Velor Sphynx

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The Don Sphynx is an animal endowed with special charm and beauty. Some consider him ugly, but among true cat lovers there are many admirers of the breed. Don Sphynxes have a soft, affectionate character and an elegant appearance. They are very playful and can create entertainment out of nothing. They get along well with guests and other pets.

History of the origin of the Don sphinxes

The first notes about hairless cats date back to antiquity. The owners of such breeds were the Aztecs, who revered cats and considered them divine creatures. Sphinxes were favorites of the Egyptian pharaohs and lived in magnificent palaces. They were credited with healing skills and magical abilities.

Interesting fact: The history of this unique breed began in February 1986 in Rostov-on-Don. A resident of Krasnoyarsk was returning home and saw a partially bald kitten, three or four months old, which was being bullied by boys. The woman took the cat to her place and named it Varvara.

The fur continued to fall out until the four-legged animal was completely bald by the age of one year. The owner took the animal to the veterinarian, but the treatment did not produce any results. In 1988, breeding specialists did not attach any importance to the unusual-looking cat. By this time, the pet still had a lion's mane, fluffy paws and tail.

On February 20, 1990, the cat gave birth to three hairless babies from a short-haired male, Vasily. Breeder Irina Nemykina, who immediately recognized Varvara as a sphinx, received one kitten as a gift - a girl named Chita. She is the founder of the breed. In 1991, she gave birth to two bald babies.

Soon Chita was crossed with her son, Hannibal. There was a completely naked kitten in the litter, which delighted the breeder. Subsequently, related individuals were crossed many times, which marked the beginning of the history of this breed. Irina Nemykina, owner of the Myth nursery, made a huge contribution to the development of modern Don Sphynxes.

The path to the formation of the breed was long and difficult. There were several versions of its names: Russian Hairless, Russian Hairless, Don Lysak. In 1996, the world association recognized the breed and officially registered it. In 2000, the WCF system chose Vityaz, the son of Varvara and Hannibal, as the champion of the breed.

Origin of the breed

The Don Sphynx is a breed bred in Russia in 1990. Named in honor of the city of Rostov-on-Don, where the first individual appeared. The history of the appearance of the Don sphinxes began in 1986. A resident of Rostov-on-Don, Elena Kovaleva, picked up a kitten that was being tormented by children, and gave the cat the name Varvara.

After a while, the cat began to go bald. Varvara was taken to veterinarians, but the cause was never found. Despite the fact that the cat had lost her fur, she felt well. Varvara was matched with a Celtic cat, from whom she gave birth to 3 kittens. One kitten was born without fur, the girl was named Chita. Chita is considered the first representative of the Don sphinxes.

Phenologist Irina Nemykina became interested in the new breed and began breeding it. In 1996, the Don Sphynx breed was officially registered.

Don Sphynx - description of the breed

To imagine these animals, you first need to forget what cats even look like. In appearance, they are more reminiscent of alien creatures - huge ears, long legs and tail, large almond-shaped eyes. But their main difference is the absolute absence of wool.

If other hairless relatives have at least some islands of hair, these creatures are completely bald. There may be short fuzz, 1-2 millimeters long, that feels like a peach. But their skin has a lot of wrinkles. It is believed that the more there are, the better.

There are several subspecies of the breed with different skin types:

• Naked - completely bald, with sticky skin;
• Flock - hairs, 1-2 mm long;
• Velor - short hairs that disappear after reaching two years of age;
• Brushes are coarse fur that periodically falls out and appears.

Preference is given to completely hairless individuals, as this is the main characteristic of the breed. The body of cats is hot to the touch, since its temperature is higher than that of their woolly relatives - about 40 degrees. The lack of fur emphasizes this even more, since in animals with hair some of the heat goes into the fur.

The lack of fur makes cats look like statues. Adult females reach a weight of 3 kilograms, males grow up to 4.5 kilograms. Height - up to 30 centimeters. The body is muscular, the skin is elastic, most of the wrinkles are concentrated on the head, neck, paws, belly, and tail.

