Siberian Cat: Cat Breed Information, Characteristics and Facts

The Siberian Cat may not be as popular as the Ragdoll, Persian, and Siamese, but it has its own unique charm. It is a beautiful kitty made more adorable by its adventurous spirit. It is, after all, Mother Russia’s national cat. It is a very resilient cat, a trait necessary to survive in the harsh winters of northern Russia. This is also a very adaptable and affectionate feline. And if you have a cat-friendly dog in the household, the Siberian will also be a good friend. Siberians are a sturdy feline breed. They also have this innate intelligence that makes them trainable. And if you are allergic to cat dander, the Siberian can be a good choice. But, is the Siberian cat the feline pet you’ve been waiting for? Find out more about this Russian feline beauty before you make the decision to bring one home.

History of the Siberian Cat

There is very little information as to the actual origins of the Siberian Cat. Records show that this Russian feline has been around since 1000 CE. Russian children’s books and fairy tales often describe the cat as having magical superpowers, protecting young children. Some legends about these cats presented them as instrumental in the opening of gateways or passageways to unseen realms. Local townsfolk, however, describe Siberian cats as very proficient ratters or “mousers”. Their main task is to control rodent infestations in shops and farms.

Some Russians call the Siberian Cat the Russian Longhaired Cat, owing to its long and dense triple coat. Others call it the Siberian Forest Cat or Moscow Semi-longhaired Cat. This kitty thrived in the harsh environments of Siberia, where it relied on its thick coat and powerful frame to help it survive.

In 1889, Harrison Weir published his book “Our Cats and All about Them”. The literature included felines that graced the very first cat show of the modern age. The very first one occurred in 1871 in London’s Crystal Palace. There are other literary works that mentioned the Siberian Cat. These included John Jennings’ “Domestic and Fancy Cats” in 1898 and Helen Winslow’s “Concerning Cats” in 1900. It is interesting to note that Winslow’s work was the first publication to feature a picture of the Siberian Cat.

Between the 1970s and the 1980s, Russian cat fanciers of the Siberian began organizing themselves. In Leningrad, the Kotofei Cat Club began creating the standards that will define the Siberian as a breed. The club based these standards on a white-and-brown tabby and a blue-and-white lynx.

Also around this time, other Siberian cat fanciers thought of improving on the breed. They crossbred Siberians with Siamese cats, leading to the creation of the Neva Masquerade. This is a variety of Siberian cat that’s known for its color point.

Towards the last decade of the 21st century, Siberian cats were already making their way into American shores. The very first Siberians to reach American soil were 12 kitties that joined the 1989 All Union Cat Show.

It would be another year, in 1990, when the cats will reach American soil as “permanent residents”. Three Siberian cats were imported by Elizabeth Terrell in 1990, who was a breeder of Himalayan cats. She learned from a 1988 Trade Journal that a member of the Russian Cat Fanciers Association desired to import Himalayans. Terrell traded two of her Himalayan kitties for three of the Russian breeder’s Siberian felines. She named the kitties Kaliostro, Ofelia, and Naina.

Another American, Dana Osborn, imported the very first Neva Masquerade color point variant of the Siberian in 1998. These included a seal lynx point male named Ustin El Magrib and a seal tortie point female named Roksana Babyan.

In 1992, The International Cat Association accepted the Siberian Cat into its New Breed Program. It took breeders and Russian cat fanciers associations almost two years to finalize the standards of the new breed.

On the 4th of December 1994, delegates congregating at a session of the World Cat Federation gave the final approval of the Siberian Breed standards.

Two years after, in 1996, TICA gave the go-signal elevating the breed to championship status. What this means is that the Siberian cat can now compete in TICA-sanctioned cat shows and earn awards. It is one of 73 feline breeds that can enter TICA competitions.

In 1999, the American Cat Fanciers Association recognized the Siberian as a distinct feline breed. It would take another 7 years before the Cat Fanciers Association gives its recognition to the Siberian as a cat breed.

Quick Facts About the Siberian Cat

To say that the Siberian is a unique cat is an understatement. This feline looks a lot like the Norwegian Forest Cat and the Maine Coon. In fact, if you are not familiar with this breed, you’d think that it is a variant of either cat breed. But the fact is that the Siberian has been around for at least a thousand years. It has many fascinating stories to tell. Here are some of the important and useful facts you may want to know about this breed of feline.

