Siberian Cats 101: A Guide to the Rare and Beautiful Breed Why This Breed is So Rare

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Siberian cats photo
Medium Breed Siberian

Is The Siberian Cat Good For You?

  • 1 Siberian cats are some of the largest in the world of domestic felines, weighing in at up to 25 pounds.
  • 2 The Siberian cat is strong and agile for their size and has a unique fascination with water.
  • 3 Siberian cats have thick, long coats that get them through almost any winter but require a good deal of grooming.

HISTORY

The Russian national cat, the Siberian has been palling around with people for nigh on 1,000 years. While there is little information about how this breed first came about (they werenโ€™t exactly keeping detailed notes on the subject in Siberia a thousand years ago), we do know that this breed has been a part of nearly every cat show, starting as early as the 1870s. They were accepted into championship status in 1996.

Quick Facts

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    Size

    Large

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    Lifespan

    12 years or more

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    Hair Length

    Long

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    Litter Size

    2 - 5 kittens

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    Male Weight

    12 - 16 pounds

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    Female Weight

    8 - 12 pounds

Personality

The Siberian is a smart, problem solving, fun loving, affectionate cat. They have been known to open doors on their own to be closer to their people. They can be a little put off by new pets, but if they grow up together, they are sure to be buddies. They might be shy around strangers, but once they warm up to you, there is no escaping their love. .

Color

The Siberian can come in any pattern, and in any color combination, with or without white markings.

Health Concerns

Being one of the healthiest and the hardiest of cat breeds, the Siberians are without the usual health concerns and the genetic disorders as well.

Appearance

A burly looking breed, it is no surprise that this breed hails from one of the coldest, most hostile environments on earth. While they are not overly large, they are sturdy as all get out, with heavy boning and a wide frame. Their fur is classified as being semi-long, but in reality it changes with the seasons, with a thick, triple layered coat in the winter, and a much thinner coat in the summer. Not a very angular cat, this breed has rounded features. Their hind legs are longer than their forelegs, making them great jumpers.

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