Caring for a Siberian cat: is it really a Siberian?

Origin story

In fact, residents of Siberia had never even thought about the fact that their cats belonged to a certain breed. Such size and length of wool is rather a pattern in these parts, where winters are so severe that the animals had to adapt.

It is believed that a breed such as the Siberian cat originated from Bukhara cats. So these fluffies have a lot in common with Asian purrs. It was Asian traders who brought large, beautiful pets to the territory of Siberia. Local residents quickly dismantled them, since they could easily catch rodents.

Several years passed before the Bukharans were able to adapt a little to local living conditions. They grew fluffier fur and improved their hunting skills. A little later, the huge fluffy cats caught the eye of Russian merchants, who willingly took them for sale. This happened around the 16th century.

Thus, Siberian cats became widespread throughout Russia. They could be found both in huge palaces and in a small house in the village.

At the same time, Siberian cats appeared as a breed only towards the end of the twentieth century. Having carefully studied the characteristics of the purr, Russian felinologists successfully registered the breed in 1987. And 5 years later, Siberian kittens were included in the list of the World Organization of Felinologists. Since then, there has been a specific standard that characterizes the breed. This allows animals to take part in exhibitions and competitions.

By the way, there is also a version that Siberian cats descended from Norwegian cats brought to the territory of Siberia by settlers. However, this assumption was never confirmed.

Where are you from?

The breed was bred in Russia simultaneously with the formation of the felinological movement in the country. There is a version that their ancestors were residents of the Siberian taiga, which is why cats have an appearance that helps them survive in harsh conditions. Work on the description of the breed was carried out from 1986 to 1989.

At first they were classified as Norwegian forest dogs, but over time the standards and characteristics of this particular breed were described. The name “Moscow Semi-Longhair” was proposed for her, but in the end the more historical name “Siberian” was chosen.

Did you know? The first mentions of cats, similar in description to “Siberians,” were found back in the 17th century. Then they were called Bukhara.

The breed was registered in the Soviet Felinological Federation in 1989, and in 1995 the breed standard was adopted and published by the World Cat Organization.

Description and breed standard

The description of the Siberian cat breed correlates well with its habits and appearance. Breed characteristics include body size, head size, eye shape, tail and coat description. And so what breed standard does the fluffy beauty have:

1. These are quite large animals. Body weight can reach 6–12 kilograms.
2. Representatives have some features. Many have a massive neck, strong back, and toned stomach.
3. The head is medium or large. This is influenced by the variety.
4. The eyes are oval shaped.
5. The ears are not big.
6. Thick and long coat. Has a double undercoat. There are smooth-haired representatives.
7. The tail is long, fluffy, large.

Despite the large amount of wool, the breed is considered hypoallergenic. Good for allergy sufferers.

Different types of Siberian cats have their own unique characteristics, ranging from the color of their fur coat to the presence of tufts on their ears.

Colors

The colors of the Siberian cat can be very diverse:

1. The rarest color is white. A solid shade that should be absolutely pure. White representatives are also called Angora. The presence of stains is unacceptable according to the standard. A white cat may have honey, orange and blue eyes.
2. Black Siberian. Another name for black marble. Quite a rare combination. Kittens are usually brown at birth, which subsequently darkens. This color easily fades in the sun, becoming a reddish tone. This is unacceptable for show cats.
3. Gray Siberian. Representatives of this species are divided into smoky color and marble color.
4. Tortoiseshell color. As a rule, these are three-colored pets. Combines red and black tones. The red part should not have any pattern, and the tones should be harmoniously located throughout the pet’s body.
5. Black and white cat. Also has two color options. Black smoke covers the entire body of the animal in uniform spots. In the second option, the black marble shade affects only the face, ears, paws, tail and back.
6. Smoky color. The shade is uniform, distributed over the entire body of the animal. The color of the coat is blue.
7. Siberian color point or masquerade. Pets are born white; they get striped color much later.
8. Golden color. Representatives are very beautiful, have red and brown spots.
9. The tabby or patterned color is most suitable for the wild ancestor. Often found in Russian courtyards. A short-haired variation of this color is also possible.

