Don Sphynx vs Birman - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Don Sphynx vs Birman - Breed ComparisonBirman is originated from France but Don Sphynx is originated from Russia. Both Birman and Don Sphynx are of same weight. Both Birman and Don Sphynx has same life span. Both Birman and Don Sphynx has same litter size. Birman requires Moderate Maintenance. But Don Sphynx requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

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France
Russia
Weight Male:
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
Weight Female:
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 15 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 6
2 - 6
Other Names:
The Sacred Cat of Burma
Donskoy cat, Russian Hairless
Colors Available:
White, cream, chocolate
Velour and Brush, Different shades – Flock, Rubber Bald
Coat:
Medium-long, silky and shiny
Hairless
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
Yes
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

birmanThere isn’t clarity as to this exquisite cat’s origins. Many people believe they originated as the companions of temple priests in northern Burma.

The cats somehow found their way to France, and it is believed that they have been in France since the 1920s.

The cats nearly disappeared during World War II, but luckily the remaining Birmans that survived were crossed with Siamese and Persians to strengthen the breed. In the early 1950s, pure Birnam litters were produced. It was in about 1959 that Birmans were brought to the United States.

The cats were also recognized in Britain in 1965 and in 1966 by the CFA. The first Birman cats were seal point but later other colors were brought in such as red, chocolate, and tabby.

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.

Description

birman kitten - descriptionThese are medium-sized cats which can become fairly large. They can weigh up to 4, 5 or 6kg. They are fairly heavily boned with a broad face and ears that are widely spaced.

The round eyes are deep blue. The cat’s fur is medium-long and should be silky to the touch with no undercoat. Ther cat is a moderate shedder.

The base color is whitish to cream, but the kittens are always born white. Coat color, whether red, cream, or chocolate is always pointed and the cat always has the white paws.

Temperament:

The Birman isn’t as outgoing as some of the other cat breeds and its a quiet, docile intelligent cat that attaches itself to one particular family member. They can actually become jealous of their human companion and demand their attention.

These friendly cats are wonderful choices for families with children and dogs. They are calm and affectionate, and softly spoken, quietly letting you know when it’s dinner time and enjoying just being around his human family.

He is able to get along well with kids and other pets in the home. He can become quite playful too and because he is so intelligent, you can buy him some toys that require him to think.

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.

Characteristics

birman cat - characteristicsThe Birman cat has to be one of the most beautiful cats there are, but the cat isn’t only a beautiful cat, it has wonderful characteristics as well.

It is a loving, affectionate cat with his human family, loving to spend time around them. Playful and healthy, when you bring this most wonderful cat into your home, it will be as though an angel has come to stay.

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.

Health Problems

birman kittens - health problemsWith good health your Birman can reach up to 13 years of age. With the Birman, the most serious illness is feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy which also happens to be the most common heart disease in cats.

It’s a progressive disease and can result in heart failure. The cats are also at risk of developing feline infectious peritonitis.

Also, because this is a larger cat and a stocky kind of breed, it can easily put on weight and then become overweight. Strict attention will need to be given to diet as well as daily exercise.

Also, look out for Corneal dermoid - skin and hair on the surface of the cornea in one eye or in both. Luckily this is an eye problem that can be surgically corrected.

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.

Caring The Pet

General:

birman cats - caringThe Birman has a silky coat that sheds moderately so you want to give him a gentle brush once or twice a week to keep the coat of his soft and silky.

The Birman has a full topcoat, with no undercoat which means that you won’t have the coat matting or tangling.

He’ll need his nails trimmed and his teeth checked regularly. Your vet or professional groomers can do this for you and clean his teeth and check that there are no bad teeth making your pet sick.

Diet:

The Birman cat has access to some great commercial cat food as there are some seriously good quality ones.

Many cat lovers choose cat foods that are AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) approved. It at least provides minimum standards for pet foods.

For your Birman you want to avoid artificial flavors and preservatives. Choose quality foods high in meat protein. As a carnivore, a cat has a huge need for meat protein. Get to know your pet food labels and choose foods with added taurine and vitamin A.

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.

Comparison with other breeds

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