The Siberian

With a heritage that stretches back at least 1000 years and a triple layer of fur to protect against the harsh Russian winter, the Siberian is perhaps an unusual cat to be seen in a young, hot country like Australia. But since its introduction here in 2003, the Siberian has made a deep connection with Aussie cat lovers, who appreciate the breed’s dog-like characteristics and attractive appearance.

The Siberian is the national cat of Russia, owned and loved by past and present Russian leaders including Mikhail Gorbachev and Dmitry Medvedev. The cats were first documented in 1000CE and became popular with Russian farmers because of their vermin-catching abilities. So popular, in fact, that the Siberian entered folklore as key characters in Russian fairy tales.

In modern history, the breed achieved recognition in England in 1871 but was only introduced to the US in the 1990s (coincidentally after the Cold War was over). As in Australia, Siberians are relatively rare in the US, but in both countries the appeal is growing.

Siberian characteristics

Siberians exhibit dog-like behaviour; greeting their owners when they come home, settling down with them in the evening and even following them around the house. Friendly, energetic and smart, Siberians interact well with people and other animals, particularly dogs.

The breed is noted for its agility, which comes from its strong hindquarters and large, rounded paws. Stockier than most cats, Siberians have barrel chests, broad foreheads and medium-sized ears. Uniquely, they also make a triple purr – which is the sound they’ll greet you with at the end of a long day.

Siberians have three layers of fur – guard hair, awn hair and down – which does require some grooming. Some people claim that the Siberian fur is hypoallergenic and that the breed is ideal for cat lovers who are normally allergic to cats. However, it should be pointed out that there is no scientific evidence to back this up. Siberians also moult a couple of times a year.

There is no distinctive colouration or pattern with Siberians, and colour variations from tabby to tortoiseshell are genetically possible.

Siberians tend to be capable of reproducing slightly earlier than most breeds. They make excellent parents, but females are capable of producing litters late in life, so desexing is important.

In Australian terms, Siberians are relatively unique, but their affectionate, loving natures mean they are great pets, particularly if you live in a cooler part of the country.

Image by: siberian.cats.kittens and siberian.cats.kittens