By the beginning of autumn, creatures begin to accumulate fat, which they burn off until spring. Males have a thicker neck, wider head and chest. Life expectancy is on average 12 years. Unlike their Canadian counterparts, the Donetsk people have a dominant baldness gene, so among them there are completely naked individuals.

Dimensions and parameters

The Don Sphynx is a cat with a harmonious and graceful physique and a strong skeleton. With its physique and facial features, the Don pet resembles an alien creature.

Body size is average. Height at the withers is 25–30 cm. The male weighs 6–7 kg, the female – 4–5 kg.

Sphynx brushes are divided into three categories based on the thickness of their coat:

1. Velor brush. Hairs up to 5 mm long. In an adult cat, the coat becomes flocked: hairs remain on the neck and body.
2. Brush point. A newborn kitten has dense fur. After a year of life, the coat is discharged. Short and dense hair remains on the face and tail. The rest of the body is velor.
3. Dense brush. The body is covered with dense wool, through which the skin does not show through.

The Sphynx brush can be any color. The most common are red, black, blue, lilac, white, gray, cream, chocolate, and tortoiseshell cats.

Popular colors of Don Sphynxes

The skin tones of these animals are extremely unusual. Due to the lack of hair, the pigment of the skin cannot convey all the clarity of color that would be present in the hairs. At different times of the year, the color can change - from dark and tanned in summer to light gray in winter.

Creatures of white color can have any shade of eyes, even different ones (one is blue, the other is orange). Individuals with light fluff have a pronounced white color, while hairless cats have a cream color. In animals with black skin, pigmentation varies from jet black to light gray, almost white. The eyes can be any color and the paw pads are black.

Chocolate is a rare atypical shade, often indicating adulteration. Light blue is a light black that can be confused with black. If it is not possible to determine the color, an analytical cross is carried out with a 100% blue individual. The nose, pads, and edges of the ears are pale blue.

Lilac (lavender) - light chocolate. The standard defines it as "the shade of a faded rose." It is less common than chocolate. Red - always with a tabby pattern, a bright, hot tone. Cream is a cool, bleached red; on hairless cats it looks like a solid, colorless color.

Tortoiseshell - possible only in females. The black turtle is a combination of black and red, the blue turtle is cream and blue. Chocolate and lilac turtles are occasionally seen. Thorby is a combination of tortoiseshell and tabby pattern that can be found in all shades. Particolor - white with tortoiseshell.

Siamese - blurry gray tone with dark points. Eyes must be blue. The melanin inhibitor can absorb the dye, resulting in smoky, shaded, chinchilla, cameo colors. However, these colors have no significance for the breed.

Character and habits of the Don Sphynxes

Despite their rather strange appearance, the temperament of these animals is calm, soft, and flexible. They get along well with other pets, do not provoke fights and strife, and love children. They treat strangers with wariness and curiosity, but not with hostility.

They can run around the apartment all day or, on the contrary, hide on the top shelf of the closet and sit there all day. Sometimes your pet can be too bothersome, so you shouldn't accustom him to your hands, because this will become his favorite place. However, you should not completely deprive them of affection, since love and care are vital for them.

Laziness is characteristic of animals just like other cats. They spend most of the day and night with their eyes closed. They will choose a secluded place and curl up. Donchak dogs have high intelligence: they quickly get used to the tray and adapt to the daily routine. Capable of learning circus tricks.

Interesting fact: Animals are very attached to their owner: they can lie on his lap for hours. If you do not pay proper attention to them, they may become offended and conspicuously ignore the owner. At the same time, they are not vindictive; they will not sharpen their claws on your favorite sofa or chew your shoes.

Cats sense their owner's mood very well. If he is ready to play, the creature will support any idea. If the owner is busy or not in the mood, the cat will find something else to do. At night, the creatures like to crawl under the covers and lay their heads on the pillow, just like a human.

