Cutest Pet Contest

Siberian

Weight: 12 - 20 pounds
Life span: 12 - 15 years
CFA rank: 23

  • Lap Cat
  • Intelligence
  • Ease of Training
  • Grooming Requirements
  • Shedding
  • Good with Children
  • Good with Dogs
  • Chattiness
Breed History | Background:

  • Enjoys bragging rights as being the national cat of Russia and dates back at least 1,000 years. Originally known as Russia’s native forest cat from Siberia.
  • The first cat show to include Siberians was in England in 1871.
  • The first Siberians arrived in the United States in 1990 and were brought in by a Louisiana cat breeder named Elizabeth Terrell.
  • Slow to be accepted by the Cat Fanciers Association, the Siberian first entered the miscellaneous class in 2000 and advanced to championship status in 2006.

Cat Look:

  • One word: big. The Siberian’s big, sturdy frame features a dense, triple coat is designed to weather cold climates.
  • This giant among cat breeds conveys a sweet, beckoning expression with it round eyes, Lynx-tipped ears, round muzzle and full ruff around the neck. It also sports big paws with tufts of fur poking out between the toes and a blunt-tipped tail.
  • The eyes come in many colors, including gold, green and blue.
  • The Siberian’s naturally low levels of the Fel d 1 protein seems suited to those allergic to cats because they do not tend to experience severe allergic reactions. Its medium-to-long haired coat comes in a wide range of colors and patterns.
  • This natural breed comes in many colors and patterns.
  • The Siberian takes up to 5 years to reach full physical maturity.

Behavioral concerns:

  • Born to be a problem solver, the Siberian is extremely attentive and intelligent.
  • Siberians study and learn how to open cabinet doors and even bi-fold sliding closet doors.
  • This breed loves to learn, and masters obedience commands and tricks easily.
  • Gentle around children and adapts easily to other family pets.
  • Extremely mellow and receptive to people and pets and household guests.
  • Confident and comical, the Siberian loves an audience.
  • Quite capable of leaping up high and enjoys perching on high shelves or even tops of doors to survey the scene.

Grooming:

  • Its dense, thick coat is surprisingly easy to maintain. Weekly brushings is usually all that is required to keep the coat healthy and free of mats.
  • The exception is during the spring and fall (shedding seasons for Siberians) and daily brushing is advised. Be sure to brush the tight undercoat.

Suggested Nutritional Needs:

Please consult with your veterinarian about the type of dieta nd amount to feed your cat during their different life stages.  Different breeds may have a greater risk of obesity based upon their diet, metabloism, activity and age.  Thus, your veterinarian is your best source for information on this topic.


Fun Facts:

  • The Siberian towers over all other recognized cat breeds with some healthy, fit males weighing up to 25 pounds.
  • A popular Siberian “tall tale” centers on a team of 200 Siberians cats who allegedly sped past a team of Siberian Huskies in a dog sled race.