm water

The tail requires special care, the sebaceous glands on which are often clogged, inflamed, and covered with black dots - acne. To prevent this from happening, the tail should be washed with special products more often than the entire cat. The large eyes and huge ears of sphinxes also come into the area of ​​increased attention - they must be kept clean so that there is no risk of infection. Like all cats, you need to monitor the condition of the teeth and claws of “baldy cats”.

Warm and satisfying

Warmth is the main condition for the happiness and health of any Sphynx. In the house where he lives, cold and drafts must be strictly prohibited. Warm beds, cozy clothes made of soft fabrics without seams - all this is included in the mandatory arsenal of the sphinx owner. If you do not provide the animal with a comfortable temperature, it will try to warm up near heating devices, where it can get skin burns. Also, exposure to direct sunlight often results in burns.

These cats always want to stay warm

Hairless cats that are always freezing are characterized by an accelerated metabolism and, as a result, an increased appetite. It is very important to correctly maintain a balance between the quantity and quality of food in the daily diet of such animals. Only practitioners with extensive experience can create a menu of natural products, so breeders usually recommend that those who get Sphynx dogs for the first time select ready-made food based on the tastes, health, and individual characteristics of their pet.

The following are considered the best ready-made food for sphinxes:

• Orijen Cat & Kitten (Canada) - holistic food;
• ACANA Grasslands for Cats (Canada) - holistic food;
• Purina Pro Plan Delicate (France) - super-premium;
• Royal Canin Sphynx Adult (USA, France) - premium class;
• Hill's Science Plan Adult Lamb (USA) - premium food.

The excellent condition of the skin and coat of your velor beauty is an unmistakable signal that the feeding regimen and menu have been chosen correctly. Pay special attention to the diet of sterilized animals.

A properly selected diet is very important for the Sphynx

As for breeding hairless cats, it is better to leave this complex topic to the professionals. Breeding work with all breeds of sphinxes is not only practice, but also a real science in which, alas, there are fewer discoveries than disappointments.

Finding a parent pair of sphinxes is not an easy task.

How long do they live?

On average, Don Sphynxes live 14-15 years. Castration (sterilization) increases the life expectancy of individuals of both sexes. If the owner does not plan to engage in breeding, veterinarians recommend this operation. However, keep in mind that you will have to change your diet in many ways after sterilization.

Thanks to it, the pet’s hormonal levels stabilize. In cats, the risk of developing prostatitis and testicular cancer disappears; in cats, diseases of the mammary glands and reproductive system disappear. Donchak people become friendlier and lose interest in running away from home. This is especially important for sphinxes. On the street, without human care, they can die in a few hours, since they are absolutely not adapted to a “free” life.

It is recommended to castrate cats at 7–8 months, after the testicles have completely descended into the scrotum. Cats are spayed at 4-5 months (before their first heat). This increases the lifespan.

Features of sphinx brushes

The process of shedding fur with age is almost unpredictable . Moreover, the coat changes (cats undress and dress) depending on the ambient temperature and the change of seasons, on hormonal levels (pregnancy, estrus) and even on a change in the type of food.

Brush Sphynx cats do not meet the standard characteristics of hairlessness, but they are not considered a defect. They take part in exhibitions and are evaluated by experts, but they are never awarded champion titles. However, such individuals are extremely valuable in breeding, since they are much more fertile than their hairless fellow tribesmen.

Two completely naked sphinxes often give birth to weak and sick offspring with congenital physical defects. Brushes are more caring and responsible parents, unlike baldheads, who sometimes refuse to acknowledge their offspring.

Only hairless cats receive titles at shows.

Brush varieties are healthier, have a strong bone structure and a well-shaped head with a firm, pronounced chin. Such kittens are usually larger and more viable, develop faster and reach sexual maturity earlier, while their hairless counterparts grow more slowly, often get sick, and the mortality rate among them is quite high. Adult hairless individuals are sterile.

Felinologists have noticed the influence of the type of coat on the phenotype of the animal. The sparser and thinner the coat (balder), the more clearly the phenotypic features of the breed stand out (shortened muzzle, wide, emphasized cheekbones, widely spaced eyes).