Pets hardly bite or scratch, so they are perfect for families with small children. They are not shy, can withstand water treatments, love to splash in warm water, and are not afraid of having their nails trimmed or going to the veterinarian. They gladly accept praise and love to pose in front of guests.

Character and behavior

It is with its sweet and affectionate character that the cat has been able to conquer many breeders, because this is the only breed that can maximally show its feelings and gratitude to its owner. They are absolutely devoid of anger and aggression, so they are perfect for keeping in a home with small children.

What makes the Don Sphynxes special:

1. These unique animals have very strong energy and a good biofield, with the help of which they often calm their owner and can even cure somatic disorders. This fact has not been proven by medicine, but most scientists claim that by touching the soft and velvety skin of pets, a person’s fatigue goes away and stress is relieved.
2. A big advantage of representatives of this breed is that the cats are hypoallergenic.
3. Cats are very sensitive and can recognize their owner's mood. But, if your pet has been home alone all day, then your bad mood will not stop him from following you around and attracting attention to himself.
4. They are witty and quickly learn new information, so if desired, they can be taught many interesting tricks.
5. The animal quickly adapts to new conditions, so it will take relocations and travel absolutely calmly.

It is worth emphasizing the fact that cats prefer not only to give their love and affection, but also require an appropriate attitude towards themselves.

Interesting facts about the Don Sphynxes

The ancient Egyptians called cats Sphinxes. They believed in the magical abilities of creatures and identified them with deities. Temples were decorated with figurines depicting hairless cats. It has always been believed that these creatures came to us from another planet. By the 20th century, the breed had completely disappeared; it was restored by chance.

It is a well-known fact that cats are able to heal humans. They lie on the diseased organ and promote a speedy recovery. This is doubly characteristic of Sphynxes, since skin-to-skin contact increases the effect. Increased temperature also has a positive effect.

Although medicine does not confirm this, many breeders claim that Don Chaks have a powerful biofield. Their energy has a calming effect, curing psychosomatic disorders. Owners of Sphynxes assure that contact with the velvety skin relieves stress and fatigue.

People who are allergic to cat hair can keep animals. However, it will not be possible to completely protect yourself from the problem, since most of the allergen is contained in the pet’s saliva. Frequent bathing will help minimize the risk of illness. Unlike other breeds, Sphynx cats are either born sighted or open their eyes a couple of hours after birth.

Thick skin makes pets insensitive to punctures. It is quite problematic to vaccinate them. Even when the creatures stretch out to their full length, there are still many folds on the body. The toes on the front paws are long enough, so cats can pick up food with them, like monkeys.

Pros and cons of the Don Sphynxes

The general advantages of the breed include:

• Playfulness;
• Attachment to the owner;
• Lack of aggressiveness.

The advantages of animals include easy care due to the lack of hair. There is no need to comb them, clean furniture and clothes. It also solves the flea problem. The exotic view will not leave guests indifferent. Their flexible nature makes them excellent companions.

Increased temperature helps keep pets from freezing in cool weather, but it is still recommended to dress them in clothes. Donchak jumps are up to one meter in length. If desired, you can teach them various tricks - jumping over obstacles, fetching things.

Getting used to any environment allows you to keep cats together with other pets. The breed has good immunity to diseases. A large palette of colors allows you to choose a pet to suit every taste.

Disadvantages of the breed:

• Requires a lot of attention;
• They are afraid of drafts.

Bald skin and high body temperature provoke profuse sweating. The substance is practically odorless; some call the aroma champignon. Light brown discharge can stain the bed and leave stains on any surface, so cats must be wiped frequently with a damp sponge.

The creatures are quite squeamish, so you need to change the tray as often as possible, otherwise they may refuse to use it. Bare skin is very sensitive, so you should protect it from burns. Increased appetite causes your pet to quickly swallow food without chewing. Therefore, it must be cut into small pieces.

