Snowshoe vs Don Sphynx - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Snowshoe vs Don Sphynx - Breed ComparisonDon Sphynx is originated from Russia but Snowshoe is originated from United States. Both Don Sphynx and Snowshoe are having almost same weight. Both Don Sphynx and Snowshoe has same life span. Both Don Sphynx and Snowshoe has same litter size. Both Don Sphynx and Snowshoe requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

undefined
Russia
United States
Weight Male:
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
5 - 7 kg
11 - 16 pounds
Weight Female:
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
5 - 7 kg
11 - 16 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 6
2 - 6
Other Names:
Donskoy cat, Russian Hairless
None
Colors Available:
Velour and Brush, Different shades – Flock, Rubber Bald
cream, brown, tan and black, White
Coat:
Hairless
Short and silky - no undercoat
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

don sphynxOf Rusian origin, the Don Sphynx is an interesting looking, hairless breed. The cat came about in 1987 when a hairless cat was seen in Rostov-on-Don, a Russian city.

Cat breeder Elena Kovaleva rescued the kitten and it was at about 4 months of age that the kitten began to lose its hair. Later it was mated with a local tomcat and produced kittens which became the founding stock of the Donskoy breed.

The cat breed was recognized by the World Cat Federation in 1997 as well as the International Cat Association later on in 2005.

snowshoeThe Snowshoe is a short-haired, natural breed of cat. It is a bit similar in looks to the Siamese cat.

It was in the late 1960's that Dorothy Hinds-Daugherty from the USA devoted her time to developing a breed which was a mix of Siamese cat and American Shorthair. There was much enthusiasm for the new breed – the mesmerizing blue eyes and the lean, lithe, athletic body, .

This rare cat has been approved for championship status. In 1982 the Snowshoe was approved for championship status by the CFF and later by the American Cat Fanciers Association in 1990.

This beautiful cat has strict standards laid down for breeding.

Description

don sphynx kitten - descriptionThe Don Sphynx is a medium-sized cat known for its large ears and its long, webbed toes.

Their weight can be anything from 3 to 6 kg It’s a hairless cat but has different skin types that come in different shades – Flock, Rubber Bald, Velour and Brush.

The cat has this dominant hair loss gene that causes the coat they have at birth to thin and fall out. In fact, on close inspection, you’ll find that the cat isn’t entirely hairless but has a very fine layer of fuzz. The skin can be oily and the cat requires bathing fairly regularly.

These particular cats are also more susceptible to the cold and to sunburn. The legs of this cat are long and slender and they have a bit of a bow-legged appearance to them, but this is because of the barrel chest. The tail is long and hard.

Temperament:

These rare cats make excellent pets because they have all the characteristics needed that make them companionable. They are loving, companionable and playful. These are also intelligent, exploring cats which means you’ll need to provide them with games and toys that can keep them occupied.

They’re good with children and other pets and are even good for first-time cat owners. Breeders of these cats will tell you that they are even-tempered and amicable. They are gentle towards children and other pets.

Most of the time the cat has a calm demeanor but is highly sociable. As an entertainer too – he will do anything to get a laugh out of his human family.

snowshoe kitten - descriptionThe Snowshoe is a medium-sized cat, with the body being longer than many other cat breeds.

A distinctive feature with him is the white paws.

The cat can weigh between 5 to 7 kg. The legs of the cat are long and strong and the medium-length tail gradually tapers to a tip. The ears are fairly large with rounded tips. The smooth, short coat is white, brown, tan, and black and without an undercoat. He reminds you of a sweet treat - hints of chocolate and coffee shades with vanilla or light cream. He is pure white at birth, but after a few weeks, the coat undergoes a significant color change.

The face, ears, tail, and legs are darker in color than the rest of the body. The eyes of all Snowshoe cats are a sky blue.

Temperament:

Snowshoes are friendly, docile, and affectionate. They lap up the company of their human family, getting on well with children and other pets. They tend to be shy of strangers.

