The Siberian cat is a feline breed of the semi-long-haired category. The Siberian cat has a long thick coat that does not let moisture in, medium-sized ears and a fluffy tail. The color varies.
The Siberian breed of cat was formed in the Urals and Siberia. Severe climate, abundant snow, severe frosts, strong winds contributed to appearance of this cat’s dense long hair and thick undercoat which protects the animal from cold. Some role in the formation of the breed was played by wild forest cats. The Siberian breed is also widespread in the northern part of European Russia, in central and western regions of Russia. Forest cats gradually penetrated into these regions from Western Europe, which, thanks to good food supply and favorable climate, began to actively breed here. Then they mated with cats brought from Siberia by Vologda merchants.
It is a medium to large-sized cat with remarkable physical abilities, its strength and power are softened by the soft expression of its muzzle, it is very fluffy. The body is generally rounded and smooth. Siberians mature slowly, reaching maturity at 5, cats are somewhat larger than cats. Therefore, a careful approach to the definition of the standards of this breed of young cats and cats. The average weight of a cat is 6-9 kg, cats 3,5-7 kg. To determine the type of animal, the size is secondary. The Siberian breed has a medium length body, muscular, strong, back above shoulders, abdomen is barrel-shaped, firm, giving the feeling of great weight, which really comes with age. Legs are medium length. The hind legs are slightly longer than the front legs, and have massive bone. The paws are large, rounded, and there is sure to be pubescence between the toes. The tail is broad at the base and slightly tapered toward the blunted tip. The skeleton is firm and the muscles are powerful. The neck is voluminous.
The length of hair of these cats is from medium to long, there is a double undercoat. Hair on the shoulder blades, as well as the lower chest, shorter and thicker. There is a stiff abundant framing of the head. Adults have tight-fitting undercoat that thickens in winter. There may be a “summer” coat. The texture varies from coarse to soft, changing according to color. Coloration is never chocolate, purple, cinnamon, fawn, “burma”; all traditional colors (patterned and monochrome) and colorpoints are possible, both with and without white. May be any amount of white, may be silver or smoky. Due to the very fluffy and warm coat, Siberian cats can go for walks even in winter.
Siberian cats are good parents. Males, if they have access to a litter, often help the females take care of the kittens. Parents often live together; some cats live permanently with one cat and regularly give birth only from him. Even very young individuals lick their congeners. Friendship makes Siberians good pets. Siberian cats because of their collective nature feel happier in a pair. Having a mate friend helps a Siberian cat stay active, interested in life, and emotionally healthy.
The ancestors of the Siberian cat were wild forest and steppe cats, great hunters. It is not surprising that Siberians have retained their hunting instinct and use it successfully when possible. Keeping a Siberian in a private house, you can be sure that there will be no mice and rats at home. But, since the Siberian cat is more of a predator than a pet, in the countryside the Siberian can hunt, besides rats and mice, also larger prey: there are known cases when Siberians have mauled rabbits and ferrets and then brought them home.
Siberian cat definitely has its own character. It is not very attached to the owner, and will hardly hang around you. Having eaten once in the morning, it can stay out of your sight the whole day until the evening, and sometimes until the next day.
Siberians only recognize one master, but tolerate the presence of other people in the house. But even to a recognized master they seldom come on their knees to purr.
The Siberian - one of few breeds of cats that have guarding skills, this cat loves to play, so it will be glad to bring various balls and shoelaces in its teeth that you pay attention to it.
The rugged appearance of this cat is consistent with its character, expressing its feline self. It really is a cat with character, not adjusting to you. You can find common ground with a Siberian only if you respect him, and only if he will respect you.
For the proper development of a cat of this breed it needs walks or active games. It is necessary to install a special corner where the cat will be able to do acrobatics. Siberian cats are hardy, but they won’t leave home for a long time in frosty weather. Siberian cats don’t like apartments too much, it’s better to keep them in the house where they can show their hunting abilities. Siberian cats are not aggressive and not vengeful. They behave proudly, they shout seldom, more often just look at their owners, trying to explain without words what they need.