Breeding the Don and St. Petersburg Sphynx breeds

More and more breeders are starting to breed the Don Sphynx. This breed of hairless cats has its own distinctive characteristics. These include

• hairless muscular body,
• slender paws,
• warm and silky skin,
• slightly slanted eyes,
• a long tail,
• huge ears.

Purebred Sphynxes are very affectionate, playful and at the same time restrained, unforgiving and devoted to their owners.

Don Sphynx kittens are very cute

Process

When the main day has arrived, the main thing is not to rush and not to rush the animals.
A little control on the part of one of the owners does not help, but remember that pets do not need an instructor and an assistant, they know perfectly well what to do. It is best to leave the animals in a separate large room with food and water. To ensure that none of the pets are afraid, try to keep the room quiet - turn off the TV or tape recorder.

Remember, when cats are not in their territory, they experience enormous stress.

Do not try to force the cat to be with the cat - there is no need to bring animals closer to each other, or force them to be placed next to each other. This will only lead to the fact that it may not be possible to get pets at all. Don’t be surprised if in the first hours of meeting the bride punches the groom and gives him a real thrashing.

Make sure your pet doesn't cause serious injury.

Once everyone has calmed down a bit, the cat's owner can leave. The cat owner reports further results. How do you know if the cats have been brought together?

This is evidenced by the following signs:

• the cat intensively licks the genitals;
• pets behave peacefully, sit and lie calmly nearby;
• the cat loses interest in the cat and begins to mind its own business.

It is very difficult to bring together obstinate brides who actively suppress the groom with a cat. In such cases, more time and patience are needed. However, this often happens when the cat retreats, giving primacy to the cat.

Nature has arranged that mating in cats is quite painful. The whole reason is the special structure of the cat’s genital organ. That is why, during the fusion process, the cat can actively growl, hiss and try to bite the groom.

When the act of love has been completed and the unpleasant sensations for the cat are over, it lies on its back and begins to frantically lick itself. This maneuver allows you to complete everything and fertilize the egg.

Mating cats: recommendations for owners

The owner of a cat certainly takes on more responsibility than the owner of a cat.

His obligations include the following:

1. Control and care of male and female cats during mating.
2. Responsibility for the health and safety of the cat.
3. It is strictly unacceptable to bring together two animals that have not previously had any sexual experience. One pet must be untied. This will avoid unpleasant embarrassment and injury.
4. Providing a package of documents: passport, vaccinations.

The cat owner not only cares about the completeness of the package of documents, but also about the following points:

1. Cats cannot be induced into estrus on purpose. Some unscrupulous owners resort to using hormone injections and hormonal pills. However, such drugs are extremely detrimental to the health of the animal, as they can cause cancer.
2. A cat should not be bathed before mating with a cat - shampoos and water neutralize the effect of pheromones that attract males in their natural environment.
3. Before going to the groom's house, the cat should not be given sedatives (valerian tincture, Kot-Bayun), as they overly relax the animal, causing apathy and drowsiness.

For the convenience of sealing the deal, an agreement is concluded between the owners of the cats. It discusses: the terms of payment for the transaction, the conditions for the pet to stay on foreign territory, the conditions for the distribution of kittens and other important points.

Terms of breeding cats

The first mating is carried out no earlier than 1.5 years of age. Before the first mating, a cat should already have gone through 2-3 heats. A cat can bear and give birth to kittens at 10 months, but early pregnancy may be unsuccessful, and complications and death of the cat and kittens are possible. Late matings can lead to the development of polycystic disease and disruption of the estrus cycle. It should be remembered that females should not give birth more than three times every two years.

Males usually mature by 9 months, but it is better to breed cats for the first time at the age of 1.5-2 years, when the animals have already reached maturity. A cat participates in breeding until the age of 6; at an older age, it will not be possible to obtain high-quality offspring. Healthy cats should not mate more than 3 times a week. But it is recommended to allow cats to mate 2-3 times a month, because with frequent matings, the quality of sperm decreases, sperm activity is lost and matings end in failure.

The partner of a cat who is about to have his first mating experience should be an experienced cat. The success of mating largely depends on the experience of the animals, so it is better when at least one of the partners knows how to behave and what to do when they meet.

Preparation for mating as a guarantee of obtaining healthy offspring

The cat will be physically ready to fulfill its maternal mission after 2-3 heats. The ideal age for breeding animals is 1.5-2 years, when sphinxes are already fully formed.

The main rule of preparing for mating is to carry out all vaccinations in advance.

Important! Between vaccination and mating, a time interval of at least 14 days must be observed.

Mating planning must be taken responsibly. After all, long-term use of drugs that suppress the symptoms of estrus very often leads to malfunctions in the animal’s body and, as a result, to the absence of pregnancy or sick offspring. Therefore, it is necessary to stop hormonal therapy long before mating.

