“If a Siberian cat turned into a person, it would certainly become a queen! Just imagine: Russian troika is rushing through the winter forest with true Russian princess sitting in the sleigh. Dressed in a luxurious fur coat with a great collar, warm gloves and furry hat. Her eyes look like two emeralds, reflecting the inner purity and strength. Blooming with health and vigorous like a Russian woman. Rose with milk… How can it be compared to feeble oriental princesses?”
O.V. Yurchenko
Russians are sometimes compared with bears: Russian men can be huge and calm like bears, but if you make them angry, they would turn into ferocious beasts. Siberian cats are the national symbol of Russian felinology. They are resistant to frosts, its coat keeps warm almost like a bear coat, and the character is Siberian indeed: at home this cat is gentle and good-natured, but in case it goes for a walk and faces with and enemy – a Siberian is most likely to be the winner.
Historical Background
Siberian cat breed is relatively young, although the phrase “Siberian cat” is used in Russia for over two hundred years. This name was used for fluffy cats from the Far East. These strong cats have always been perfectly adapted to harsh living conditions, strong and hardy. These animals were the ancestors of modern Siberian breed – the feline pride of Russia.
In 1986 in Moscow and Saint-Petersburg (former Leningrad) opened the first clubs of cat admirers and cat owner and in the same year the first Siberian cats were officially registered. Russian breeders were working on this breed very carefully. The first official standard was approved in 1990. Within two years, Siberian cat breed was recognized by WCF, and after that by all the feline organizations.
Siberian cats are known all over the world, they can be found in breeding nurseries in all the countries where felinology is developed enough. Many breeders continue exporting Siberian cats from Russia for breeding abroad. But only in their homeland, these beautiful animals get too little attention.
Appearance
Siberian cats are well-built animals that aren’t weakened by breeding. Heavy-boned, well-muscled, confident and proud. In this cat everything is combined harmoniously: large head on a medium-long powerful neck, broad chest and strong back.
Special attention should be given to their coat: it's a real fur coat able to keep warmth in Siberian frost, strong winds and cold rain. Long guard hairs form a fluffy collar and “panties”. Long hairs also decorate the tail. Between the fingers and on the ears you may notice charming tufts. A mature Siberian cat resembles a lynx, so confident and fearless.
In addition to the usual striped coat, there are many other variations of colors: solid, tabby, tortoiseshell, colorpoint, silver, smoky and some others. It is important that the eye color matched the coat color.
By the way, the eyes of these cats are very beautiful – large, oval, set well apart and slightly angled. The look is smart and focused: no enemy will pass!
Character
These aboriginals of Russian North are fearless animals with lightning reaction and with a greatest ability to adapt. Real Siberian is full of self-confidence, believes in its own strength and won’t give up even in the toughest struggle. So it’s much better to love and adore these cats, they are very intelligent and fantastically clever. Giving a Siberian kitten affection and love, the owner will get a loyal and gentle companion.
Siberian cats have reinforced psyche, what makes them great pets for families with children. They can stand for themselves, but do it rarely, as they are sure in their victory in advance. In general Siberians show aggression very rarely.
In relations with other cats and dogs of any breed Siberian cats have a dominant position. To prevent between pets not conflict, it is better to keep Siberian cats with the animals that don’t have any leadership claims. The hunting instinct in these cats is strongly developed, so small rodents need to be kept in a secure cage or you should teach a Siberian kitten from early childhood a mouse who dared to visit its territory is not an offender, but the “pride” member.
Housing and care
Inquisitive and energetic Siberian cats need to implement its natural instincts: that is why you need high gaming complex, lots of balls toy mice, feather teasers etc. Active games are an integral part of a full life of Siberian cats. It is great, if you have a possibility to walk the cat regularly. You can let it go for a walk freely in case you live outside the city away from the highways.
Siberians are careful and clean, they get trained of how to use the cat litter very quickly, and are not likely to spoil things. Keeping these cats most likely won’t bring you any troubles, especially if you pay some attention to training.
Even an inexperienced cat owner will manage to keep the chic coat of a Siberian cat in a good condition: all you need is to comb the coat with a brush that has long teeth. The coat of a Siberian is pretty rough, but silky and self-cleaning, so you need to bathe the cat only when it is really necessary. Thick undercoat is not a problem for keeping the cat clean, but it needs to be removed with a comb during molting.
Health
True Siberian cat has Siberian health and longevity. Representatives of this breed live very long; they have strong immunity and stamina of a taiga animal.