Character and habits

The character of the Siberian cat fully corresponds to its name and pedigree. Habits and basic instincts make themselves known at the first convenient opportunity. The cat is a rat catcher and a real hunter. They are not afraid of dogs and bravely guard the territory from uninvited guests.

The animal is very smart, quickly gets used to its name and the place where the toilet is located. The Siberian breed is affectionate with people, but at the same time restrained. You can pet her only with her consent. A strong character does not interfere with getting along with kids.

Features of mating and breeding

The Siberian cat is ready for the first mating at 7–10 months. By the time of mating, the animal must be dewormed. After mating, the cat owner needs to take care of the maximum care for the animal during pregnancy. During this period, the cat experiences drowsiness, increased appetite, and may even develop toxicosis.

If breeding offspring is not planned, then it is better to sterilize (castrate) the animal.

Contrary to popular belief, castration and sterilization are performed on both male and female cats. Only after sterilization does the animal not lose its sexual instincts and retains all organs related to the reproductive system. Females have their fallopian tubes tied, and males have their testes, as a result of which they cannot produce offspring. Castration involves the complete removal of the genital organs, so that the corresponding instincts in the animal fade away. Naturally, there is also no question of offspring.

For cats and cats, surgery is performed when they reach puberty, at approximately 7 months.

Breeding purebred kittens requires a lot of labor. Decent living conditions must be created for animals, and mating must be carried out only within the breed. In practice, it is difficult to maintain a breeding line within one cattery, so for existing cats, breeders select a pair externally.

Siberian cats take excellent care of their offspring, usually doing this in pairs

It is best to look for a purebred cat for mating at exhibitions, where you can see the existing offspring and get acquainted with the documents and pedigree of the animal. When breeding, breeders may encounter some discrepancies in breed characteristics. This is not considered a marriage. We are talking about intra-breed differences that animals have depending on the territory of their residence. For example, the distinctive features of Siberian cats of Sevastopol are thin and not too long hair, a wide nose and a massive head. To avoid the birth of kittens with obvious violations of standards, they try to exclude from breeding kittens that have defects in the breed.

External features of the Siberian cat breed

Wool

Siberian kittens are a long-haired breed. And this is putting it mildly - their fur is so thick that it requires special care. Of course, this length of fur coat is due to the fact that the kittens lived for a long time in severe frosts and were forced to adapt.

The Siberian's fur itself is quite coarse and tough. But the undercoat is soft and pleasant to the touch.

The fur of the Siberian cat is so tough that it is waterproof. This allowed the pets to catch fish in cold lakes and rivers.

Color

The Siberian breed of cats can be presented in absolutely any color. Their fur can be either plain or have certain patterns. It’s even difficult to say which color is most common.

Representatives of the color-point breed even received a separate name. Such Siberians are called “Neva masquerade cat”.

Tail

The tail is the real pride of the Siberian cat. It is very fluffy and even somewhat resembles the tail of a fox. The length of the tail is medium, its thick base tapers closer to the tip.

Eyes

Wide-set ones can come in a variety of shades. The shape of the eyes approaches a circle.

Ears

They are medium in size and widely set. It should also be noted that all representatives of the breed have ears slightly tilted forward. Their base is quite wide, but becomes noticeably narrower towards the tips. The tip of the ears is rounded.

Body

First of all, it is worth noting the dimensions of the case. The massiveness of the body is harmoniously complemented by its muscularity, which makes Siberians amazing hunters. The animals' paws are short, but also quite strong and muscular. Between the paw pads there are tufts of thick fur for added warmth. The chest of cats and kittens is quite massive.

Head

Wide wedge-shaped head. It has smooth outlines and is slightly rounded.

How to choose the right Siberian pet

When choosing a kitten, you need to be guided by the following rules:

• examine the appearance of the baby, the kitten should be clean, active and curious;
• You should not choose the smallest kitten from the litter;
• if breeding is planned, you need to carefully study the baby’s pedigree;
• There is no need to purchase an animal whose age is younger than 2.5–3 months.