Equally important is the search for a partner, who will also need to undergo all vaccinations against feline diseases and deworming.

Preparation for mating also includes some hygienic aspects. So, partners should trim their nails to prevent injury during mating. But bathing animals before mating is not recommended, since the naturalness of smells is considered the main factor in attracting the opposite sex.

Sphynx pregnancy lasts 63 days, after which the cat can give birth to up to 12 cubs. Source: Flickr (toysmaster)

Reaching puberty

Representatives of the Sphynx breed reach maturity quite early. In cats, the first heat can be observed as early as 6-7 months of age. During this period, changes will occur both in behavior (starting with the animal’s gait) and in character. Young Sphynx cats can become more affectionate, or, on the contrary, they can become more aggressive.

At this time, we must not forget that puberty in no way indicates the animal’s physical readiness to bear offspring. That is why mating during the first estrus is prohibited.

Sphynx cats become sexually mature a little later - by the 8th month. This time cannot be used for mating, since the pet is not physically ready for procreation. Puberty also affects the character and behavior of the young male - he becomes persistent and aggressive, and may begin to leave marks on his territory.

What to pay attention to during heat?

Cat owners need to pay attention to the fact that estrus in Sphynx cats is accompanied by vaginal discharge; this is a natural physiological process. However, they should be transparent, sometimes with a small amount of blood. However, there are cases when the secretion is red, brown and green, and there are also admixtures of pus. Discharges of this nature indicate the occurrence of pathological processes in the body. We can talk about infectious and inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary system, blood clotting disorders. Therefore, it is important for the owner to monitor the course of the estrus period with special vigilance and, if undesirable symptoms occur, immediately contact a veterinary clinic.

Mating contract

The contract is an important part that is simply stupid to ignore - it is a legal guarantee of honest cooperation between two animal owners. The contract clearly states information about the animals, their owners and health status.

Also, the obligations and rights of the parties are outlined point by point, all actions in case of various circumstances are regulated, the type of payment and its methods, pregnancy management, responsibility for childbirth, registration of offspring are also immediately indicated.

The contract clearly states information about the animals, their owners and health status. Also, the obligations and rights of the parties are outlined point by point, all actions in case of various circumstances are regulated, the type of payment and its methods, management of pregnancy, responsibility for childbirth, and registration of offspring are also immediately indicated.

A cat mating agreement protects each party from possible problems, where clear instructions are given regarding all the nuances of the process.

Nursery services

There are several “closed cats” in the nursery, which are used exclusively for mating with local cats. In order to use the services of one of these representatives, a mating agreement is concluded and it is quite expensive. The peculiarity of using nurseries is a 100% guarantee of obtaining healthy and purebred offspring , but for this you need to pass a check, pass all the necessary tests and give the cat a manicure. Only after that the cat is invited to her.

Saving on mating can turn into a real disaster, which is not recommended. So, after saving on dates, you can get motherless offspring in the form of sick kittens that will have to be treated.

Daily procedures will cost a lot and will not guarantee the animals’ complete recovery. Such experiments can harm the cat itself, because untested cats can have a number of diseases that will be passed on to their offspring. Age will not play a role here, as well as many other features and characteristics.

Determination of pregnancy after mating

After mating, owners wait 3 weeks until the first signs of pregnancy appear. If your pet is pregnant, you can easily recognize this by its rounded sides and swollen red nipples. Also, successful conception is accompanied by premature cessation of estrus.

For a more accurate diagnosis, make an appointment at the veterinary clinic 20-25 days after sexual intercourse. Pregnancy is confirmed using blood tests, ultrasound and x-rays. All these procedures are necessary to exclude false pregnancy, which is fraught with the development of oncology.

Once you figure out how to properly breed males and females, you will easily find your way even in the event of force majeure. In most cases, the process occurs naturally and does not require additional assistance.

If you do not plan to participate in breeding the breed, take care of castration or sterilization of your pets in advance. This will protect them from prostatitis, inflammatory and cancer diseases.

The article is for informational purposes only. Contact your veterinarian!

Pregnancy of Don cats

After fulfilling its duties, the cat no longer takes part in breeding offspring. Don cats become pregnant approximately three weeks after a successful mating. The nipples increase in size and change color to deep pink. By the sixth week, nipple swelling will be clearly visible. The cat's weight begins to increase, but the behavior does not change much.

By the time labor begins, the female will become clumsy and calm.

Pregnancy of Sphynx cats lasts approximately 64 days from the moment of mating (dates may vary by up or down a week). After this period, childbirth occurs. The approximate number of kittens is determined by the weight of the Don cats, and that’s when it’s time to come up with names for the kittens.