• The Siberian cat has a more rounded head and body than the Norwegian Forest Cat and Maine Coon. It also has a signature neck ruff that looks more like a built-in winter scarf. Its body is muscular and very solid.
• It has medium-sized tufted ears that stick out from its modified wedge-shaped head. The head features rounded contours.
• This cat is very slow to mature. It often takes about 5 years before it reaches maturity. That means, you’ll get a lovable kitten for the first 5 years of its life.
• Siberian kitties are big and rugged felines. Some neutered Siberian cats can tip the scale at 25 lbs. On the average, however, males will come in at 15 to 20 lbs. Females, on the other hand, are lighter at 10 to 15 lbs.
• Siberians may be large kitties, but they have the nimbleness of smaller cats. They have powerful hind legs that allow them to leap greater heights. Part of its jumping ability are the slightly longer hind legs.
• These felines have three layers of water-repellent coat. It is dense and can grow very thick during the winter months.
• The coat can come in different patterns and colors. Many cat fanciers prefer brown tabbies, however.
• Their eyes come in either gold or yellow green. Some may also present with deep green eyes. Some Neva Masquerades sport soft blue eyes.
• Siberians are affectionate and loyal, characteristics that people often associate with dogs. This makes this cat a great feline pet for those who consider themselves as dog persons.
• They look powerful and very alert. However, it has this sweet expression on its face as it gazes out through the window.
• Siberians are well-known for their “hypoallergenic” potential. While the pet-loving world is divided as to the authenticity of a “hypoallergenic” pet, one should understand that the Siberian produces less Fel d1 allergens than other breeds. However, it is important to understand that the levels of Fel d1 allergen that Siberians produce are variable. Siberians with silver-colored coats have higher Fel d1 allergens than other color types. It is still lower than other cat breeds, nevertheless. This makes the Siberian a popular choice among individuals who may have allergies to pet dander.
• These kitties are cunning hunters. They’re efficient mousers or ratters, helping shop-owners and farmers get rid of rodents in their properties.
• Siberians are also very easy to train since they have this remarkable intelligence.
• The Siberian cat is the feline equivalent of water dogs like the Labrador and the Golden Retriever. It loves the water.
• Siberians are affectionate, loyal, and faithful. We’re not only talking about their relationship with their human family. This is also true when it comes to their feline mate. They’re hopeless romantics that will form very strong bonds with their mate for life.
• Siberians are the Cat Fancier Association’s 18th most popular cat breed for the year 2018. Ragdolls topped the list and followed by the Exotic Shorthair. Another Russian kitty, the Russian Blue holds the number 17 spot.

Things You Should Know

By now you already have an idea as to what kind of cat the Siberian is. Maybe you are already considering getting one. However, we do recommend trying to understand a few things first related to a Siberian’s health, nutrition, care, grooming, and temperament.

Health

Siberians are one of several kitties that are very sturdy. This is not surprising, considering these cats hailed from the harsh winter environments of Siberia. You’ve got to be one tough creature to survive the unforgiving landscape.

However, the Siberians that we see today come from those bred outside Siberia. It is possible that they may have acquired certain diseases that are transmissible from one generation to the next.

One very peculiar hereditary condition that is quite common in today’s cats is Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy or HCM. We’re not saying that all Siberians will have this disease. We’re only pointing out that majority of cats, regardless of breed, have this disease. In HCM, the muscles of the heart undergo unnecessary thickening. This can compromise the delivery of vital nutrients and oxygen to other cells in the cat’s body.

It is important to check with the Siberian cat breeder whether the cat’s parents have HCM or not. If possible, ask the breeder for a genetic determination of HCM of the cat’s parents.

Another potential health problem that you may see in Siberian cats is Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency. This is an enzyme that facilitates the normal functioning of the cat’s red blood cells. A deficiency in such an enzyme can lead to feline anemia and its complications.

Obesity is also a major health concern. As of 2017, almost 60% of all cats in American households are either overweight or obese. Obesity can bring many life-changing complications to both you and the Siberian cat.

