Longhaired cats have long been sought after. Their lovely appearance, huge yellow-green eyes, and a feathered tail plume have stolen many hearts for decades. The regal Siberian breed was formed naturally hundreds of years ago in Siberia, but it did not make its way to America until 1990. The Siberian cat breed was recognized as registered with the World Cat Federation, then the Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFe) in 1997, and by The International Cat Association (TICA) in 1998.
Meet the Siberian Cat
The ancient breed of Siberian cats is well-loved for their perfectly round physique, playful nature, and long, sleek fur. They make a perfect addition to a household with children or an empty nest. Siberian cats typically bond closely with one person but are usually gentle around children. Of course, you must speak to your children about the preferred way to handle cats and how to treat them overall. Siberian cats are silly and playful, but also need to lounge around and will do so with you. Don’t be surprised when you find your buddy snuggled up next to you during nap time.
Appearance
Siberian cats have long, heavy, silky fur that begs to be touched. They typically have long hair growing out of their ears, but some do not. Their eyes can range from a bold yellow to a yellowish-green. They are not large cats, but their fluffy appearance helps them look substantially bigger than they would with short fur. The plume of a tail generally looks the same shape as a peacock feather and is long.
Some people say that the Siberian cat is hypoallergenic, although this has not been scientifically proven.
Size
Siberian cats might look like fluffballs carrying some weight, so you might be surprised to learn that these cats are all fluff. They are medium to large in size and weigh between 8 and 17 pounds. They are lighter than some domesticated cats, but like domesticated cats, they can be skinny, long, and lanky, weighing 17 pounds, or they can be perfectly round and large, made up almost entirely of fluff, and weigh only 8 pounds.
Colors Available
Siberian cats are available in all the colors of any other domesticated cat breed, so if you have your heart set on adopting a calico Siberian kitten, you have a good chance of making your wish come true. The colors and patterns found in the Siberian breed include white, calico, tortoiseshell, brown tabby, blue tabby, red tabby, cream tabby, golden shaded, black golden shaded, black, black torbie, brown torbie, and black smoke.
Habitat
As Russia’s only native domesticated cats, Siberian cats are accustomed to the subarctic temperatures and unforgiving wilderness of the Siberian forest. It isn’t just cold in Siberia, it’s incredibly cold! It can range from -15 to -60 degrees Celsius, which corresponds to a temperature range of 5 degrees Fahrenheit to -76 degrees Fahrenheit. That level of cold air won’t just make you feel chilly; it will physically hurt to be in that temperature. These little fuzzy cats are made to survive in such freezing temperatures. Not many animals, people, or living things, in general, can survive in such a climate. There you go, if you need another reason not to vacation in Russia!
Diet
Any feline’s delicate and often complex diet can end in a headache for the person trying to make the little furry beast happy. Naturally, all cats (unless they are an impostor) love stinky, fatty, oily fish. In rescue, when trapping feral cats that would rather walk through fire than come anywhere near a human, trappers use stinky tuna to tempt even the most unattainable cat into the trap.
Siberian cats are no different than your average cat in terms of nourishment; they enjoy most meats and fish. A diet of both canned and dry cat food is required. Some Siberians may like their food too much and need help with portion control.
Health Issues
Regarding health issues, all longhaired cats are more predisposed to urinary tract issues than short-haired cats. Male Siberian cats can experience a condition where sediment builds up in their urethra, blocking them from passing urine. It is excruciating, and most owners don’t notice it until the cat is severely blocked and needs to be hospitalized to save its life. You can take your cat to a groomer and have them give your cat’s behind an overhaul. With shorter fur around their genitals, urinary issues are less likely to occur. nearly as often.
Typically, dietary adjustments can help resolve urinary tract issues in cats. Also, making the water appear more appetizing is necessary. Oftentimes, male cats develop sediment because they are not drinking enough water. Feline water fountains or adding water to canned food can help.
Lifespan
Owning a Siberian cat can be a wonderful experience for everyone involved, but it is essential to remember a few things. Before visiting a breeder, check cat rescues and specifically look for Siberian cat rescues for available cats. If you do go to a breeder, make sure to choose a good one. Check with previous adopters and online reviews, and always use your best judgment. Also, know that a Siberian cat adopted from a breeder will come with a hefty price tag.
Though we cat owners wish our furry friends were immortal, they aren’t… yet. With proper nutrition, appropriate and frequent vet care, preventive maintenance, and loads of love and admiration, your Siberian cat could live to be 20 years old. We wish you both a happy life.
