Ocicat vs Don Sphynx - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

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

Basic Information

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Russia
United States
Weight Male:
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
4 - 7 kg
8 - 16 pounds
Weight Female:
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
4 - 7 kg
8 - 16 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
10 - 17 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 6
2 - 6
Other Names:
Donskoy cat, Russian Hairless
None
Colors Available:
Velour and Brush, Different shades – Flock, Rubber Bald
cinnamon, chocolate, tawny - spots and stripes
Coat:
Hairless
Short and silky
Shedding:
Minimal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, 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.

ocicatVirginia Daly was the first breeder of Ocicats, hailing from Michigan. She wanted to breed an Abyssinian-pointed Siamese in 1964 and the first kittens looked to be Abyssinian.

With the next litter, the Abyssinian-pointed Siamese and a spotted kitten, nicknamed an Ocicat. Further breedings produced more spotted kittens and became the basis of the Ocicat.

A breeding program was started for Siamese to Abyssinian, and the kittens bred to Siamese. Later the American Shorthair was introduced to the Ocicat and this brought in bigger boning as well as adding silver to the 6 colors of the Ocicat.

It was during the 1980s that the cat was accepted for registration in The Cat Fanciers' Association.

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.

ocicat kitten - descriptionOcicats, with their wedge-shaped heads, are strong, large cats with muscular legs that have striped markings. The cat can weight between 4 and 7kg. The ears are large and pointed.

The cat has almond-shaped eyes. The fur has dark spots and there are many color variants that are approved by the major cat registries. The standard colors for the cat are chocolate, cinnamon and tawny.

Temperament:

These large cats have got personality traits from both cats – the Siamese and the Abyssinian. They are friendly, playful, and sociable cats, making excellent family pets, getting on well with children and other pets. Those who have owned them say owning such a cat is similar to owning a dog as they can be taught basic commands and tricks and even walk on a leash.

They are even known to swim with you. They’re cats that crave the attention of their human owners, but bond specifically with one person. It won’t do at all well in a household where it is left alone for long periods of time.

It's an intelligent cat and will most certainly need toys and a lifestyle that is stimulating.

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.

ocicat cat - characteristicsThe Ocicat is a friendly, non-aggressive cat that is devoted to his human family. It’s a cat that thrives on being around people and won’t relish being left alone for long periods of time.

The largish cat is intelligent and easily trainable. He loves toys and it will be good to buy him some toys that require him thinking a little bit.

Highly energetic, he’ll love nothing more than for you to become involved in his games. Give him the attention he craves and he’ll become your best friend.

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.

ocicat kittens - health problemsDiet is a crucial part of being a healthy cat, There are many excellent commercially manufactured cat foods on the market and your cat might prefer the wet- or dry type of cat food.

The idea is to choose the highest quality cat food that is packed with meat and protein as your cat is a carnivore. One good way to choose a good cat food is to read the ingredients and make sure that the first ingredients are meat.

He wants chicken, tuna, liver and pheasant in his diet. Make sure that the food also contains taurine as this is an essential amino acid that every cat must have.

If in any doubt, speak to your vet as cats require certain vitamins and minerals to remain healthy. Always ensure a fresh supply of cool drinking water.

Your cat requires being vaccinated and dewormed.

Get to know a good vet in your area so that if your cat is sick, you don't have to waste precious time searching for a vet.

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.

ocicat cats - caringProvide your Ocicat with companionship as these are cats that can’t be left for hours on their own.

Provide your Ocicat with a litterbox that is kept clean. Your ocicat’s dropping must be regularly raked up out of the litter box sand and removed. A cat won’t use a dirty litterbox.

Treat your Ocicat for parasites. In fact, treating parasites isn’t a once-off treatment but ongoing. You can consult with your veterinarian for advice on the best and safest way to treat your pet for worms, ticks, fleas, and mites.

Brush your Ocicat’s fur once a week. They have short fur so they are fairly low maintenance. You can use a rubber hand brush and you can even wipe the fur down with a damp cloth to remove dust. He will have to have his claws trimmed.

Nobody should buy a pet and then do as little as possible for it. Your Ocicat’s going to need daily exercise as well as mental stimulation and he will require this through interaction with his human family. Buy him stimulating toys to keep him busy, play games with him and buy a cat leash so you can take him on walks outdoors for a bit of sunlight.

Comparison with other breeds

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