Siberian Kittens

Great Read About The Siberian Cat Breed

Hypoallergenic Cats: The Russian Siberian Forest Cat
Read facts on the Russian Siberian cat, its hypoallergenic qualities, and if this is the cat for you.
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/1664576/hypoallergenic_cats_the_russian_siberian.html

History:

 

The Siberian Forest Cat (AKA Siberian Cat) is the national cat of Russia. It is an aboriginal breed with unknown origin. This natural breed has existed there for hundreds, if not thousands of years. There is documented history of Siberian as early as the year 1000. It is a cat from which many fairy tales have been derived. The Siberian cat is an ancient medium-long haired breed believed to be the ancestor from which all modern day long-haired cats have evolved. After living in the cold Russian climate for many generations, over time it has developed a hardy constitution. In order to survive harsh conditions it developed a dense triple fur coat that is water resistant. Siberians are not true shedders, nor does their fur mat easily. Siberians are a muscular cat that like high places and are powerful leapers. Having a sharp wit along with their robust athletic bodies enable them to be good hunters. Their natural beauty, gentle nature and being excellent mousers helped them to become popular in Russia. People would take their Siberian Cats with them when they moved. This helped to spread the breed throughout Asia.

 Under the former Soviet Union, the citizens of Russia did not think of breeding the Siberian; cats were used only for purposes such as rat control rather than pets.  Breeding began after the fall of the Soviet Union, and the breed clubs in Moscow and St. Petersburg discovered the fantastic qualities of the Siberian cat and began formal breeding programs in the mid-1980’s.  Russia, being quite a large country, had Siberians who looked different in various areas of Russia since they had mated with an assortment of natural cats. A foundation cat was pronounced a Siberian by bringing it to a show and letting the judges decide if they thought the type matches their standard of a Siberian, at which point the cat could be bred.

 

Personality:

Siberian cats have gentle, loving nature and well rounded personality. They adore children, readily accept the other household pets and get along great with the whole family. Giving them the ability to blend in and adapt to almost any family situation.

Siberians have a Dog-like devotion and personality. They are referred to as "the cat for dog people". Siberians enjoy being with their human companions. Coming when called, following the household members around and some more social cats even greet guests. Because they are a social cat, if left alone too often they can become lonely. A companion, such as another cat or a friendly dog can help relieve loneliness and undesirable activities.

They are slow-growing, retaining their kitten personalities their whole life. They are a hardy type with no known genetic defects. They like high places and are powerful leapers. Their sharp wit and muscular bodies enable them to be good hunters and mousers. They can be trained to do tricks such as how to stay off tables, counters, play fetch, and be leash trained.  Without regular physical and mental stimulus they can become bored and mischievous. 

They love running water and will drink from a running faucet, preferring it to drinking out of a
water bowl. Some will cup their paw, dip it in their water, lapping it up rather than out of the bowl.


 HYPOALLERGENIC STATUS:

The Siberian cat is known for being hypoallergenic for many allergy sufferers, although it has not been proven medically or scientifically.  Many with lifelong allergies to cats believe this because they live with minimal or no symptoms to their Siberian cats.  Research has shown that all cats produce some Fel-d1, but some cats produce considerably less than others.  The Siberian is one of the breeds thought to trigger fewer allergies when there are lower levels of Fel-d1 enzyme. University of California at Davis has begun research into the hypoallergenic qualities of Siberians, and testing is available to evaluate allergen levels in Siberians. Some breeders state certain Siberian coloration is lower in allergens than others, specifically tabby cats are lower in allergen levels compared to the colorpoint colors. Research at UCDavis has not shown color to be connected with allergen levels at this time. If you have concerns about allergies, please visit with a Siberian breeder or someone with a Siberian cat to determine your response and evaluate the possible suitability for you.

PHYSICAL QUALITIES:

Siberian Cats are a medium to large breed of medium/long hair cat with the overall appearance of  excellent physical condition, strength and power, modified by a sweet facial expression of circular shape.  Rounded bodies, eyes, ears and heads which set them apart from the Maine Coon Cat and the Norwegian Forest Cat. Siberians are slow-growing, taking up to 5 years to mature, but once mature, a Siberian should be a cat of great "heft", strength and muscle. In order to survive harsh conditions it developed a triple fur coat that is water resistant. It keeps them warm in the cold Russian winters, the actual fur and then the "guard hairs" which help them from matting.  Siberians are very difficult to wet.  Although some can still mat during the shedding times of the year.  Siberians are not true shedders, nor does their fur mat easily. Because they don't readily shed, they will drop their coats twice yearly at the season change. They do not require extensive grooming, an occasional brushing with a metal comb which gets down to the skin 1-2 times weekly is sufficient.  They have a soft voice, known as the big cats with the tiny voice.