Pregnancy - 35 days

Contractual relationship

This point comes first for owners involved in breeding and selling pedigree animals. It's better to draw up an agreement. The breeders have a sample; the document must include all the mating conditions and the resolution of possible disagreements, which almost always happen.

The contract states:

• Timing of vaccinations for both parents.
• Length of stay of a female in someone else's house.
• Pedigree regalia and achievements of future parents.
• The responsibility of the cat owner to the cat owner, in other words, the groom's side is obliged to return the bride safe and sound.
• Terms of payment for the transaction (cash reward, choice of a kitten or an alternative option for the birth of one baby).
• Conditions for the distribution of kittens to new owners after they reach two months of age.
• Conflict resolution in the event of failure to conceive, the birth of a non-viable offspring, or its death before the age of two months due to some congenital pathology. All possible scenarios are discussed and recorded. This issue can be resolved in different ways: re-knitting for free, return of monetary reward, etc.

In all controversial situations, the owner of a cat may request an additional examination of someone else’s pet in order to prove the “innocence” of his ward in a failed pregnancy or the death of the entire offspring. But it is better to carry out such a check in advance and, in case of doubt, not to enter into a relationship.

A document is a document, but before mating, any of the parties to the contract has the right, and simply the obligation, to collect as much information as possible about the future partner:

• external examination of the applicant for visible defects: poor coat, emaciated appearance, incorrect bite, coloring, etc.;
• study of documents: veterinary passport, pedigree, club card, etc.;
• examination and assessment of previous offspring, if any;
• additional examination by a veterinary specialist who will or will not identify hidden pathology.

All received data must be included in the contract, which will protect you from litigation in the future.

At what age can you breed a male cat?

Representatives of the cat family are ready for mating after reaching physical (not to be confused with sexual) maturity. This usually occurs at 1–1.5 years of age

It is important to correctly determine the moment when the pet is ready for the first mating. It is not recommended to breed these animals too early

This is harmful for both male and female cats. Early mating is fraught with a decrease in the productivity of males and negative consequences for females (complications during childbirth, death of cubs, infertility).

Veterinarians recommend mating cats no earlier than the third heat. Both too early mating and too late mating are harmful for these animals. Mating later than expected can have a negative impact on the mental health of the pet. To prevent her from annoying the inhabitants of her home with a loud cry during estrus and from showing aggression, it is recommended to try to untie her before she is 2–2.5 years old.

If the cat has matured too early, for example at 5–6 months of age, and its maturity is manifested too often and actively, mating should be started without waiting for the optimal moment. Ignoring the symptoms of her readiness to meet a partner is fraught with exhaustion and disruption of the periodicity of the estrous cycle, which negatively affects reproductive function.

Onset of puberty and estrus

Animals can only mate once they reach sexual maturity. The age of sexual maturity in males and females is somewhat different.

It should be remembered that sexual and physiological maturity are two different states and they should absolutely not be confused.

In cats, puberty occurs at 6 months. This figure may vary slightly from 4 to 7 months. Owners and inexperienced breeders need to remember that the first heat is not a reason to immediately kill an animal, as this can lead to irreparable consequences, namely:

• the birth of a weak offspring;
• risk of difficult birth;
• risk of making the cat infertile.

In cats, the age of sexual maturity occurs at 8 months. However, you cannot breed a pet, as this affects the future state of health and reproductive function, namely:

• slows down the normal development of the animal;
• causes impotence;
• worsens the pet's appearance.

Thus, the ideal age for the first mating is 10-15 months. During this time, the genitals are already fully formed, and the cats are physiologically ready to reproduce.

Optimal period for first mating

The main factor in the matter of the first mating is not only age, but also the conditions in which the animal is kept and the quality of nutrition. It is unlikely that a successful pregnancy and healthy offspring can be expected from a weakened animal.

The period of puberty in a cat, that is, the onset of the first heat, begins at the age of 7–9 months. Each individual is individual, so some females may “mature” a little earlier, others a little later. But in any case, this age is considered too young for the first mating. An animal may not be ready to bear offspring not only physically, but also psychologically.

The cat will finally “mature” by about one and a half years. This is the most suitable time to carry out the mating procedure for the first time.

Description of the breed

Many people spoke quite impartially about this breed, pointing out that sphinxes have no future, since they are unaesthetic animals and sensitive to cold. They argued that the breed was of purely technical interest.

At the same time, many generally considered animals to be harmful and abnormal, since they are not able to provide for themselves on their own and are completely dependent on humans.

If we talk about modern sphinxes, then their description will not be unambiguous, since even one breed may differ in some differences in the exterior, as well as in the type of hairlessness.

Appearance

Modern Sphynxes practically no longer have the main feature - folded skin, which created the appearance of cats similar to wrinkled old men. These days, these are animals that resemble smooth porcelain figurines. It should be noted that kittens do have some excess skin, but this disappears over time as they grow older, although these obvious signs can still be seen on the neck or head.