You can distinguish a purebred kitten by the following characteristics:

• the upper part of the head is wide, gradually narrowing towards the end of the muzzle;
• the ears are rounded and tilted forward, with small tassels at the tips;
• the eyes are large, almost round, the distance between them is greater than the width of the eye itself;
• the hind limbs are higher than the forelimbs;
• thick coat;
• tufts of fur are visible between the fingers;
• the tail is long and fluffy.

Externally, Siberians, Maine Coons and representatives of the Norwegian Forest breed are similar, but the shape of the head has obvious differences.
When choosing a kitten, you should definitely pay attention to its parents, this will help to visually assess the baby’s compliance with breed standards.

A purebred kitten can be bought in the following nurseries:

• GLADNESS RAY (Volgograd);
• Talan (Saratov);
• Manchzhur (Voronezh).

The price of a kitten depends on the class of the animal. The most expensive Show-class (participate in exhibitions), their cost is from 25 to 60 thousand rubles. A Breed-class kitten (participated in breeding) can be bought for 15–30 thousand rubles, and a pet-class pet (pet) can be found for 10 thousand rubles.

How to choose a cat

A Siberian cat kitten can be weaned from its mother at the age of 3 months.

By this time, the animal will learn to lap up food from a saucer, use a tray, and acquire the necessary skills to communicate with other representatives of the animal world.

A healthy kitten should be active and cheerful

According to user reviews, the character of the Siberian cat changes slightly over time, so pay close attention to the behavior of the small animal.

If the pet is active and cheerful, you are lucky - the cat will be a wonderful pet.

But it is better to avoid purchasing lethargic and timid kittens; infantile fear can cause aggression and unsociability at an older age.

When choosing a baby in a nursery, focus on health certificates, check information about vaccinations performed and check that the documents are filled out correctly.

And when buying a cat remotely, be sure to ask for a photo of a Siberian cat in order to at least visually assess the animal’s compliance with the breed.

Small representatives of the Siberian cat breed

We choose and ask the price

When choosing a kitten, first of all, you need to decide on the purposes for which you are getting it: as a pet, for breeding, for participation in exhibitions. For example, show cats (show class) are not suitable for breeding.

Before choosing a kitten, look at its mother: does she look well-groomed and healthy enough? Don't take the most timid kitten - they tend to have weak immune systems and are at risk of being stressed. But at the same time, do not choose the most aggressive one (this can be expressed not only in attacks, but also in pushing away your fellows). The kitten should be playful, curious and clean. You should also find out what vaccinations he was given.

The price of Siberian cat kittens depends on the class of the breed, the presence of pedigree, and the fame of the parents. The average cost ranges from $20 to $160.

Character of the Siberian cat

We have already said that the Siberian cat breed originated in the wild. That is why they still have hunting instincts. In terms of their behavior in open spaces, these purrs have much in common with steppe and forest cats. Siberian kittens are real hunters, which they love to show at the first opportunity.

This is one of the few cat breeds that has a lot in common with dogs. Siberians also zealously guard their territories and are not happy with outsiders. In this case, aggression in animals is reduced to zero. At least from scratch. A pet can bite and scratch only if it is attacked. Moreover, in a fight such cats can be cruel.

Siberian cats have excellent sense of direction. They quickly remember where the house is and can calmly walk on their own, returning to their owners. Such fluffies are extremely rarely lost.

Siberian cats are especially kind to their owners. They quickly become attached and find a favorite among family members. Despite their independent nature, the animals are very friendly and sociable. They get along well with small children, although they do not allow kids to pull them by the tail and ears.

Rules for caring for a Siberian

In the case of Siberian cats, care is of great importance. These pets love their owners to pay them enough attention and take good care of them. In addition, the life expectancy of the pet and its health directly depend on this. That is why you should pay special attention to the rules of caring for a Siberian cat.

The main points in this case will be:

1. Bathing and grooming and more

Due to such a long coat, special attention should be paid to caring for your pet's coat. The coat of Siberian cats is easy to comb out. Usually she can easily handle the cleanliness of her fur coat herself, but she will need a special paste in order to remove the fur from her intestines.

