Who Is the Siberian Cat? Fascinating Facts About These Amazing Felines

You may recognise the Siberian cat by their luxurious thick coats and striking eyes. And, perhaps you think this feline breed might make a good addition to your family. Bringing a new kitty into your life is a big change. It’s important that you choose a breed that suits your lifestyle (and that will get along with any other pets you have). Want to know more about the Siberian cat? Read on for Cat in a Flat’s fascinating facts about these amazing felines. 

Where do Siberian cats come from?

Where do Siberian cats come from? Siberian cats share the same origin and history as every other domesticated cat. Eventually our furry friends began to move across the world, traveling as far as Siberia where the Siberian breed first came about. They originally lived in forests, developing robust constitutions and thick fur to protect against the Siberia’s intense weather conditions. Eventually, some farmers in Russia began keeping them as mousers. Since then, they have become popular feline breed all around the world.

The Siberian cat also happens to be the national cat of Russia! And while they may have started out with wilder roots, these days their breeding is carefully regulated and controlled. This ensures that all Siberian cats are purebreds and share the same ancient ancestry. 

What you should know about the Siberian cat breed

It’s important to keep in mind that Siberians are medium to large cats and can require more upkeep due to their long coats. This breed of feline is also incredibly active, hence they may not always be suitable for apartment living. 

Primary traits

• Weight: 15 – 20 pounds
• Length: 17 – 25 inches
• Height: 10 – 12 inches
• Lifespan: 8 – 10 years
• Fur: These felines have long, triple-layered coats that are water resistant as well. Their fur can come in many colours including brown, grey, and white. You can even find Siberian cats with calico or tabby fur markings!
• Eyes: These kitties have large, round eyes that can be green, blue, or yellow. 
• Body: Siberian cats have strong, muscular bodies, thick coats, and long, bushy tails. 

Siberian cat personality

One of the reasons Siberian cats are so beloved is because of their friendly temperament. This is a loving breed that gets along with people and other pets. (Which is great news if you already have a multi-cat household!). They are very active felines and great hunters and climbers. Siberian cats are also very intelligent and curious creatures, which means they need a lot of stimulation and exercise. 

As noted above, these personality traits may not make them ideal for apartment living. Most Siberians will want access to a safe outdoor space where they can run and climb. While you should have daily playtime with your cat regardless of their breed, Siberians may require more daily play sessions to stay happy and well-balanced. These kitties can also get bored if left home alone for too long. So, if you spend many hours away every day, consider hiring a cat sitter to come in to provide at-home daycare for your feline. This will help keep your kitty stimulated and happy. 

How do you care for a Siberian cat? 

How do I take care of a Siberian cat? One of the great things about this feline breed is that, due to their strong constitutions, they rarely get sick. However, this doesn’t mean they are low-maintenance felines. You will need to groom your Siberian cat multiple times a week to maintain coat health. It’s also important to feed your kitty a balanced diet of wet and dry food and make sure they get plenty of exercise.

Grooming

To prevent your Siberian’s coat from matting, you will need to brush your fur friend at least three times a week. Read up on the best way to groom a long-haired cat. Remember, it’s rarely necessary to give your Siberian cat a bath as their trip coat is water-resistant. 

Besides frequent brushing, you’ll need to regularly trim your kitty’s claws and keep their eyes and ears cleantoo. 

Exercise

Siberians are very athletic, active cats. Keep your kitty engaged by providing plenty of cat trees and shelves for them to climb. Play with them one-on-one several times a day, and make sure they have access to safe toys to play with on their own. You may even be able to train your Siberian to walk on a leash so you can take them out for daily walks!

Diet

Like with any type of feline, it’s important to monitor Mr Whiskers’ food intake to avoid overeating. This will help prevent obesity and illnesses such as feline diabetes. Always aim to feed your Siberian a mix of high-quality wet and dry food. If in doubt, consult your vet about how much to feed your Siberian cat. 

Healthcare

Although this breed is generally hardy, they can sometimes be prone to heart and joint problems. Make sure you vaccinate your feline and take them to the vet for regular check-ups and booster shots. It’s also recommended that you spay or neuter Mr Whiskers—this is always the healthier option for any cat. And if you notice any changes in your kitty’s behaviour, visit your vet immediately. This increases the chances of detecting any health issues early on so that your Siberian cat can live a long and healthy life. 

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Is the Siberian cat the right pet for me? 

Siberians make wonderful pets, but they’re not for everyone. If you are looking for an active cat and have a lot of time to spend playing with and training them, then the Siberian cat might be a great choice. However, if you’re unable to provide a Siberian with the stimulation they need, you should seriously reconsider whether this is the right breed for you.

It’s important to consider whether a cat’s personality and needs match up with yours before getting a new fur friend. If possible, always consider adoption first. There are plenty of felines out there in need of good homes, and some organisations even specialise in rehoming certain cat breeds!

Still not sure if the Siberian cat is the right choice? Check out our blog posts on breeds like the Ragdoll, Persian, and Bengal to learn more about other types of kitties too!