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Siberian Cat Breed Introduction
The Siberian Cat breed is a medium to large-sized feline breed with a formally registered ancestry. They possess a muscular physique and a bushy tail. Siberians are recognized for their hypoallergenic nature, as they produce lower levels of Fel d 1 than other cat breeds. The breed was first introduced outside Russia in the late 1980s and has since gained popularity, particularly in the mid-2010s.
Additionally, Siberian cats are known for their sociability with other cats and dogs, and they enjoy playing with gentle, respectful children. Formerly known as Moscow Semi-Longhair and Russian Longhair, this breed’s coat is composed of three natural types of hair, namely guard hair, awn hair, and down hair. Siberian cats are available in a range of colors, but clear colors are preferred.
Furthermore, this breed has four permitted eye colors, including blue, green, golden-copper, and odd-eyed. Siberian cats are known to be vocal, though not in terms of loudness but frequency. They emit a variety of melodious chirping sounds and a deep, resonant purr.
Origin
The Siberian cat breed originated in Russia, where they lived for a long time in the dense forests of Siberia. They are the distant ancestors of all modern-day long-haired breeds. They evolved naturally in harsh climates, which led to natural selection pressures for similar qualities. These cats are closely related to Norwegian Forest cats and Northern European cats.
Two theories explain the origin of Siberians. The first theory was introduced in the book Brehms Tierleben in 1864, which suggests that they originated from “a red Tobolsk cat from Siberia”. The second wave of Siberians emerged after the fall of the Berlin Wall and the dissolution of the Soviet Union. In 1990, registered Siberians arrived in the United States, and in 2002, they arrived in the UK.
Over time, breeders have added foundation stock from Russia to the breed. This helps to reduce the level of relatedness within the breed and increase vigor. Siberians became popular in mid 2010s, and they are expensive because importing them from Eastern Europe is costly.
Siberian Cat Life Expectancy
The Siberian cats have a longer lifespan of 10 to 18 years.
Siberian Cat Grooming
Siberians have a semi-long to long coat which is made up of guard hair, awn hair, and down hair. They require brushing of their coat twice a week with a slick, soft brush or with a metal comb. Brushing their coat helps with removing their loose hair and distributes their coat oil evenly. Moreover, the Siberians can have a bath every eight weeks.
Bathing helps them lose the dust or odor that is in their coat. Before bathing brush its coat and then use lukewarm water with vet-approved shampoo and conditioner to gently wash the coat. Some Siberians enjoy the water and will not be a tough task to wash them. After bathing, dry their coat using a towel. Brush their coat again to give a neat look.
After every two weeks, trim the cat’s nails. If the owner has trouble with nail trimming, a vet or groomer can help. Clean Siberian ears with a cotton ball or soft cloth dampened with appropriate veterinary ear cleanser to keep them free of debris or wax. Brush their teeth using a toothbrush and formulated toothpaste twice a week.
Best Brush
The appropriate brush to use on Siberian cats includes a slicker brush, a greyhound comb, and a soft brush.
Shaved
The Siberians can be shaved if their long coats mat and can not be combed out. They can also be shaved during spring as the fur will grow back by the winter. However, it’s generally not recommended to shave a cat because their fur coat serves as an insulating layer that regulates their body temperature. Additionally, the Siberians can be shaved if their coat is infected to help them with quick recovery.
Haircut
Siberians can have various haircuts although most people won’t recommend shaving the cat. Some of the haircuts that a cat can have include:
Comb Cut – This type of haircut involves trimming the entire coat of the Siberians to one inch. Helps reduce matting and decreases the risk of your cat getting hairballs.
Lion Cut – The Siberians can have a lion haircut where their body is shaved leaving about half an inch of hair. However, the cat’s face, legs, and the tip of their tail are not shaved.
Hygiene Cut – The Siberians have long hair that can matt around the anus and leave dirt hair. The cut helps them reduce poop and litter getting stuck in your cat’s coat and will keep your cat more comfortable.
Siberian Cat Shedding
Siberians shed their coat moderately. However, they will tend to shed their dense coat high in Spring to lose their winter coat. Also in fall when they need to lose the light summer coat.
Shedding Level
They shed at moderate levels all-year round and a bit noticeably when experiencing seasonal change in Spring and Fall.
Coat
Siberians have a semi-long to long coat which is made up of guard hair, awn hair, and down hair.
Winter Coat
Siberians have a long, thick, and heavy winter coat that helps them cope with the weather and retain their warmth.
