With an abundant coat and penetrating gaze, the Siberian cat has become one of the most popular and appreciated feline breeds throughout the world. world. His balanced temperament and physical characteristics have also made him one of the ideal companions for people of all kinds. However, and despite being a very old feline, its official recognition dates back to the 90s, do you want to know why? In this article on our site we will explain everything you need to know about the Siberian cat, its characteristics, character, care and curiosities. Do not miss it!
Origin of the Siberian cat
The Siberian cat is one of the so-called “ forest cats”, along with the Maine Coon and the Norwegian Forest Cat, given that the specimens of this race expand through the leafy groves of Russia and Ukraine. It is believed that it comes from the crossing of domestic cats brought to Russia and Ukraine with wild cats from the Siberian forests, hence it is also called "Siberian forest".
This breed seems new since There are no documents that mention it until 1871 Thus, there was no official pedigree until 1987 and the The World Cat Federation did not recognize it until a few years ago, and its international expansion began in the 1990s. This can be explained by the existing prohibition in the Soviet regime on the possession of pets, so that farmers who owned Siberian cats did so covertly. However, Its origins seem to go back a thousand years in time. In Russia they were usual companions of the nobles, being very present in the most distinguished palaces of Imperial Russia. For this reason, it is part of one of the oldest cat breeds in the world, despite its official documentation on the indicated dates.
Characteristics of the Siberian cat
Without a doubt, the most representative physical characteristic of the Siberian cat is its full coat consisting of three layers, present in many breeds, however, in this feline breed these are much more developed. This is due to the drastic temperatures in the Siberian area that it has to face in order to survive. Therefore, the covering hair is harsh and, while it is somewhat shorter on the legs and chest, it is considerably long on the head and belly. Also having long fur between the fingers.
As for the color of the fur and eyes all are accepted except chocolate and violet for the coat, and their dilutions; and as far as the eyes are concerned, amber and green are more common, and although blue can also occur, it is rarer. Regardless of the color of her eyes, they are rounded and remarkably expressive.
Their weight varies in general lines between 4.5-9 kg in both males and females, although the latter usually have a somewhat lighter, usually 4 to 8 kilos and males move more in a range of 5 to even 11. However, it must be taken into account that our cat will not reach its final size and weight until 4 or 5 years of age, its growth being considerably slower than in other breeds. Also, as its back legs are somewhat longer than the front ones, its back is slightly arched.
Siberian cat character
If we talk about the temperament of the Siberian cat, it should be noted that this breed is characterized by its sociability and affability Despite its robust appearance might be imposing, it is a very affectionate cat and that adapts well to dealing with other cats and even other animals such as dogs. Saying the guardians of these cats that their behavior is reminiscent of a dog, since they wait for them when they get home and are constantly asking for attention and affection.
On the other hand, it's also true that it can take some time for them to lose their initial shyness around strangers, so if you're the new tutor of one of these specimens, you have to have a little patience, because once he knows you he will spend hours playing and begging you for pampering. At first they can show an elusive character, with behaviors such as hiding from visitors, but, as soon as they gain confidence, they will not hesitate to turn on their belly and purr happily when caressed. Do not miss the article on "Tips for gaining a cat's trust" if you have just adopted a Siberian and notice that it is difficult for him to adapt.
Siberian cat care
One of the cares for the Siberian cat that will require more attention and dedication will be coat maintenanceGiven the length of the hair, a regular brushing is recommended to avoid knots and hairballs, insisting on the belly and chest areas, where the fur is thicker. woolly. 2-3 times a week will be enough. Check the article on "How to brush a cat's hair" to do it correctly.
Another aspect to take into account regarding the coat is bathing, it is recommended not to bathe it, or at least not frequently, since the layer of protective fat that allows insulation from the cold and the impermeability of its fur would be eliminated, being able to favor respiratory pathologies such as feline pneumonia when bathing it, in addition to losing volume and shine on an aesthetic level. For this reason, dry baths are recommended, which, like peeling, something that is contraindicated in the breed for the same reason as bathing, must be carried out by good professionals who above all take care of the he alth of our feline.
Siberian cat he alth
Due to their wild origin and to the fact that the breed has remained unchanged by the hand of man, these cats are strong and robust,with enviable he alth and without notable congenital diseases. Despite this, they present diseases common to any other breed, such as hypertrophic heart disease, which consists of an enlargement of the myocardium of the left ventricle, therefore veterinary check-ups must be frequent.
As in the rest of cats, it will be necessary to be attentive to the state of the coat, nails, mucous membranes and teeth to detect and prevent diseases. Likewise, it is important to carry out an adequate schedule of vaccinations and deworming, always following the instructions of the veterinarian.
Curiosities
- There are legends that attribute to these cats the task of guarding Russian monasteries.
- This breed in particular likes to play with water, so care must be taken, because as mentioned above this could be harmful to your he alth.
- Finally, Siberian cats are considered hypoallergenic cats, this is because they do not produce a protein called FelD1 which is the responsible for 80% of allergies to animals. For this reason, Siberian cats may be a good choice for those affected by feline hair allergies.
