All about the Siberian cat breed

The Siberian cat is a breed that, despite its ruggedness shaped by the wild, is remarkably gentle with its loved ones. It boasts such a wide variety of coat colors and textures that finding two identical representatives is nearly impossible. In this article, you’ll learn everything about Siberian cats.

The History of the Siberian Cat

The Siberian cat breed originates from the harsh Siberian regions, where it survived thanks to its thick fur, strong body, and hunting instincts.

Mentions of large fluffy cats can be found in chronicles dating back to the 16th–17th centuries. They lived alongside humans, helping to fight rodents and protect grain supplies. Over time, they became more than just hunters. Their gentle nature and ability to form emotional bonds with people made them wonderful pets.

In the Soviet Union, breeding Siberian cats was not approached with much enthusiasm, and only in the 1980s did people start actively breeding and documenting this breed. In 1987, the first official breed standard was established in Russia.

After the Soviet Union’s collapse, the Siberian cat began appearing at international exhibitions. In the 1990s, it attracted the attention of breeders in Europe and the USA, and in 1992, the International Cat Federation officially recognized it. Following this, other organizations included the Siberian cat in their standards.

Appearance of the Siberian Cat

Thick fur, expressive eyes, most often green or yellow, ear tufts, and the grace of the Siberian cat create the image of a true forest predator that has perfectly adapted to domestic life. The breed can weigh between 4 and 9 kg, classifying it as large.

The uniqueness of its fur lies in its multi-layered structure, which helped the cat survive in the harsh Siberian climate. The outer coat is coarse and waterproof, the middle layer adds density, and the soft undercoat retains warmth during winter.

The coat color can vary widely. The only disallowed colors by breed standards are lilac, chocolate, cinnamon, and fawn. The most common Siberian cat coat patterns include solid black, white, and red, tabby with stripes or spots, and color-point with darker shades on the face, paws, and tail.

Siberian Cat: Temperament

Siberian cats are very intelligent and quick learners. They can understand commands and even open doors with their paws. They can be trained to fetch toys or perform simple tricks, but being independent, they are capable of making their own decisions, which may not always please their owners.

This breed gets along well with children and other animals. They are patient and rarely show aggression. They enjoy playing, climbing trees, and exploring their surroundings. Even as adults, they remain active.

Siberian cats also have a well-developed intuition: they sense human moods and adapt to them. They do not demand constant attention and can stay home alone.

Caring for a Siberian Cat

Nutrition. As predators, Siberian cats require protein, so when choosing food, pay attention to its composition and protein percentage. High-quality cat food already contains sufficient nutrients, but after consulting a veterinarian, you can add boiled chicken, beef, turkey, and small amounts of fish to their diet. Never feed your pet sweets, salty, fried, or smoked foods, as they are dangerous to their health.

Health. Thanks to natural selection, only the strongest and most resilient cats survived, making the breed resistant to diseases and adverse conditions. On average, a Siberian cat lives 12–16 years, but they can live up to 20 years. The most common health issues include hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which thickens the heart walls and complicates its function, and dental and gum diseases.

Siberian cat grooming. The thick coat of a Siberian cat requires regular brushing to prevent tangles. Typically, brushing 1–2 times a week is sufficient, but during seasonal shedding, brushing should be more frequent. In spring, the coat becomes thinner, while in autumn, a thick winter undercoat develops, leading to more intense shedding.

Unlike many other breeds, Siberian cats are not afraid of water, although bathing should only be done when absolutely necessary. This is because even the mildest shampoo can affect the water-resistant properties of their coat.

Since dental and gum diseases are among the most common issues for this breed, it’s essential to clean their teeth with a special toothbrush and toothpaste. You can also buy dental toys and treats at pet stores to encourage your cat to chew them.

For cleaning ears and wiping eyes, cotton pads and lotions are sufficient. These simple procedures help maintain hygiene, prevent tear stains and redness, and allow you to detect any inflammation early and consult a vet.

Claws. Siberian cats naturally file their claws using scratching posts and during play. However, if the claws remain too long, they should be trimmed to prevent splitting.