Siberian cat (100 photos): standards and characteristics of the cat breed, history of the origin of Siberians, choice of kitten

Review author: “ZooVita”

Among the 36 breeds recognized by the International Federation of Cat Fanciers, the Russian Siberian cat occupies a worthy place.

Noble appearance, generous character, courage, friendliness - these are the qualities of the breed that attract cat lovers.

Origin story

There is an opinion that the ancestors of the Siberian cat were Norwegian forest cats, which were brought to the country by settlers. Written sources from the 16th century mention Bukhara cats - large, strong animals with thick hair and an independent character. You can agree with both the first and second versions, as well as refute both. But one thing is known for sure: in 1986, breeders began to select for breeding the so-called “native” Siberian type: large, fluffy and with powerful paws.

Animals fell into their hands simply: local residents brought their own animals to participate in the experiment. Gradually, breeding work began in the Far East and Siberia. In 1991, WCF adopted the standard developed by felinologist Olga Mironova. After 5 years, the breed was recognized by TICA and FIFe.

Currently, there are several large centers for breeding Siberian cats in Russia: in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Saratov, Yekaterinburg, Kirov, Petro was gradually identified as a separate breed.

A kitten without a pedigree costs about 10-20 thousand rubles, with documents - up to 40,000 rubles.

Original nicknames

An elite Siberian cat should not be called by a simple name; either a majestic and worthy old name is selected for it, or an original nickname that reflects its appearance and character traits:

• since the breed is Russian, then old Russian names are suitable - the cat Lyubava, Ulyana, Marfa, Varvara, Melanya, the cat Methodius, Nestor, Simon, Khariton, Miron, Elisha, Savely;
• aristocratic foreign names - cat Gloria, Isabella, Penelope, Jeanette, Charlotte, cat Archibald, Reinhard, Salvador, Oliver, Edgar;
• nicknames reflecting character - cat Vredina, Weasel, Bestia, Sissy, Quiet, Madonna, Princess, Sonya, Lighter, cat - Pirate, Master, Ataman, Grumpy, Mattress, Fat Man, Sparky, Demon; names reflecting color - cat Tuchka, Snezhana, Klyaksa, Cinnamon, Alba, cat Gray, Snow, Knight, Rufus, White, Black;
• according to the owner’s favorite delicacies - cat Toffee, Cookie, Bounty, Candy, cat Zephyr, Pate, Baguette, Lemon, Apricot, Donut, Biscuit, Raisin, Truffle;
• popular - Astra cat, Akira, Leia, Selena, Erica, Felix cat, Cody, Simba, Murphy, Kevin, Lucky;
• funny ones - the cat Button, Firecracker, Tablet, the cat Mityai, Boniface, Twix, Hippopotamus, Macho, Gypsy.

Standards

The appearance of the Siberian cat is impressive: its body is powerful, large, covered with thick and long hair. Females weigh 4-5 kg, the weight of an adult cat is much larger - 7-8 kg, and sometimes reaches up to 12! These are real long-livers - sometimes they live up to 20 years.

Significant disadvantages of the breed:

• “Bare” fingers;
• Coat growing in tufts and dull, lack of undercoat;
• Tail with bald spots, short or too long;
• Eyes that are too big or small;
• Ears too small or large;
• Flat cheeks, elongated muzzle, long thin neck, poorly developed bones.

basic information

Perhaps the most beautiful and vibrant Russian cat with a national character is the Siberian. These capricious furry treasures have long occupied a place of honor among all lovers of mustachioed and striped animals. But! Be careful! These cats are not so harmless and docile. Siberians can easily bring you half-dead birds from the balcony, or mice if you live in a country house. They are real hunters. Their scratchy paws can leave a single mark on a leg or arm if they are simply tired of playing with their owner, or they have not received their portion of attention for a long time. Yes, these cats are not for those who can just feed and clean the litter box!

Colors

• Solid: red, black, cream, blue.
• Tortoiseshell: when one shade is superimposed on another. For example, blue to cream, black to red.
• Tabby: “wild” color. Light and dark stripes, spots and areas alternate on the body, forming a pattern. The 3 most common are spotted, marbled and brindle.
• Golden and silver. They are quite rare.

