The Russians started to settle Siberia in the end of the sixteenth century. All the cats were really popular and helpful animals for people so the first settlers were taking them on their long journey to that inhospitable, although beautiful part of the world.
The Siberian climate is very rough and that is also why the breaking of the coat has affected the brand new long, thick and "water repelling" coat.
Siberian cats are well-known hunters too and not only in Russia where they have extremely improved this natural but very special "cat-ability".
One of the most important facts is, that Siberian cats are 100% natural race (although they present themselves like very aristocrats at cat shows).
A typical Siberian cat should have a middle size; its weight depends on sex, females are 3,5 - 5kg, males 6 - 10kg.
Siberians mostly have really good health, great temperament and they like to communicate with all the people around, but - they still know who is "their man" and then, they are ready to give him/her the biggest part of their big and real love.
The Siberians are mostly held like pets but hey still have their own independence, maybe like the survival of their ancestor's wildness.
The Siberian cats are friendly, good and they also have their "crazy days" like all of the other races, but - The Siberians should completely miss any savagery.
It was written yet, that Siberians like to communicate with people, especially with their owner. The only one fact I should add - they also always demand owner's favour. Everywhere. They like to play and are on good terms with other cats as well as with dogs. Many breeders of this race have a dog at home and they have NEVER had any problem in their common life.
And one small speciality to the end of this part: Russian breeders also insist that these cats have a very special ability - they can take the negative man energy. And what would the Czech breeders reply if you asked them about this legend?
"…Cross my heart, hope to die if I tell lies, that's perfectly true" - this would be the answer.
Care & shows…
It was mentioned yet that the Siberian cats have the natural origin and this is also the reason why there should be no special preparation for cat shows if we speak about the preparation of their coat. (It even has a self-cleaning ability!) They shouldn't be bathed too, because the coat would loose its typical, a bit rougher texture. If you want to brush them anyway, once in a week will be enough.
There are many factors which could influence the quality of coat, but the most important of them is BALANCED DIET, consisting various vitamins (especially with the addition of a sea-weed), minerals and when it is the cat show season biotin should be added too.
And what about the shows? The right Siberians aren't aggressive here, they should like to present themselves and they mostly don't loose their philosophical calm when they are being judged. Of course, there are a few omnipresent exceptions like everywhere and in everything.
But if you want to visit a cat show together with your cat and if you want to be successful or at least do not be ashamed of your cat's behaviour your cat has to get used to the shows since "the kitten age".
Because If you take a cat that is one year old to the show for the first time, it is more than probable, that he/she will be timid or (what would be worse) even aggressive. And I think you will agree if I write that it would be a big pity if a high-quality cat did not present herself/himself in all her/his beauty.
Breeding & once more health…
These cats can be held in a villa as well as in a block of flats. They would enjoy each of these areas the same. The assumption for good quality coat is a non-overheated area and if you make an outdoor free range possible, be sure that it will bring your cat a fantastic thick coat. Normally, the cats search for the room where lower temperatures (12 - 16 degrees of Celsius) are.
So in theory the best way how to get a great coat would be the outdoor breed but in practise the Siberians extremely need to be close to man. And - good Siberian cat is not only the coat but also the character, muscular body, well-formed head, in short - the balanced, harmonic and healthy animal.
The Siberian cats are not afraid of water, they even like to play with it and love heights. The Siberian cat is really adult at the age of three years. So it is not any big mistake if a younger cat (especially male) has not so first-rate coat, which could be shorter even in winter.
If we want to state the time when the females are completely developed, it wouldn't be so easy because normally the most of Siberian females are at the top of their beauty after having the first or the second kittens. The most suitable age for the first kittens is something about 18 months. But it is VERY individual.
Composition of diet…
…the basic could be the raw beef but many breeders have different opinion about this component. But anyway, the raw beef is good for the right developing of mimic muscles and the total shape of head.
Other components of the food are: chicken, turkey-hen, fish (approximately once in a week), quality cat food (Hill's, Iams, Royal Canin, Animonda etc.) and it is good to add a boiled egg once or twice in a week if the cat likes it. Various curd desserts can be given like delicacy.
Some of the cats also love fruit or vegetable, my cats love the corn for example. It is very important to make access to the fresh cat grass possible.
To the end…
You have read just a few, simple and basic information about this fascinating cat race that really deserves your attention.
The Siberians are cats who managed to acquire more and more friends just thanks to their immediatation, beauty, character and natural love to the people. If you do not trust it, try it…
You will see!
© by Naděžda Tomková
translation by Katka Vaněčková
