Siberian Cat Breed Description

Active: The Siberian cat is moderately active. They love to play and seek the attention of their caregiver or companion, but they do not overly demand it. They are great with families with kids because they are both affectionate and playful. They are active and even clown-like sometimes, but they can also snuggle up with the best of them.

Size: The Siberian cat is very large in size. It is one of the largest breeds of domestic cats today. They range in weight from 13 to 26 pounds and males are typically larger than females.

Characteristics: The Siberian cat is heavy and muscular. They have round bodies and heads, with rounded ears as well. Siberian eyes will peer into your soul with their immense beauty, and that beauty is not limited. Their eyes come in a variety of gorgeous shades. Everything about the Siberian cat's body is designed for survival in extreme climates, like the ones their ancestors came from. They are slow to mature, typically taking about 5 years to reach full maturity.

Temperament: The Siberian cat is affection, loving, sweet and playful. They love toys and enjoy interacting with their loved ones. They can be taught fetch and other games and are even quite acrobatic. These large cats may not look it at first glance, but they are actually very agile. They can leap to great heights and enjoy showing off. Siberians love to be with their companions, at all times, wherever they are. Interestingly, the Siberian cat loves to play with water. Don't be surprised if you find your Siberian splashing in left over water in the sink or a puddle they find. They will drop toys in water and love to have a good splash around.

Care: Siberian cats have thick coats that do require a little TLC. Their coat, and especially their ruff around their neck becomes thicker in winter. They go through seasons of significant shedding as well. Weekly brushing will keep the Siberians luscious mane looking gorgeous and will require some additional brushing (daily) during shedding. Bathing is not necessary often, but as many Siberians love water, they may enjoy frequent baths if introduced to baths as kittens. You may just be shocked to find your Siberian has decided to join you for your morning shower! Regular nail trimming, teeth brushing and ear cleaning as needed will keep your Siberian looking polished.

Coat: The coat of the Siberian cat is a luscious, beautiful mane that is medium to long in length. It is a triple coat with guard hairs, awn hairs and undercoat. The undercoat is tight and gets tighter in colder weather to protect the cat. Their coats are even water resistant, providing further protection from harsh conditions. Siberian coats come in a variety of beautiful colors and patterns. If you are looking for a hypoallergenic cat then the Siberian cat is a great candidate. They produce less of the Fel D1 protein which is the true cause for your allergic reaction. There is no cat that is 100% allergy free so increasing the frequency of grooming and bathing your furry friend will also help.

Origin: The origins of the Siberian cat are completely clear, but they are said to have arrived in Siberia with Russian emigrants. Siberians have a triple coat, which developed from the need to survive in the harsh climate of Siberia. They were said to have been beloved hunters, keeping mice and rats away. These cats have been in Russia for about 1,000 years but are relatively new to the United States, having arrived in 1990. They were mentioned in notable books in the 1890s, Our Cats and All About Them by Weir and Domestic and Fancy Cats by Jennings.

The breed began to be showed in Russia and Europe during the 1980s. Elizabeth Terrell, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, worked to bring Siberians to America. Terrell struck a deal with Russian breeders to exchange some Himalayan cats for some Siberian cats. In 1990, Ofelia, Naina and Kaliostro were brought to the United States. Additionally, David Boehm played an important role in the creation of today's Siberian cat breed in America. During the time Terrell was importing Siberians, Boehm was bringing Siberians to America as well. He brought 15 Siberian cats to America and betwee Boehm and Terrel, the Siberian breed began to be established. Terrell invested her own time and money in growing the breed and even created an inter-registry program named Taiga.

In 1992, TICA accepted them into the New Breed program and shortly thereafter, in 1996, granted them championship status. The CFA accepted the breed for registry in 2000 and championship status in 2006.