 In today's video, we are going to talk about some interesting facts and myths about the Dinskoy cat. Often referred to as the Don Sphinx, Russian Dinskoy, Don Hairless, and Russian Hairless, the Dinskoy is a medium-sized, muscular cat known for having little or no hair and wrinkled skin that resembles human skin. These friendly, active cats are known for being very loyal. In fact, their loyalty is often compared to that of dogs, and they are also both incredibly intelligent and affectionate. Cats of this breed may get a lot of curious looks from strangers, as these felines are hairless. Some of the breed's kittens are born totally hairless, while others lose their hair over time. With its distinctive look, the breed has gained a reputation for being an eye-catching family pet. But remember that you'll need to exercise a little extra care and maintenance due to the breed's hairless nature. You may find these purebred cats in shelters and breed-specific rescues, so remember to always adopt. Don't shop if you're looking to add one of these kitties to your home. Here are some of the interesting facts about the Dinskoy cat, which will give you some further insight into its characteristics and temperament. 1. Dinskoy Cat's History The story of the Dinskoy begins in 1987 in Russia when a professor named Elena Kovalova noticed some kids playing soccer with a bag. When Kovalova heard the sound of meowing coming from inside the bag, she discovered that a kitten was being kicked around. After Kovalova rescued the kitten, she noticed that the animal began to lose their hair as they grew older. Later on, the cat gave birth to more kittens who also lost their hair or were born bald. One of these kittens was adopted by a breeder named Irina Nemekina, who began to develop the Dinskoy. The Dinskoy was officially recognized by the International Cat Association in 1987. These days, you may find Dinskoy's in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. So make sure to consider adoption if you decide that this is the breed for you. 2. Dinskoy Cat's Appearance The Dinskoy is a relatively typical breed. Of a semi-foreign body type, it is mainly characterized by the absence or partial absence of hair on its body. Most Donskoy's weigh in at 6 to 15 pounds. Of average size, it is very muscular and has quite large hindquarters. They have an elegant silhouette and a strong frame. They have long legs, in proportion to the rest of their body. An interesting characteristic of the Dinskoy is their webbed feet. They enjoy swimming outdoors. Their tail is long and slender. The Dinskoy's head is cuneiform, or wedge shaped with very prominent cheekbones, as well as wrinkles on the forehead. According to breed standards, the muzzle must be short and the chin clearly visible. Another particularity of the Dinskoy is that it sometimes has very long canines, sometimes surpassing the lips. Their whiskers, if they have any, must be curled. Their ears are large, very open, and placed high on the head. The tip is rounded and they bend slightly forward when viewed in profile. Their eyes are slanted and slightly almond shaped. According to breed standards, the color must catch their coat. Even if they share many of the same traits as the Sphinx, the breed criteria explicitly state that they are very different. This would constitute an eliminatory defeat during competitions. 3. Dinskoy cat's personality The Dinskoy has a reputation as one of the gentlest cat breeds around. They are loving and sociable and enjoy being around both humans and other cats, so if you already have a feline friendly household, definitely consider the Dinskoy if you're looking to add more cats to the homestead. Don scores love to be handled by humans, and will always want to be the center of attention when you're at home. It's vital to understand that the breed needs companionship, so this is not the best cat to adopt if you're away for long periods of the day due to work commitments or if you travel a lot. The Dinskoy is an intelligent and inquisitive cat, so you'll also want to provide an environment where the breed can explore and seek out new adventures on their own. Strategic use of smart and interactive toys can help keep your cat stimulated and satisfied. Hello. This video is sponsored by Beemix Pets. Are you looking for high quality cat collars at an affordable cost? Check out BeemixPets.com. Use coupon code KittenLife, to get 20% off. 4. Dinskoy cats common health problems. Don scores are generally considered to be healthy cats, although, it's important to schedule regular wellness visits with your cat's vet. Because of their hairless bodies, sunburn, sensitivity to hot and cold weather, and other skin issues are potential concerns for Dinskoy cat owners. These cats have also been associated with certain dental issues, such as tooth decay and gum disease, so tooth brushing is a must. Today, not all cat registries recognize the Dinskoy, and there have historically been numerous concerns about the genetic health of this particular breed. The dominant genetic mutation that causes hairlessness in both Don scores and Peterbalds could potentially cause feline ectodermal dysplasia in its homozygous form, which can lead to health issues such as an inability to either lactate or sweat. Similar dominant mutations can also cause the condition in hairless dogs. 5. Dinskoy cat's diet and nutrition. Because Don scores have a higher body temperature than most cats, this breed actually tends to eat more to maintain their body temperature during the winter. However, their intake should return to normal once winter is over. 6. Taking care of Dinskoy cat. As with all cats, it's important to keep up your Dinskoy's regular veterinary checkups to detect any health concerns early. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your cat healthy. Beyond scheduling yearly wellness visits with your vet, you'll definitely want to add a scratching post to your living environment. This can help promote healthy scratching and keep the cat's nails in good condition. The Dinskoy's ears should also be examined regularly for signs of dirt building up or possible infection. It's advisable to talk with your vet about starting a regular tooth brushing regimen that will suit your Dinskoy, especially as the breed is prone to suffering from tooth and gum issues. Your vet can advise you about specific brands and techniques. 7. Dinskoy cat's coat color and grooming. The Dinskoy's coat comes in four different types that can be many different colors. These coats are known as rubber bald, flocked, velour, and brush. Rubber bald cats are bald and remain that way for life. Flocked coats are yellowish and they disappear as the baldness gene takes over. Velour kittens have a bald spot on their heads with wiry, woolly hair on the body that disappears after their first year, though some of the coat can remain. Brush coats cover the whole body except for patches on the head and neck or back. When it comes to grooming, the Dinskoy is a hairless cat so you'll need to wipe the breed down daily. This is to get rid of oils that the skin produces, as a hairless cat, there is no hair to absorb the oils. You'll also need to instigate a bathing routine, ideally once a week but definitely at least twice a month. Climate is also an issue to keep an eye on. The Dinskoy does not fare well in extreme temperatures. Speak to your vet about applying a suitable sunscreen to the cat, and also consider a cat coat during the colder months. While Dinskoy's may grow a winter coat, it is often fine and not suited for very cold winters. Cats of this breed can sweat through their skin and even get tanned with exposure to sunlight, much like humans. That said, protection from the elements is a must, so talk to your vet. 8. Dinskoy cat to children and other pets. The Dinskoy is a friendly and social cat who does well with young children. Just be sure that early socialization takes place and boundaries are properly set on both sides, and supervise early interactions between kids and cats. When it comes to other household pets, the Dinskoy fares well with many domestic animals. Although, you'll want to supervise early interactions between the new cat and existing pets. Early socialization really pays off with this breed. Make sure to reward your Dinskoy for good behavior when you bring them home to your family. If you enjoyed this video, kindly press the like button. 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