Nowadays, among the Canadian sphinxes one can still note a significant number of the most folded specimens.

According to many experts, a large proportion of modern Sphynxes are beginning to degenerate and are becoming more and more similar to the hairless Devon Rex of the usual type, with thin skin, relatively round eyes, low-set mustaches, a short head and a bone structure that is uncharacteristic of Sphynxes.

Sphynx – All about the breed

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Breed standards

Each breed of hairless cats has its own beauty criteria. In addition, it should be noted that within each breed several variants of the requirements for the exterior of cats can coexist. Sphynx cats, for example, are valued according to both CFA and TICA standards.

The most interesting thing is that experts are of little interest in the fact that an animal has no hair, since they pay more attention to the shape of the head, the constitution of the body, the grace of movements and the general impression created by the breed. As for the details, experts are interested in muscular limbs, with the hind legs longer than the front ones, the paws proportional, the tummy pear-shaped and, at the same time, an elegant tail, although it looks like a “rat”

As for the details, experts are interested in muscular limbs, with the hind legs being longer than the front ones, the paws being proportional, the tummy pear-shaped and, at the same time, an elegant tail, although it looks like a “rat’s”.

Skin folds are more characteristic of the head, muzzle, neck, and shoulders. If you touch the skin covered with delicate down, you feel warm suede

Any body color is taken into account, including those with white spots

A high-breed sphinx, as a rule, has a magical effect on those around it, which is due to the presence of rather smooth lines of the animal’s naked body, as well as the penetrating gaze of its unique eyes.

Character and behavior

As a rule, many are frightened by the unusual appearance of sphinxes, but those who dare to pick up this animal immediately turn into one of the lovers of these unique animals. Sphinxes are not known for their obsessive behavior, although they always prefer to be close to their owner. These animals have a peaceful and friendly character. They accept strangers as their long-time friends and easily get along with other animals in a person’s home.

In addition, sphinxes are considered intelligent, affectionate and affectionate creatures who can patiently wait for their owner if he is delayed for some reason.

These animals completely trust a person and love them if a person treats them the same way. These cats are easy to train due to their intelligence and memory. Moreover, these are strong animals that can reach a height of at least 1 meter without much effort.

Their behavior sometimes resembles that of a dog, since sphinxes are able to bring various objects to their owner. They easily open doors, as well as various cabinets, and can repeat basic tricks. Thanks to their unique appearance, as well as their natural acting talent, sphinxes are loved by filmmakers and photographers.

How long do sphinxes live?

At one time, a sphinx named Bambi set a longevity record, living for 19 years. Since then, no representatives of hairless cats have managed to break this record.

According to experts, the average life expectancy of sphinxes is just over 12 years, which is due to the consequences of breeding

In order for your pet to live as long as possible, special attention should be paid to a healthy diet, attentive care, and frequent visits to an experienced veterinarian.

Pros and cons of sphinxes

The most obvious advantage of Sphynx cats is the lack of hair. Cats do not cause allergies, they do not need to be combed, and the hair that falls out does not settle on clothes, furniture or the floor. Like fluffy cats, Sphynx cats are pleasant to the touch and love affection in the same way.

Sphynxes are affectionate and loving – this is also a plus for ardent cat lovers. Sphinxes will always be happy to be stroked and will never refuse to sit on their owner’s lap. They love to sleep with people under a blanket and, moreover, sphinxes are very warm, so they can even warm their owner.

Fun fact: Sphynx cats are smart and easy to train. They will be happy to perform simple tricks if you handle the animal correctly. They usually willingly make contact with people who have always been respectful to them.

Sphynx cats love to play, so they can be kept in families with children. They also get along easily with other animals. Sphynx cats are in good health, although regular check-ups by veterinarians should not be neglected.

Sphynx kittens are born strong and healthy and quickly open their eyes. Sometimes little sphinxes are born sighted. Also, since childhood, they have a good appetite and willingly eat both homemade food and feed.

Sphinxes also have negative sides. The most basic of them is that cats sweat a lot. The fact is that in ordinary cats all the sweat is absorbed into the undercoat and evaporates, but Sphynx cats do not have such an undercoat. Their sweat has an odor and an unpleasant brown tint. If a cat sweats while sitting on light-colored furniture or clothing, the stain will certainly remain. Such stains are almost impossible to remove.

Sphynxes are playful and curious, and if they are not provided with the necessary toys, they will find them themselves: they will rip curtains, eat pins and do other unpleasant things. Sphynx cats are also clean, so they won’t want to visit a litter box that already has a strong smell.

Optimal period for first mating

The first time a cat comes into heat is between 7 and 9 months of age, sometimes it can happen a little earlier or later. In the future, it can be repeated again after 14 - 25 days.