Siberian Cat Hypoallergenic
Siberian cats are often considered hypoallergenic, although no cat breed is completely hypoallergenic. They have a semi-long to long coat, which they shed moderately. The hair and dander of Siberian cats contain lower levels of Fel d 1 protein than mixed breed cats. The Fel d1 protein causes difficulty in breathing, hives, and irritated eyes in allergic people. However, their saliva and urine still carry the allergen protein.
It is believed that female Siberian cats produce lower levels of Fel d 1 than males, so breeders usually suggest allergic families adopt female cats. Siberian owners should do an allergy test before getting a cat and not just assume that they will be fine because they’re labeled as hypoallergenic.
Training
The Siberian cats are known for their intelligence and ability to retain information through training. However, owners need to understand their unique nature and employ appropriate techniques. Positive reinforcement is an effective method for training Siberian cats. Owners and trainers can achieve this by socializing the cats in new environments, with new people, and other animals to boost their confidence.
Short training sessions are recommended to keep the cats engaged. Basic command words such as “come”, “sit”, “high five”, and “no” can be taught to the cats, following which owners can introduce new tricks after about a year. It is essential to praise and reward the cats for good behavior and avoid punishing them for bad behavior. Effective housebreaking rules such as early crate training, potty training, and feeding schedules are advisable.
Siberian Cat Traits
- Loyal.
- Intelligent.
- Playful.
- Affectionate.
- Independent.
- Agile.
- Friendly.
- Curious.
- Dog-like.
Aggressive
One might think that the Siberian cat breed is stubborn and aggressive. However, these cats are known to be friendly and in good mood. They enjoy people’s company without being clingy.
Exercise
Siberians are playful cats that require an average of 30 minutes of intentional exercise each day with their owners. The cats enjoy an interactive play session where the owner provides them with toys or interactive puzzle toys. These cats are good climbers, thus, the owners should provide them with cat trees, shelves, or other vertical spaces that can satisfy their climbing instincts. Moreover, let the Siberians have access to a secure outdoor enclosure or a supervised outdoor environment.
Meow
These cats are vocal, though not in terms of loudness but frequency. They emit a variety of melodious chirping sounds and a deep, resonant purr. They will only meow if they are hungry, thirsty, or bored.
Siberian Cats Size
Siberians have an average height of 9 to 11 inches ( approx. 23 to 28cm ) and a body length of 15 to 18 inches ( 38 to 46cm). Female Siberians have a weight ranging from 10 to 15 pounds ( approx. 4.5 to 6.8kg ) while the male weigh between 15 pounds to 20 pounds ( approx. 6.8 to 9kg ).
Height
Siberians have an average height of 9 to 11 inches ( approx. 23 to 28 cm ).
Length
When it comes to body length, the Siberians have 15 to 18 inches ( 38 to 46 cm).
Siberian Cat Weight
Female Siberians have a weight ranging from 10 to 15 pounds ( approx. 4.5 to 6.8 kg ) while the male weigh 15 to 20 pounds ( approx. 6.8 to 9 kg ).
Male Size
Male Siberian cats have an average height of 9 to 11 inches ( approx. 23 to 28 cm ) and weigh between 15 pounds to 20 pounds ( approx. 6.8 to 9 kg ).
Siberian Cat Health Issues
They are generally healthy cats as their lifespan indicates. However, these breeds are prone to a higher incidence rate of locomotor and female reproduction-related conditions compared to other cat breeds. They can also suffer from Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy when the heart becomes abnormally thick. Without a proper feeding schedule, Siberians can be overweight or obese. They can also suffer from dental diseases.
Eye Problems
Siberian cats have beautiful and big eyes that should be clear, bright, and blemish-free. There should be no discharge, and the whites of the eyes should not appear red. If you notice any symptoms such as swelling, redness, squinting, rubbing, discharge, third eyelids, or abnormal pupils, it might indicate that your cat has eye problems.
Some of the typical cat eye problems include Conjunctivitis, Keratitis, Corneal Ulceration, Keratoconjunctivitis, Uveitis, Physical Trauma to the Eye, blocked tear duct, blindness, cataracts, and Intraocular Neoplasia. Therefore, it’s essential to take your cat to the vet periodically to check their eyes.
