Donskoy Cat, Don Sphynx, Russian Hairless: All the Same

Surprise! Not all Donskoys are hairless. BLACKDAY / Shutterstock

With its elf-like appearance and often completely hairless bodies, the Donskoy cat is one of the most distinctive cat breeds in the world.

Also known as the Don Sphynx, this hairless cat breed originated in Russia and is now recognized by the International Cat Association and the World Cat Federation, though not all cat registries recognize it.

A Different Kind of Hairless Cat

The Donskoy cat breed began in 1987 when a kitten named Varvara, found in Rostov-on-Don, began to lose hair due to a dominant genetic mutation later identified as feline ectodermal dysplasia.

This set the breed apart from other hairless breeds, like the Sphynx cat, which are typically the result of a recessive gene carried by both parents.

What Do Donskoy Cats Look Like?

cat — No one gives stink eye quite like a Donskoy. Ravelios / Shutterstock

Donskoys are medium sized cats with a muscular body, large ears and almond-shaped eyes. Their skin often features pronounced wrinkles, especially on the front legs, neck and face.

While many Donskoys are born completely bald, the breed includes various coat types, such as:

Rubber bald: Born hairless and remain so their entire lives
Flock coat: A suede-like texture, often referred to as peach fuzz
Velour coat: A short, wavy coat that may develop a bald spot over time
Brush coat: Sparse, wiry hair with wavy coat patterns, often lost with age

The Donskoy's hair loss gene affects more than just fur. It can also impact dentition (teeth), sometimes leading to poor dentition in senior cats.

Caring for a Donskoy

cat — A Donskoy can exude elegance, calm and love all at once. Jaroslaw Kurek / Shutterstock

The Donskoy is an active cat with a curious and soft-hearted temperament. These cats thrive on human interaction and can struggle if left alone for long periods. They are highly social with other cats and other pets, making them excellent additions to multi-animal homes.

Due to their hairless nature, Donskoys require special care. Without fur, they are prone to sunburn and temperature sensitivity, needing warm environments and soft bedding.

Their skin also gets oily and must be cleaned regularly. Regular tooth brushing is recommended to combat the potential for genetic health issues like poor dentition.

Feeding and Health

A professional breeder or vet should guide your Donskoy's diet. Most do well on high-protein canned food, and because of their active metabolisms and lack of fur, they may eat more than the average cat. A balanced diet supports skin health and helps manage body temperature.

The Donskoy breed is still relatively rare, and Donskoy cat cost can be high due to its uniqueness. Responsible breeding programs aim to maintain the breed's health and genetic diversity.

If you're bringing a kitten home, ensure the breeder provides details about the kitten's coat type and potential care needs.

Donskoy vs. Sphynx

Though often confused with the Sphynx, the Don Sphynx cat is genetically distinct. While the Sphynx has a recessive gene, the Donskoy’s dominant mutation makes it easier to pass on the hairless trait. Their differences also extend to body shape, skin feel, and maintenance.

Whether you're fascinated by their unique looks or drawn to their loyal personalities, the Donskoy cat is truly a breed like no other.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.