This is influenced by the breed of the animal, as well as the living conditions and proper nutrition. However, at such an early age, the cat’s body is not yet fully formed; the growth period is not yet over. Psychologically, the animal is also not ready for procreation, so the cat should not be mated for the first time during the first heat. In some cases, this can lead to difficult childbirth, death of offspring, or further infertility of the animal.

Cats reach final sexual maturity between 1 and 1.5 years. This age is considered the most suitable for the first mating. If you are determined to start breeding kittens, then mating a cat for the first time will best take place during this period of time.

Estrus, main signs

The entire estrus period can take from 5 to 10 days. On the first and second days, the cat's behavior changes; it may become agitated, more affectionate, or aggressive. Often she begins to rub against her legs, furniture and various things. The gait may noticeably change: the hind legs are slightly bent, the tail is raised and the lower back is slightly arched. At this stage, the cat will not allow her boyfriend to approach her.

Over the next 3-6 days, the cat begins to meow loudly, calling for the cat; if you stroke her in the sacral area, she takes a certain pose. The tail moves to the side, raises the croup and falls on the front paws. During this period of sexual heat, the animal's appetite may also decrease significantly and the number of urinations of the animal may increase.

As a rule, in order to avoid exhaustion of the cat’s body, felinologists recommend breeding cats no more than three times in two years.

Puberty of a cat

The first signs of sexual maturity in a cat appear between the ages of 8 and 10 months. First of all, changes occur in the pet’s behavior:

• the kitten’s cheerfulness and playfulness may give way to more aggressive actions;
• in the evening and at night, the cat meows annoyingly or even screams heartbreakingly, thus inviting females;
• begins to mark the territory with a strong-smelling secret, thereby indicating that this is his possession;
• tries to use various soft things to satisfy his sexual needs.

The first mating of a cat should occur only after he has fully reached puberty.

The onset of this period may vary slightly in different breeds, on average it is from 1.3 to one and a half years old. Unlike cats, cats are ready to mate all year round, but with the arrival of spring the desire to procreate becomes stronger.

In order for the mating of a cat to be successful for the first time, it is better to select an experienced partner for him. However, even a couple of untied animals often cope with this task quite well. Do not forget that the reproductive instinct is very strong and is one of the basic natural needs.

Sphynx diet

Sphynxes are unpretentious in food and do not require a special selection of diet. Of course, if this is ready-made food, then preference should be given only to premium food. Little kittens feed on their mother's milk for up to one and a half months, which provides them with everything they need. At two months, kittens should be given special supplements or ground boiled chicken breast, beef, or chicken egg yolk. Ready-made food is pre-soaked in water.

After the kitten is taken from the nursery, it is worth feeding it the same food that the breeder fed it. This will minimize the stress the kitten experiences when separated from its mother. Nutrition according to the new scheme should be introduced gradually a week after weaning.

In no case should you feed Sphynxes food from the table - they are prone to overeating and are ready to eat even what cats do not eat in principle. Although hairless cats do eat more than fluffy ones, since they spend much more energy on keeping warm. For example, a two-month-old kitten is fed up to eight times a day, so it is necessary to feed even at night.

If you are choosing homemade food for your pet, then it must include the following components:

• Daily – beef, rabbit, poultry (alternate);
• Boiled offal several times a week;
• Cereals such as corn, wheat, rice or buckwheat;
• Egg once a week;
• Carrots, zucchini, broccoli, cabbage and other greens up to three times a week;
• Daily vitamin supplements.

The best option would be to make a piece of minced meat, add an egg and vegetables to it, and also add a few drops of vitamin D - healthy food for your pet is ready.

How do Sphynx cats mate?

This breed is one of the most ancient among those existing on earth and has a rich history. Breeding these animals for profit began relatively recently. Mating of Sphynxes is no different from that which is carried out with other cat breeds. But to obtain purebred offspring, this issue should be approached as seriously as possible. There are only three types of sphinxes: St. Petersburg, Don and Canadian.

All these species are rightfully considered exhibition species, therefore they are in considerable demand both among animal lovers and among professional felinologists.

Sphynxes are also bred because they are in great demand among allergy sufferers. Animal health is subject to full checks. Mating of the Don Sphynx can be carried out only after the cat's third heat. A more successful date will take place on the third or fourth day of the cycle, when the desire to procreate will be stronger than the rest.

Note. When collecting a history of a potential partner, special attention is paid to the presence or absence of any deviations regarding the standards inherent in this species

Before breeding Sphynxes, it would be a good idea to check the past litters of the chosen partner to determine his ability to convey his own qualities and characteristics.