The Snowshoe is a fairly vocal cat and will let you know when he is hungry or he just wants to talk to you.

These cats are intelligent too and he can be taught a few tricks. He is very sociable and doesn’t like to be left on his own for long periods of time. Ideally, these cats should have a constant companion. They are active cats and like to be busy. You’ll need to spend some time with your Snowshoe as these cats love fun and games.

Characteristics

don sphynx cat - characteristicsThe sphynx cat is an energetic feline that absolutely loves the attention of its human owners. In fact, he will even be willing to show off to get some kind of reaction from his humans.

This is certainly a cat that has a sense of humor. They’re friendly, loving cats who like to even follow you around the house to be where you are. They are loving and loyal, curious, intelligent and active.

It’s a hardy breed and you won’t have many health issues to contend with. We know that they are prone to skin conditions and periodontal disease so watch out for these with this amazing, but unusual looking cat.

snowshoe cat - characteristicsPeople who have already owned Snowshoes will tell you that they make splendid pets. They’re loyal and devoted to their human family, usually choosing a favorite person.

The fact that the Snowshoe is social and becomes so attached to people, makes him an awesome pet but just because he is fairly docile and amicable doesn’t mean he should be left alone for hours at a time. You’ll hear him voicing his displeasure at this.

He is certainly not a solitary cat, but an affectionate and most extraordinary cat.

Health Problems

don sphynx kittens - health problemsHairless cats are prone to teeth and gum issues, and every Don Sphynx owner needs to regularly check their cat’s teeth as bad teeth can cause a lot of problems with health as well as discomfort with the teeth.

This cat breed is also fairly prone to skin problems. You will need to watch him for rashes and fungal infections. Remember, that this strange-looking cat also needs vaccinations and de-worming as well as regular veterinary health checks.

snowshoe kittens - health problemsYour Snowshoe may well be a healthy breed, but every cat is prone to some illnesses. We look at some cat diseases you need to be aware of -

Amyloidosis:

This is a feline disease found more often in Siamese cat breeds. The cat develops this protein disease between 1 TO 5 years of age. Amyloidosis is when there is an abnormal deposit of the protein complex amyloid into the liver, spleen and kidneys, resulting in bacterial infections, inflammation, and cancer.

Dental problems:

Your Snowshoe’s teeth are particularly prone to gingivitis which is inflammation of the gums. It can lead to more serious conditions if left unattended. Other dental problems to watch for are bleeding gums, broken teeth, and swelling of the gums.

Spaying and neutering:

Have your Snowshoe spayed or neutered. Spaying or neutering decreases the likelihood of some cancers. Both males and females are less likely to roam too, making them more domesticated. The cat is less likely to spray urine as a territorial gesture too. Spaying or neutering is imperative if you want to avoid your cats being parents.

Caring The Pet

don sphynx cats - caringIn spite of this being a hairless cat, it still requires frequent grooming, and yet you have to be careful that you don’t allow the cat to be bathed too often either.

Have your cat spayed or neutered to avoid kittens that you don’t want. This is beneficial for the cat’s health.

This is a unique cat and when it comes to food, if you can afford it, go for the very best food there is. Good food contributes to good health and this cat is a carnivore and requires food high in meat protein.

Of course, it requires other nutrients and the best commercially manufactured cat foods will have a list of ingredients in them that are important to your cat’s health.

Of course, with diet, there are other important considerations to think about and one of these is the right quantity of food to maintain the cat’s ideal weight. Too much weight gain can put pressure on the cat’s joints and contribute to health problems.

snowshoe cats - caringProvide your Snowshoe with the best cat food that there is. Always be aware of excess weight with your cat and avoid it at all costs. Extra weight is an influential factor in the development of diseases such as diabetes and arthritis.

