What Are the Things You Should Know Before You Own a Siberian Cat?

The Siberian is the domestic cat in Russia, and its formal name is the Siberian Forest Cat. It comes in medium to medium-large sizes. These cats have long, thick, triple-layered coat that protects them from extremely cold Russian weather. They are considered the best feline companions because of their affectionate and friendly nature.

This cat breed is fearless and easygoing, but they enjoy the company of other dogs and cats, and they are gentle with children.

Due to their friendly nature, they get friendly with strangers too. Siberian cats always want to be near their owner due to their affectionate nature.

One special thing about this breed is that it takes approximately 5 years to reach adulthood, and till then they act like kittens.

These cats are highly intelligent and energetic, so they need regular exercise. Pet owners should groom their cats by combing their gorgeous coats twice a week.

They like to play in the water, and their coats are also water-resistant. In this article, you will learn about the Siberian cat.

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The Siberian Cat’s Origin and History:

Siberian cats are considered a national treasure in Russia and have existed in Russia for around 1000 years.

They are mentioned in Russian fairy tales and children’s books. This breed has similarities with the Norwegian forest cat.

These cats were first described by Harrison Weir in 1892 in his book “Our Cats and All About Them.” After this, these cats arrived in the United States in 1990 and gained popularity as they are hypoallergenic.

This cat breed was recognized by the International Cat Association in 1996 and accepted by the American Cat Fanciers Association in 1997. Now, they are known around the world but still rare outside Russia.

Characteristics of the Siberian Cat

1. Siberian cats are active and energetic, and they enjoy playing with toys.
2. This cat breed is highly intelligent and tries to learn tricks that stimulate them mentally.
3. Their water-resistant coat allows them to play in the water.
4. Due to their athletic nature, they enjoy climbing trees and perching themselves at the highest heights.
5. They are people-oriented and love to be with their owner.
6. These cats get along well with the children and other pets in the family.
7. Because of their affectionate nature, they like sitting on the owner’s lap when they are being groomed.
8. The cats have a calm nature, so the noises do not bother them.
9. Generally, they are independent, but they always want the attention of their owner.
10. This cat has a powerful build, which makes them a skilled jumper.

The Siberian Cat’s Physical Appearance

Because of their strong and powerful build, Siberian cats are best known for their agile jumping. This breed has medium to large-sized ears, a barrel chest, a broad forehead, and large eyes.

They have strong-boned legs and well-rounded paws, and they also have full-sized tails.

• 10 to 12 inches in height.
• Their life span is 8 to 10 years.
• The weight ranges between 15 to 20 pounds.
• The coat is long in length.
• Colors: solid white, red, black, silver, and blue.
• Other traits: hypoallergenic.
• Temperament: energetic, playful, friendly, and affectionate.

These cats have three natural types of fur, i.e., awn hair, guard hair, and the downy undercoat. This three-layer coat protects them from the cold climate.

The fur is glossy, which reduces the occurrence of matting. Cats shed seasonally, in the season of spring.

Care of the Siberian Cat

1. Nutrition:

For a long, healthy, and active life, you should give your Siberian cat the appropriate nutrition. You should make sure that your cat’s diet must have high protein and low carbs.

This balanced diet will help to maintain the cat’s body weight and also help in achieving longevity.

If you want to keep the cat’s coat and skin in good condition, pet parents should select a cat food that has Omega fatty acids.

Dry food is best for your cat because canned food has fewer carbohydrates and moisture in it. To maintain their overall health, give your cat water to drink.

2. Grooming:

The Siberian cat has a triple coat, i.e., on the outer side there are long guard hairs, the second coat is of awn hairs, and a downy undercoat which is close to the skin. You should brush their fur twice a week to remove dead hair and small tangles.

As this breed is so playful and energetic, you must trim their claws in order to protect your furniture, clothes, and skin. Pet parents should brush their cat’s teeth for better dental health.

3. Exercise

This cat breed is active, energetic, and courageous. They love to play in the water and can also enjoy toys.

The Siberian cat is a good hunter and can climb trees. Their bodies are strong and powerful and they are known for their agile jumping.

If these cats lack exercise, then they can become obese. These cats are good for those homes where humans can play with cats. You should keep these cats entertained by playing with toys.

4. Health

Siberian cats are generally healthy pets, but this breed has the highest risk of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

In this situation, the cat’s heart muscles get enlarged and do fewer functions. For your cat’s proper health, you should go for regular checkups with a vet. These cats are hypoallergenic.

Conclusion

If you are planning to own a Siberian cat, then you must read about its temperament, character, history, and also it’s basic needs. So, this feline companion fits well into your family.

These cats fit well in those houses where humans spend time with their cats. Although this cat breed is a healthy breed, you should take them to the vet for regular checkups to ensure their good health.

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