The Siberian Cat
The Siberian cat is a natural breed of semi long haired domestic cat. Natural breed means they developed in a specific geographic area which lent itself to the development of traits which would help them survive. In this case, that geographic area was Russia although at the time it was the USSR.
The Siberian Cat developed a thick, triple-layer coat for protection in cold winters with a slightly coarse texture so that it would be all weather and not prone to matting. Their ears were rounded so that they wouldn't suffer the frost bite large tall ears might be likely to have with lots of ear furnishing and often lynx tipping to provide protection. Their bodies were heavy set and stocky with a brush like tail to wrap around for warmth.
The Siberian Cats temperament is often referred to as dog like. This is a broad statement as, they are cats. That being said, their affectionate nature and intelligence is what makes people refer to them as dog like. However, keep in mind that every cat is unique in their personality and experiences and the broad attribute of dog like temperament may or may not be exactly spot on. They are very good at being cats and not so good at being dogs!
When deciding if a Siberian Cat is right for your family there are some things to consider. First, while they are a moderately large semi-longhair breed they are definitely more active than some of the others. They are also very inquisitive and known to get into mischief. So. if you are looking for a cat to just have lying around the house and, to just pay attention to on weekends, you probably are not looking at the right cat. The Siberian needs lots interaction and stimulation especially as a kitten or they will make their own adventures - and not ones you want them to. If you tend to work during the day or are busy, I'd recommend getting 2 so they can keep each other entertained. Of course you should be prepared to give them lots of attention anyway, but this will keep them busy.
Animal Planet aired a nice program on their Cats 101 show, but it did contain some errors. The Siberian very rarely reaches or exceeds 20 lbs. Average for males is 12-16 lbs. Yes, that's a broad range but it reflects the natural breed and real variations. Females are most often from 7-12 lbs. You will see those both smaller than or larger than these ranges but this is the most often seen.
Some good resources are:
CFA Breed Standards -
cfa.org/Portals/0/documents/breeds/standards/siberian.pdf
TICA Breed Standards -
www.tica.org/phocadownload/sb.pdf
The Siberian Cat developed a thick, triple-layer coat for protection in cold winters with a slightly coarse texture so that it would be all weather and not prone to matting. Their ears were rounded so that they wouldn't suffer the frost bite large tall ears might be likely to have with lots of ear furnishing and often lynx tipping to provide protection. Their bodies were heavy set and stocky with a brush like tail to wrap around for warmth.
The Siberian Cats temperament is often referred to as dog like. This is a broad statement as, they are cats. That being said, their affectionate nature and intelligence is what makes people refer to them as dog like. However, keep in mind that every cat is unique in their personality and experiences and the broad attribute of dog like temperament may or may not be exactly spot on. They are very good at being cats and not so good at being dogs!
When deciding if a Siberian Cat is right for your family there are some things to consider. First, while they are a moderately large semi-longhair breed they are definitely more active than some of the others. They are also very inquisitive and known to get into mischief. So. if you are looking for a cat to just have lying around the house and, to just pay attention to on weekends, you probably are not looking at the right cat. The Siberian needs lots interaction and stimulation especially as a kitten or they will make their own adventures - and not ones you want them to. If you tend to work during the day or are busy, I'd recommend getting 2 so they can keep each other entertained. Of course you should be prepared to give them lots of attention anyway, but this will keep them busy.
Animal Planet aired a nice program on their Cats 101 show, but it did contain some errors. The Siberian very rarely reaches or exceeds 20 lbs. Average for males is 12-16 lbs. Yes, that's a broad range but it reflects the natural breed and real variations. Females are most often from 7-12 lbs. You will see those both smaller than or larger than these ranges but this is the most often seen.
Some good resources are:
CFA Breed Standards -
cfa.org/Portals/0/documents/breeds/standards/siberian.pdf
TICA Breed Standards -
www.tica.org/phocadownload/sb.pdf
The Search for a Siberian Kitten
The search for a Siberian kitten does not have to be a daunting one. Siberian kittens can be found most anywhere in New England ranging in price is from $2,500-$3,000 and many times this does not include spay/neuter.
When you’re finding a price that is too high or too low you should question why. Is the breeder charging more for a certain color? Does the breeder spay/neuter and, microchip?
Have the kittens been vaccinated? How many vaccinations have they had? Is there a health guarantee? Does the breeder do genetic testing and ultra sound scan for HCM yearly to every 18 months all of their breeding cats and, do they provide documentation thereof? Do they come with a completed registration or, did they just come with a preliminary blue slip? Is the breeder willing to stand behind her kittens should a problem arise? These are the extra benefits that you’re paying for with a responsible breeder.