In this case, twice a week you need to set aside time and comb your pet with a special brush. During the shedding process, you should comb and wash your cat more often, as the hair will fall out actively. When choosing a shampoo, you should give preference to those that provide shine and silkiness, and easy combing. Combs should be chosen that are hard and capable of thoroughly combing each hair, avoiding the formation of tangles.

In the cold season, you should dry the wool with a hairdryer to avoid hypothermia. When bathing an animal, you need to make sure that water does not get into the ears.

Siberians' claws are long and sharp and require trimming. You can purchase a scratching post for your pet, then the animal will sharpen its claws on its own. To prevent ear diseases, you should clean your ears, and if your cat has been accustomed to brushing its teeth since childhood, then the risk of infection in the oral cavity is practically reduced to zero.

2. Habitat

Siberian cats are very disciplined and therefore very easy to train. The main thing is that they have their own sleeping place. This will be their personal space only. Of course, some cats prefer to sleep with their owners, but they should still have their own place. It would be better if it was a sofa or a cradle.

The sleeping place should be placed away from drafts and loud sounds - there the cat should have the opportunity to retire. You can place the cat corner in the hallway or living room.

3. Physical activity

Since Siberian cats are hunters themselves, they require active physical activity. The animal should be provided with a sufficient number of toys for which it can run and waste energy. You also need to take care of his walks in acceptable weather.

The muscles are adapted to such loads and without sufficient training, partial muscle atrophy may occur, which will lead to a significant deterioration in the pet’s health.

4. Going out

Siberian cats are companions by nature. They will appreciate it if the owner decides to take them for a walk or on a trip. But at the same time you need to take care of everything necessary. Although animals of this breed are very smart, it is better to play it safe and purchase a collar and leash. You will also need a carrying bag.

It is worth paying special attention to your pet's clothing. Despite his long coat, he can suffer significantly during the cold season, since he spends most of his time at home and does not adapt to such weather conditions. You should also spend a minimum of time outside in the summer - the cat may even get sunstroke. If you still need to take it out into the sun often, then it is better to trim the animal. If a Siberian cat is caught in the rain, it must be dried with a hairdryer to avoid catching a cold.

Conclusions about the breed

The Siberian cat received the right to wear a unique fur coat, which turned out to be easy to care for. The kitty takes excellent care of her coat herself. Another advantage of the breed is its high health indicator, provided that it is well cared for by the owner.

In a family, a cat quickly becomes a friend to every member of the household: it plays with children, gets along with other pets, and unobtrusively offers its company to everyone. In return, she expects only affection and attention!

Appearance

The Siberian cat is a fairly large breed, weighing up to 15 kg. Siberian cats are much heavier than females. Animals have long, waterproof fur, which is especially noticeable in the winter. A distinctive feature of the breed is a peculiar ruff on the neck, a fluffy head and tail. Their body is barrel-shaped. The cat's head is shaped like a rounded wedge.

Sometimes this breed may have hair on the tops of their ears which makes the rounded ears appear more pointed. This detail gives a visual resemblance to wild representatives of this cat.

Siberian cats have hind legs that are slightly longer than their front legs. Overall the animal looks very balanced and graceful. Siberian cats are also very active and acrobatic.

Conditions of detention and care

Ideally, a Siberian cat should live in a country house. There she will have more space for active games and walks in the fresh air. In addition, it is there that the fluffy will be able to embody all his hunting instincts and run after birds and insects.

Here are some more recommendations for caring for Siberian cats:

1. If you live in an apartment, your Siberian needs to be walked regularly. To do this, you should buy a special leash. In order for the cat to feel freedom in the apartment, buy a special corner where the animals can climb.
2. During the molting period, it is necessary to carefully comb the cat using special combs. You can even use a furminator. So that the cat is not afraid of the comb, it is better to start the procedure from an early age.
3. Siberians love to swim, so you don’t have to be afraid of the animal. Water procedures are recommended to be carried out once every 2-3 months.
4. You should not trim your cat's claws, especially if he goes outside.