Breeding Don Sphynxes

Representatives of this breed have their own breeding characteristics. Therefore, it is necessary to learn the basics of genetics before starting the process. Puberty occurs quite quickly in Donetsk dogs, at about six months of age. Then the first heat occurs.

However, you should not immediately look for a male to mate with, since the formation of the organism is not yet completed. Mating should be carried out no earlier than the third heat. The male matures for reproduction later than the cat. At the age of 8 months, a cute and easy-going pet can turn into a real fussy pet. It is better to start knitting it at 1.5-2 years.

Important fact: Before the breeding process, your pet should be vaccinated, have its claws in order, and have its health checked. Animals should not be bathed before mating. The female may become unattractive to the cat and he will not want to enter into an intimate relationship with her.

Donchak males prefer to mate in their own territory. The cat needs time to look around and get used to the unfamiliar area. Along with a food bowl and tray, it is better for the owner to take his pet’s nest so that she can overcome her fear in it.

During the first mating, several acts of love usually occur. To ensure pregnancy occurs for sure, it is better to repeat the process after a couple of days. If fertilization has occurred, estrus will stop immediately. Otherwise, it will continue for another 16-17 days.

After 3 weeks, the first signs of pregnancy appear - the nipples enlarge, become a rich pink color, and weight increases. Childbirth occurs around day 64, resulting in the birth of 4-6 kittens. A woman in labor can easily cope with the process on her own.

How long do Don Sphynxes live?

Velor Sphynxes have been delighting their owners for many years

With good care, Don Sphynxes live up to 15 years. But there are cases when velor cats reached 18 years of age. Life expectancy is affected by castration and sterilization. After this procedure, the pet’s hormonal levels stabilize. In addition, the risk of diseases of the reproductive system and mammary glands disappears in females, and cancer and prostatitis in males. Males are neutered at six months of age, and female cats are usually spayed before their first heat.

Caring for Don Sphynxes

These creatures are not adapted to life in outdoor conditions. The lack of hair makes them vulnerable to weather conditions. Failure to follow basic care rules can cost the life of bald creatures. Donchak are kept in the house. In the cold, and especially frost, you cannot let them out into the street. If the house is cool in winter, the housing should be additionally heated. A warm suit will not be amiss.

Interesting fact: Cats' skin is sensitive to ultraviolet radiation, so they should not stay in the sun for long periods of time. If staying outside in the heat is necessary, it is better to coat your pet with a special sunscreen.

They need to be bathed more often than fluffy cats - at least 1-2 times a month. Once a week, wipe your pet with a damp sponge or alcohol-free wipes. It is necessary to thoroughly wash each fold, as bacteria accumulate in them, causing various infections.

The water in the bathroom must be heated to 38 degrees, and the room itself must be heated. After water procedures, wipe the skin dry with a terry towel and apply baby cream. Next, wrap your pet in a diaper or blanket. Ears need to be cleaned as they become dirty.

If you don't have a scratching post at home, your nails should be trimmed from time to time. The animals do not resist at all and calmly tolerate the procedure. Since cats don't have eyelashes, this means they have no natural defense against dust. In this regard, the eyes should be wiped with a decoction of herbs twice a week. On average, ears are cleaned once a week.

Since cats require a lot of energy to naturally produce heat, they need to get it more often than other furry brothers. If relatives feed 1-2 times a day, then bald creatures need to be fed 3-4 times a day. This way they can maintain body temperature for a long period of time.

Rules of care and feeding

Representatives of the above cat breed will not be able to survive in their natural habitat. For this reason, loving cat owners will be required to take extra care, as well as follow special rules for keeping and caring for the Don Sphynx.

Such animals are dependent on the cold due to the lack of fur. A sharp drop in air temperature and drafts are common causes of colds. “Donchan” should be kept warm and not allowed outside unless absolutely necessary, especially without overalls.

Sphinxes react painfully to ultraviolet light. Regular human sunscreen will help protect animals from burns while walking in the summer.

