Siberian Cat Breed Profile And Characteristics

Siberian cats no longer weigh 45 pounds. As they got domesticated, they became smaller.

An average-sized Siberian cat weighs between 15 to 20 pounds, with males weighing slightly heavier than females. As for their length, they measure about 17 to 25 inches from the tip of their nose to their tail.

These cats are considered large breeds because they are longer and heavier than regular cats. Regular cats do not weigh more than 10 pounds and are a maximum of 18 inches long.

Siberian cats possess a moderately long-haired triple coat. The fur coats come in many colors, including solid white, black, red, blue, and silver, and patterns like smoke, point, calico, tabby, tortoiseshell, and bi-color. 

The fur can also be of different textures and lengths. Furs on their shoulder blades and the lower chest are dense and shorter. Adults feature a full, abundant collar ruff framing their heads. 

The fur may thicken and curl on the belly and britches, though a wavy coat is atypical. The texture ranges from coarse to soft, depending on the color. Mature cats have a tight undercoat that becomes thicker in colder weather.

Siberian cats are known for their beautiful eyes that come in many shades, adding to their unique charm. The most popular color is green and ranges from emerald green to a more yellowish green.

Other colors include gold, green-gold, or copper eyes, though white ones may have blue eyes. Some cats are even born with two different colored eyes.

Their eyes are almost round and medium to large, with outer corners angling slightly towards the base of the ears. There is no relationship between eye color and coat/color pattern except for blue eyes. Blue eyes are spotted on white Siberians only. 

Siberian cats live up to anywhere between 10 to 18 years. They are some of the longer-living domestic cat breeds because they are a natural breed with a hardy build.

They are generally healthy as they are not prone to breed-specific health problems. Their large size and thick coat contribute to their overall resilience.

Their life expectancy is also affected by their diet and overall health care. These cats will live much longer if they are fed a healthy diet and do not become overweight. Routine checkups and preventive care can detect and address potential health issues early, contributing to a longer life

Siberians are known to be very affectionate and adore their pet parents. They are not like other cats that love to be left alone. They prefer human connections and will follow their parents everywhere. 

They are happy when their parents come home and will cuddle with them any chance. Ensure that you are cuddling with them when they are in the mood. Hungry or alert cats are not in the mood for a cuddle. They prefer cuddle time when they are calm and relaxed.

As much as they are affectionate, it also depends on how you raise them. Siberian kittens must socialize often to foster a strong bond with humans and ensure they are comfortable receiving affection. 

A unique trait of Siberian cats is their slow mental and physical maturation process. Most cats reach adulthood around 1-2 years old, not the Siberian breed. They reach adulthood in 5 years, meaning they look and behave like a kitten for the first five years of their lives. 

These cats mature more slowly than typical cats due to the time and resources required to develop their thick, triple coat. This process delays their physical and mental development compared to cats with shorter fur who mature fast.

As they grow into adults, they develop mature behaviors like calmness, independence, and reserved energy.

As mentioned above, Siberian cats take longer to mature and act like kittens for the first five years of their lives. This means they retain their playful spirit until they become an adult. 

These playful cats are curious and love exploring. They need toys, cat trees, scratching posts, and climbers as an outlet for their playfulness and high energy. They love interactive games like fetch so ensure you schedule playtimes to engage with your cat and help them burn off their energy. 

Although they enjoy playing, they have a moderate activity level, so you will still have plenty of downtime if you own one of these cats.

Siberian cats are highly intelligent and born to be problem solvers. They excel at learning and adapting thanks to the genetic makeup of their ancestors, which they have inherited.

They study their pet parents and learn how to open doors and cabinets. With some motivation, such as a tasty treat, they can escape from enclosures and pick up tricks like shaking paws, playing fetch, or walking on a leash. 

These cats' intelligence can be honed with interactive toys such as puzzle feeders, treat dispensing toys, and other brain teasers. These toys challenge them mentally.

Siberian cats may be wide and sturdy, but they are very agile and athletic. They have powerful hind legs that are slightly longer than their front legs, creating an arch. 

Their legs make them excellent climbers and jumpers. They can leap tall bookcases in a single bound and climb the highest vantage point in the room. 

Even as domesticated cats, there should be ways to keep their athleticism thriving. They should be engaged in interactive playtime using wand toys, laser pointers, or games that encourage jumping and chasing.