A proper diet for your Snowshoe will ensure that your vet expenses are less. The nutritional needs of your Snowshoe will be protein, minerals, vitamins, fatty acids, and enzymes. Your cat is a carnivore and his food needs to be high in meat and protein. He isn't going to require any carbohydrates. Speak to your vet about the best food for your feline friend.

Provide your Snowshoe with a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Your Snowshoe will appreciate some cooked meat once in a while. Some tasty tuna now and then which is rich in omega-3s will also go down well.

Cats are fastidious about cleanliness so ensure his litter box is always clean. Scoop out the feces every day.

The Snowshoe has a low maintenance short coat, and a weekly brush will keep his coat shiny and glossy and he’ll love the attention this brushing session provides.

Cats like to scratch, so provide your Snowshoe with a scratching post as this will save your furniture from being used as a scratching post.

The Snowshoe cat is regarded as a low maintenance cat in terms of his short coat which needs to be brushed once a week. Brushing the hair will remove dead, loose hair and distribute skin oils to keep the coat in tip-top condition.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Don Sphynx vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  2. Don Sphynx vs Aegean - Breed Comparison
  3. Don Sphynx vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  4. Don Sphynx vs Chausie - Breed Comparison
  5. Don Sphynx vs American Bobtail - Breed Comparison
  6. Don Sphynx vs American Curl - Breed Comparison
  7. Don Sphynx vs American Keuda - Breed Comparison
  8. Don Sphynx vs American Longhair - Breed Comparison
  9. Don Sphynx vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison
  10. Don Sphynx vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  11. Don Sphynx vs American Wirehair - Breed Comparison
  12. Don Sphynx vs Applehead Siamese - Breed Comparison
  13. Don Sphynx vs Ashera - Breed Comparison
  14. Don Sphynx vs Asian - Breed Comparison
  15. Don Sphynx vs Asian Semi-Longhair - Breed Comparison
  16. Don Sphynx vs Australian Mist - Breed Comparison
  17. Don Sphynx vs Balinese - Breed Comparison
  18. Don Sphynx vs Bengal - Breed Comparison
  19. Don Sphynx vs Bicolor - Breed Comparison
  20. Don Sphynx vs Birman - Breed Comparison
  21. Don Sphynx vs Blue Russian - Breed Comparison
  22. Don Sphynx vs Bombay - Breed Comparison
  23. Don Sphynx vs Brazilian Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  24. Don Sphynx vs Bristol - Breed Comparison
  25. Don Sphynx vs British Longhair - Breed Comparison
  26. Snowshoe vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  27. Snowshoe vs Aegean - Breed Comparison
  28. Snowshoe vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  29. Snowshoe vs Chausie - Breed Comparison
  30. Snowshoe vs American Bobtail - Breed Comparison
  31. Snowshoe vs American Curl - Breed Comparison
  32. Snowshoe vs American Keuda - Breed Comparison
  33. Snowshoe vs American Longhair - Breed Comparison
  34. Snowshoe vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison
  35. Snowshoe vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  36. Snowshoe vs American Wirehair - Breed Comparison
  37. Snowshoe vs Applehead Siamese - Breed Comparison
  38. Snowshoe vs Ashera - Breed Comparison
  39. Snowshoe vs Asian - Breed Comparison
  40. Snowshoe vs Asian Semi-Longhair - Breed Comparison
  41. Snowshoe vs Australian Mist - Breed Comparison
  42. Snowshoe vs Balinese - Breed Comparison
  43. Snowshoe vs Bengal - Breed Comparison
  44. Snowshoe vs Bicolor - Breed Comparison
  45. Snowshoe vs Birman - Breed Comparison
  46. Snowshoe vs Blue Russian - Breed Comparison
  47. Snowshoe vs Bombay - Breed Comparison
  48. Snowshoe vs Brazilian Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  49. Snowshoe vs Bristol - Breed Comparison
  50. Snowshoe vs British Longhair - Breed Comparison