Siberian Cat

Quick Facts

NameSiberian Cat
OriginSiberia
Size15 to 20 pounds
17 to 25 inches
Lifespan10 to 18 years
CoatVaries from coarse to soft; moderately long to longhaired triple coat with a full collar ruff
Temperamentcalm, playful and engaging personality
Exercise NeedsModerate
Training DifficultyModerate
Health IssuesGenerally Healthy
Grooming NeedsModerate to High
Price$1,200 To $4,000

Introduction: Siberian Cat

The Siberian Cat is an ancient breed of cat that is known all over the world for its appearance and engaging personality. They are also called Siberian Forest Cat or Moscow Semi-longhair. They are medium and fluffy cats with beautiful eyes. They enjoy the company of other cats and dogs and they love to play and cuddle with their owners. They can be a great companion for the household. In this article we will learn some interesting facts about this beautiful cat.

Siberian Cat

History and Origin

The Siberian cat originated in Russia. They have a dense triple layered coat that protects them from the harsh Siberian climate.  Siberian cats appeared in some of the earliest cat shows in England starting in 1871. The United States got the first glimpse of the Siberian cat after the cold war held in the 1990s and they love the Siberian cat at first sight.  Siberian cats are ranked 9th place according to the CFA- Cat Fanciers Association in 2000 AD.

Siberian Cat

Physical Characteristics

Siberian cats are medium to large scale cats where male weights between 15 to 20 pounds and female weights between 10 to 15 pounds. They have thick luxurious triple layered coat that come in any colour or pattern. The head is broad and slightly round. Their back legs are slightly longer than their front legs which helps them to be a powerful jumper. They have medium  to large eyes that are almost round and come in different colors; green, blue, golden and odd-eyed. 

Siberian Cat

Temperament and personality

Siberian cats are known for their calm, playful and engaging personality. They form strong bonds with their owner. They enjoy interactive play and also love climbing and exploring. They are  intelligent and quick learners. They are good with other pets and love to play with gentle and respectful children. They have gentle, melodious voices and they communicate with soft meows. 

Siberian Cat

Exercise and Activity needs

Siberian cats are active and playful animals so they need moderate amount of exercise to keep them healthy and happy. They are playful cats that love climbing, and playing with different toys. They are always ready to join and play with their owners. Exercises like climbing,  jumping, running, and puzzles helps to keep them both mentally and physically healthy. 

Siberian Cat

Grooming and Care

Siberian cats have thick stunning coats which require regular grooming. It takes little extra effort to groom during their spring and fall shedding seasons. Activities like nail trimming, bathing, ear cleaning, dental care etc can be done to ensure its good health and also feeding a nutritious diet with high-quality cat food. By doing regular grooming and care they will stay healthy, comfortable and looking at their best.

Siberian Cat

Some helpful tips:

  • In order to ensure its silky and shiny coat it is recommended to use slicker brush. 
  • One must know that they should not over wash their cat’s coat as it can damage and degrade its coat quality. 
  • Bathing once a few months with high quality shampoo is much better for their coat’s and overall health.
  • Clean their ears, trimming nails, brushing their teeth with high quality toothpaste are some major cleaning activities.

Health and Common Concerns

Siberian Cats are generally healthy because of their natural evolution in harsh climates. But like all breeds they can also suffer from certain health issues if proper balanced diet and sanitation is not maintained . Some of the health issues are : 

  • Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)
  • Obesity
  • Allergies
  • Periodontal disease
  • Eye problems
Siberian Cat

Some helpful tips:

  • Providing high-quality cat food that meets their nutritional needs.
  • Regular play sessions to keep them physically healthy. 
  • Taking to veterinarian for regular check-ups every 6 months.
  • Giving them necessary vaccination to fight various bacteria. 
  • Providing toys, interactive activities to keep their mind active.

Training and Socialization:

Siberian cats are very calm and intelligent cats that make them quick learners. They are easily trainable. With some time, effort and proper instruction they can develop into well-adjusted and happy companions. They are very social cats and they can bond with other pets very easily. Training and socialization is very important to maintain calm and socialized behavior. Their natural intelligence  and social behavior makes them respond to training and learn quickly.

Siberian Cat

Conclusion

In conclusion, Siberian cats are a very beautiful breed of cat known for their playful and energetic personality.  They can be a great companion for a household. Their playful and friendly nature make them suitable for every environment. They are very good with other pets and children. They can be the best choice for people for their small size and beautiful physical appearances. They are easy to handle and easy to take care of, which all makes them great choice for people.

Image Source: Getty Images

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