As you can see, despite the long hair, the pet does not need to be washed too often. He is quite capable of taking care of himself on his own. The main thing is to promptly remove dead, flaky skin using special combs.

Be sure to keep your pet's ears clean and visit your veterinarian regularly for checkups. It is recommended to clean dirt from the ears and eyes using cotton wool soaked in clean water.

How to care for Siberian cats

Siberians do not need complex care Caring for Siberian cats, because they can take excellent care of themselves in most cases. But if you notice that your pet’s fur is becoming tangled and mats appear in it, it would be a good idea to help him.

Siberian cats take care of their luxurious coat themselves. Photo: tania.wild/Depositphotos

Seasonal shedding in Siberian cats lasts approximately 10 days. During this period, animals need to be combed daily: this will speed up the renewal process and maintain an attractive appearance.

The rest of the time, Siberian cats do not leave a lot of fur throughout the apartment, although there are exceptions.

As for bathing, it is important when preparing for exhibitions and if the pet gets very dirty, for example, while playing outside. Usually this procedure does not cause problems if the kitten is accustomed to it from a young age.

Trim nails that are too long as they grow. Also keep an eye on your eyes and ears. If necessary, wipe them with lotions that can be purchased in specialized stores. Pay attention to brushing your teeth - doing this a couple of times a week is enough.

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!

What to feed a Siberian cat?

Many owners of this breed are interested in what to feed their Siberian cat. In fact, representatives of this breed are not very picky when it comes to nutrition. They can easily eat the same things you eat.

Veterinarians recommend feeding Siberians with homemade food. The main thing is that it is of high quality. Your pet's diet must include lean meat, poultry, and lean fish. By the way, the Siberian cat loves fish products (especially shrimp) most of all. She can even catch fish on her own.

In order for the fluffy to receive all the necessary microelements, it is also important to add egg yolk and dairy products (kefir, fermented baked milk, yogurt, cottage cheese) to the diet. Avoid cow's milk, it is better to replace it with goat's milk.

Your pet should get carbohydrates from porridge (oatmeal, buckwheat, rice). You can dilute natural nutrition using special dry food. Choose premium or holistic products. It is advisable to take a closer look at a diet that helps remove hair from the stomach.

Also read: Cat food rating 2019

Separately about nutrition

For feeding, the cat needs to be given a separate corner and its own dishes. After eating, throw away all leftover food and wash the dishes, otherwise you may cause an upset stomach or poisoning.

Kitten

The diet of young animals up to three years old should consist of 70% meat products. A Siberian cat kitten eats 6 times a day in small portions for up to six months. When buying a kitten, be sure to ask the breeder what he ate, and stick to this diet for the first time, gradually changing it if necessary.

The ideal meat for them is shredded beef; you can also feed chicken, turkey and rabbit. Fatty meat should be excluded. You can dilute the menu with eggs, offal (fresh), boiled sea fish, as well as vegetables and cereals. Give dairy products with caution and observe the body's reaction.

Adult cat

Feeding of adults is reduced to twice a day. Do not offer snacks between meals - there should be a strict routine in this regard. Milk, cream and other fatty foods should be completely excluded from the diet of cats over 6 years of age.

Nurseries

If you have decided to buy a Siberian kitten in a specialized Siberian cattery, then I want to please you: now there are many catteries. These nurseries are located in different countries of the world:

• in Russia (Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Nizhny Novgorod, Chelyabinsk, Kazan, Novosibirsk, Voronezh, Perm, Saratov, Krasnoyarsk, Tyumen, Yaroslavl, Ufa, Penza, etc.);
• in Belarus (Minsk, Brest, Mogilev, etc.);
• in Ukraine (Kyiv, Kharkov, Dnepr, Lviv, etc.);
• in the USA (New York, Los Angeles, Dallas, Las Vegas, etc.);
• in Canada (Toronto, London, Montreal, Calgary, Ottawa, etc.);
• and in many other cities and countries!

My cattery is located in Saratov (Russia), but I will help organize delivery of the kitten to you, even if you live in another country. Now Siberian kittens from my nursery live in many parts of the European Union, in the USA, in Canada, in Colombia.