In the photo there are cats of the Siberian breed of colors: tortoiseshell, tabby, golden.
White Siberian cats are even less common. There are 4 types: harlequin (with specks on the paws, back and head); bicolor (there is a dark triangle on the stomach, chest, inside of the paws and muzzle); spotted (there are several white areas on the body) and van (white except for the tail and a couple of areas on the top of the head).

Interesting facts about the Siberian cat breed

At the end of the 20th century, the current standard was approved, which distinguishes one breed from another. Existing canons of breed interpretation include taking into account the following factors:

• the weight of an elite representative of the species;
• height at withers;
• head shape;
• eye color and shape;
• tail;
• wool;
• general appearance of the physique.

Character and behavior

The Siberian cat, despite its great weight and apparent massiveness, is a very agile, jumping and fast creature. At a young age, he will not miss the opportunity to be pampered; as he matures, he becomes more sedate, but not lazy. The sense of self-esteem of these furry egg-bottles is “overflowing,” so don’t expect that the cat can be squeezed and stroked whenever you want. If the “Siberian” is in a good mood, he himself will ask you for a portion of affection, but if the cat is not in a good mood, it is better not to bother him - he begins to snap back and may even give you a paw.

He has a subtle instinct: if the owner has problems, he will never impose himself, but will sit on the sidelines and wait for the right moment.

Of all the family members, he chooses one “leader” for himself, and perceives the rest as his personal servants. He will faithfully wait for his owner from work, sleep on his things, meet him at the door and cuddle. They don't like loneliness. A Siberian cat definitely needs personal toys and its own closed house, where it can hide and relax from others.

Treats guests condescendingly. He quickly finds a common language with pets, but prefers to maintain neutrality: he is unlikely to sleep side by side with another cat or dog.

Name the cat who always wanted to live together

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It takes root well both in an apartment and in a private house. The last option is better: Siberian cats need walks in the fresh air, love to climb trees and bushes, and hunt for birds and moles. Without physical activity, she will feel “out of place,” so take her for walks more often, and put up a special complex at home with ladders and shelves.

Excellent hunters: from an early age they fearlessly hunt insects, mice and birds. Therefore, it is not worth having either one or the other in the apartment.

They adore small children: they know how to babysit them, try to protect them from strangers, play and indulge with them. At the same time, the claws never extend, do not hiss or snort, even if the child hurts the cat.

He quickly remembers his name and the commands “eat”, “drink”, “play”, “walk”. There are no problems with the tray.

This breed often develops hyperexcitability as it ages. And, unfortunately, the main activity occurs at night, when people want to sleep.

Interesting features of the Siberian cat breed

1. The first mention of Siberian cats dates back to the 16th century. But then they were called Bukhara cats.
2. Representatives of this breed are excellent hunters. Having a Siberian cat in the house, you can forget about the existence of any rodents.
3. Cats are wonderful fathers and help their “wives” raise their children.
4. They are distinguished by monogamous relationships. Cats enter into a “love” relationship with only one cat.
5. Siberians are independent and independent creatures. These kinds of pets are suitable for people who do not have the opportunity to devote a lot of time to their pets. Without its owners, the cat will not be bored, but will find something to do to its liking.
6. Tortoiseshell males, as a rule, do not give birth to offspring.
7. Siberian cats get along well with small children and dogs.
8. They recognize only one owner; the rest of the household, at best, are considered only their equals.
9. They love boiled shrimp and for the sake of this delicacy they can resort to “blackmail”, refusing to eat other foods.

Care instructions

Do not let your Siberian cat bask in the sun for a long time: from the bright sun, its fur begins to fade and may change color.

Wool

The calling card of the “Siberian” is its thick and long coat. It is necessary to comb the animal 2-3 times a week, during the molting period - daily, first using a wide-toothed comb, and then a slicker brush.

Bathing

“Siberians” are bathed only when their fur gets dirty: they don’t like water. The exception is an exhibition, before which a general polish is put in place.

Shampoos are selected that are special, do not dry out the coat and skin, and contain antibacterial additives. For example, “Detangling Celandine” Ecoprom, Doctor ZOO for long-haired cats, Phytoelite “From tangles”, AVZ Elite Professional.

Claws

The cat's claws are trimmed once a month: no more than a third, and without touching living tissue. The rest of the time, the animal copes on its own, grinding them off on a scratching post.

Ears

Check your ears every week. Accumulations of sulfur and dirt are removed with a cotton swab dipped in lotion (Api-San “Rosinka”) or chamomile decoction. The eyes of Siberians do not require special care.

