Siberian
The Siberian is a long haired breed of cat. The Siberian cat breed is recognized by most cat organizations, which accept Siberians of any color (including color points) for competition. This includes recognition in the major cat registries such as TICA and Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA), as well as acceptance in the CFA Championship class beginning on February 6, 2006.
The Siberian is a recognized breed of cat, with most cat organizations accepting Siberians ofany color (including color points) for competition. This includes recognition in the major cat registries such as TICA and Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA), as well as acceptance in the CFA Championship class beginning on February 6th, 2006.
The Body is Known to be an exceptionally high jumper, the Siberian is a strong and powerfully built cat, with well proportioned characteristics that include strong hindquarters and large stomachs.
They typically weigh between 15-20 (6.8-9.1 kg) pounds for the males, or 10-15 pounds (4.5-6.8 kg) for the females, and carry their weight differently than other large breeds such as the Maine Coon - they tend to be shorter and stockier even though they can attain the same weight. Also, Siberians typically attain their full growth more slowly, over their first 5 years. They have an average life span of 12 to 15 years.
Personality of Siberians are generally intelligent, playful, affectionate and loyal, leading many to describe their character as dog like. Their fur is plush, can have a wide range of coloration, and does not have a tendency to mat. Some claim that Siberians have hypoallergenic fur, and it is rumored that a study has been commissioned at the University of California(at Davis) to investigate.
No conclusive information is currently available, however. Despite the lack of scientific evidence, though, extensive anecdotal evidence can be found from breeders supporting such claims. Siberians shed twice a year for two days. Reproduction On average, a Siberian cat's litter consists of 5 kittens.
Ancestry While Siberians are a fairly recent introduction to the US and thus relatively rare, though popular, the breed can be seen in Russian paintings and writings hundreds of years old. This sets them apart from breeds that are the result of fairly recent selective breeding.
The Siberian is a large, strong cat which takes 5 years to mature. The females may weigh less than the males. They are extremely agile and great leapers. Their muscles are mighty, outstanding and powerful. The back is long and very slightly curved or arched, but appears horizontal when in motion.
A convex muscular waist and round, compact belly develop with age. The hind legs, when straightened, are slightly longer than the forelegs. The paws are round, big and quite powerful. The overall appearance should be one of great strength, force and size with an excellent physical condition and alertness; the facial expression is quite sweet. The general impression is one of roundness and circles, rather than the rectangles and triangles of similar breeds.
Coat This is a moderately long to longhaired cat, with hair on the shoulder blades and lower part of the chest being thick and slightly shorter. There should be an abundant ruff setting off the large, impressive head. There is a tight undercoat, thicker in cold weather. Allow for warm weather coats. The coat gives the impression of lacquer and oil when ungroomed. The hair may thicken to curls on the belly and britches, but a wavy coat is not characteristic. The skin may have a bluish cast. Clear strong colors and patterns are desirable, but are secondary to type.
The large, almost round eyes are set wide with the outer corner slightly angled toward the lower base of the ear. There is no relationship between eye color and coat color/pattern, however, the typical adult color is yellow-green.
The ears are medium-large, wide and set as much on the sides of the head as on the top; ideal position is 1 to 1-1/2 ear widths apart. The tips are rounded and the ear tilts forward. Lynx tipping is desirable. Hair over the back of the ears is short and thin; from the middle of the ear, the furnishings become longer and cover the base completely.
Tail: The tail is medium length, wide at the base, blunt at the tip without thickening or kinks, evenly and thickly furnished.
The head is a modified wedge of medium size with rounded contours, broader at the skull and narrowing slightly to a full rounded muzzle with well-rounded chin. There may be a slight muzzle curvature, but the transition between the side of the head and the muzzle is gentle and inconspicuous.
The cheek bones are neither high set nor prominent. There should be a good distance between the ears and eyes. The top of the head is flat, with a slight nose curvature of a gentle slope from the forehead to the nose and a slight concave curvature before the tip. The neck is medium-long, rounded, substantial, and very well-muscled.
