Donskoy

The Russian sphinx

Also known as: Don Sphynx · Donskoy cat · Russian hairless cat · Russian Sphynx · Don hairless

Donskoy, a medium cat from Russia (photo 2)

Donskoy, a medium cat from Russia (photo 3)

Donskoy, a medium cat from Russia (photo 4)

Donskoy, a medium cat from Russia (photo 5)

Donskoy, a medium cat from Russia (photo 6)

Photos: Smser (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Nickolas Titkov from Moscow, Russian Federation (CC BY-SA 2.0) · ShuroVVV (CC0), via Wikimedia Commons.

Breed profile

23–30 cm(9–12 in)Height at the shoulder

3–6 kg(7–13 lb)Adult weight

12–15 yearsLife expectancy

25 min of play a dayDaily play

GroupRex & hairless

OriginRussia

SizeMedium

CoatHairless or with down, velour or sparse hair, depending on the variant

ColoursAll

HypoallergenicOften said to be, with caveats

Breed dates from1987

Estimated cost in Spain*€880–1,220 a year

* An estimate for Spain in 2026 (food, litter, vet and insurance), based on the size, grooming and health needs of the breed, not on measured costs of individual cats.

What it is like

In 1987, in Rostov-on-Don (Russia), Elena Kovaleva rescued a female kitten from a sack that some boys were playing with. She named her Varvara and, as she grew, the kitten gradually lost her hair. Her offspring confirmed that it was a dominant gene, different from the Canadian Sphynx's. The Donskoy is a strong-boned cat with a muscular body and wrinkled skin, especially on the head. It is very affectionate, loyal and calm, a good companion for children and other animals. Like all hairless cats, it is cited as hypoallergenic, but the allergen is in the saliva and skin: many allergy sufferers react just the same.

Temperament

AffectionateLoyalCalmSociable

Activity

3/5

With children

5/5

With dogs

5/5

With other cats

5/5

Ease of learning

4/5

How vocalless is better

3/5

Sheddingless is better

1/5

Brushing needsless is better

3/5

Health robustness

3/5

Indoor and flat life

5/5

Copes with being alone

2/5

For first-time owners

4/5

the more, the better the less, the better

Care

The skin needs a bath or a damp cloth every week or two to remove oil, plus cleaning of ears, claws and folds. Sensitive to cold and sun: never outside alone, and provide blankets and warm beds. It eats a bit more than a coated cat. Watch for acne on the chin and tail. It needs company and copes badly with spending the day alone. Gentle daily play and the occasional clicker session.

Health

A little-studied breed. In the hairless variants, dermatitis, acne, sunburn and cold-related problems. Dental and gum problems have been described. As it is uncommon, few vets have experience with the breed: look for one familiar with hairless cats.

General information about tendencies in the breed, not a diagnosis. Any symptom should be checked by your vet.

Fun facts

Varvara, the founder, was rescued from a sack in Rostov-on-Don.

Some Donskoys are born with hair and gradually lose it over their first few years.

Its gene is dominant: one hairless parent is enough to produce hairless kittens.

It is the basis of the Peterbald, which was born from a Donskoy and Oriental cross.

Frequently asked questions

How big does a Donskoy get?

An adult Donskoy usually weighs 3–6 kg (7–13 lb) and stands about 23–30 cm (9–12 in) at the shoulder, which makes it a medium cat.

How long does a Donskoy live?

Its usual life expectancy is 12–15 years. Living indoors, being neutered and having regular vet check-ups make the biggest difference.

Is the Donskoy hypoallergenic?

It is often described as hypoallergenic, but no cat is free of the main cat allergen (Fel d 1). Some people with mild allergies react less to it; spend time with the breed before deciding.

Is the Donskoy good with children?

Usually yes: it tends to be patient and sociable with children. As with any cat, teach children to let it walk away when it has had enough.

How much play does a Donskoy need?

As a guide, 25 min of play a day. Its activity score is 3 out of 5: short daily play sessions with a wand toy work better than one long one.