Breeding

Now the Don Sphynxes are popular. Therefore, there should be no problems with their breeding. Puberty in cats occurs six months after birth. But females are bred only after the third heat. Optimal age: 1-1.5 years.

Pet class cats are not allowed for breeding and exhibitions. Animals in this category are pets and do not participate in the development of the breed's gene pool. Therefore, carefully study the pedigree of your cat, as well as all the papers that the breeder gave you.

Before breeding, the animal must be healthy and vaccinated. The first signs of pregnancy in a cat appear after 3 weeks; on average, pregnancy lasts 64 days. Typically cats give birth to 4-6 kittens.

Character of the breed

The Don Sphynx is affectionate, gentle, requiring care and communication. This is a completely non-aggressive animal, but touchy and vulnerable. The Sphynx Brush needs the owner's attention and loves to sit on a person's lap. He can be obsessive when petting him, but quickly realizes that the owner is busy and cannot pay attention to him.

By temperament, the Don Brush pet is sanguine. He is sociable, friendly, inquisitive, non-conflict. If he is not busy with an exciting activity or game, he dozes off in a cozy place.

The Don Sphynx is a wonderful partner for children's games. He willingly participates in children's undertakings, is patient with pampering, and will not allow himself to show aggression towards the child. The Sphinx's attitude towards other domestic animals is loyal and friendly. The pet is ready to share a home with large non-aggressive dogs, and with decorative rodents, and with birds.

How to choose a kitten

It is recommended to purchase a kitten only from trusted nurseries, since they may offer you not an exotic baby, but a sick animal. This is due to the difficulties of breeding the breed and the dishonesty of sellers.

You should not buy a kitten that is too young, as its body is still weak and can get an infection when moving, even under stress.

Reference! The optimal age for a baby to buy starts from 3 months. By this time, the baby is already strong and has the necessary vaccinations.

If your future pet is a personal companion and not a show winner, then it is enough to make sure that he is healthy. The kitten should be active, cheerful, and not show aggression or fear at the sight of a person. Sometimes kittens have a small rash on their tail - there is nothing wrong with that, it will go away on its own over time.

The final color of the kitten, as well as the color of the eyes, become clear to an experienced breeder already in the first weeks of the baby’s life.

It’s worth noting right away that sphinxes are not a cheap pleasure. If you are offered to buy a kitten for 3-4 thousand rubles, in this case there can be no talk of any pedigree.

The price of kittens in trusted nurseries starts from 10 thousand rubles.

Kittens that have deviations from breed standards are a little cheaper. They are not critical if you take a handsome bald man for your soul.

But promising kids - potential exhibitors and future producers, whose parents have championship titles, will cost at least 15 thousand rubles .

Care and maintenance

Caring for Sphynx cats is not as difficult as it seems; the main thing is to give them a little attention every day and wipe their bodies with a damp sponge or towel. The fact is that due to the lack of fur, pets quickly get dirty, in addition, they sweat a lot, and the skin turns out to be covered with brown dirt, the consistency of which resembles wax.

If there is too much discharge, then the cat needs to be fed less fatty foods. Sometimes he should be bathed, but you will need a special shampoo that will not dry out the skin or cause irritation. As a last resort, you can take a regular children's one. After the procedure, be sure to wipe your pet dry.

The following hygiene procedures should be carried out regularly:

• clean the ears - this is done using a cotton pad and a special liquid, the ear is turned inside out and wiped very carefully,
• wipe the eyes from pus,
• trim claws so that the animal does not get hurt or scratch the furniture,
• give anthelmintics.

In general, caring for such a creature is not very different from the standard one, the only difference is that the fluffies need to be combed, and our elves need to be wiped. You also need to keep an eye on them when they are basking in the sun - this is useful, but they quickly burn and get burned, so it is better not to overdo it.

In winter, warm your four-legged one with overalls and pajamas, because he gets very cold and catches colds easily. There should be no drafts in the house. These individuals live for approximately twelve to seventeen years, but with proper care and appropriate genetic predisposition they can live longer.