Teeth

Once a week, be sure to brush your cat's teeth using a special short-bristled brush and cat toothpaste. If the animal refuses to be cleaned, scratches or becomes very frightened, use alternative means: liquid gel (dropped into water) or cleaning pads.

In the photo there are kittens of the Siberian breed

Training

The Siberian cat is quite smart. With some persistence, you can teach her to fetch things and follow a few simple commands.

When training, you should not shout at the animal; this can ruin the entire learning process and discourage the desire to learn commands. It is better to use affection and encouragement.

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Catering

If you feed an animal based only on its tastes - for example, only meat or fish - sooner or later its metabolism will be disrupted, problems with its kidneys, fur and teeth will arise. Therefore, remember the following rules:

• A healthy Siberian cat is fed 2 times a day: morning and evening. Serving size: 30-60 g per kg weight). A pregnant, lactating individual, with chronic diseases or an old one can be fed 3 times, or the portions can be increased.
• In addition to food and water, they grow grass (you can buy it at a pet store). The animal will come to her when he wants. The weed helps cleanse the stomach and is also an additional source of folic acid, vitamins and fiber.

Natural products

What is included in the diet if you choose natural food.

• Meat - all varieties: streaky beef, lean lamb, rabbit, turkey, veal, lamb. The meat is pre-frozen, and before feeding, it is doused with boiling water and cut (or minced). It is better to boil chicken. Bones, tripe and skin are not given; lard, duck and goose meat, and pork are also prohibited.
• Offal: heart (boiled), liver (stewed or boiled), kidneys and lungs (boiled), udder (a little fatty, so you can give it occasionally).
• Fish - sea varieties. These are flounder, tuna, hake, trout, cod, salmon. Raw fish causes intestinal upset and negatively affects the appearance, so the product is boiled or stewed. Fatty varieties - herring, mackerel, sprat - can be given rarely. Canned fish from pollock and cod - little by little and as a delicacy.
• Chicken eggs - boiled and only the yolk. Raw eggs are poorly digested by Siberians. Quails can be given whole.
• Dairy products: cottage cheese (with whey or egg yolk), fermented baked milk, sour cream, Varenets, natural yogurt, unleavened cheese. Products with dyes and pieces of fruit are prohibited. Whole cow's milk is given only if the cat does not have a negative reaction to it: diarrhea or vomiting.
• Vegetables: beets, carrots, pumpkin, green peas, cabbage (kohlrabi, cauliflower and white cabbage), some gourmets like to nibble on cucumbers and tomatoes. Vegetables are stewed and added to the porridge, rubbed with vegetable or olive oil.
• Cereals: oatmeal, rice, buckwheat, barley, pearl barley. Porridge is cooked in water or diluted milk, without sugar or salt.
• Fruits are not a necessity, but are allowed as a treat. Treat your pet to a piece of melon or apple or strawberry.
• Greens: parsley, dill, green salad, fresh nettle scalded with boiling water.
• Rye bread – a small piece once a week is enough. Bone meal is given if the cat refuses dairy products.

You cannot give:

• Dog food;
• Human vitamins;
• Sweet, smoked, salty, baked goods, flour;
• Tea, coffee, sparkling and mineral water, coffee, juices, alcohol;
• Eggplants, grapes, citrus fruits, legumes.

A piece of sugar-free cookie can be given as a reward, for example, during training.

Expert opinion

Dusheba Vera Ivanovna

In 2010, she graduated from the Moscow State Academy of Veterinary Medicine named after K.I. Scriabin with honors, specializing in veterinary medicine. I regularly attend veterinary conferences, congresses, and webinars.

Choose bowls for water and food that are shallow and stable. If you feed your cat natural food, you should wash the dishes after each meal. After dry food - once a week. Water should be freely available, clean and at a comfortable warm temperature. You can't pour from the tap! Give your cat bottled water or use tap water at home. If there is no fresh water in the bowl, the “Siberian” will climb into the toilet or try to open the tap on its own.

Recommended food

Industrial prepared food is divided into 4 groups.

Economy class food is the cheapest, but also the most stupid. Made from food waste, they contain a small amount of vitamins. TerraCat, Friskies, Perfect Fit.

Premium food is somewhat of a higher quality, but the percentage of meat is low, and the vitamins and minerals are not enough for the animal to fully exist. Mnyams, Night Hunter, Native food.