Here on this page you can see the geography of graduates of my nursery, as well as kittens available for sale now: link

Combing

This procedure, carried out regularly, helps protect the coat from parasites and dirt. In addition, blood flow to the hair follicles as a result of massage with a comb improves the condition of the coat.

It is recommended to carry out the combing procedure when the cat is in a calm, relaxed state. It’s good if she is accustomed to this from childhood. Brush the animal in the direction of hair growth from head to tail, then the hind legs and lower part of the body.

The care requirements for short-haired and long-haired cats have significant differences:

• Short-haired cats with a single-layer coat structure (British, Siamese, Rex, Burmese) are first combed against the grain and only then smoothed from head to tail. It is enough to comb them once a week.
• Among shorthaired cats, there are breeds that have a thick undercoat (Russian Blues, Abyssinians, American Shorthairs). The rules are the same, but here it is especially important not to damage the long hairs that create a certain color of the animal.
• Long-haired breeds (Angora, Persian, Siberian, etc.) require more careful care. Brush them daily, doing this with extreme caution. At the end of the procedure, the shoulders and head are combed upward, thus creating something like a crown around the head. In cats with long hair, tangled mats can often be found. If you can’t comb them, then scissors will come to the rescue.

When the procedure of combing wool becomes a familiar daily ritual, a special psychological mood is established between the owner and the pet.

But for this to happen, you need to start doing this from the first days the kitten appears in the house. For kittens, all the actions of the owner are a continuous exciting game, and they are happy to join in it. An older animal can also be trained to comb.

If you do this procedure daily, the cat will quickly get used to it and will enjoy scratching.

Brush selection

Before combing the wool, you need to purchase a special tool. It is recommended to choose combs for cats that are not capable of harming the delicate skin of the animal. Brushes made of synthetic materials are usually used.

The main thing is that they do not cause static electricity. Iron brushes are intended mainly for dogs, while wooden brushes become unusable very quickly.

We suggest you read: How to care for cat fur

In accordance with their purpose, combs differ in shape and frequency of teeth. Some of them are only suitable for combing wool. Others additionally have a massage function, providing blood flow to the hair roots. As a rule, they have sparse teeth, with rounded ends.

It makes brushing your pet much easier. The advantage of the furminator is that it carefully pulls out the dead undercoat without damaging living hairs.

Many long-haired cats require daily brushing, otherwise their fur will quickly become matted.

To groom your long-haired cat, you will need three types of brushes: a soft brush, a metal round-tooth comb, and a slicker brush. Sometimes a tangle cutter may be required.

Double sided brush

It is better to brush your cat daily - in this case, grooming will only take you a few minutes.

Gently run the brush over the back, belly, tail, chin and paws. A comb with metal teeth is needed to comb out small tangles.

Metal comb

Once you have identified the mat, gently pinch the fur with your fingers near the skin and begin to slowly comb out the mat. If you have missed a few days, the tangle may be large - then you will need a tangle cutter.

Colt cutter

It will cut the hairball into several small ones that you can either pull out with your fingers or comb out with a round-tooth comb.

After brushing, run a slicker through the coat to remove any fine fluff and smooth the coat.

Slicker brush

It is recommended to accustom your cat to brushing from childhood. Experienced owners recommend that at first they choose the time for the procedure shortly before meals, so that the kitten will form pleasant associations with combing. In the future, when the cat is no longer afraid of the brush and other equipment, cat grooming can be done at any time (the only condition is that the pet is calm, otherwise he will try to turn the hygiene procedure into a fun game with the owner and the brush).

Having prepared all the necessary accessories, you can start combing the cat:

1. A calm animal is placed on your lap or on a comfortable wide bedding.
2. If your cat is still afraid of brushes, you can purchase a mitten-shaped brush. Thanks to this shape, the cat will get the impression that it is being petted, and at the same time, the mitten will help remove already fallen hairs from the surface of the fur.
3. Comb with a wide-toothed comb in the direction of hair growth. A comb will help untangle long hair and identify tangles.
4. Cut out tangles with scissors with blunt tips.
5. Proceed to combing with a fine-toothed brush. The direction of movement of the brush depends on the length of the coat and the breed of the cat, for example, short-haired animals are first combed against the hair and only then in the direction of its growth, and in some breeds a lush “collar” is formed at the final stage of combing.