Siberian Cat Allergies
They may be prone to atopic dermatitis due to exposure to various environmental factors. Symptoms of these conditions may include itchy eyes, ear infections, digestive issues, snoring, swollen paws, and excessive licking. If an owner observes any of these symptoms, it’s best to consult a vet. To manage food allergies, the cat’s diet should be appropriate. Atopic dermatitis symptoms can be managed by frequent cleaning to reduce dust and dirt in the home.
Siberian Cat Names
Siberian owners always give their cat names before or after joining their new homes. When choosing the name, choose the one that the cat will recognize and let it be short. The names are derived from several sources, including the cat’s place of origin, its physical attributes, famous songs, books, movies, or the cat’s distinct coat pattern. Additionally, the name should not rhyme with important commands like “come” or “no.”
Female
- Anya.
- Sofia.
- Larisa.
- Anet.
- Anna.
- Akira.
- Cleo.
- Lily.
- Daffy.
- Nala.
Litter Size
Siberians kittens an average of three to six cats per litter.
Harness
Siberian cat owners who take their cats for walks use harnesses. The cats can understand their chance to explore outside with supervision for the indoor cats. The harness is used when traveling and allows the cats to experience a few sights and sounds while keeping them close to the owner.
Other cat breeds include:
Siberian Cat Food
They consume food depending on their size, age, and metabolism. Provide the cat with food that contains the nutrition needed for their growth. Adults and seniors should consume two meals a day and kittens three meals a day. Siberians can eat home-cooked foods or commercial foods either dry or wet.
These cats are prone to obesity thus feed them with the right amount of food. Ensure to use a bowl that fits their whiskers. When giving the cats treats, they should not be more than 10% of a cat’s total caloric intake per day. If Siberians are taking a well-balanced diet, there is no need for supplements unless recommended by your vet. Always provide the Siberians with clean and fresh water.
Kitten Food
Kittens are known to be very active and energetic. Thus, they will be required to feed on the right commercial food for kittens. Ensure they feed on high-protein food that will aid them build a robust constitution that complements their athletic lifestyle. The vet advises the Siberian kitten owners to feed them wet rather than dry food.
Siberian Cat Colors
This breed comes in a variety of colors including coal-black, pure white, slate blue, brilliant red, grey, blue, and brown. They can also have different markings such as Tabby, Solid, Bicolor, Tricolor, Tortoiseshell, and Colorpoint.
Siberian Cat Black
The black colored cats have a unique and beautiful coat. They tend to have a thick and luxurious coat that is striking against their pale skin. Siberians’ noses and paw pads are black.
White
White Siberians have light pink nose and paw pads.
Grey Siberian Cat
They have a grey coloration and are officially recognized by associations around the world. Grey Siberians’ paw pads and nose leather are black.
Orange
Siberian cats can also have a unique orange color that ranges from light to dark and has a deep, rich shade that varies depending on the individual cat.
Black and White
These cats can either have a dominant black color with a little white, or vice versa, lots of white with a few black patches here and there. They are attained if the parents or one parent carries the non-agouti gene.
Tuxedo
The tuxedo is a cat pattern. The pattern is available in their bellies, chests, and paws are white while the rest of their body is black, orange, or gray. They portray the traditional tuxedo coat that people wear. The most known type of cat tuxedo is black and white as they show the outcome perfectly.
Brown
They have a unique cat coloration that is rare. These cats contain deep shades of chocolate, mahogany, and caramel. The color became popular as people learned about this unique breed.
Siberian Cat Blue
Blue Siberians are known to be beautiful creatures with a very light blue coat color. Some say that the color almost looks like it has a white shade. The Chest area has a darker blue color and has lighter body shade. Their nose and paw pads are dark blue.
Silver
Silver gene mutation produces eumelanin which is responsible for producing the pale silver coat. The silver-colored cats are most desired.
Siberian Cat Seal Point
Seal Point is a mark on the Siberian cats that is very specific. These cats are primarily white, with dark brown markings on the face, ears, and tail. The marks attain the seal shape.
Lynx Point
Some Siberian cats have the lynx point color formed by mating a colorpoint cat with a tabby cat or a Siberian that possesses the lynx point pattern. These cats have a darker mixture of darkening coloration on the head, tail, and legs. Moreover, their body has very slight, ghostly striping.
Blue Point
The Blue Point color is a color made up of cold-toned grey. The Siberians have their faces, ears, tails, paws, nose leather, and paw pads deep slate-grey-blue while their coat is bluish-white cold-toned.