Since such pets are not able to independently maintain the required body temperature, they need to be intensively fed food rich in protein three or even four times a day.

They should be bathed approximately twice a month in a fairly warm room in water warmer than 370 C. After bathing, the cat is thoroughly dried with a towel, and its skin is lubricated with Vaseline. After this, for final drying, the purr is wrapped in a blanket.

In addition, once a week, for hygienic purposes, the skin of the sphinx should be wiped with a warm, damp cloth.

Due to the lack of cilia, the eyes of “Donchaks” are susceptible to infections, so they should be taken special care of – wiped with tea leaves or chamomile infusion 2-3 times a week.

Once every 8-10 days, the ears of purrs of the above breed should be cleaned.

They will also need to trim their nails periodically.

Diet of Don Sphynxes

Donchak people are completely unpretentious in terms of nutrition. The main thing is to observe moderation in everything and not to overfeed your pet. In general, food must be high in calories to cover the energy costs spent heating the body. Meals should be taken at the same time.

Food must be balanced and contain all the necessary substances for the proper functioning of the body:

1. Animal proteins;
2. Animal fats;
3. Carbohydrates.

Poor nutrition can cause problems in your pet's body, and a lack of vitamins can cause poor health. Almost all pet owners wonder what is better to feed them - ready-made food or natural food.

This question cannot be answered unequivocally. It all depends on the financial well-being of the owner and the taste preferences of the cat. You shouldn’t feed your pet food from the common table, but you shouldn’t give only one food either. Breeders recommend combining food types.

Beef should be included in your diet as a natural product. The meat should be fresh and lean. It can be given raw, boiled or stewed. Chicken by-products should be present in the diet less frequently. It is better to choose bones so that your pet does not get hurt by them.

Sphynxes love necks: they contain both meat and crunchy cartilage, which help remove plaque and remove food debris from the teeth. Cats will not refuse chicken breast, gizzards, and liver. Turkey meat can be served raw or stewed with porridge. It must first be deboned.

It is better to give preference to sea fish, boiled, with large bones removed. It is better to serve such dishes no more than twice a week. Once a week you can feed the animal fermented milk products. It is better to give vegetables in grated form, eggs - once a week, cereals - once or twice a week.

Diseases and health problems

Representatives of this breed are more susceptible to various diseases than their other brothers. Since cats' eyes open from birth, the visual organs are predisposed to infectious diseases, conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, and scleritis.

The coordination system is not thoroughly established in the first weeks of life, so the eyes are at risk of injury when colliding with any obstacles. Any lint should be removed from the eyes. The donkey saliva contains a glycoprotein that causes allergies. Since cats lick their naked body, it always contains an allergen.

Cats can suffer from shortening of the lower jaw, which is popularly called a carp bite. This is a congenital deviation, during which 2 rows of incisors are displaced, which ultimately cannot dock. In a mild form, the disease does not bother the pet, but a severe form can cause gingivitis.

Microphthalmos is a disease that causes decreased vision or complete blindness. Many babies may be born with eye tumors or cysts. These defects can be detected in the first week after birth and sometimes they require surgical intervention, which does not always completely eliminate them.

In every second litter, babies are born with a bent tail, a common condition. Such individuals are not intended for further reproduction. This disease is accompanied by additional defects that are incompatible with normal existence - underdeveloped intestines, shortening of the thoracic and cervical vertebrae, weakness of the anus, carp bite.

Diseases

Don Sphynxes are predisposed to certain genetic diseases:

• “kitten falling asleep” syndrome;
• microphthalmia;
• congenital entropion of the eyelids;
• shortening of the lower jaw;
• curvature of the cat's caudal spine;
• nipple hyperplasia;
• skin vasculitis.

In addition, these exotic creatures seriously suffer from skin problems. They are often tormented by acne. Mostly naked individuals are susceptible to this disease. The Don Sphynx with fur gets sick much less often.