We have all seen cats licking themselves to keep clean, but did you know their saliva contains a protein called FelD1, which some people are sensitive and allergic to? 

These proteins are found in their urine and dead skin flakes as well. This is why some people refrain from raising cats. The allergies can be difficult to live with, and symptoms can range anywhere from frequent and intense sneezing and breathing difficulties to itchy, watery eyes and irritated skin. 

Different cats produce different  FelD1 levels, and fortunately for Siberian cat lovers, they produce FelD1 much less than regular cats. They are not allergy-free. They are just low-allergen. 

Apart from being affectionate and playful, Siberian cats are very social. According to several researches, these cats are one of the most social toward humans and least likely to show fearfulness.

However, this also depends on the cat’s upbringing. If owners invest time bonding with their cats and frequently introduce them to new people, it can create a strong foundation for a positive pet/owner relationship. 

This trait also makes them excellent family pets, especially for households with children. They love the company of their human family members and can keep up with the kids. They will wait for their owners by the door when you leave and listen to all their stories without getting bored. 

Unlike most cats that despise water, Siberians have a fascination with water. There are many theories as to why they are fond of water. One theory proposes that their ancestors lived near rivers and lakes, which led to their development of a tolerance for water.

Another theory is that they do not mind getting wet because of their thick double coat with water-repellent guard hairs. 

These playful cats often swat at running water from a faucet, jump into a shower with lingering water droplets, and drop their toys into a sink full of dishes. Next time you want to keep them entertained, give them a bowl of water for playful splashing. 

If you prefer a quiet home and a calm pet, you could get a Siberian cat. They have a gentle and easygoing temperament and are not inclined to loud yowling or excessive vocalizations.

These kitties show affection or contentment subtly with soft purrs and gentle chirps. They enjoy human interaction but are not as attention-seeking as other breeds. They enjoy their own company and find contentment in observing their surroundings.

However, there are exceptions. They can be vocal when hungry or in pain and may become extra chatty when you return home after being away for a while.

Siberians are typically considered healthier than other breeds and have a long lifespan. Unfortunately, they are at risk of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) compared to some other breeds. These cats are more susceptible to developing the condition because of genetic predisposition.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy is a genetic heart disease that causes the heart muscle to become thick. This can make it difficult for the heart to pump blood effectively. The symptoms of HCM include lethargy, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, and sudden collapsing. Early detection and treatment are crucial for managing the disease. 

Most of the time, the disease is only detected when it is too late. These cats should be tested regularly in adulthood.

Another notable personality trait of Siberian cats is their adaptability. Once they are with their favorite people, Siberian cats are generally indifferent to the living environment. This makes them suitable for a wide range of lifestyles.

They often adjust quickly to and may even embrace new family members, whether a baby, partner or another pet. These cats are never fazed, even in households with energetic children. They acclimate well in various situations.

However, if you are changing their living situation, lifestyle, or routine, gradually do so to allow them time to adjust. They can be overwhelmed by the changes, so offer familiar hiding spots or vertical spaces where they can feel secure.

Siberian cats are renowned for their resilience. These cats have not been bred in captivity. They are a naturally occurring breed that has adapted and flourished in the harsh Siberian environment for centuries.

This arduous way of life has made them strong and adaptable. Their thick fur protects them from minor injuries and keeps them warm like a winter coat. They also have muscular bodies that help them get around in the rough Siberian outdoors and are built to survive anything.

Their strong bodies help them fight stress and illness, but they are not completely immune. Taking them for regular veterinary checks and feeding them healthy food is still crucial. 

Siberian cats are pretty self-sufficient when it comes to keeping themselves clean. Their fur has special oils that keep it dirt-free.

They also like to lick themselves clean, just like most cats. Brushing them once or twice a week helps prevent their fur from getting tangled, especially when they are shedding a lot.

And unlike some cats, they do not need baths very often. Too many baths can wash away the good oils in their fur. So, a quick brush now and then is all they need to stay looking and feeling their best.

Siberian cats are generally fearless, composed, and self-assured. They are not easily startled by new experiences or unfamiliar surroundings. 

Their intelligence and natural curiosity often prompt them to explore their environment boldly. If there's a visitor or noise at home, these brave cats are more likely to investigate than to hide. 

They often approach new people or animals with curiosity and are adept at handling changes and new situations, which helps reduce anxiety or fearfulness.

As fearless as they are, these cats may still be startled by certain things like loud noises or sudden movements.