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Originating in Russia, the Siberian cat breed is a magnificent and ancient animal. Siberians are woodland cats that wear opulent triple coats to stave off the cold. Their gregarious and affectionate dispositions make these fluffy cats fantastic companions.
As their name implies, Siberian cats are indigenous to Siberia, a part of Russia renowned for its protracted, severe winters. Their powerful bodies and lengthy, waterproof triple coat reflect their tough origins.
These attentive, well-built cats have a demeanor akin to a kitten’s. This breed is affectionate and lovable. Siberians typically get along well with kids and other pets and are completely committed to their pet parents.
Siberian kittens can cost from $1,200 to $4,000, depending on age and lineage. Why is the price tag so high? Due to their high demand and the few purebred Siberian cats outside of Russia, this breed is pricey and uncommon in the United States.
We spoke with a veterinarian for all the information you require regarding the temperament, daily requirements, care, and health issues of the Siberian.
Basics of Siberian Cats
Siberian cats are a medium to large semi-longhair breed. Males often weigh between 15 and 20 pounds, while females are only slightly smaller. They are also known as Siberian Forest cats or Moscow Longhairs.
Their big, inquisitive eyes and glossy coats give them an air of strength, alertness, and adventure. Being a landrace breed, Siberians evolved by gradually adjusting to their environment, which accounts for their thick coats necessary to withstand the severe Russian winters!
Their laid-back dispositions and low upkeep requirements make them excellent additions to busy homes with children and other animal family members.
The Siberian Cat’s Features
These are Siberian cats’ greatest qualities:
- Athletic and intelligent, this breed enjoys playing, exploring, and climbing. Ensure that your Siberian cat receives mental and physical stimulation.
- Siberian cats are generally friendly and get along with practically any type of human or pet, even kids. However, they take five years to develop, so be prepared for your kitten’s antics to endure longer than other breeds.
- Allergy-friendly: After a cat licks itself, its fur contains a protein called FelD1, which most people allergic to cats are sensitive to. Siberians appear to be among the breeds of cats that produce less FelD1 than other breeds.
Siberian cats’ historical background
Siberian cats are native to the area in Russia that bears their name, and they have been loved there for a very long time. Although there is little historical writing about the Siberian people, the cat appears in centuries-old Russian children’s novels and fairy tales.
In “Our Cats and All About Them,” a book written in 1889 by cat specialist Harrison Weir, Siberian cats were mentioned after one of the first English cat exhibits in the 1870s. After the Cold War thawed in the 1990s, the United States saw the Siberian cat for the first time, and it was love at first sight. Several associations recognize Siberian cats, including the International Cat Association and Cat Fanciers’ Association.
Requirements for living
Siberian cats love being with humans, and they are generally not good at being left alone for extended periods of time. The ideal homes for these animals are those with regular human presence and a willingness to play. Siberian puppies are excellent in households with kids and other pets since they get along with almost everyone.
To keep these cuddly cats busy and occupied, their living space should provide toys and humans, as these smart cats enjoy a challenge. When they’re not playing or having fun, Siberian cats are more than content to curl up in your lap and unwind for a while.
These tough cats still have some traits that made them meant for the great outdoors. For example, many Siberian cats enjoy being in the water, so don’t be shocked if your cat follows you when you play in the shower or bathtub.
The temperament
Playful and incredibly friendly, Siberian cats are wonderful companions. However, they evolve emotionally and physically very slowly, spending a large amount of their lives acting like kittens since it might take them up to five years to mature.
Siberian cats are generally quite calm and quiet, despite their playful demeanor. When they speak, it’s probably just a quick chirp or purr to show their favorite people how much they care. Regarding those they love, the Siberian has a soft spot for everyone. You can depend on this family pet to get along with children and other animals.
These kitties adore challenges and new experiences. They are also skilled mousers who like searching the property for bothersome rodents. These adorable lap cats like cuddling and spending quality time with their owners when not playing or hunting.
Care for Siberian cats
Make sure you have no issues with cat hair regarding Siberian cat care. After that, you can provide your cat many tall places to relax.
Work out
Siberian cats like leaping as much as playing with their loved ones and toys. They have strong hind legs that allow them to leap very high. For this reason, ensure your Siberian has access to cat trees and other elevated areas for lounging.
Grooming
If you bring home a Siberian, be prepared to find a fair amount of hair throughout your home. To prevent excessive hair growth and irritation, adhere to following grooming guidelines:
- The Siberian’s coat should not mat; occasional brushing should be sufficient. Just remember to increase the time spent brushing during the shedding season.
- Occasionally, Baths will aid in removing loose hair and cleaning the coat of dust and allergens. As some Siberians love the sea, this assignment might not be too difficult.
- Regularly trim the nails of Siberians. Nail clippers are not a substitute for scratch posts.
- Cleaning your Siberian’s ears: Check them frequently for debris and grime. If you see that their ears are unclean, clean them. Never enter the ear canal with anything, not even a cotton swab. Make an appointment for your veterinarian to examine whether the ears appear red or unclean.
Typical Health Issues
A type of cardiac illness called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, thickens the heart muscle, is more common in some breeds, such as Siberians. Certain cats with this illness have mutations in many cardiac genes, indicating a possible hereditary component.
Ethical breeders screen their cats for this illness to prevent breeding afflicted cats and spreading the illness to subsequent generations.
Appearance
The redesigned wedge head with rounded curves gives Siberian cats a distinctively endearing appearance. They have medium-to-large, nearly spherical eyes and short muzzles with subtle curves. White cats may have “odd eyes,” or eyes that are two distinct colors, or blue.
The plush, dense coat of a Siberian cat might have white markings or not, and it can be any color or pattern. Three layers comprise the triple coat:
- an even longer outer coat layer
- a layer of slightly longer “awn hair” in the center
- a shorter, dense undercoat of downy hair
These are sturdy felines, with significantly longer hind legs than front ones. Because of this, the Siberian can jump very far.
Food and Nutrition
Consult with your veterinarian to select the ideal food for your Siberian cat. While dry food is handier, canned food has more moisture and fewer carbohydrates. Most cats do not drink enough water, impacting their kidneys and general health.
Two or three times a day, give measured portions of meals at predetermined times. Food should not be left out all day as this can lead to an overweight cat.
Additional Cat Breeds and Investigations
The Cat Fanciers’ Association’s Cat Breeder Referral Search can help you find local breeders who breed Siberian cats if you want to learn more and meet them in person. To locate a cat, show nearby, you may also check out Cat Shows U.S. Meeting a variety of varieties and learning more from breed enthusiasts can be accomplished at cat events.
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