Particular care should be taken when combing sensitive areas of the cat’s body (the tummy, the genital area, and in long-haired breeds, the “pants” on the hind legs).

The frequency of brushing depends on the length of the coat. For long-haired cats, the procedure is performed daily, for short-haired cats – once or twice a week.

Health and diseases of Siberian cats

Unlike some cat breeds, Siberian pets are quite healthy. They have no predisposition to genetic diseases, and the average life expectancy is 16-20 years. The main thing is to monitor your furry friend’s diet and properly care for him. Otherwise, with age, the animal may develop problems with the gastrointestinal tract or heart disease.

In rare cases, Siberians have an allergic reaction to pollen or dust in the home.

To improve your animal's health, regularly carry out helminth prevention and vaccination. This way you can prevent serious illnesses.

Features of care

Cat care consists mainly of regular brushing. Siberian kittens need to be accustomed to this procedure by daily brushing; for adults, twice a week is enough. You need to comb it down to the roots, carefully running the comb, not allowing it to slip through. Otherwise, tangles may form. First, the wool is combed with a wide-toothed comb, then with a flat, wide brush.

The second important, albeit rare, procedure is bathing. It is enough to carry it out once every six months. Warm water (38.5º C) is taken into the container; the depth should not be more than 6-8 cm. The wool is moistened with water, then lathered with a special shampoo and washed off.

Important! Avoid getting water into your ears. To do this, you need to cover them with cotton swabs in advance.

Toys and accessories

It is important to provide your cat with regular physical activity. They need both small toys, such as balls, and climbing equipment. They can be purchased at pet stores or built yourself from boxes and planks. “Siberians” are very fond of heights, so they need to organize shells on which they can climb to the ceiling or simply not interfere with their desire to climb onto cabinets and shelves.

Eyes, ears, claws

The ears should be examined regularly, both outside and inside. The inner surface should be smooth, with a pinkish tint. If sulfur is present, it is removed using a cotton swab moistened with oil (for example, Vaseline). It is not necessary to trim the claws; it is enough to install a scratching post or a small log in the house and the cat will take care of its claws on its own.

If there is an accumulation of discharge from the eyes, they are removed using a smooth cloth or paper napkin. It is not recommended to use cotton wool to prevent lint from getting into the eye.

Walking with a cat

Due to their activity, cats of this breed need walks outside, otherwise, due to lack of activity, they will begin to destroy and destroy everything in the house. To do this, pets need to get all the required vaccines to prevent infection with all kinds of viruses and infections. You can teach a kitten to walk on a leash from childhood.

Did you know? This breed is considered hypoallergenic, which is why it has become popular. Her saliva contains a fairly low content of animal protein, which provokes allergies in people.

Features of character and behavior

Siberians have a Siberian character, which is manifested in the following traits:

• sociable, but not annoying;
• independent;
• smart;
• balanced, friendly;
• curious;
• brave.

The Siberian cat has a stern appearance, which can create a deceptive impression. Yes, these cats are stingy with emotions, but they are very kind and love affection from their owner. But they can also show independence. You can’t force hugs or scratching behind the ears on them if they don’t want it.

Mutual respect and understanding are the basis of relations with a Siberian. The cat will not bother you when he sees that the owner is not in the mood, but in return he “hints” at the same attitude towards himself.

Siberian cats are calm and balanced and all because they are aware of their strength.

They get along well with other pets, but they immediately make it clear who is in charge in the house. It's difficult to argue with such a giant. He is friends with children, but will not tolerate mischief on their part. In a family, a Siberian chooses only one person whom he will consider equal to himself. They are wary of strangers and display the habits of a security guard.

In their reviews, the owners note that Siberians are very smart. And they tell incredible stories about cats’ abilities to open doors, check for food in the refrigerator, etc.

