The most important thing to remember about your Don Sphynx is heat!! Even though
they feel very warm to us they maybe cold. They are not like your typical domestic
cat, they do require a fair bit of maintenance.  This includes the care of nail clipping
and cuticle cleaning, ear cleaning, regular baths with the proper soap. And NEVER to
be put outside in any climate for long periods of time regardless of supervision!!! Their
skin is extremely sensitive.

So lets take a few minutes to go into detail about the points above.

First = Heat. Common sense tells you that they are going to be cooler due to the lack
of fur. Some of the things you can do to help is have a heated bed of some sort for
them to snuggle into at their will ( check out the kitty kat clothes page for supplies ).
Granted at night they will try to crawl under the blankets with you, but during the day
they still need some extra warmth.  A pet heating pad is best. It keeps the heat
constant and won't get too hot. Also some sweaters are a good investment. At first it
may take them some time to get use to it, but they will come around. This is a great
idea for the long cold winters! A good rule of thumb is, if you feel cold or chilled, then
so are they.

Second = Cleaning.  Most Dons enjoy the water or at least tolerate it.  First you want to
bathe your cat in warmer water. Use your elbow to test the temp. I make it just a bit
warmer for them, think of them as a baby. You don't want it to cool and not to hot.  It is
also a good idea to have a mat in the tub or sink so they feel more secure about not
slipping in the water. Run water before you put kitten in tub, sink, or large Bowl-soak
down kitten, avoiding getting water in ears. -Take kitten out of water and apply
shampoo to face cloth,
shampoo kitten. -Place kitten in water and rinse off. Once all soap is off wrap kitten in
towel.- Put a few drops of ear dry in each ear and clean ears with Q-tips. Careful not
to go to deep in ear. Your vet or I can show you what is safe-Take a paw out from
towel clean each toenail with cloth, be gentle their nails are sensitive. Trim nails, not
to short or
they will bleed. Vet or I can show you how .-Repeat until all 4 paws are done. -Be sure
to clean face with cloth, get all the wrinkles.  I do not put shampoo on the face. This
hairless breed requires no brushing; however, regular washing with a wash cloth or
with baby wipes is necessary. Since they have no fur around the ears to block dust
and dirt from entering them, their ears need occasional cleaning as well. They are also
free from odor.

WHEN USING ANYTHING THAT HAS CHEMICALS OF ANY SORT INCLUDING  
SHAMPOO, EAR CLEANING, FOOD IT IS ALWAY BEST TO CONSULT YOUR
VETERINARIAN!!!!


Third = Litter. Stay away if at all possible from clay litters. Even though it may state
low dust, it is still enough to cause upper respiratory problems. Because they are
hairless this includes lack of hair follicles in the nose ( like we have to brush out the
dust) and no eyelashes. It is a must to refrain from any extra dust that can cause a trip
to your vet. There are many, even better then some clays, litter alternatives.

It is recommended that you keep your Don Sphynx indoors at all times. Hairless cats
do not possess the same protection as other cats against sharp objects and
temperature fluctuations. This breed will sweat when they are hot, will sunburn and
will tan.

Exercise - Though this breed enjoys socializing, they are able to entertain themselves
by playing with their toys and utilizing a scratching post.

Temperament - The Don Sphynx is smart, waggish, lively and behave more like
children than cats. They can sometimes take on the personality of their owners. They
are wise and are very tender-hearted. This breed is very friendly with anyone they
encounter and are easily trained to follow voice commands. Because of their high
body temperature, Dons need more food than other breeds. They are connoisseurs of
special cuisine, always appreciating something new including potatoes, fresh
tomatoes, pickled cabbage, watermelon, apples and kiwi. They even love spaghetti,
corn and green peas. Dons may have a rather selective attitude towards other cats
and may snarl, but will be slow to bite or show aggression towards humans. This
enchanting breed is jovial, does wonderful tricks and has a precious and lovable
nature.


If you have any further question please do not hesitate to call or email me.
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