Siberian Cats

By Elsa Albro

Siberian Cats are large and muscular with broad heads, large slanted eyes and rounded ears that angle outwards. Originally from Russia, this breed has plumed tails, longer neck ruffs and double coats.

Characteristics

This breed is known to be exceptionally high jumpers, with strong hindquarters and large stomachs. The males typically weigh in at 15 to 20 lbs, and females weigh in at 10 to 15 lbs. Even though they are similar in weight to Main Coon and Norwegian Forest Cats, they are shorter and stockier. It takes the Siberian Cat over 5 years to reach their full adult size.

Siberian fur is medium-long and plush, with a thick insulating under coat and a waterproof top coat. This fur has a tendency to mat, so it needs to be groomed frequently. Brown tabby is the most common color, however, a wide range of other tabby colors are available along with tortie, especially among those bred in America. Russian breeders are intent on keeping this breeds wild look, so they only accept brown and red-based coat colors.

Some breeders and pet owners claim the Siberian cats fur is hypoallergenic, however there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. Yet this breed does produce less of the primary allergen present on cats.

Temperament

Siberian cats are intelligent, friendly, and loyal. In fact they are so loyal that they are sometimes described at dog-like in character. This breed of cat seems to be particularly happy outdoors.

Brief History

The Siberian developed from household and farm cats in Russia. There are Russian paintings and literature dating back hundreds of years depicting this breed. However, this breed was more or less unknown outside of Russia until the 1980s when it was first registered in St. Petersburg. They were not introduced to the United States until the 1990s. Today Siberian Cats, although relatively rare, are very popular and recognized around the world and accepted in all registries.

Care and grooming of Siberian Cats ought to be kept up as any other house cat, frequent combing of fur, good nutrition, regular play and veterinary visits. For more information on care and feeding of our furry pets, visit: lovefatcats.com