Siberian Cats are medium to large long haired cats with gentle personalities. They get along with everyone – including dogs. They range from 12 to 20 pounds. They are powerful, alert, and adventurous with lustrous coats and large round eyes. Siberians are a hypoallergenic Russian breed – which explains the thick coats needed to face those harsh Russian winters! Because of their easygoing personalities and low maintenance, they make great additions to active households full of kids and other furry family members.
Are Siberian Cats Hypoallergenic? Yes. Hypoallergenic means having less allergens that typical cats. It does not mean allergen free. Siberian cats produce less Fel d1, the protein found on skin and in saliva that causes those itchy, sneezy reactions. This allows many people with allergies to bring a Siberian into their home.
Most people have no reactions to Siberians. Some may still have sniffles or minor congestion that they will become immune to within a short period of time. There are a small handful of people that will react severely (asthmatic or hives). It is always good to test to see how you do.
Siberian Cats are all kinds of fluffy, so you may worry that these kitties need a lot of grooming. Not so! Although they have a three-layered coat, hypoallergenic Siberian cats have glossy fur that you only need to brush once or twice a week to avoid tangles and matting. They molt heavily at the end of winter and then have a lighter molting in the summer, so it’s a good idea to brush your pal daily during these times. Unlike many of our furry friends, a Siberian cat’s molting is not triggered by a change in temperature but rather by the change in daylight hours.
Trim your kitty’s nails bi-weekly. Declawing cats is inhumane and can cause deformity and long term pain. It only takes a few minutes to keep their claws short and manageable. Scratching posts and redirection will quickly train them to the appropriate place to stretch their legs and use their claws.
Check their ears for redness or unpleasant odors. If you notice any buildup, clean gently with a damp cotton ball and contact your veterinarian in case it’s a sign of an ear infection. You may also consider brushing your feline friend’s teeth a few times a week.
Round eyes, typically green, gold,or blue, give them a friendly expression. From tufted ears to a glorious neck ruff to their big, bushy tail, the most remarkable attribute of hypoallergenic Siberian cats is their thick, three-layered coat. It consists of coarse and straight guard hairs, thin and wavy awn hairs, and a woolly down undercoat. Tabbies are common, but they come in a variety of colors and patterns, including solid, tortoiseshell, and color point.
With their athletic ability and high intelligence level, Siberian cats are energetic and adventurous problem solvers. They love climbing and leaping. If you are a pet parent to a Siberian, expect to find them in the strangest places – like on top of your refrigerator or hanging over a door! Siberians enjoy playing with puzzle toys and learning tricks. Affection-wise, they are devoted but not clingy. They will follow you from room to room but patiently (sometimes!) wait until you have time for cuddles. They don’t mind noise or strangers as much as some cats, and when introduced properly, are happy to share their home with kids, dogs, and whoever else may live in your home.
Siberian Cats originated in the forests of Siberia at least 1,000 years ago. These kitties most likely became domesticated when they sought out farms, shops, and monasteries as an escape from the brutal Siberian temperatures. Their first pet parents would have welcomed them for their sharp hunting skills, which meant fewer rodents indoors. Siberian cats probably traveled to the U.K. with Russian immigrants, though we can’t be sure of when exactly.
Hypoallergenic Siberian cats didn’t make it to the U.S. until 1990. Siberian cats are still fairly rare in the U.S.
Siberian Cats aren’t clingy, but they are communal by nature. Plan on spending plenty of time with your feline friend or even adopting two. Give them active play times and plenty of belly scratches every day. Take into account how agile they are. Avoid displaying glass ornaments or other breakable objects on high shelves. Consider buying a cat tree to keep your buddy entertained.