Siberian cat
Appearance
Gallery
Origin
Temperament
English
Appearance
Gallery
Origin
Temperament
Appearance
Gallery
Origin
Temperament
English
Appearance
Gallery
Origin
Temperament

Siberian cat

Other names: Siberian Forest Cat, Moscow Semi-longhair
The Siberian cat is a breed that originated in Russia. These large cats are known for their medium to long hair coats and "barrel" silhouette. Their beautiful and abundant fur has helped them survive for centuries, enduring temperatures as low as almost 30 °C below zero. The breed is renowned for its robust health and friendly nature.
Male
Female
length
38-46
15-18.1
cminch
cm inch 
hight
25-30
9.8-11.8
cminch
cm inch 
weight
5.4-6.8
11.9-15
kglbs
kg lbs 
weight
3-6
6.6-13.2
kglbs
kg lbs 
life span
10-18 years
Size
Large
Ru
Country of Origin:
Russia
Lo
Ha
Fur Length:
Long , Half-long
Na
Breed origin:
Natural
HY
Features:
HYPOALLERGENIC
Recognized by: 11 registers
ACFA
CCCOFA
CCA-AFC
ACA
GCCF
LOOF
TSACC
CFSA
ACF
FIFE
WCF
NZCF
TICA
CFA

Appearance

The Siberian is a large cat that gives an impression of strength and gentleness. Its body is quite round and massive. The legs are of medium length, powerful, and muscular. The feet are large and round, with many hairs between the toes. The tail is bushy, rather broad at the base, and has a rounded tip. The muzzle is round and strong. The chin is rounded without being prominent. The whiskers are long and thick. The eyes are large, almost round, and can be of any color. The ears are wide at their base and rounded at the tip. They are covered on the outside with abundant fur, and the inside of the ears is also lined with abundant hair. The fur of the Siberian cat is mid-length to long, with a collar and a lot of undercoat. The coat of the breed can come in all colors except cinnamon, fawn, chocolate, lilac, and amber. The Siberian cat is the most hypoallergenic breed of cat. It causes few allergies and can be suitable for people allergic to cats.
Coat type
Fur colour
Body type
Ears
Eyes shape
Fur length
Fur type
Head shape
Tail
Coat type
Fur colour
Body type
Ears
Eyes shape
Fur length
Fur type
Head shape
Tail

Origin

The Siberian cat breed originated in Siberia, where the harsh weather conditions with an abundance of snow, strong frosts, and winds led to the development of their long dense coat and thick undercoat, which provided protection from the cold. The breed was first mentioned outside of Russia in the 1864 edition of the German book Brehms Tierleben. The fall of the Berlin Wall and the dissolution of the Soviet Union facilitated a second wave of Siberian cats being introduced to the rest of the world, leading to the development of an officially recognized cat breed. The first officially registered Siberian cats arrived in the United States in 1990 and in the United Kingdom in 2002. Nowadays, all Siberian and Neva Masquerade cats are selectively bred and pedigreed in all major cat registries under the category Siberian (Forest) Cat or, in some registries, under Neva Masquerade for the colorpoint sister breed.
Parent animals
Breed origin
Origin countries

Temperament

Siberian cats are known for their friendly and playful nature, as well as their unique preference for water play. They are sociable, intelligent, and affectionate pets who form strong bonds with their owners. Their ability to engage in interactive play makes them ideal companions for families with children or other animals. Due to their adaptable nature, they can easily adjust to new environments. It is worth noting that Siberians may initially be shy around strangers, but with time and patience, they will warm up and display their affectionate "cat-dog" temperament. These cats tend to be cautious around unfamiliar guests but can become friendly and seek attention once they feel comfortable. Siberian cats are also known for their vocalizations, which range from melodious chirps to deep purrs.
Activity Level:
Active

Keeping conditions

Diet preferences
Reproduction
Grooming
Common health issues
Diet preferences
Reproduction
Grooming
Common health issues
Siberian cats do not have any special dietary requirements. You can feed them a properly balanced, high-protein diet and ensure they have access to fresh, clean water every day.
Siberian cats reach reproductive maturity earlier than other breeds, with some individuals becoming capable of reproduction as early as five months of age. On average, female Siberian cats give birth to five or six kittens per litter. However, litter sizes can vary, with some being small, consisting of only one or two kittens, or very large, with around nine kittens. A notable characteristic of the Siberian breed is that male cats often form long-term bonds with a single female and may live together with her. Male Siberian cats are known to be excellent fathers and may assist in caring for the kittens if given access to them. The communal nature of Siberian cats means that both males and females benefit from living in pairs, leading to increased happiness, activity levels, and emotional well-being. Overall, the unique traits of Siberian cats, such as their early maturity, reproductive habits, and social behaviors, contribute to their reputation as a special and beloved breed.
Siberian cats are known for their luxurious coats, which shed seasonally. During these times, it is important to groom them regularly to prevent matting and maintain a shiny, healthy coat. To do this, it is recommended to brush your Siberian cat a few times a week. In addition to grooming their coat, it is also important to trim your cat's nails, check their ears regularly, and brush their teeth to ensure their overall health and well-being. By incorporating these grooming practices into your routine, you can help keep your Siberian cat looking and feeling their best.
Shedding
Seasonal
Grooming intencity
Requires lots of grooming
The Siberian breed is generally considered to be healthy, with rare occurrences of illness. However, when crossed with other breeds, Siberian cats may be susceptible to two known genetic diseases: polycystic kidney disease (PKD) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM. HCM in cats results in thickening of the heart walls over time, which can impede the heart's ability to pump effectively. PKD is characterized by the gradual development of cysts primarily in the kidneys. Both of these health conditions can be identified through ultrasound screenings conducted by a specialized veterinarian after the cat reaches two years of age.

References

  1. Siberian Wikipedia article https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siberian_cat