A magnificent, wild looking cat, the Siberian is an excellent hunter and is well adapted to surviving in a climate of extreme temperatures. Little is known of its background, but some people think that it is one of the earliest longhaired breeds. Did you know that the Siberian is Russia’s native cat. It has been bred there for more than one thousand years.
History
Siberian Forest Cats are not common outside Russia, but in their homeland, they are an ancient breed. The first cats of this breed were imported to the USA from Russia in 1990 and they are already attracting a great deal of attention. They have also been shown in championship competition in Europe. At present, they are not accepted in the USA by the Cat Fanciers association, although they can be shown in the other associations.
Description
A large, strong, well muscled cat, the Siberian differs from the Maine Coon and Norwegian Forest Cats in that the general impression is one of roundness and circles rather than wedges and angles. Its body is moderately long and substantial, with the back slightly curved or arched. The mature body should have an overall sausage shape with tight muscles and large bones. The head is a modified wedge of medium sized with well rounded contours, broader at the skull and narrowing slightly to a full, rounded muzzle and a well rounded chin.
The cheekbones are neither set high nor prominent. The top of the head is flat and the nose curves slightly in a gentle slope. The nose pad is a color that harmonizes with the coat. The eyes are large, expressive and almost round. They are set wide with the outer corner angled toward the inner base of the ear. Although the eyes are usually golden green, any eye color is allowed and it need not conform to the coat color. The medium large ears are broad at the base and set far apart. Tufts of hair on the tips of the ears are desirable.
The legs are moderately long with heavy bones. The paws are large and rounded and toe tufts are desirable. The paw pads are a color in keeping with the coat. The tail is medium length, wide at the base and blunt at the tip, with abundant hair.
On the body, the double coat is moderately long to long, with a dense, paler undercoat and full ruff. The thick coat is quite specialized to protect the animal from extremes of cold in its native land and the oily guard hairs make it water resistant and able to shed snow easily. The coat does not mat, but light, regular grooming is recommended, especially during spring and summer, when the heavy winter coat is shed. This will help to prevent hairballs.
Varieties
The Siberian Cat comes only as a longhair. Although brown tabby is the most common color, it may be any pattern or color or combination of colors, except colorpoint, solid lilac or solid chocolate. The longer hairs are pale near the skin, darkening toward the outer end. This makes the coat shimmer as the cat moves.
Temperament
The Siberian cat has a sweet personality to go with the sweet expression on its face. It is robust, and makes a loving, gentle and faithful companion.
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