Siberian Cat: Cat Breed Profile: Characteristics, History, Care Tips, and Helpful Information For Pet Owners
Siberian Cat: Cat Breed Profile: Characteristics, History, Care Tips, and Helpful Information For Pet Owners
Siberian Cat: Cat Breed Profile: Characteristics, History, Care Tips, and Helpful Information For Pet Owners
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Updated on 10/01/19
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IN THIS ARTICLE
• Characteristics
• Breed History
• Care
• Health Problems
• Diet and Nutrition
• Where to Adopt or Buy
• Further Research
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If you are looking for a medium-sized, semi-longhaired cat that is both breathtaking to behold
and an affectionate pet, look no further than the Siberian cat. The Siberian cat is a forest cat
native to snowy Russia, where it needed its luxurious triple coat to protect against cold. The
breed’s solid, well-muscled body with substantial bone development holds up to the harsh
environment.
This Siberian cat has a delightful personality—outgoing, affectionate, friendly and energetic—
making it an exceptional feline companion. It will greet you at the door and follow you all over
the house. Although Siberian cats are relatively quiet cats, they do like to vocalize via sweet and
melodic mews, trills, and chirps. They enjoy the company of other cats and even dogs and are
good with gentle, respectful children.
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Breed Overview
WEIGHT: 10 to 20 pounds
LENGTH: 17 to 25 inches
COAT: Varies from coarse to soft; moderately long to longhaired triple coat
with a full collar ruff
COAT COLOR: Any color combination or pattern
EYE COLOR: All colors
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10 to 18 years
The Siberian cat’s trademark sweet expression comes from its modified wedge head with
rounded contours, moderately short muzzle with slight curvature, and medium to large, almost
round eyes, which come in shades of green, gold, green-gold, or copper (white cats may have
blue eyes or “odd eyes”—eyes that are two different colors).
This breed loves to climb, explore, and play. To keep your Siberian cat mentally stimulated and
physically enriched, expose it to a variety of fun toys and play lots of games.
Trim its nails regularly and inspect its ears for dirt and debris. Wipe the ears out with a cotton
ball and gentle ear cleanser (never stick a cotton swab or anything else down into the ear canal).
If the ears look red or excessively dirty, schedule a checkup with your veterinarian.
The Siberian cat’s luxurious, thick, full coat may come in any color or pattern, with or without
white markings. The triple coat is made up of three layers: a shorter, dense undercoat of downy
hair (the hair closest to the skin); a layer of slightly longer “awn hair” in the middle, and an even
longer outer coat layer (called “guard hair”).
In warm weather, the Siberian cat will shed the heavy coat in favor of a shorter, thinner summer
coat. In winter, the coat will be at its thickest and longest. Despite its thickness and length, the
Siberian cat’s coat tends to resist matting, so it only requires occasional brushing (more during
the seasonal heavy shed).
Occasional baths will help loose hair come out and remove dust and dander from the coat.
Even with its thick, long coat, some consider the Siberian cat to be hypoallergenic. Although no
scientific studies prove it, some allergy sufferers say that they can live successfully with a
Siberian cat. As it turns out, cat dander—not necessarily cat hair itself—is the main culprit for
allergies. Most cat-allergic people are sensitive to a protein called Fel D1, which is found in cats’
skin cells (as well as dried remnants of saliva and urine that coat the cat’s fur). It seems that
some cat breeds, including Siberian cats, produce less dander than other cats.
For mild allergy sufferers, this might mean that Siberian cats elicit little or no allergic reaction.
However, all cats and all people are different. If you suffer from allergies and are interested in
finding out if you will react to a Siberian cat, find a local breeder who will allow you to visit
their adult cats to test the theory.
Responsible breeders screen their cats for this disease to avoid breeding affected cats and passing
it along to future generations.
Cons
• Long hair requires more grooming than other cats; sheds winter coat in warmer months
• A little noisemaker that likes to mew, chirp, and trill a lot
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There are many cat breeds out there. With a little research, you can find the right one to bring
home.
Article Sources
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10 Best Cat Breeds With Blue Eyes
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10 Best Russian Cat Breeds
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