Russian Siberian cats were first imported to the United States in 1990, and despite their relative popularity, they remain a somewhat rare breed in North America. They are the Russian national cat and have been owned by the likes of Mikhail Gorbachev, former president of the USSR as well as Russia’s current president, Dmitry Medvedev.
These felines have dog-like qualities and will greet you with their customary triple purr. Siberian cats are intelligent, congenial, and good with other animals, including dogs. They are said to have an abundance of energy and to be fond of playing with their toys in water.
Siberian cats are strong and powerful and are typically heftier than the average house cat. Their large, rounded paws, barrel chests and muscular hind sections make them agile jumpers. They are often considered hypoallergenic, though there is little scientific evidence to prove this. Siberian cats are low-shedding animals; therefore many allergy sufferers find that they are a good fit for their particular needs.
The cats have three layers of fur: guard hairs, awn hairs and down, which protect them from harsh winters and extremely cold temperatures. Their coats are easy to care for and matting is rare. Combing through their glossy fur twice weekly is significant maintenance for this particular breed. The fur of a Siberian cat can come in a variety of shades and patterns and they have no color markings or variations that are distinctive to their breed. They molt (shed) only once or twice a year, which is brought on by the change in available daylight as winter approaches. It is thought that they are instinctively preparing for the cold winter weather months ahead. It is possible that at the end of the summer months, some of these cats will experience a “mini-molt” to rid themselves of any matting that did occur and to prepare themselves for their heavier winter coats.
Siberian cats are excellent parent who establish strong connections with their mates. Females may choose one mate for life, though male Siberians have many. They actively begin reproducing as early as five months of age and will have between five to nine kittens per litter. Males play an active roll in raising their offspring and are oftentimes found cuddling and caring for siblings and relatives. They are social creatures and happiest when domesticated with a counterpart. Their loving, friendly nature makes them an excellent choice for a household pet.
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