Lykoi vs Don Sphynx - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Lykoi vs Don Sphynx - Breed ComparisonDon Sphynx is originated from Russia but Lykoi is originated from United States. Both Don Sphynx and Lykoi are of same weight. Both Don Sphynx and Lykoi has same life span. Both Don Sphynx and Lykoi has same litter size. Don Sphynx requires Low Maintenance. But Lykoi requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

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Russia
United States
Weight Male:
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
4 - 6 kg
8 - 14 pounds
Weight Female:
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
4 - 6 kg
8 - 14 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
10 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 6
2 - 6
Other Names:
Donskoy cat, Russian Hairless
Werewolf
Colors Available:
Velour and Brush, Different shades – Flock, Rubber Bald
Black roan
Coat:
Hairless
Some hairless, some with fur
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, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Moderate 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.

lykoiThese cats were first discovered in 2010 in Virginia. It was Patti Thomas who named the breed Lykoi.

It was in 2012 that the cat breed went before the International Cat Association and is now recognized as a Championship Breed.

There is also work being done to expand the cat’s breeding program. It’s a naturally occurring gene in the feral cat population. There are still Lykoi cats born to the feral cat population.

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.

lykoi kitten - descriptionThe Lykoi varies quite a bit in looks and you get some that are completely covered in hair and some that are actually partially hairless. Strangely, they are born with quite a lot of black fur.

The cat has a solid black roan coat with no undercoat. Even though the cat is partially hairless, it molts a couple of times each year.

People are inclined to think that the little bit of hair would be wiry, when in fact it is soft and silky. It's just that it looks like bristles, but is actually not. People are always surprised by the coat's softness.

The Lykoi has a lean muscular body with large ears and eyes. He is a medium-sized cat and can weigh between 4 to 6kg.

Temperament:

The Lykoi is a friendly, people-oriented cat that is affectionate towards its human owners. This is also a playful cat breed and he is also intelligent and inquisitive.

The Lykoi is fond of his human family and makes a wonderful companion.

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.

lykoi cat - characteristicsPeople who have owned the Lykoi say that they make a remarkable and devoted pet. They want a lot of attention and they’re willing to give attention as well.

They’re social cats and want to spend time with their human companions. A cat that doesn’t receive the love and care it needs can become heartbroken and sick.

If you have one of these cats and your life has changed so that you can’t give it the attention it craves, at least provide it with a feline companion.

Cats aren’t all the aloof creatures they’re made out to be and your Lykoi is capable of making you a splendid companion.

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.

lykoi kittens - health problemsThis cat is vulnerable to being cold and it should essentially be an indoor cat. If your Lykoi cat escapes, it can’t possibly keep warm on its own.

The Lykoi cat has not shown any specific health problems but being hairless, it is vulnerable to respiratory issues. Eye discharge as well as perpetual sneezing are characteristics of a cat with Feline Upper Respiratory Disease.

The cat’s mouth, sinuses, nasal passages, and upper airway are all affected. Your cat will need to get to the vet for a diagnosis and medical treatment. There are vaccines to prevent feline upper respiratory disease.

Any cat can develop this disease and your cat may have trouble breathing.

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.

lykoi cats - caringWith the Lykoi’s lack of a coat, it isn’t going to require too much grooming. However, you have to keep a watch on this cat as without hair, he is vulnerable to sunburn and to getting cold.

The cat has oily skin and it’s one cat breed that will need a bath occasionally. Some people recommend it once a week. Use warm water and a special pet shampoo recommended by your vet. Every trace of shampoo will need to be washed off to avoid the skin becoming irritated.

Provide your cat with food and water bowls, bedding, litter box, collar, grooming accessories and toys.

The Lykoi will require his nails being clipped.

Your Lykoi will require a nice warm, soft bed to rest and sleep in.

Cat food is a huge, important decision for any cat, as their very health depends on it. Commercially manufactured cat foods are available as wet and dry. Make sure you always get your cat food from a reliable source.

Some people believe in offering their cat both wet and dry options. Whatever you decide for your cat, remember that it needs to be at least 70% protein as every cat is a carnivore and requires a diet rich in protein.

If in any doubt, rather speak to your veterinarian and ensure that your Lykoi is getting the best food there is to promote good health. Always make sure that your cat has access to fresh cool water night and day.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Lykoi vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  2. Lykoi vs Aegean - Breed Comparison
  3. Lykoi vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  4. Lykoi vs Chausie - Breed Comparison
  5. Lykoi vs American Bobtail - Breed Comparison
  6. Lykoi vs American Curl - Breed Comparison
  7. Lykoi vs American Keuda - Breed Comparison
  8. Lykoi vs American Longhair - Breed Comparison
  9. Lykoi vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison
  10. Lykoi vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  11. Lykoi vs American Wirehair - Breed Comparison
  12. Lykoi vs Applehead Siamese - Breed Comparison
  13. Lykoi vs Ashera - Breed Comparison
  14. Lykoi vs Asian - Breed Comparison
  15. Lykoi vs Asian Semi-Longhair - Breed Comparison
  16. Lykoi vs Australian Mist - Breed Comparison
  17. Lykoi vs Balinese - Breed Comparison
  18. Lykoi vs Bengal - Breed Comparison
  19. Lykoi vs Bicolor - Breed Comparison
  20. Lykoi vs Birman - Breed Comparison
  21. Lykoi vs Blue Russian - Breed Comparison
  22. Lykoi vs Bombay - Breed Comparison
  23. Lykoi vs Brazilian Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  24. Lykoi vs Bristol - Breed Comparison
  25. Lykoi 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