The delightful Siberian cat has been around for hundreds of years in one form or another. The Russian people cherish this amazing feline and you will too.
The Siberian’s unique charm, congenial personality, and beautiful appearance make this a cat that will steal your heart. With their cute, playful nature, and empathetic qualities, they are one of the most desirable kitties for cat lovers.
You would not regret your decision if you choose this breed as the next family member. These large, energetic furballs will give you all their loyalty and love.
Siberian Cat Facts
- While there is mention of the Siberian cat in folk tales around 1000 AD, the first publications to write about them were in the 16th century. They were typically used by nomadic tribes as rodent control for their food storage.
- Due to their three coats of fur, they are cold weather-resistent down to 10-15 degrees below zero. Both snow and frost are no match for their dense fur either.
- 5000 Siberian cats saved the Russian Hermitage museum in Leningrad during World War II after rats threatened to destroy valuable art exhibits. To this day, the Hermitage museum employs Siberian cats to dispatch unwanted rodents.
- Siberians absolutely love to hunt and still retain many of the wild characteristics of their ancestors. If you choose to let them outside, don’t be surprised when they bring home furry and feathered creatures, leaving them on your doorstep.
- You’ve heard of therapy dogs? This cat makes an excellent companion for those with depression, stress, and even autism. Their calm and loving nature helps soothe those people with troubled conditions.
- The beloved Siberian is actually the national cat of Russia.
Physical Features
- Lifespan: 10-18 years depending on genetics, health, and their environment.
- Weight: Anywhere from 7-14 lbs for a female and 10-20 lbs for a stocky male.
- Body Type: Powerful and muscular with a somewhat barrel shape.
- Eye Color: green, gold, green-gold or copper
- Coat Color: Can come in multiple colors and patterns.
- Shedding: This breed will shed quite a bit, especially in Spring and Fall.
Personality Traits
- Activity Level: This breed is very agile and acrobatic. It will jump to the highest point in the house and back down again in seconds. Consider purchasing a cat tree and offering extended periods of playtime with this energetic feline.
- Breed Intellect: Siberians are highly intelligent and capable of adapting to many situations. They are considered to be problem solvers and very quick learners.
- Temperament: You’d think a large cat with a wild lineage would be aloof but nothing could be further from the truth. With an easy-going personality, this cat is definitely one of the most understanding felines you’ll ever have the joy of knowing.
- Attention Needs: If you’re someone who works a LOT and you don’t have time to dedicate to your Siberian, you probably want to consider another breed. This cat is a little more socially dependent, requiring much of your time.
- Caring Nature: Siberians are known to sense their human’s feelings and act accordingly. They care deeply about their owners and make a great therapy cat.
- Vocal Tendency: This cat can be quite talkative. They are known for holding conversations and empathizing with their owners.
- Kids Compatible: Siberians understand family and will treat their owner’s children with respect. They’ve also been known to protect them in emergencies.
- Tolerates Pets: While the Siberian cat prefers time with their people, it is safe to have other cats (preferably another Siberian) and cat-friendly dogs in the home.
- Stranger-Friendly: Siberians are typically very social cats and therefore, they are in constant need of companionship so, feel free to invite friends and family over. If you happen to go away for a couple days, please have someone look in on them or better yet, have a friend house-sit for you.
Health and Well-Being
Ideal Living Situation
This cat is suitable for very cold climate regions and actually prefers cooler weather due to their very dense coat of fur. They are family oriented and need a larger space to grow. A tiny apartment may be too confining.
Possible Health Problems
The Siberian cat is normally very healthy but due to genetics and their lineage, may be at risk to a form of heart disease known as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy… which is an enlarging of the heart. Luckily breeders can perform a DNA test to check for this condition.
Annual Vaccinations
There are four core vaccines and one non-core option available for all cats.
The first essential vaccine would be Rabies which is a fatal disease if exposed to it.
The second inoculation (FVRCP) is a combination of the remaining three core vaccines in one. This covers Feline Herpesvirus 1 or FHV-1 which is an upper respiratory infection, Feline Calicivirus or FCV which attacks the upper respiratory tract, and the final is Feline Panleukopenia Virus or FPV (also known as Feline Distemper) which is life threatening and extremely dangerous for young cats and kittens.
You can get the optional non-core vaccine Feline Leukemia Virus or FeLV. This is considered a core vaccine for every kitten. Make an appointment with your local vet to discuss and schedule all these vaccinations.
Grooming Routine
When caring for cats, there are four specific areas which need regular attention.
Weekly brushing is the minimum required to keep their fur healthy and shiny. This also helps distribute natural body oils, remove dead hair, and eliminate matted fur.