Buying from a responsible breeder means that the parents have been DNA tested for genetic diseases like PKD and PKD-1 as well as, ultrasound scannned for HCM by a certified veterinary cardiologist and not just a regular veterinarian. Make sure that your breeder is willing to show you test results from the parents of the kitten you are buying.
When looking for your Siberian kitten, it is so important to find a breeder you can trust. A breeder that will be there for you for the lifetime of your kitten who, has spent lots of time, effort and money raising your kitten and, cares about that kitten as much as you do. A breeder that will be there in the event a problem should arise. Breeders know their cats and kittens...they know their dispositions and can match potential owners up with the right kitten. The breeder client relationship is pretty much an 18 year commitment.
Does the breeder show their cats? This is an indication of dedication on the breeders part. Dedication not only to her cats but to the breed. By not showing and not keeping the Siberian consistent with the breed type, it is easy to then just be breeding nothing more than a pretty, long-haired cat.
Sometimes a breeder will keep a kitten a little longer to evaluate it for showing or breeding only to then changed her mind and decide to sell it. This does not mean that now they are a bargain or damaged goods because they are older. This is just another exceptional kitten that has become available.
The Siberian does not mature until they are between three and five years old. Many times getting an older kitten is better because, they have already gone through that horrible, wild, climbing up on everything stage and, are ready to become a well behaved member of your household. It is truly false information that an older kitten will not bond strongly. On the contrary, they are even more apt to bond more quickly and stronger. They have had extra time with the breeder, their parents and siblings making them much more well adjusted.
Owning a Siberian...priceless with a well bred and healthy, pedigreed, Siberian Cat!
UPDATE!! I no longer accept PayPal. I do not accept Zelle, Venmo or any such payments. Holds on a kitten may be paid by personal check or money order and the balance to be paid in cash upon, delivery of the kitten. I hand deliver all my kittens personally.
When you’re finding a price that is too high or too low you should question why. Is the breeder charging more for a certain color? Does the breeder spay/neuter and, microchip?
Have the kittens been vaccinated? How many vaccinations have they had? Is there a health guarantee? Does the breeder do genetic testing and ultra sound scan for HCM yearly to every 18 months all of their breeding cats and, do they provide documentation thereof? Do they come with a completed registration or, did they just come with a preliminary blue slip? Is the breeder willing to stand behind her kittens should a problem arise? These are the extra benefits that you’re paying for with a responsible breeder.
Buying from a responsible breeder means that the parents have been DNA tested for genetic diseases like PKD and PKD-1 as well as, ultrasound scannned for HCM by a certified veterinary cardiologist and not just a regular veterinarian. Make sure that your breeder is willing to show you test results from the parents of the kitten you are buying.
When looking for your Siberian kitten, it is so important to find a breeder you can trust. A breeder that will be there for you for the lifetime of your kitten who, has spent lots of time, effort and money raising your kitten and, cares about that kitten as much as you do. A breeder that will be there in the event a problem should arise. Breeders know their cats and kittens...they know their dispositions and can match potential owners up with the right kitten. The breeder client relationship is pretty much an 18 year commitment.
Does the breeder show their cats? This is an indication of dedication on the breeders part. Dedication not only to her cats but to the breed. By not showing and not keeping the Siberian consistent with the breed type, it is easy to then just be breeding nothing more than a pretty, long-haired cat.
Sometimes a breeder will keep a kitten a little longer to evaluate it for showing or breeding only to then changed her mind and decide to sell it. This does not mean that now they are a bargain or damaged goods because they are older. This is just another exceptional kitten that has become available.
The Siberian does not mature until they are between three and five years old. Many times getting an older kitten is better because, they have already gone through that horrible, wild, climbing up on everything stage and, are ready to become a well behaved member of your household. It is truly false information that an older kitten will not bond strongly. On the contrary, they are even more apt to bond more quickly and stronger. They have had extra time with the breeder, their parents and siblings making them much more well adjusted.
Owning a Siberian...priceless with a well bred and healthy, pedigreed, Siberian Cat!
UPDATE!! I no longer accept PayPal. I do not accept Zelle, Venmo or any such payments. Holds on a kitten may be paid by personal check or money order and the balance to be paid in cash upon, delivery of the kitten. I hand deliver all my kittens personally.