Felix the Siberian Cat-Photo by Pamela Keasling
I must admit I had not heard of the Siberian Cat until I met Pamela online. We started to communicate about our cats and she introduced me to this wonderful breed . Her cat’s name is Felix and his picture accompanies this article. He is really a proud looking fellow, isn’t he? The following article is about this very old breed and their proud heritage. Thank you Pamela for the picture of Felix and for getting me interested in this unique cat breed.
The Siberian cat is the national cat of Russia. They originated as a working cat on Russian farms and followed people into the cities where they adapted to urban living. Once in the cities they mixed with feral cats of all types and colors. Today this semi- long haired breed is recognized by most cat organizations which accept all colors including color points for competition.
Before the fall of the Communist government in the USSR Siberian cats were not allowed to be exported to other countries. Finally , in the early 1990′s through an exchange of purebred Himalayans for Siberians, the cats reached the United States. They have become successful here and are increasing in popularity.
These cats are large with mature males weighing 11 to 15 pounds and mature females 9 to 12 pounds. They are strong, powerfully built and they are exceptionally agile jumpers. Their jumping ability is aided by their strong hindquarters .
Like the Maine Coon and the Norwegian Forest Cat, the Siberian cat has large, rounded paws for easy travel in snow and a long, beautiful, fluffy tail to wrap around themselves and protect their muzzles while sleeping in cold weather. They also have a mane of longer hair around the neck somewhat like a lion. But their barrel chests, stockier build and broad foreheads set them apart from their brother forest cats. Like most other large cat breeds they mature slowly over their first five years.
This breed is very intelligent and quite affectionate, playful and loyal. Siberian cats are devoted and love to be handled and cuddled. They also like to be helpful to their owners and can be described as dog-like in their attitudes. Although independent, they may respond to their name when called.
Siberian cats really like the outdoors . If you have a Siberian that you keep as an indoor cat, leash train him so he can enjoy outdoor strolls. If the cat knows he will get to go out sometimes, he will be less prone to try to run out every time a door or window is opened. Another notable trait in this cat is the fact that they like heights and will seek out the tops of bookcases and doors to get the best vantage point in the area.
Grooming a Siberian is relatively simple. They have an easy to care for coat with textured but glossy fur that rarely matts or tangles . A twice weekly combing is enough to keep their coat in good condition. They molt once or twice a year with the first molt coming at the end of winter. Many Siberians also have a ‘mini-molt’ at the end of summer. It is interesting to note that the molting or shedding process in cats is not triggered by heat but by daylight. Longer hours of sunshine trigger the molting process.
Non scientific information from owners and breeders suggest the Siberian cat is hypoallergenic to many allergy suffers. Some Siberians are low in the FeL d1 protein that triggers allergies in many people. But if you are allergic to serum albumin, the Siberian is most likely no different for you. Check with your doctor to find out what specific cat allergen affects you before you bring a Siberian home.
The Siberian breed of cat can be seen in Russian paintings and writings dating back hundreds of years. This sets them apart from most breeds that are the result of recent selective breeding. I personally think it also accounts at least somewhat for their hearty good health and long life span.
Overall, this is a very healthy, charming and beguiling breed and they make wonderful pets
