Siberian cat
| Siberian |
|---|
| Country of origin |
| Russia |
| Breed standards (external links) |
| ACFA, CFA, TICA, ACF, FIFe |
The Siberian is a recognized breed of cat. This includes recognition in the major cat registries, such as TICA and CFA. In fact, their recognition for champion status in CFA came relatively recently, on February 5th, 2006.
Siberians are strong and powerfully built, with well proportioned characteristics. They typically weigh between 15-20 pounds for the males, or 10-15 pounds for the females. They have strong hindquarters and large stomachs. They carry their weight differently than other large breeds such as the Maine Coon. Siberians tend to be shorter and stockier than Maine Coons, even though they can attain the same weight. Also, Siberians typically attain their full growth more slowly, over 5 years.
They are generally intelligent, playful, affectionate and loyal. Their character has been described as dog like. Their fur is plush, without the tendency to mat, and some claim that it is hypoallergenic. (There is currently a study underway, commissioned at the University of California (at Davis) to find out about this claim.) Despite lack of scientific evidence, there is extensive anecdotal evidence available from breeders supporting these claims.
Siberian Cats are known to be exceptionally high jumpers.
Even though Siberians were only fairly recently introduced to the US, they have existed in Russia for a long time. There is evidence of this breed in paintings and writings hundreds of years old. This sets them apart from some other breeds that are the result of fairly recent selective breeding.
While Siberians are rapidly gaining popularity in the US, they are still a relatively rare breed in that country.
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Siberian Forest Cats: http://home.comcast.net/~actrose/ Siberian Cats: http://www.vaselyok.com Siberian Cats and Kittens: http://www.shadowheart-siberian-cat.com