Often no outside help is required. But it is also worth taking into account the natural curiosity of this species and their innate friendliness, which can delay the process for some time. Such a feature as the absence of wool requires a complete absence of drafts in a warm room. You should also take care of the manicure of both animals, as they can significantly harm each other.

If the date was successful, then after 64 days the owners can get cute cats. If not, then the next mating is scheduled.

Expert's word: talking to a breeder of Canadian Sphynx cats

January 13, 2017

A spontaneous mutation that circulates on the American continent has led to the emergence of a new breed - the Canadian Sphynx - an animal that does not have hair. For people who have not encountered this breed, this feature raises many questions about the maintenance, the choice, the origin, and the development of such animals. We asked the Canadian Sphynx breeder Anna Nikitina, owner of the Nostalgie nursery, to answer them. But this time they focused not on care, but on the breed in general: how it appeared, why its representatives do not have wool, who participated in its formation, how it developed in Ukraine and what it is like today.

Anya, as far as we know, you were the first to create a Sphynx nursery in Ukraine, right?

No, we were not the first. The first was the Elorus nursery, which brought animals from the breeder Tanya Smirnova, Ruaztec nursery. I wanted to buy my first animal from them, but when I arrived, I simply didn’t like the conditions in which the animals were kept. And I found a cat in Moscow. In fact, I was the second person who brought Canadian Sphynxes to Ukraine. Professionally, at a normal level and with a correct attitude towards animals, with an emphasis on the development and promotion of the breed, you can consider me the first Sphynx nursery in Ukraine.

How are things going with Canadian nurseries in our country now?

There are an incredible number of them. But at the proper level, several nurseries are engaged in professional breeding. Working on a breed is a complex, meticulous process that requires dedication and large financial investments. Not everyone is ready for such enthusiasm and not everyone can afford it. Some people lack experience, knowledge, and desire.

There is also such a thing as a sales culture, which a small number of nurseries adhere to. This is early castration of kittens of a type not sufficient to participate in breeding. Checking kennel sires for cardiomyopathy (a genetic disease that circulates in the breed). Correct attitude towards former sires (they are adopted only in neutered form) And, of course, all this is part of the work on the breed. In what sense? You can create a breed, or you can crap into it. That's all. That is, there are many breeders, but few professionals. And that's okay.

In this case, is it quite difficult to find Canadians for breeding in our country?

I don’t work with Ukraine at all. I mainly sell animals for breeding abroad or to friends in Ukraine or the CIS whom I know well. To friendly nurseries. When a breeder adheres to identical principles of work, when we have the same vision of the breed. The breed is easy to keep, but quite difficult to breed. Maintaining a nursery is a costly process for which many are simply not prepared. Therefore, only a small number of them work at a professional level.

How did the history of the breed begin? It was a spontaneous mutation, right?

On the American continent, in South and North America, the hairlessness gene has been circulating for a very long time among both cats and dogs. Aztec cats also lacked hair. The only thing that most likely was the genotype of the Don Sphynxes, because the cats were completely naked, but with long straight whiskers. This is the specificity of Dons (editor's note: Canadas, unlike the Don Sphynxes, are not completely naked, they are lightly covered with fur, sometimes almost invisible and almost imperceptible, it is visible only on the back of the nose and the edge of the ear, and their whiskers are short and /or crimped, sometimes they are not there at all). In Canadian Sphynxes this is a modified rex gene; these are different loci of the same gene. (Editor’s note: the prefix “Rex” in their name is used by all breeds of cats that have wavy hair, i.e. the rex gene means the gene for curly hair).

Naturally mutated hairless cats are still found in America. This is a natural mutation that occurs periodically. The story began with a cat named Prunum, who was born from a woolen domestic cat. But it fell into the hands of people who did not understand what to do next - they constantly resorted to backcrossing (inbreeding). That is, they bred him with daughters, granddaughters, and so on as long as it was possible, without thinking about accumulating the genotype through outcrossing (ed. note: outcrossing is the mating of unrelated sires, they resort to it when it is necessary to introduce any specific characteristic from another line) and backcrossing into half-sibs. And so Prunum did not become the founder of the breed.

Later in Ontario, Canada, three kittens were found on the street: 2 sisters and their brother (Pinky, Paloma and Bambi). And during the same period of time, on a farm in America, a naked cat, Epidermis, was born from an ordinary cat. And work on the breed began with them and they are the ancestors of all currently existing Canadian Sphynxes. It was very lucky that the breeders intuitively selected the ideal breed for outcrossing, which supported the genetic absence of hair - the Devon Rex. I think if at one time Prunuma had found some Devonian, it would have worked out great.

And, of course, before Prunum there were also such natural mutations. Moreover, even after Pinky and Paloma, new naked animals were periodically found. This, again, is a natural mutation that circulates on the American continent, just like the cardiomyopathy gene circulates. I looked at American studies of pet mortality. So, the first place among the causes of death is occupied by injuries, many free-ranging pets, and the second place is death from heart disease.