Golden
Golden Siberians are a unique breed of cats that acquire their beautiful golden coloration due to a recessive gene that can occur in either one or both of their breeding parents. These cats typically have a light or dark coat with black markings, which adds to their overall striking appearance. Additionally, some Golden Siberians have black tips on their fur, which creates a stunning contrast and enhances their golden hue.
Cream
The cream is a solid type of color that Siberians can have. These cats have little to no shading, and the color is consistent from the tip of the fur to the roots. Cream Siberians have their nose and paw pads pink.
Types of Siberian Cats
Siberians do not have any types rather they come in various solid colors, patterns, and markings.
Eyes
They possess large and round eyes that give an overall sweet expression to their face. The outer corner of the eyes is slightly angled towards the base of their ears.
Siberian Cat Blue Eyes
Blue eyes in solid white Siberians is due to a lack of melanin pigment and not a result of the colorpoint gene. These cats have a higher prevalence of genetic deafness.
Ears
They have medium-sized ears that are broad at the base and rounded at the tip. The ears are slightly tilted forward and should be set as much on the sides of the head as on top, preferably one to one and one half ear width apart. Moreover, the Lynx ear tipping is allowed.
Tail
Siberians have a bushy tail that is medium and slightly shorter than the torso length. They have their end evenly and thickly covered with fur from the base of the tail to the tip of the tail.
Teeth
Oral hygiene in cats is paramount to reduce susceptibility to dental problems. However, they can suffer from genetic gum and teeth diseases. When a Kitten Siberian is at the age of four to five months, they start to have their deciduous canines and premolars falling off. Then the adult canines, premolars, and one molar on each side of the upper and lower jaws start to erupt. By the time the Kitten is six months, it has their full set of 30 adult teeth.
Price Range
The Siberians have a price range of $1500 to $2500 depending on their age, size, and pedigree.
Siberian Cat Mix
Siberians have been crossbred with Munchkin Cat, Bengal Cat, and Maine Coon.
Siberian Cat How Much
The Siberians are expensive cats as they have a price range of $1500 to $2500.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Are Siberian Cats Hypoallergenic
Yes. Siberian Cats are popularized as hypoallergenic as they shed their semi-long to long coats moderately. The hair and dander of Siberian cats contain lower levels of Fel d 1 protein than mixed breed cats. However, their saliva and urine still carry the allergen protein. It is believed that female Siberian cats produce lower levels of Fel d 1 than males, so breeders usually suggest allergic families adopt female cats.
How Long Do Siberian Cats Live
Siberians have a life expectancy of 10 to 18 years.
Why Are Siberian Cats Hypoallergenic
Siberians are hypoallergenic because their hair and dander produce lower levels of Fel d 1 protein than mixed breed cats. This makes them more allergy friendly.
Are Siberian Cats Big
Siberians are known to be medium to large-sized feline breed.
How Big Are Siberian Cats
Siberians have an average height of 9 to 11 inches ( approx. 23 to 28 cm ) and a body length of 15 to 18 inches ( 38 to 46 cm). Female Siberians have a weight ranging from 10 to 15 pounds ( approx. 4.5 to 6.8kg ) while the male weigh between 15 pounds to 20 pounds ( approx. 6.8 to 9 kg ).
Where Do Siberian Cats Come From
Siberians initially originated from Russia.
What Do Siberian Cats Eat
Siberians consume a well-balanced cat diet that can be homecooked or commercial (wet or dry).
How To Groom A Siberian Cat
- Brush their coat twice a week using a slick, soft brush or with a metal comb.
- Bathe the Siberians every two months.
- Trim their nails after two weeks.
- Clean their ears with ear cleanser and damp cotton balls once a week.
- Brush their teeth twice a week.
Do Siberian Cats Shed A Lot
No. Siberians shed their coat moderately and heavily during seasonal changes.
How Much Do Siberian Cats Shed
Siberians shed at moderate levels throughout the year and in excess during Spring and Fall.
Do Siberian Cats Shed
Yes. Siberians shed their coat moderately and heavily during seasonal changes.
Are Siberian Cats Vocal
Yes. Siberians are vocal and tend to emit a variety of melodious chirping sounds and a deep, resonant purr.
Do Siberian Cats Like Water
Yes. Siberians enjoy being in the water and have water-repellant coats.
Siberian Cat Quick Facts
- The Neva Masquerade is the sister breed or colorpoint variety of the Siberian cat.
- Siberians are very expensive due to their high demand and low purebred outside Russia.
- Siberians have three types of hair: guard hair, awn hair, and down hair.
