The Don Sphynx Cat

The Don Sphynx cat, also known as the Donskoy cat, is a very new breed originating in the Russian city of Rostov on the Don river. In 1987 a bald stray female cat was taken in by a woman who thought the cat must be ill to have lost all its hair. The cat, named Varvara, actually proved to be rather healthy, and later had a litter of hairless kittens. The Don Sphynx is a mutation caused by a dominant gene, so the hairless quality is passed easily to offspring. There are three hair types. Most are completely hairless and referred to as suede or nude, some have a velvety fuzz called velour, and others have a fine wiry texture called brush. All the hair types may become completely bald over time. Don Sphynx also have unique paws which are very long-toed, webbed and somewhat dexterous, allowing these cats to grasp and hold things as if they had little hands.

 Cool Cat Facts...
Don Sphynx kittens may have a patch of wiry hair on their heads until they are 2 or 3 years old,  then most of them go completely bald!                                                                      

Is A Don Sphynx Cat Right For You?

The Don Sphynx cat is recognized by the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA), the world's largest cat organization. It is a very rare pure-bred or "pedigreed" domestic cat breed. Regular, careful bathing is necessary so that oils don't build up and cause skin irritation.  Don Sphynx must be protected from extreme temperatures, and too much sunlight can cause sunburn. These are muscular, medium-sized cats that surprisingly have few breed-related health issues when simple precautions are taken. Because it is active and desires interaction the Don Sphynx can make a nice family cat, but children must be very considerate because the lack of fur leaves these cats somewhat vulnerable if handled roughly.  A very intelligent, and stunning breed, sweet-natured, friendly, and loving.

Don Sphynx Cat Breed Standards

Head Shape: The head is a modified wedge shape, longer than wide, with flat forehead and prominent cheekbones. There should be a slight, thumb-print size indentation above the eyes that is a unique characteristic of the breed. The chin and muzzle are well developed but there may be  pinched look to the lips and mouth. The ears are large, wide at the base, and well-furled. They should be wide-set, tall, and rounded at the tip. The eyes should be almond-shaped, slanted and medium in size. They should not be round or bug-eyed, slightly hooded is typical. Any eye color is advisable. Eyebrows and whiskers may be curly, broken, or completely absent.
Body and Tail: The body is medium in size but wide and with a barrel like chest. No tuck-up of the belly. Wide, firm chest and torso. Legs are wide-set and medium in length.  The feet are unique in design, oval in shape and with long, maneuverable toes. There is a webbing between the toes, and the paw pads are thick. The tail is very thin and whip-like.
Coat: The cat should be completely bald. Many individuals are born with varying degrees of fur but should be bald by their second birthday. The skin should be loose and well-wrinkled. Heavy wrinkles are desirable.
Pattern: All colors are allowed.
Overall Appearance: This is a medium size, broadly built cat with good bone. Stocky is preferred over fine. They should be bald and wrinkled, and the body should be very warm with a feel of velvet. A friendly, active and intelligent cat of stunningly unique appearance.

Inside Cat or Outside Cat?

Wondering if you should allow your cat to go outside unsupervised? Well there are definitely some pure breeds that should never be outside cats. Hairless breeds like the Sphynx are extremely vulnerable and should always be supervised outdoors. Docile breeds like the Burmese may not be able to defend themselves. All cats allowed outdoors are exposed to diseases and parasites that they would not otherwise encounter. Fred Flintstone put his saber-tooth out every night, but the cat jumped right back in the window - and he was a saber-tooth! Still, most of us feel a little envy when we see our domestic companion out on some high perch, sniffing the breeze of liberty, and there is no doubt that cats love their freedom. So what do YOU think ....Inside Cat or Outside Cat? Comment Here...

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