That is, the breeds that came from there, unfortunately, suffer from it. Maine Coons, Canadian Sphynxes, there are Persians who were bred there, in America, and, unfortunately, it sometimes happens to them too. And therefore, when purchasing a baby of any of the above breeds, it is important to inquire about the tests of his parents for the absence of this disease.

We only experienced a natural spontaneous mutation of hairlessness once. This is the famous cat Varvara - the ancestor of the Don Sphynx breed.

And if such cases still occur, could this not lead to the emergence of a new breed of hairless cats?

Genetically they will be uniform. There is simply no point in a new breed unless it is given a unique appearance. But, in my opinion, the Canadian Sphynxes are quite harmonious and their standard is well defined and also harmonious.

Okay, but Canadians, in addition to the lack of hair, have one more feature - large ears. From whom did they get them, who took part in the formation of the breed?

They really weren't like that in the first place. These are just hairless cats without hair. Breeders gave the breed a unique look with the help of Devon Rex. I think other breeds also joined. The fact is that rex is characteristic of Persians and it is a prerequisite for hairlessness. And what is baldness? It is a deformed bulb. Curly hair, even in humans, is a flattening of the hair follicle. In its normal form it is round, with straight hair coming out of it. The same thing happens with cats. The Persians even had such a variety with curled hair, but it did not develop because the cats looked unattractive and unkempt. But, nevertheless, the Devons were also given a certain appearance; they were not born that way. I think it was added with the help of the Persians. Just as the Devons suited the Canadians, so the Persians at one time suited the Devons, because they supported the rex gene. Often, the success of creating a breed is a chain of successful events and intuitively correctly made decisions.

Are other breeds now allowed to participate in the breeding of Canadian Sphynxes?

The breed is already closed. Officially, no one does any mixing. I personally did this when there was such an opportunity. I used Persians, British and simple domestic cats. This program worked within the framework of my nursery specifically to expand the genetic pool (ed. note: all the genetic information contained in the genomes of individuals of the reproductive part of the population) of the breed and work on the type. But it’s very difficult with her. Because within the framework of this program it is required to keep animals of at least 4 generations - it is from this level that a kitten from an outcross is considered a purebred Sphynx. In the first generation, ordinary wool kittens are produced; they also need to be loved, maintained, vaccinated, neutered and looked for a home. It is sometimes very difficult to place a beloved, well-groomed, but simple-looking kitten. It's time, place, money. Only in the second generation, from 30 to 50% of the entire litter, hairless kittens are obtained. Now this program is closed, but I was not the only one who ran it. Very few nurseries worked openly, officially within the framework of outcrossing, for example, Moon Pet, Irina Shibanova, Russia. The vast majority did not advertise their work with other breeds. There was an influx of Burmese, Oriental cats (Siamese and Orientals), Persians, American Shorthairs, British cats, one breeder even made a cross to Scottish Folds. But it didn’t go further than her nursery. Based on the outcross, new breeds were obtained: elves (Sphinx + Curl), bambino (Sphinx + Munchkin), Dwelfs (Sphinx + Curl + Munchkin).

And about one more feature of the sphinxes I want to ask: how much does the American Canadian standard differ from the European one, because there is still a difference there?

It's practically non-existent. Total is observed between the American and European standard of Burmese, Oriental and Siamese cats. In fact, even the breeding styles in Europe and America are not similar to each other. For Americans it has a more industrial look. This is good for the breed, but from an ethical point of view, it is not always good, because the animals live in a separate room, usually in enclosures. In Europe, everything happens at home, just like here. This is home content. This is also good on the one hand, but on the other hand, I know a large number of good European nurseries that were simply overgrown with castrates and ceased to exist. And overcrowding in a nursery is a terrible evil. It's not bad, but that's how it is. They cannot endlessly increase the number of animals in their house, and, unfortunately, breeding requires constant improvement from you, new blood, new cats. And it is quite logical that a breeder working on the type and improvement of the breed leaves himself animals that are more ideal than their parents.

Does the American type of housing have no effect on the behavior of animals? Guinea pigs, for example, if you put a house in their cage, they run wild from it.

Of course it does. But to some extent it depends on the breed. There are breeds where animals are less emotional and, accordingly, less human-oriented. They tolerate cellular contents more loyally than emotional and human-oriented breeds.

For example, when ours brought Persians from some American nurseries, the cats had agoraphobia, they were afraid of open spaces. I set up a cage and they went into it and calmed down. Of course, this is not good for the animal as a pet, but on the other hand, many American nurseries are the best carriers of the type in many breeds, because the industrial attitude to breeding has made it possible to achieve results faster. The issue of cage keeping causes a lot of controversy among breeders.

