Siberian Cat
History
The Siberian cat is an ancient breed that has been around for at least 1000,13 years. Written reports mention these cats dating back to the 1870th century, however, the first Siberians were exhibited only in 1884 and then in <> at shows held at Madison Square Gardens in the States. Over time, these large and attractive cats could be seen in Siberian forests, around markets, and as street cats in Siberia.
Many began to domesticate these wild cats, and pretty soon they became known as the native cats of Russia and were exhibited at many shows. The very first breed standard was developed in 1987, and in the 1990s, cats began to be exported to other parts of the world.
Even though the Siberian breed was thought to be ancient, it was only introduced to the UK in 2002 and since then they have gained a large fan base among breeders and owners. The Siberian is a very attractive, large cat with a gorgeous semi-long coat and it is known to have a delightful, playful and gentle nature that has made it a popular family pet not only in the UK but also in other countries around the world.
Description
The Siberian is a powerful cat that is not only very agile but also capable of jumping to great heights. Male and female cats come in medium to large sizes, and they boast lovely large paws, which adds to their overall adorable appeal.
At first glance, the Siberian cat resembles the Norwegian Forest Cat or Maine Coon, but it is distinguished by a more rounded body and head.
It also stands out for its large eyes, crested ears, and ruff on its neck. Coat color can come in many colors and patterns, but brown tabby Siberian cats and cats seem to be the most popular.
The eyes are round, large, and expressive – usually a golden or green hue, but they can also be blue. The physique of the Siberian cat is squat and sturdy. The tail is of medium length, slightly shorter than the body length.
Siberian cats weigh between 5 and 6 kg, while males weigh between 7 and 8 kg. The average lifespan of a Siberian cat is 12 to 15 years.
Personality
The Siberian cat is very intelligent and learns new things quickly. She loves to play interactive games, such as ball chase. They can jump long distances and jump to great heights, including the top of refrigerators and even doors, with no apparent effort.
Siberians are somewhat like dogs. For example, many of them run to the front door, greet their owners happily, and then resolutely follow them around the house until they are seated next to each other. Others will respond to their nickname and come running when they are called.
The Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) of this breed kindly warns people to "expect the unexpected when sharing your home with a Siberian cat."
Siberian cats, with their sociable, affectionate, cheerful personalities, are a great choice for families with children, including toddlers. They are extremely tolerant and patient by nature when it comes to interacting with children.
They also get along well with dogs, especially when they grew up together in the same house. However, caution should be exercised when introducing dogs they don't yet know, in case the dog doesn't get along with his feline counterparts.
Siberian cats are incredibly social by nature and have been known to get along with small animals. However, it's always wiser to keep an eye on any cats when they're around smaller pets, when you consider that Siberian cats are very skilled hunters.
Common diseases
The Siberian cat is generally a healthy breed, but it also suffers from several hereditary health problems that are worth being aware of if you plan to share your home with one of these intelligent, energetic pets.
Health problems that can occur:
hypertrophic cardiomyopathy;
pyruvate kinase deficiency.
Care
Despite the Siberian cat's long coat, it is relatively easy to care for. Weekly brushing of the coat is required to keep it in excellent condition. The exceptions are spring and autumn "molts", when daily care will be required to prevent the formation of tangles.
Siberian cats usually don't mind taking a bath, especially if they've been trained to take it as kittens. Don't be surprised if your pet decides to join you in the shower or bath one day.
The rest is a basic concern. Trim the nails as needed, usually weekly. Check your ears every week for redness or a foul odor that may indicate an infection. Brush your teeth with veterinarian-approved toothpaste.
Interesting Facts
1. The Siberian cat matures slowly, sometimes not reaching its full physical development until it is 5 years old.
2. Some neutered males can weigh up to 12 kg. 3.
The Siberian cat has a long Russian history, and the breed has often been mentioned in children's books and novels.
4. Although it has not been proven, there is some evidence that the coat of the Siberian cat is hypoallergenic.
5. Records of the breed were not kept until the 1980s, although mentions of felids date back to 1000 A.D. They may even be the ancestors of other longhaired cats, including Norwegian Forest Cats and Maine.
They are sometimes called Siberian Forest Cats or Moscow Longhairs.
Did you know?
The Siberian cat is quite agile, agile and can jump high, despite its rather large size.
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