Siberian cat

• Siberian Cat Size: Medium to large, up to 35cm shoulder height
• Classification: semi-long-haired cat
• Color: All colors are allowed
• Body care: Brush weekly, brush daily during shedding.
• Character: Independent and reserved, attentive and friendly
• Origin: Siberia
• Weight: Up to 6kg (female) and 8kg (male)
• Eyes: Large, slightly oval in shape.
• Life expectancy: 15 to 20 years

Siberian Cat origin and history

The origin of the Siberian cat is disputed. Some claim that it comes from Russia, but most sources trace it back to Siberia – adapted from its name . It probably came about there through the crossing of wild and domestic cats . It was not until the end of the 1980s that the Siberian came to St. Petersburg through cat breeders.

What does it look like?

The Siberian cat has a medium-sized, muscular and elongated body. The head is relatively broad and the legs are strong. A slight roundness is also normal for this breed. The ears are medium-sized and the eyes are round and impressive. The Siberian cat’s fur is medium-long and all color variations are allowed. The eye color is also not specified, but a clear eye color is preferred. The Siberian can reach an age of 15 to 20 years and weigh 6 to 8 kg at the end of its life. This breed is also known to some as the ” Siberian Forest Cat .”

Characteristics

The Siberian cat is independent and reserved , but also attentive and friendly . In principle, it is the ideal family cat , as it has no problem with children or other pets. However, it needs peace and quiet and a place where it can retreat. Then it integrates itself enthusiastically into the turbulent family life and can even be very talkative .

Care, Health and Diseases

The Siberian cat is predisposed to a few cat diseases . These include dental problems , for example , but also hypertrophic cardiomyopathy . This causes a thickening of the heart muscle. An echocardiogram can reveal this disease and should therefore be carried out annually. The Siberian’s fur offers it good protection from rain and extreme cold. As a result, it does not cope well with heat. This breed of cat is naturally rather plump, but not necessarily overweight. However, it can tend to be overweight if its diet is not adapted to its lifestyle. Like all other cat breeds, the Siberian cat enjoys a meat-based diet . High-quality wet food with a high meat content or fresh meat in general is ideal 
.

The Siberian cat should be brushed at least weekly . During the shedding season, daily brushing is recommended, as this breed of cat loses a lot of its thick winter fur in order to cope with the higher temperatures. The Siberian is used to roaming through wide open spaces. Its need for exercise is correspondingly high. It should be allowed to run around freely on a regular basis . If this is not possible, it will enjoy a secure balcony .

What do I need to keep a Siberian cat?

They get along well with other cats, but can also cope well on their own. These cats have no problem with dogs and children, and of course not with other cats either, if you get them used to each other properly. A 
scratching post and quiet places are the basis for keeping a Siberian cat. The places should be big enough, as Siberians are not exactly small. Litter boxes and cat grass should also be part of keeping a Siberian. The Siberian has an oily top coat . This is water-repellent and therefore perfect for this breed of cat, which originally spent a lot of time outdoors and therefore in the rain.