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Types of Sphynx coats

Brush animals were not bred on purpose - they appeared as a result of a gene mutation after crossing different types of cats. There are several types of Sphynx with fur, differing in the length and type of hair.

Flock

The body of pets is covered with a thin velvet pile, similar to the fluff on the surface of a peach. The fluff is very soft to the touch and almost invisible. The densest coat is found on the paws and tail. In the absence of developmental anomalies, by the age of 2 years all the hairs fall out on their own, and the animal’s skin is completely exposed.

Velours

The velor pet of the Sphynx breed has a bald head, and the hair length on the body reaches 2–5 mm - in appearance they resemble partially bald street cats. Most often, by adulthood, these animals also become bald, but sometimes the fur remains throughout their lives. Often the lint remains only on the paws and tail.

Brush

Pets of this breed differ in the density of their coat:

1. Brush velor Sphynx kittens have hard hair that resembles stubble. On the sides and neck the fur is thinner, the skin is visible through it. With age, the fur can soften, and then the velor brushed Sphynx becomes more similar to representatives of the flock breed.
2. After birth, the body of the Pointed Brush is covered with long and thick hair, and a barely visible bald patch stands out on the head. By 18–24 months, the length of the hair on the body remains about 1–2 mm, and on the tail, muzzle and paws the hair reaches 10 mm, becoming curly in some places.
3. A kitten of the dense brush breed looks like an animal with straight fur - it does not have a bald spot on its head. Over time, the structure of the hairline changes - it becomes thick, and the skin is practically not visible through it. On the paws, chest and tail, the hair is longer and stiffer, and can be either straight or curly.

Note! Pets of this breed do not take part in exhibitions, but they are crossed with other types of sphinxes - this allows them to get strong offspring. This selection is due to the fact that when two representatives of hairless sphinxes are brought together, very weak or dead kittens are born.

Straight-haired

Straight-haired Sphynxes do not go bald over the years - they still have short hair that fits tightly to the skin, and pronounced, long whiskers. The breed appeared as a result of the mixing of Siamese or Oriental cats with Sphynx cats.

Features of brush sphinxes

Why sphinxes grow hair remains a mystery to breeders and geneticists. No other features are noticeable in these animals. Physically, they are completely identical to naked and flocked, but in terms of character there may be discrepancies.

Don Brushes, like all other representatives of this breed of Sphynx cats, are friendly, curious and sociable. They are easy to train and get along well with other pets.

Peterbalds are related by blood to Oriental and Siamese cats. This genetic line not only conveyed the body structure typical of people from the Asian region, but also inherited character traits. St. Petersburg brushes sometimes become aggressive or offended. But this happens extremely rarely.

No other behavioral anomalies are observed in sphinxes of all breeds. People from different continents who have undergone natural mutations are very similar in behavior, habits and ability to communicate.

What to look for when choosing

Don Sphynxes are extremely demanding pets to care for. Deprived of a natural protective coat, they must have strong immunity, resistant to external threats. Breeders advise buying kittens of this breed only in specialized nurseries. This makes it much more likely to get a healthy, mentally stable pet.

Advice! You need to take the little Donchak to a new home no earlier than 12 weeks. Babies are very fragile and often die at an early age, so they cannot be separated from their mother early.

In addition to good health, three-month-old kittens have a number of other advantages: they are litter box trained, socialized, and have received the necessary first vaccinations. The breeder must give the baby's veterinary passport with vaccination records to the new owner.

Don Sphynx kitten

It is advisable to buy a Donchak in the place where he was born and grows. This will provide an opportunity to observe the behavior of the kitten’s parents, brothers and sisters. Adult animals should behave calmly.

Unreasonable aggression may indicate shortcomings in the upbringing or health problems of the pets. Such individuals are disqualified and are not allowed for breeding. Little cats are always very curious, playful, and enjoy meeting new people.

