Siberian cat: interesting facts and features of the breed

The Siberian cat was standardized by cat lovers from the Soviet Union in 1989. A few years later, the breed was recognized internationally. However, references to "Bukhara cats", according to descriptions identical to our Russian Siberian cats, have been in written sources since the 16th century, so the authentic origin of this breed raises questions.

It is assumed that the Siberian breed of cats is the result of mixing local domestic cats with Persian cats brought to Siberia and subsequent natural selection in severe cold conditions. According to another version, Siberian cats originated from the wild forest and steppe cats. But kittens of wild cats, even if they grow up next to a person, cannot be tamed and, having matured, go into the forest, so this version is doubtful.

Siberian cat: description and character

Siberian cats are animals with a large, slightly elongated muzzle and a wide chest. They are graceful and strong. Due to the peculiarities of the structure, they tolerate cold weather well: the coat is long, dense with a double undercoat, the neck is framed by a luxurious collar, clearly pronounced in winter, the limbs have an edge between the fingers. Mature males grow up to 6 kilograms, females - up to 4 kg.

Siberian cats demand respect and love to demonstrate their independence, but at the same time, they are loyal, affectionate, and friendly. If necessary, they know how to defend their territory, but they will not be the first to show aggression.

Color of Siberian cats

The color options for wool are very diverse. These cats will charm anyone:

• Uniform colors of various colors: black, gold, red, blue, cream. All the hairs of such cats are evenly colored.
• Tortoiseshell. Spots of blue on cream or black on red are evenly distributed throughout the body.
• Wild color (striped tabby). The alternation of dark and light areas on each of the hairs forms different patterns: classic (marble), brindle, spotted.
• Smoky and silver. They have an overflow effect because the tips of the hairs are colored, and the roots remain white. They look very impressive, especially in motion.
• Spotted white. On the body, there are individual hairs and small spots of white color.
• Bicolor. From one-third to two-thirds of the body is painted white. In the classic case, this is a triangle on the head from the bridge of the nose down, breast, stomach, inner part of the limbs.
• Harlequin. The color is white, the tail, small spots and individual hairs on the body remain colored.
• Van. Completely white coat, except for the tail and spots behind the ears.

Siberian smoky cat

In addition to those that fall into the breed standard, there are also non-standard, but spectacular colors: Abyssinian tabby, chocolate, cinnamon, lilac, fawn.

Siberian cats and cats: subspecies

• Siberian Masquerade (Neva) cat. Brown-white coat with a dark mask on the muzzle, bright blue eyes. They love to play with children and are the defenders of their territory.
• Siberian blue cat. High rounded paws, a long neck, an elongated body, and a bluish coat are characteristic features of this subspecies. The color is uniform without spots, stripes. Peaceful sometimes shows hunting instincts.
• Siberian Shorthair. It is distinguished by short legs and short hair of the same length. Calm and non-aggressive cat, devoted to the owner, but at the same time self-willed.
• Siberian fold. Outwardly similar to the Scottish, the ears are adjacent to the head. The character is calm, proud. It can bite when showing excessive obsession. Resentful. Training must be done from an early age, adults are retrained poorly.
• Siberian forest cat. Larger than other representatives of Siberian cats, weight can reach 12 kilograms. The long coat has a dense undercoat that thickens in cold weather.

Very loyal, but at the same time independent cats. Unlike most other breeds, they like to swim and are not afraid of water.

7 facts about Siberian cats

• Kittens of Siberian cats grow long enough - up to 5 years. Toddlers are very loyal but at the same time independent. Unlike most other breeds, they like to swim and are not afraid of water.
• Representatives of this breed look most beautiful in winter: they have a woolen "collar" and peculiar "pants". In summer, the coat is shortened.
• The structure of the coat of Siberian cats allows them to be used for the treatment of osteochondrosis, neuralgia, and rheumatic pain attacks. The unique composition of wool does not cause allergies even in sensitive people.
• Siberian cats are long-lived. They can live up to 15, and sometimes up to 20 years.
• Former President and Prime Minister of Russia Dmitry Medvedev love Siberian cats. His cat Dorofey even took part in television shows.
• Many Siberian cats are not afraid of water, although few of them like to swim.
• In Tyumen, there is a "Square of Siberian cats". There is a monument cast from iron, consisting of 12 cat figures covered with golden paint. The monument is dedicated to cats that defended the Leningrad Hermitage from rats during the German blockade. Fearless hunters quickly eliminated the rats and mice that destroyed priceless masterpieces.

Comparison of Siberian cat and Maine Coon

Maine coon cat

Both breeds are the result of natural selection and belong to the so-called forest type. However, there are many differences between them:

• Siberians have shorter legs, and the chest is deeper and slightly wider. Because of this, an adult Maine Coon will appear much taller.
• Maine Coon ears are large, vertical, with tassels. The Siberian cat has rounded, slightly inclined forward.
• Maine Coon eyes are slanted.
• Maine Coons are larger than Siberian. The mass of an adult Maine Coon reaches 9-10 kg.
• Unlike Maine Coons, Siberian cats are hypoallergenic.

Siberian cat: features of care and maintenance

Siberian cats do not require much time for care. They are clean and neat, quickly accustomed to the toilet. It is better to feed Siberians with simple, natural products: cereals (rice, buckwheat, oatmeal), lean meat, sea fish, poultry. Periodically you need to add low-fat cottage cheese, egg yolk. Kittens and pregnant cats benefit from the cream.

The wool of Siberian cats is not prone to the formation of tangles, but they must be combed at least once a week. This is best done with a special comb for long hair. In addition to hygiene, combing makes the relationship between the owner and the animal more friendly and trusting.