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 world of cat breeders can be a mixed bag - while there are many reputable and responsible breeders out there, unfortunately, there are also many unethical breeders preying on unsuspecting buyers. My heart goes out to those who have purchased unhealthy or unsocialized kittens from these “kitten producers”.
When it comes to finding a high-quality breeder who prioritizes the health and socialization of their kittens, the saying "you get what you pay for" rings true. Simply being registered with CFA or TICA does not automatically make a breeder trustworthy. It's easy for breeders to obtain cattery listings without adhering to ethical breeding practices.
So, how can you find a reputable breeder? Research is key. Look for breeders who can provide evidence of health testing including HCM ultrasound scans for conditions like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and DNA testing for testable genetic conditions. One way to ensure you're dealing with a responsible breeder is to consult resources like the Siberian Cat Health Association (SCHA), which lists breeders committed to ethical practices and health testing.
A good breeder doesn't just allow buyers to pick their kittens; they invest time, effort, and resources into ensuring the well-being of their cats and kittens. They prioritize health testing, provide comprehensive care for their animals, and offer support and guidance to buyers throughout the kitten's life. Beware of “kitten producers” who prioritize speed and convenience over the well-being of their animals.
When it comes to price, remember that quality comes at a cost. Siberian kittens typically range from $2500-$3000, so be wary of significantly lower prices that may indicate questionable breeding practices. Investing in a reputable, caring breeder ensures that you're getting a healthy kitten and ongoing support.
Ultimately, the choice is yours. By supporting reputable breeders and prioritizing responsible practices, you contribute to the well-being of cats and combat the prevalence of unethical breeders. Make an informed decision, prioritize quality over convenience, and choose a breeder who puts the health and happiness of their cats first.
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.