9 Facts You Didn't Know About Siberian Cats
The Siberian cat breed is native to Siberia โ figures, right? Siberia is a region in Russia well known for its long winters, so itโs unsurprising that Siberian catsโ coats are strongly suited to colder environments with a dense triple layer of fur!
Thatโs not the only fascinating insight into the breed we can tell you about, either. In todayโs article, weโre exploring some of our favourite facts about Siberian cats, covering their heritage, characteristics, and what makes them a perfect family-friendly addition.
What is a Siberian Cat?
Siberian cats, or โMoscow longhairsโ, were the first official cat breed to come out of Russia and are their national cat, although they werenโt formally recognised until 1987. Despite this, the earliest record of the Siberian cat is said to come from the 13th century, and there are many references to the native โSiberian forest catsโ in Russia, dating back as far as 1000 AD. Itโs thought that they may also be the ancestors of other long-haired cats too, including the Norwegian Forest Cat and Maine Coons.
Facts About Siberian Cats
If youโre considering adding a feline friend to your family, donโt pass up on the Siberian Forest Cat! While their size and fur may seem like a task to take on at first, their temperament, lifespan and laid-back nature makes them a great fluffy companion!
1. Siberian Catsย Come in Lots of Colours
Siberian cats are large and strong, with their long thick coats coming in a wide range of different colours and patterns. The most common Siberian cat colour youโll come across is the brown tabby.
2. Theyโreย Very Clever
Being a highly intelligent breed, Siberian cats need regular mental and physical stimulation. While they love attention, theyโre generally very laid-back and not especially clingy, valuing their independence. They love interactive play with their humans, problem solving activities, and can be trained to a high level. Youโll want to let them have space to roam the garden as they have a curious nature and love climbing, exploring, and being outdoors.
3. A Breed Of Cat Thatย Loves Water!
Unlike many other domestic cat breeds, Siberian Cats are known to love playing in water, and may even sneak into your shower or bath and give you a surprise! Their triple coat is water-repellent, and their forest-dwelling ancestors would have played in snow, sleet, and rain during the long Siberian winters.
4. Siberian Catsย Arenโt Hypoallergenic
With their long, thick fur you may be wondering if Siberian cats are hypoallergenic โ while no cats are 100% hypoallergenic, the Siberian cat breed are said to produce less of the allergen-causing Fel D1 proteins than other cat breeds. Did you know that people are allergic to these proteins present in their saliva? Itโs not fur that causes allergies directly, but the transfer of these proteins when they groom themselves! This can make them a better option for people with mild allergies, however they are not hypoallergenic.ยย
If youโre considering aย Siberian cat and you know you have allergies, try and spend some time with one first so you can see how your immune system reacts. Siberian cats are sometimes re-homed from families where a person has allergies and struggled to live with the cat, so itโs best to make sure you know before deciding to bring a cat home.
5. Theyโreย Are Great Family Pets
Siberian cats are friendly and mellow with an affectionate nature and have the potential to make good therapy pets. Theyโre good around people and can be raised with other family pets but may take a little time to warm up to any new people they donโt know.
6. Siberian Cats Are Known To Talk!
Known for โtalkingโ to their humans, Siberian cats often make loud melodic purrs when theyโre being stroked, as well as mews, trills, and chirps. With their sweet nature and soft fluffy appearance, this makes them even more lovable!
7. Siberian Cat Breedsย Are Very Healthyย
Regular vet check-ups are as important for the Siberian cat breed as they are for any cat or other pet, but these fluffy felines are generally very healthy. This is part of what makes them a strong choice for adoption!There are very few hereditary diseases present in the Siberian cat breed, but itโs important to be aware of any that may have affected your catโs lineage. The most common genetic condition is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), but most Siberian cats go on to live a very long, healthy life.
8. Siberian Catsย Form Strong Bonds
Known for being a very social breed, Siberian cats tend to form strong bonds not only with their humans, but also with their breeding partners. Siberian cats make great parents, with males being nurturing fathers and helping to care for their kittens โ which certainly helps mum out as they usually have rather large litters.
9. They Require A Regular Groom
Despite their waterproof coat, Siberian cats can still get mucky or tangled fur! They need a regular brushing routine to prevent their fur from matting and to reduce shedding, so itโs important to train Siberian kittens with the brush from a young age.ย
Siberian cats shed seasonally, twice a year in autumn and spring. While they still shed hair at other times like any furry feline, this is when they will have their main change of coat. Their autumn shed usually happens in October to November in order to prepare for colder conditions and allows their winter coat to grow in. In the spring theyโll shed this heavier winter coat around April to May and be left with a much lighter coat for the warmer summer months.
Itโs recommended to regularly brush your Siberian cat (and vacuum up!) more often (and maybe occasionally bathe them) during the shedding seasons to prevent tangles and fur-balls, though they only shed moderately in comparison to some other long-haired cat breeds.
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