Also known as the Don Sphynx, the Donskoy cat has Russian origins and is a relatively recent breed. Although many confuse it with the Canadian Sphynx, this feline is totally different.

By the way, there are several breeds of cats that are hairless, and there are only a few differences between them. That's why we brought you complete content about Donskoy, so you can learn everything about him.

With an affectionate and companionable personality, this can be the ideal feline for those who have many people at home. By the way, the Donskoy cat can get along even with children and other animals.

However, their absence of fur requires special care. So, keep reading and learn all the details of the breed such as health, personality and life expectancy before acquiring a puppy. Check out!

According to breed records, the first Donskoy appeared on the streets of a Russian city in the 1980s. That way, the kitten ended up being adopted by a resident and, as he got older, he lost all his fur.

Soon, this feline generated new descendants, all of whom had the same striking feature, the absence of hair. These would be the first examples of the breed so far.

At first, its creators thought it was the Canadian Sphynx cat breed, a popular cat with very similar characteristics. However, they got a surprise when they took the cat to a veterinary appointment.

That's because, after some tests, it was found that the mutation responsible for the absence of hair in those kittens was a dominant mutation. Meanwhile, the mutation in Canadian Sphynx kittens is recessive!

That is, it was a totally different race, even though they were very similar visually. Thus, the Donskoy cat was born, named after the Russian city where the first specimen was found.

The breed ended up achieving worldwide recognition only in 2005, but it is already a popular cat due to its unique characteristics. Unlike the Canadian version of the hairless cat, the Donskoy has elastic fur.

That way, you don't find as many skin scraps or folds as in the Canadian Sphynx. In addition, this cat has suede-like skin and does not require as many baths.

Furthermore, the Donskoy has pointed ears and almond-shaped eyes. A curiosity is that there may be specimens with thin layers of fur, or with a wavy and curly texture. But most puppies are born bald.

As you might have guessed, this breed of cat is not common in Brazil. Therefore, you may encounter some difficulty if you want to acquire a Donskoy kitten. By the way, it is important that the cattery is reliable and safe!

In this sense, the pedigree requirement of the breed is essential for all characteristics to be maintained. In addition, clandestine breeders can offer sick and non-standard animals.

Therefore, research carefully and, if possible, visit the location before purchasing your puppy. Incidentally, it might be a good idea to look for references from other people who acquired their pets at the same breeder.

In general, the value of a Donskoy puppy varies between R$4,000.00 and R$5,000.00, and may even exceed this average. Everything will depend on the sex of the animal and the offspring of the kitten.

Although this feline lacks hair, the Donskoy cat has a robust and muscular body. In fact, this feline is considered medium-sized, and has strong bones and long legs.

Generally speaking, this cat has a slender posture, with a slightly rounded body. Males tend to be larger than females, measuring 25cm to 30cm at the withers.

Meanwhile, its weight also changes according to the sex of the specimen, ranging from 5 kg for males to 3 kg for females. Although it looks like a fragile cat, this breed is quite strong.

In that sense, there is no known genetic predisposition to breed-specific diseases. However, it is worth remembering that the Donskoy is still a recent breed and more studies are needed.

In addition, due to its lack of hair, this feline is very sensitive to colder climates or sun exposure. So protect your kitty during the winter and use sunscreen if he likes to be out in the sun.

When well cared for, this cat can live up to 15 years. But it's important to take him to regular appointments with the veterinarian for routine checkups. So you guarantee that your pet will remain healthy throughout life.

If you want a companionable and sociable cat, the Donskoy cat is the perfect choice for you! Incidentally, this feline gets along well with both children and other animals of different species.

Also, he always likes to be with his tutors and is quite friendly even with strangers. But attention! This breed does not like to be alone for a long time, and it can be a problem if you spend a lot of time away from home.

So make sure your Donskoy has company in your absence, or he could end up developing unwanted behaviors. In that sense, it might be a good idea to invest in scratchers and toys.

After all, this is a cat with a lot of energy and who likes to be constantly active. In fact, the breed is also very playful, which is why it is a good option for those with children at home.

Finally, pets can generate an excessive expense when we talk about exams, procedures and consultations with the veterinarian. But, did you know that you can save money with these services?

That's right! By taking out a pet health plan, you will have access to several convenient clinics, including emergency care and routine exams. See below how to purchase the plan and protect your furry friend!