Regarding not the USA, but Ukraine: was the Canadian or Don Sphynx taken as the basis for the development of the Ukrainian Levkoy?

Donskoy. I'll explain why. It is dominant in its lack of hair, while the Sphynx is recessive. The recession requires that both parents be Canadian, or at least carriers of their gene, then we can get something in the first generation from this couple. And in the case of the Don Sphynx, it will be enough for him to be the dominant. Why was the breed built on one cat? Just because her gene is dominant. Levkoy came from crossing the Don Sphynx with a Scottish fold, and he is also dominant by transmitting the breed-forming characteristic (folded ears). Ukrainian Levkoy, in my opinion, does not look very aesthetically pleasing, but this is purely my taste. Issues of aesthetics are individual. Some people need pork cartilage, others need chocolate.

Returning from Levkoys to Canadians, what is the current situation with the popularity of the breed and its development in Ukraine?

There is an oversaturation of the market because too many non-professionals have rushed into the breed. The popularity of a breed always harms it. People think that now they will make money for themselves, but the money is eaten up by growing kittens and they begin to shove it out of the house to anyone and anyhow. Any breed goes through this. They didn’t do anything with the same Persians. And they cost $50 a bucket. And it happened with the British too. I mean, I'll just sit and wait for it to pass. A breeder who has been doing this for a long time is also a very patient person, because it is possible to survive the popularity of a breed, but unpopularity is already difficult.

For those who still want to buy an animal now, despite a certain decline in the popularity of the breed, what should you pay attention to in order not to fall into the trap of scammers? In Canada, there was recently a case where an ordinary shaved cat was sold under the guise of a Sphynx; there were probably similar cases in Ukraine.

Price. You should always look at the price. Why do scammers exist? Because there are people who want to buy happiness cheaply, and happiness does not come for free. Never and nothing. These same cats were probably sold cheaply. And people were probably flattered by the cheapness. First of all, if you call a person and you don't like him, don't take anything from him. This is the person with whom you will communicate, who raised your cat-child. For example, a person calls me, and from the first “hello” I understand whether it’s my person or not. Therefore, if a breeder cannot clearly answer questions, somehow mumbles, lies, evades, in other words, causes unpleasant sensations, you should not buy an animal from him. Secondly, too low a price should be scary. How to determine the normal price? Open OLX, look through all advertisements for the sale of Canadian kittens and calculate the average price. 500 UAH – it’s clear that this is not our option. 12,000 UAH – this is for one of the breeding professionals, for example, or an exhibition specimen. Now the average price is 6000 UAH. This amount is more or less objective. There is a certain cost of the animal (vaccination, castration, rearing for up to 3 months), below which this shaved cat or a cat with some health problems is sold. A kitten consists of something: from feeding the pregnant mother, if it is neutered, then it also consists of the cost of the operation and the cost of vaccination, if it is vaccinated.

There is an opinion that if a cat is naked, then it is necessary to put some kind of sweater on it. How would you comment on this?

We are also naked and bald, but we go home without a fur coat. Canadas are certainly not mimosa animals, they are quite adapted. If those kittens who were the first to be found on the streets of Toronto somehow survived, then they will even more so survive at home; they were found, sorry, far from the warmest place. Of course, our country with its harsh continental climate is not suitable for them to live on the street, but they are completely normal, unrefined cats, and, then, they are quite smart animals - if it’s cold, they themselves will go to the warmest place in the house. That is, they do not need special conditions of detention. Their metabolism is even adjusted to their peculiarities. They naturally eat more and warm themselves with food.

First mating

So, veterinarians advise thinking about the first mating only when your pet is about one and a half years old. By this point, the females should already have several heats. It is desirable that one of the partners has certain “skills” (he has already been taken with a cat several times). Bringing two inexperienced animals together is less effective, and the result of such mating is less predictable. In most of these cases, additional help from the owners is required.

When is a cat ready to mate?

The female is given a meeting with the male on the second or third day after the start of estrus, so it is very important to detect the moment the cat enters the estrus stage so as not to miss a key moment. If the cat's owner is late, mating will have to be postponed until the next heat.

Six-month-old cats can already participate in mating without negative consequences for themselves and the cubs

Childbirth

Childbirth is a trembling process not only for the owner, but also for cats, so preparation for it must be carried out very carefully. It is best to carry out the birth in a large box with stable sides. Place fabric on the bottom. Before birth, it is advisable to place the box in a quiet place, protected from drafts.

The birth of a Don cat lasts about a day on average, but the whole process can go faster. The average number of Sphynx offspring per lambing is 4–6 kittens. Even if the female sphinx is primiparous, the birth proceeds quite calmly. An inexperienced mother can easily cope with them on her own.

Sometimes a woman in labor may ask her owners for help.