Super-premium and holistic food is made from high-quality products and contains the necessary minerals and vitamins for the growth and development of the animal. But such food is not cheap. Examples: super-premium - Brit Care, Leonardo, Vet Life; holistic - Jaguar, Nutram, Naturea.

Below are recommended super-premium foods. Links with the names of the food are clickable, on them you can, within our website, get acquainted with the descriptions of the food and read reviews from the owners of the Siberian cat breed.

Potential Health Problems

By nature, Siberian cats are endowed with excellent vitality and health, but are susceptible to urolithiasis when they eat only dry food. Hair that gets into the intestines during hygienic procedures also has a negative effect; in order to remove it, you need to give special food, but the animal can independently remove particles of wool - the gag reflex helps it with this.

When Siberians are left alone for a long time, the following negative consequences arise due to low mobility: hyperexcitability or hyperactivity. It is quite easy to deal with such manifestations - you need to play active games with your pet so that he “blows off steam”, after such exercise the activity syndrome goes away, the animal calms down.

Older Siberian cats may experience shortness of breath and slowness of movement, as well as coughing and lethargy, which is caused by heart or vascular disease. If you notice this, you need to visit a veterinarian who will recommend medications.

Diseases

The Siberian cat has a strong immune system, but this breed also has a number of problems. Most, fortunately, can be dealt with, you just need to seek help in time.

• Periodontal disease is a common disease among Siberians. The reason is the distant crossing of the forest Siberian breed with the Himalayan and Persian cats to consolidate physical characteristics. The provoking factor is poor nutrition and poor oral hygiene control by the animal owners. Damaged teeth have to be pulled out.
• Oncology – occurs in Siberian cats with white fur. With timely diagnosis and treatment, the animal lives quite a long time.
• Polycystic kidney disease is diagnosed in older cats. Cysts begin to grow, which gradually fill with fluid and negatively affect the functioning of the kidneys. There are no preventive measures, so animals with poor heredity should not be bred.
• Kidney stones and other pathologies of the lower urinary tract. Almost all are treatable.
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a thickening of the heart muscle. In Siberian cats, even kittens suffer from the disease (in other breeds, the disease manifests itself in old age). It cannot be cured, but early diagnosis and supportive therapy can prolong the cat’s life for many years.

If your pet begins to hide in corners, eats poorly, behaves restlessly, or vice versa - moves little, vomits or blood is found in its feces - immediately take the cat to the veterinarian!

Expert opinion

Dusheba Vera Ivanovna

In 2010, she graduated from the Moscow State Academy of Veterinary Medicine named after K.I. Scriabin with honors, specializing in veterinary medicine. I regularly attend veterinary conferences, congresses, and webinars.

Do not ignore vaccinations, even if your pet lives in an apartment and does not come into contact with other animals. The causative agents of plague, chlamydia, viral rhinotracheitis and the like can be brought into your home very simply: on your shoes or clothing, on your hands and other objects. The first vaccinations are given to babies at 3 months, they are first given an anthelmintic drug (7-10 days before the procedure), and revaccination is done a month after the first vaccination. Keep in mind that this is a burden for a small organism, so if your pet is sick, or his teeth are changing, or he needs to be transported to a place with a different climate, postpone vaccination for a while.

In the photo there is a Siberian cat on a walk

How to choose the right kitten

To avoid becoming a victim of scammers, it is better to look for a potential pet in certified nurseries or trusted breeders. It is advisable to buy a Siberian no earlier than he is 3-3.5 months old. By this age, he will already have all the vaccinations and documents confirming his breed.

Kittens should be curious, well-groomed and moderately well-fed. They should not have a bloated belly, sour eyes, matted hair, foul mouth, discharge from the ears, dirt under the tail or scratching on the skin.

Kitten care

Responsible breeders do not separate babies from their mother before they are 3 months old. Therefore, by the time the Siberian kitten moves to a new home, it is already quite independent. He is litter box trained, knows how to use a scratching post, and eats many foods with gusto. The owner can only give the pet time to get used to the new environment and show where its bowls, toilet and place to sleep are.

In order for the little Siberian to adapt faster, they communicate and play with him more often. And so that the kitten’s curiosity does not lead him to trouble, all wires, household chemicals, small objects and indoor plants are hidden in the house. Also, for safety reasons, do not leave windows, oven doors or washing machines open.