Quick Facts:

Group classification: Semi longhair

Country of origin: Russia

Date of origin: 1800’s

Weight (M): 11-16 pounds Height (M): approximately 13 inches

Weight (F): 8-12 pounds  Height (F): approximately 11 inches

Life expectancy: 12-15 years

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History of the Breed

The Siberian cat is visible in Russian writings and paintings dating back to centuries ago. This distinguishes them from other breeds that are in existence as a result of selective breeding done in recent times. This breed of cat is believed to have originated from Russian farms where it was a working cat. Urbanization and the emigration of people into urban centers made the cat to adapt to urban way of life causing it to mix and breed with different types of colored cats. The cat has up to now not been accepted as a pure breed; however, it has been accepted by chief feline registries like the CFF, GCCF, TICA, FIFe, and CFA among others.

General Description

This breed of cats is renowned for its exceptional agile jumping skills. They have a powerfully built and strong body with powerful rear legs and big well-formed paws. Siberian cats have average sized ears, barrel chests, broad foreheads and stockier bodies that distinguish them from their counterpart breeds such as the Norwegian Forest Cat, the Maine Coon and the Forest Cat. The cat has a structure similar to that of a bull dog due to its barrel chested and heavily boned body. In similarity to most big breeds of cats, Siberian cats attain maturity and mature characteristics gradually in the first five years of their life. The cat’s body has a smooth multicolored fur including dots.

Temperament

Siberian cats are normally intellectual animals and can even respond when called by their owners. They are also very playful and to a great extent they enjoy playing outdoors. Siberian cats are extremely independent but they are affectionate and loyal to their caregivers, which makes many people compare the character of the cat to that of dogs. They are at ease with travelling in vehicles and going for walks while on a restraint and are apparently excellent lap cats. They are also a perfect companion to children with allergic reactions since they do not shed their coats.

Health and Care

These cats should be cared for and groomed on a regular basis just like other domestic cats through combing the hair, feeding it with a proper diet, playing with it regularly as well as taking it to the vet for check ups. The health of these cats is normally in excellent condition since they are robust cats. However, these cats are susceptible to the hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). This is a widespread disease that is known to affect some of the purebred breeds of cats and pose potential threat to all other breeds of domestic cats. It can also be transmitted to human beings. The cats that suffer from HCM exhibit the symptoms from the tender age of 2 months up to when they are 24 years old. There are contradicting statements on the actual time that it takes for symptoms of HCM to display themselves with others saying that it may start from 6 months onwards but not less than that.

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