What Makes a Siberian Cat Different?
The Siberian cat is a medium to large, semi-long haired
hardy cat with its origins in the harsh and variable
climate of Siberian and Russia. The Siberian cat is
considered an indigenous or native breed. Although its
origins may be hundreds of years old, Siberian cats
have only been recognized as a registered breed for
the past three decades in Russia and since the mid nineties
in North America.
Siberian cats have heavy boning, compact, muscular
bodies with a dense layered coat that varies in length
with the season. The Siberian cat’s coat has long
outer guards hairs and dense under coat that has pronounced
ruff and knickerbockers only in the winter season.
Siberian cats, as well as being strong and sturdy, are
very much people-oriented cats. Forget the stereotype
of the lofty, disdainful cat - Siberian cats love their
people and they do this without being needy or clinging.
They have very mellow personalities and adapt easily
to new situations.
They are insatiably curious and very persistent and
effective hunters. In a matter of seconds, Anya can
go from sitting in her best Sphinx pose to catching
a fly between her front paws. Because of their intense
drive to hunt Siberians do well in the relatively new
event of cat agility. There is an entertaining
video
on YouTube, which shows a Siberian Cat in action
on a course.
The Siberian
History:
The Siberian breed has been around for at least one thousand years. They were first mentioned in Harrison Wier's book
Our Cats and all About Them,
which included information about one of the earliest cat shows held in
England in 1871. The Siberian was first imported in 1990. Despite its
popularity, the Siberian is extremely rare in the United States, and
most breeders have waiting lists for their kittens. The Siberian was
accepted for registration by CFA February 2000 and first advanced to
championship status in February 2006.
Personality:
These cats tend to be both great problem solvers and also, like
dogs, are loyal to their adopted families. They are well suited to the
households in which one spouse, usually a husband or significant other,
professes to be a "dog person," not a "cat person." Often it is that
same "dog person" who is greeted at the door by their Siberian and after
being dutifully followed around the house by their Siberian, then
decides that one Siberian is simply not enough! Their great agility
means they usually navigate potentially breakable knick-knacks without
leaving a path of destruction in their wake. A delightful combination
of the flying Walenda's and the sleuth "the Pink Panther," the Siberian
is a zany mixture of both. Newly adoptive families are warned to expect
the unexpected when sharing your home with a Siberian.
Physical Traits:
Considered a semi longhair, the Siberian has a rich full coat in
the winter while the summer allows for a somewhat shorter less dense
coat. The Siberian can come in just about every color of the rainbow.
Siberians are extremely agile and can leap great distances and heights.
Grooming:
There are no special grooming needs beyond that of basic good care for any cat.