When the nails are getting a little too sharp and ripping furniture or carpet, it’s time to trim them. Be sure not to trim off too much of each nail as this can cause pain.
Cats are prone to periodontal disease and gingivitus so brushing their teeth with a veterinarian-approved toothpaste once or twice a week should suffice. You can also give them dental treats to clean their teeth in between brushing.
Finally, you’ll want to address the ears. While cats have a built-in mechanism for cleansing their inner ear canals, the visible portion of their ears should occasionally be very gently swabbed to remove foreign matter.
Please consult a veterinarian for the proper procedures when grooming your cat.
Feeding Advice
Cats are known as obligate carnivores or strict meat eaters. Their diets should primarily consist of high protein and a few fats.
While carbohydrates are not usually a part of feline nutrition, scientists have concluded they are able to be used for energy in small amounts. On the other hand, if a cat is continuously fed too many carbs, diabetes can actually develop later in their life.
When choosing a wet or dry food, you need to read the caloric information labels to ensure your cat is being fed the appropriate nutrient levels.
Normally, wet foods should contain around 70% to 80% moisture as cats from past feral generations obtained most of their liquids from the animals they killed and ate.
Proteins are ideal when they’re between 10% and 20% in grain-free wet food. Seafood varieties are typically the highest in protein.
Two of the best dry food formulas on the market would be Natural Balance Limited Ingredients Diet with High Protein and Orijen Biologically Appropriate Cat Food. These specially made dry food products include healthy amounts of prepared raw meats, some needed fats, and minimal carbohydrates.
Exercise Tips
You should plan to play with your cat at least 15 minutes everyday, although, more is encouraged with certain active breeds.
Feather toys and laser pointers are a great choice to keep them moving. This helps relieve their boredom and reduces the chance for depression as well.
For a really cheap play session, simply buy a ball of string. Cut off a ten foot section at a time and drag it around the house behind you. Your kitties will love attacking the end of the string! Big fun for a small price.
Catnip is another way to offer an edible distraction in their lives. Don’t worry, the effects typically wear off in about 15 minutes or so.
One of the best items you can acquire for exercise would be a cat tree or cat condo. This is basically a jungle gym for cats which provides a place for climbing, relaxing, and sharpening their claws instead of using your furniture.
There are a couple other alternatives including an exercise wheel, which can be somewhat expensive, and a simple body harness with a leash for outdoor walks. Your cat may or may not like this option but, you can give it a try.
Siberian Cat Price
The Siberian price can be somewhat expensive from $1000 to $2000 for a registered pedigree depending on the breeder’s quality.
There are also extraordinary kittens out there from high-end catteries with champion bloodlines and incredible show potential that cost as much as $5000.
You may find a pet-only Siberian under $1000 but be very cautious.
A better option would be a likely mixed breed from a reputable adoption center and definitely a much cheaper, sweet kitty with service fees only around $30 – $175.
Registered Siberian Breeders
Siberian Best – Alabama
Moubani Cats – Arizona
NightMusic Siberian Cats – Arizona
Prekrasne Siberian Cats – Arizona
Pumaridge Siberians – Arizona
Siberians of Santa Barbara – California
Kiss From a Rose Siberian Cattery – Colorado
Nicholas-Siberians – Connecticut
Winter Blue Cats Cattery – Connecticut
Angel’s Joy Siberian Cattery – Florida
Arctic Eclipse – Florida
FL Sunshine Siberians – Florida
Reigning Cats – Florida
Siberian Life Cattery – Florida
Celestial Siberians – Georgia
Croshka Siberians – Georgia
Heart of Gold Siberian Cattery – Georgia
ABC Siberian Cattery – Massachusetts
City Siberians – Massachusetts
Elbrus Siberian Cats – Massachusetts
Siberian Miracle Cattery – Massachusetts
Slava Siberians – Missouri
Figg and Prowle – New Hampshire
Honey Siberian Hypoallergenic Cats – New Jersey
Siberian Bliss Cattery – New Jersey
Petite Siberians – New York
Siberian Angels NY Cattery – New York
Winterlight Cattery – Ohio
Militza Siberians – Oregon
Rozhenitsa Siberian Cattery – Oregon
Sibirskaja Cattery – Pennsylvania
Magic Siberians – Texas
MunchRanch – Texas
Siberian Cats of Utah – Utah
Regal Siberian – Virginia
Virginia Kittens – Virginia
Glorious Siberians – Washington
Shaded Sky Siberians – Washington
Heavnzsent Siberians – Wisconsin
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