Who is better to take: a male cat or a female cat?

The male is willful and independent. The cat will seem to allow you to take him in your arms. They are dominant by nature and should be taught from an early age that you are the master of the house. Cats will always follow you around the house, not missing anything, no matter what you do. The disadvantages are that he can sometimes show aggression and compared to females, male cats have a stronger odor. This is worth considering when choosing.

A cat is a softer animal. And she is able to show her feelings more clearly, be it love or affection. They are more affectionate with women. And in relation to men, they can even show temptation, arching their backs and purring.

Photos of Siberian cats

Just look what handsome men and beauties are in front of you. Siberian cats can differ in different colors, however, regardless of this, they all look simply luxurious. Among the most popular colors of animals are:

Siberian color point cat:

Red Siberian cat:

Black Siberian cat:

Siberian cat white:

Siberian cat gray:

Siberian cat tortoiseshell color:

Relationships between Siberian cats and humans

Domestic Siberian cats are calm towards people. They are affectionate, pampered, and do not become overly relaxed with their owners. Stable requests for attention are completely absent, but an important fact is that pets will not abandon a close human friend in misfortune. They perfectly sense his mood and come to the rescue when a person falls ill. These freedom-loving animals will never pick up the key and win you over, because they are the owners of the house!

The Siberian cat carefully protects its home territory. Will not tolerate strangers. Although, if from childhood he lives in parallel with animals, he is ready to come to terms with the presence of others and even make friends.

Estimation of breed characteristics

The breed belongs to the semi-long-haired cats. Their fur coat is warm, thick, and can withstand any frost. Fluffy tails are so aesthetically pleasing that it is impossible to take your eyes off them. Medium-sized ears, bright eyes and powerful paws create the image of a Russian cat, which is so popular here in Russia.

The characteristics as such can be seen below:

How much do Siberian kittens cost?

The price of Siberian kittens will depend on their pedigree, color or gender. In general, the cost is quite affordable. However, it is important to ensure that you get a good breeder. Often scammers sell simple fluffy kittens, calling them real Siberians.

It matters here whether you plan to breed kittens in the future or just want a furry friend. If the first option suits you, the cost of the pet will range from $300 to $500. But kittens with some discrepancies with the breed standard (cannot be used for further breeding) cost even less - about 100-200 dollars.

Veterinary care

The Siberian kitten is a living creature that requires proper care. Proper care is not only proper (balanced nutrition) and constant access to water, but also timely veterinary care and the correct way of keeping it. You should also not forget about comprehensive annual vaccinations, as well as timely veterinary care for your furry miracle! Do you have any questions about the care, feeding and maintenance of a Siberian kitten? Ask me a question that interests you - I will advise you as soon as possible. Fill out the form - send your question: I advise my customers not only at the stage of purchasing an animal. If you have any questions after the Siberian kitten arrives at your home, I will advise you at any time!

Nutrition

Representatives of this breed are usually not picky about food. This indicates the natural origin of cats. They are more likely to eat a variety of natural foods. Usually, breeders of Siberian cats do not have a question about what to feed their pet.

Animals prefer to eat natural raw foods such as fish, meat, eggs and small amounts of dairy products, mainly milk and cottage cheese. It is better to give preference to fermented milk products, since excessive lactose content is poorly absorbed by the cat’s body. Also, when feeding your pet, you should not buy milk from supermarkets, as it contains many artificial additives that are harmful to the cat’s health.

Since cats of this breed have a good appetite, you should not overfeed the animal or give it too fatty or salty food. Excessive unhealthy diet affects the functioning of the liver and internal organs. In this case, cats get sick more often and their life span is shortened.

Cats' diet should be well balanced. Since these cats are predators, do not forget that for proper development, these animals need a diet high in protein. Protein helps cats produce antibodies, enzymes, hormones and tissue. Protein also helps maintain proper balance in the body and helps in its growth and development.

In addition, cats require a variety of vitamins and minerals for all biological processes in their bodies, from transporting oxygen to regulating metabolism.