Norwegian Forest Cat vs Don Sphynx - Breed Comparison

Norwegian Forest Cat vs Don Sphynx - Breed ComparisonDon Sphynx is originated from Russia but Norwegian Forest Cat is originated from Norway. Both Don Sphynx and Norwegian Forest Cat are having almost same weight. Both Don Sphynx and Norwegian Forest Cat has almost same life span. Both Don Sphynx and Norwegian Forest Cat has same litter size. Don Sphynx requires Low Maintenance. But Norwegian Forest Cat requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

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Russia
Norway
Weight Male:
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
3 - 9 kg
6 - 20 pounds
Weight Female:
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
3 - 9 kg
6 - 20 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
14 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 6
2 - 6
Other Names:
Donskoy cat, Russian Hairless
Wegie, Gentle Giant
Colors Available:
Velour and Brush, Different shades – Flock, Rubber Bald
Many colors and patterns
Coat:
Hairless
Thick and long haired
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, 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.

norwegian forest catThe beautiful Norwegian Forest cat has a thick fur to survive the snow and icy weather in Norway. It is the official cat of Norway.

It originated in Northern Europe. It is believed that the cat was brought to Norway from Great Britain way back in the time of the Vikings. It is also believed that it reproduced with farm cats and has become the modern-day Norwegian Forest breed.

They were discovered in the early twentieth century by cat enthusiasts and in 1938 an organization was established devoted to this breed.

Also, a club was started for the cat in Oslo so as to preserve the breed. The 2nd World War saw the cat all but disappear but a breeding program was started. It was registered in Europe by the 1970s, and in 1994 by the American Cat Fanciers Association and others.

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.

norwegian forest cat kitten - descriptionThis domestic cat is a natural breed with a thick coat of long water-resistant fur and a woolly undercoat. The coat can be in many colors and patterns.

This is a big, strong, heavy boned cat with a bushy tail and long legs. It’s larger than your regular cat and can weigh anything between 3 and 9kg. The eyes are almond-shaped and can be any color while the large ears are high set.

Temperament:

In spite of this being a large cat, they are energetic and yet they don’t like being around boisterous, energetic pets. They are friendly, calm, gentle, and intelligent and enjoy being part of a human family.

They tend to be a bit reserved around strangers. It’s not a demanding cat and can entertain himself with his toys.

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.

norwegian forest cat cat - characteristicsRemember that your large Norwegian Forest cat likes to scratch so you want to provide him with a scratching post. He is so companionable, you want to reward him by ensuring you make his life as easy as possible.

Known as a gentle giant, the beautiful and undemanding Norwegian Forest cat will appreciate a calm household where he can quietly enjoy the companionship of the humans he loves.

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.

norwegian forest cat kittens - health problemsThe lifespan of this big, longhaired cat is usually 14 to 16 years, but you need to check out kidney and heart disease with this particular breed as well as patellar luxation.

You don’t want your cat having problems with the knee cap as this takes away from his ability to leap, pounce and crouch. It’s when the patella or kneecap is out of place. There may not necessarily be pain for your pet and in fact, your cat may not show any signs of abnormality till the condition has become quite advanced.

Your cat can actually become lame. You want to avoid this with the Norwegian as it's a particularly good climber.

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.

norwegian forest cat cats - caringThe Norwegian has a long coat so you will need to brush it at least twice a week to keep it nice and shiny and free from tangles.

Trim your Norwegian forest cat’s claws. You will need a special nail clipper, but if you're nervous to cut the nails yourself, your vet or pet groomers can do it for you.

Cats battle quite a bit with periodontal disease and an excellent diet can help to prevent this. Cats hate you sticking a toothbrush into their mouths – they can become terrified - and it would b kinder to simply have your cat’s teeth checked out at the vet when you suspect that something might be wrong. At the same time, you can ask to have the inside of your cat’s ears checked for dirt and infection.

Keep your cat’s litter box spotlessly clean. These cats dislike a dirty litter box intensely. Remove all feces every single day – more often even if possible.

One good way to select the best food for your cat is to read the ingredients. The first two ingredients listed on the package should always be meat. Select a high-quality cat food. Keeping Norwegian Forest cats in good health requires high-quality cat food to meet all of your Norwegian forest cat’s nutritional needs.

You can feed your Norwegian Forest cat two meals per day. Always check with your veterinarian for a recommendation on how much and what to feed your cat.

Provide a constant supply of fresh, clean water for your Norwegian Forest cat.The bowl should be in an easy place for your cat to reach and in the shade.

Provide your Norwegian with a soft bed in a quiet, restful place.

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. Norwegian Forest Cat vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  27. Norwegian Forest Cat vs Aegean - Breed Comparison
  28. Norwegian Forest Cat vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  29. Norwegian Forest Cat vs Chausie - Breed Comparison
  30. Norwegian Forest Cat vs American Bobtail - Breed Comparison
  31. Norwegian Forest Cat vs American Curl - Breed Comparison
  32. Norwegian Forest Cat vs American Keuda - Breed Comparison
  33. Norwegian Forest Cat vs American Longhair - Breed Comparison
  34. Norwegian Forest Cat vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison
  35. Norwegian Forest Cat vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  36. Norwegian Forest Cat vs American Wirehair - Breed Comparison
  37. Norwegian Forest Cat vs Applehead Siamese - Breed Comparison
  38. Norwegian Forest Cat vs Ashera - Breed Comparison
  39. Norwegian Forest Cat vs Asian - Breed Comparison
  40. Norwegian Forest Cat vs Asian Semi-Longhair - Breed Comparison
  41. Norwegian Forest Cat vs Australian Mist - Breed Comparison
  42. Norwegian Forest Cat vs Balinese - Breed Comparison
  43. Norwegian Forest Cat vs Bengal - Breed Comparison
  44. Norwegian Forest Cat vs Bicolor - Breed Comparison
  45. Norwegian Forest Cat vs Birman - Breed Comparison
  46. Norwegian Forest Cat vs Blue Russian - Breed Comparison
  47. Norwegian Forest Cat vs Bombay - Breed Comparison
  48. Norwegian Forest Cat vs Brazilian Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  49. Norwegian Forest Cat vs Bristol - Breed Comparison
  50. Norwegian Forest Cat vs British Longhair - Breed Comparison