Feeding

Siberians subsist on a diet that’s rich in high-quality animal proteins and healthy fats. It’s important to emphasize “animal” proteins because there are also proteins found in plants. The problem with plant proteins is that they do not contain certain essential amino acids that the cat needs. Hence, feeding the Siberian Cat should always include a rich source of animal-based proteins.

Most Siberian cat fanciers recommend giving these cats natural foods like chicken, beef, pork, and lamb. They can be either boiled or served raw. In case you are going to boil them, be careful not to add any seasonings as these can be dangerous to your kitty. If you’re serving raw food to a Siberian, it’s best to be very particular about where you source the ingredients.

You can give commercially-available cat food. However, it’s better to give canned or wet cat food than kibbles. Wet cat food contains more proteins plus more moisture. While it is true that Siberians have a fascination for water, they remain quite resistant to drinking water from their w. Canned pet food often comes with at least 78 percent moisture.

For more guides on choosing the right cat food, you may wish to check out our reviews of the best wet cat food, senior cat food, hypoallergenic cat food, cat treats and high fiber cat food.

Care

Caring for the Siberian cat is not that difficult. However, there are some pointers you have to know.

These cats are very intelligent. They got their intelligence from having to survive in the harsh environments of northern Russia. As such, it is important for potential Siberian cat owners to keep these cats mentally stimulated. Invest in interactive cat toys as well as puzzle toys. Teaching the Siberian a few tricks can also help sharpen its mental abilities. They also enjoy a game of fetch.

One very peculiar characteristic of Siberian cats is their sociability. They can form very strong bonds with a fellow Siberian or any other cat breed. If you have dogs in the house, it can befriend them, too. There is one major drawback to the Siberian’s sociable nature. They are prone to bouts of separation anxiety. Hence, this is not the ideal pet for those who will be leaving the house all day long. These cats need the companionship they can get from their human owners.

Owing to their very unique nature, it’s best to keep Siberians inside the house. If ever you do allow it to go outdoors, make sure to keep an eye on it. This kitty can net catnappers several hundreds to a few thousands of dollars from a willing but unsuspecting buyer. The good news is that they are trainable, so you can teach them to like being walked on a leash.

Keep in mind that the Siberian thrived in a frigid environment. That’s why it has a very thick coat. If you live somewhere that’s hot and humid, a Siberian may not do so well. At the very least, the highest possible temperature that you can expose these cats to is 91 degrees Fahrenheit. Any temperature higher than 91 often translates into serious health issues.

Grooming

Siberian cats may produce lower levels of the Fel d1 allergenic protein, but this doesn’t mean they don’t shed. They have very thick fur that tends to blow on a seasonal basis, often every autumn and spring. During these times of the year, it’s best to brush the Siberian’s coat every day. For the rest of the year – summer and winter – once or twice weekly brushing is enough.

Bathing the Siberian is not necessary. It retains the fastidious behavior of other cats. However, if you do think it’s necessary for it to have its bath, then you can do so. Use an appropriate cat shampoo; one that contains natural ingredients. You don’t want harsh chemicals to irritate the kitty’s skin and leave you with more problems to face.

Most pet parents forget to brush the cat’s teeth. This is a very important part of its regular grooming. In an ideal scenario, Siberians should have their teeth brushed every day. Given that this is impractical, brushing once or twice a week is sufficient.

The nails of the Siberian need monthly trimming. The eyes also require cleaning every week. Its ears can also benefit from a weekly examination and cleaning.

For more help on cat grooming, you may wish to read our guides on the best cat ear cleaners, cat nail clippers, brushes for cats and cat grooming gloves.

Temperament

Fanciers of the breed say the Siberian is a dog in a cat’s body. True enough, it shares many of its temperament characteristics with some of the finest dogs. It is very affectionate, sociable, and adaptable. It can get along well with children, other cats, and cat-friendly dogs.

Siberians have an easy-going nature. They love to use this trait whenever they’re around children. Older kids will love the energy and athleticism of Siberian cats. Younger kids can appreciate the devotion, affection, and docility of this Russian kitty.

It loves to please its people, like dogs. It can follow its human master around the house, but you will never see this cat demand 100% attention. Nothing else can make the Siberian happier than being with its family and friends.

Siberian cats are perfect for families with kids as well as multi-pet households. And if this is your first time becoming a cat parent, the Siberian is an excellent pet.

Source:

1. About the Siberian – CFA