Some breeders have promoted the colorpoint Siberian Longhair cat as a separate breed called the Neva Masquerade. However, no major cat registry has yet made the distinction, and they are considered a colour division of the Siberian.
The Siberian is a recognized breed of cat, with most cat organizations accepting Siberians ofany color (including color points) for competition. This includes recognition in the major cat registries such as TICA and Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA), as well as acceptance in the CFA Championship class beginning on February 6th, 2006.
The Body is Known to be an exceptionally high jumper, the Siberian is a strong and powerfully built cat, with well proportioned characteristics that include strong hindquarters and large stomachs.
They typically weigh between 15-20 (6.8-9.1 kg) pounds for the males, or 10-15 pounds (4.5-6.8 kg) for the females, and carry their weight differently than other large breeds such as the Maine Coon - they tend to be shorter and stockier even though they can attain the same weight. Also, Siberians typically attain their full growth more slowly, over their first 5 years. They have an average life span of 12 to 15 years.
Personality of Siberians are generally intelligent, playful, affectionate and loyal, leading many to describe their character as dog like. Their fur is plush, can have a wide range of coloration, and does not have a tendency to mat. Some claim that Siberians have hypoallergenic fur, and it is rumored that a study has been commissioned at the University of California(at Davis) to investigate.
No conclusive information is currently available, however. Despite the lack of scientific evidence, though, extensive anecdotal evidence can be found from breeders supporting such claims. Siberians shed twice a year for two days. Reproduction On average, a Siberian cat's litter consists of 5 kittens.
Ancestry While Siberians are a fairly recent introduction to the US and thus relatively rare, though popular, the breed can be seen in Russian paintings and writings hundreds of years old. This sets them apart from breeds that are the result of fairly recent selective breeding.
The Siberian is a large, strong cat which takes 5 years to mature. The females may weigh less than the males. They are extremely agile and great leapers. Their muscles are mighty, outstanding and powerful. The back is long and very slightly curved or arched, but appears horizontal when in motion.
A convex muscular waist and round, compact belly develop with age. The hind legs, when straightened, are slightly longer than the forelegs. The paws are round, big and quite powerful. The overall appearance should be one of great strength, force and size with an excellent physical condition and alertness; the facial expression is quite sweet. The general impression is one of roundness and circles, rather than the rectangles and triangles of similar breeds.
Coat This is a moderately long to longhaired cat, with hair on the shoulder blades and lower part of the chest being thick and slightly shorter. There should be an abundant ruff setting off the large, impressive head. There is a tight undercoat, thicker in cold weather. Allow for warm weather coats. The coat gives the impression of lacquer and oil when ungroomed. The hair may thicken to curls on the belly and britches, but a wavy coat is not characteristic. The skin may have a bluish cast. Clear strong colors and patterns are desirable, but are secondary to type.
The large, almost round eyes are set wide with the outer corner slightly angled toward the lower base of the ear. There is no relationship between eye color and coat color/pattern, however, the typical adult color is yellow-green.
The ears are medium-large, wide and set as much on the sides of the head as on the top; ideal position is 1 to 1-1/2 ear widths apart. The tips are rounded and the ear tilts forward. Lynx tipping is desirable. Hair over the back of the ears is short and thin; from the middle of the ear, the furnishings become longer and cover the base completely.
Tail: The tail is medium length, wide at the base, blunt at the tip without thickening or kinks, evenly and thickly furnished.
The head is a modified wedge of medium size with rounded contours, broader at the skull and narrowing slightly to a full rounded muzzle with well-rounded chin. There may be a slight muzzle curvature, but the transition between the side of the head and the muzzle is gentle and inconspicuous.
The cheek bones are neither high set nor prominent. There should be a good distance between the ears and eyes. The top of the head is flat, with a slight nose curvature of a gentle slope from the forehead to the nose and a slight concave curvature before the tip. The neck is medium-long, rounded, substantial, and very well-muscled.
Some breeders have promoted the colorpoint Siberian Longhair cat as a separate breed called the Neva Masquerade. However, no major cat registry has yet made the distinction, and they are considered a colour division of the Siberian.
