Breed History
The Siberian cat, also known as the national cat of Russia, originated as a working cat and companion for farmers and their families. These cats were commonly found in rural homes, markets, and other places all across the country.
Because of their excellent hunting abilities for rodents and resilience in hard winters, the Siberian cat became a popular breed. What’s interesting is that these cats were bred without the help of any human influence.
Over time, these cats become popular not only for their personality but also their looks. When the first cat shows in England began, the Siberians were thrust into the spotlight.
Today, Siberian cats continue to become friendly and affectionate companions for any cat lover.
Health and Medical Concerns
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Temperament and Lifestyle Fit
Diet and Nutrition
Siberian Cat Grooming Guide
Coat Maintenance
Siberians have a triple coat, while luxurious as they seem, that surprisingly require low maintenance for their length. You only need to brush them with a wide-toothed comb at least once a week to remove loose hairs and slight tangles. However, during heavy shedding periods, you need to brush them daily to manage hair and dander around your home.
Skin Health
Siberian cats usually have healthy skin, but their long coats can trap in dirt if you don’t brush them weekly. You can bathe them occasionally to clean their skin of allergens. Always use gentle, cat-safe shampoo that won’t cause harm to their skin.
Bathing
You can bathe Siberians once every few months or during heavy shedding periods using deshedding shampoo for cats. This can help manage loose hairs and keep their coats clean and fresh. Keep in mind that their coat is water-resistant, so you must rinse and dry them thoroughly.
Nail Trimming
Their claws need trimming every two to three weeks, or as needed, especially when you start hearing their paws clicking on hard floors. Before cutting your cat's nails, make sure to know the proper way of doing it, which is avoiding the pink part of their nails using a proper cat nail trimmer.
Ear Care
It’s good practice to check their ears weekly for any wax or dirt buildup and signs of redness. They're not too prone to infections. Still, precautions must be observed to keep their ears clean and free from parasites and bacteria.
Eye Care
Siberians don’t require regular eye cleaning. There might be some mild tearing or buildup around their eyes, so gently wipe them with a damp, soft cloth. If you notice excessive tearing, you can consult your veterinarian, as it can be an early sign of infection.
Teeth Care
Siberians love to eat, so dental hygiene is important for them. It’s best to brush their teeth several times a week using cat-safe toothpaste. If you’re unable to brush them, you can give dental chews to reduce tartar.
Physical Characteristics
Head
They have a round face with a strong, short muzzle. The forehead is broad and slightly domed.
Eyes
The eyes are slightly oval. They come in gold, green, blue, or odd-eyed colors.
Ears
The Siberian cat’s ears are medium-sized and slightly rounded at the tips. These are tufted with fur.
Body
Their body is muscular with a strong, barrel-shaped rib cage.
Limbs
They have strong legs with round, tufted paws. The hind legs are slightly longer than the front ones.
Tail
The tail is medium in length and bushy. It has a wide base.
Coat
Their coat is thick and water-resistant. This comes in blue, black, red, cream, and white.
Size
Male Siberians can grow up to 25.4-30.5 cm (10-12 inches), while females can reach up to 23-28 cm (9-11 inches).
Weight
Male Siberian cats can weigh around 5-7.7 kg (11-17 lbs). On the other hand, females typically weigh up to 3.6-6.3 kg (8-14 lbs).
Other Cat Breeds
Abyssinian Cat
The Abyssinian Cat is known for being a playful cat who loves to jump around and have fun.
Bengal Cat
The Bengal cat is a breed known to be highly intelligent and endlessly curious.
British Shorthair
The British Shorthair is a popular cat breed known for its smooth coat and affectionate nature.