The appearance of kittens may vary depending on the type of cat. Hairless Donchas are born bald, velor or flock are covered with sparse hairs, which are “shed” as the cat grows up. Brushes are born with fairly thick fur and acquire a characteristic appearance only in adulthood. Up to two years, the covers of the Don sphinxes are unstable. Naked individuals can be covered with fluff in winter; brushes sometimes go into the category of folk or velor.

The kitten needs to be examined carefully. A healthy purebred Sphynx has the following characteristics:

• almond-shaped eyes without signs of suppuration;
• the tummy is round, but not bloated;
• teeth white, straight;
• pear-shaped body;
• The ears are clean, wide at the base, rounded at the tips.

The skin of little Donchak needs to be examined especially carefully. You should refuse to purchase if you notice the slightest signs of peeling, rashes, or eczema.

Prices for kittens

You should not respond to advertisements on the Internet in which owners offer to buy a Don Sphynx kitten for an amount from 3 to 5 thousand rubles. At this price they sell defective individuals from unplanned (or frequent) matings. There is a huge risk of buying a sick, non-viable baby. So how much does a purebred kitten cost?

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The cost of a kitten in a nursery depends on the cat’s exhibition data and the “merits” of its parents. A purebred pet-class Donchak (with deviations from breed standards) costs 7–8 thousand rubles. This pet is suitable for those who want to buy just a pet. He has all the necessary documents, has characteristics characteristic of the breed, but does not participate in exhibitions and matings.

Breed-class cats can be bought for 15,000 rubles. They do not receive first places at exhibition events, but are allowed for breeding. Representatives of the show class, born from champions, with excellent prospects, cannot cost less than 30,000-35,000 rubles.

Canadian Sphynx

This cat breed is never completely naked. Sphynx kittens are not born hairless. Their hairline resembles suede. In adulthood, hair remains on the nose, behind the ears, as well as on the paws and tail. It looks like thin twisted fibers. The Canadian Sphynxes have all of the above varieties of coat.

Advantages and disadvantages

Don Sphynxes have many advantages:

1. Cats get along well with children and other animals.
2. Pets show sensitivity towards the owner.
3. High intelligence allows sphinxes to learn quickly.
4. The ability to easily adapt helps the Don breed get used to a new home.
5. The animal shows devotion to its owner.

Having told everything about the Don Sphynx, it is important to mention some of the breed’s disadvantages:

1. Love for the owner manifests itself in the form of strong obsession.
2. Excessive cleanliness makes cats demanding of constant cleaning of the tray.
3. The thirst for attention makes the Don cat get in the way.
4. A loud voice makes a lot of noise, especially during mating season.
5. Skin secretions leave stains on furniture upholstery and clothing.

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Advantages and disadvantages of the breed

Sphinxes freeze quickly. To keep the tailed one from being cold, you can put clothes on it.

Velor sphinxes have many advantages:

1. Devotion. The pet becomes very attached to its owner. He is ready to meet and escort a person from and to work at the door. Some owners believe that the habits of such a cat are similar to the behavior of dogs.
2. Lack of aggression. Tailed animals are friendly towards family members and their guests. They often behave affectionately. These animals do not take revenge, are not jealous, and do not show malice. Although sometimes sphinxes can get offended.
3. Sociable. They are the first to make contact, they love to jump on your lap, purr and meow.
4. Fast adaptation. They are easy about changes and do not experience much stress when moving to a new home.
5. Trainable. Animals are obedient and can learn to follow different commands.
6. Less demanding in care when compared with hairless cats and fluffy tailed cats. Compared to velor purrs, “naked” sphinxes get dirty faster. And due to the fact that cats have very little fur, they do not need to be combed. In addition, no hair remains on the furniture.

The disadvantages include:

1. Obsessiveness. A cat can walk next to its owner all day and demand attention.
2. Frequent feeling of hunger. This is due to the characteristics of the animal’s metabolism and heat exchange. Sometimes your pet will beg for food or even steal.
3. Disgust towards dirty cups and tray. The owner will have to frequently wash the cat's accessories and change the litter in the toilet.
4. Sphinxes cannot stand being alone for long periods of time. They may feel sad and stressed.
5. They freeze quickly. You need to monitor the temperature in the room.