About

Breed information

 

Length range  : 38-46 cm

Height range  : 23-33cm

Weight range : 4.5-9.1kg

Coat : Long|semi-longhair|thick|triple|water-repellent coat with coarse-to-soft texture and seasonal density

Life expectancy years : 10-18

Colors: solid|chinchilla|shaded|tabby|smoke|point|bi-color|lynx|white|black|blue|red|cream|golden|silver|colorpoint.

Activitity Level : Moderate

Origin: Russia

Similar Breeds : Norwegian Forest Cat|Maine Coon|Ragdoll|Birman|Japanese Bobtail Long Hair

 

History

Recorded history in Russia goes back to around 1000 AD. Siberians appeared in cat shows in the late 1800s and became more widely known outside Russia after exports to Europe and the United States around the end of the Cold War. CFA accepted the breed for registration in 2000 and championship status followed in 2006 or 2007.

 

 

characteristics

Temperament

Playful

Personality

affectionate|loyal|friendly|social|intelligent|curious|easygoing|playful|calm|devoted

Needs

Needs enrichment with climbing , jumping , play , hunting-style games , scratching areas and companionship. Secure outdoor-style access or enriched indoor spaces with branches , platforms , tunnels , posts and puzzle feeders may be helpful.

Social Needs

Sociable and affectionate with family , often good with children and other pets. Likes being near people and may follow owners around while still showing some independence.

Grooming 

The thick coat usually needs brushing or combing several times a week and more often during shedding seasons. Check the underside , tail and britches for mats. Regular ear cleaning , tooth care , nail trimming and access to a scratching post are recommended.

Nutrition

Diet should be complete and balanced with attention to life stage , activity and weight control. Fresh water should always be available. Digestible protein , appropriate fat , coat-supporting fatty acids , prebiotics , fiber for hairball control and urinary support are emphasized in the provided sources.

 

Breed Standard

The breed standard describes a medium to medium-large strong triple-coated cat with a rounded overall impression , modified wedge head , rounded muzzle , medium-large ears , almost round expressive eyes , sturdy neck , substantial boning , powerful musculature , slightly arched back and a thick furnished tail. Temperament must be unchallenging.

Did you know?

The Siberian is considered Russia’s native forest cat and appears in folklore and historical writings. It is famed for cold resistance , water-repellent fur and there is a square in Tyumen dedicated to Siberian cats.

HEALTHCARE

Most Common / iconic illnesses 

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, Polycystic kidney disease, Feline dental disease, Hairballs and intestinal blockages, Feline lower urinary tract disease

 

Symptoms

1. It may be silent at first
2. Heart murmur , lethargy , increased resting respiratory rate , labored or open-mouth breathing and sudden hind leg pain or paralysis from thromboembolism may occur

1. Increased thirst and urination , vomiting , nausea , weight loss , muscle wasting , poor appetite , lethargy , weakness and dull coat may occur

1. Bad breath , red swollen or bleeding gums , tartar , drooling , difficulty eating , pawing at the mouth , loose teeth , lethargy and weight loss may occur

1. Frequent gagging , retching , vomiting , lack of appetite , lethargy , constipation and painful or swollen abdomen may occur

1. Straining to urinate , frequent trips to the litter box , crying during urination , blood in urine , genital licking , inappropriate urination and little or no urine may occur

Onset of symptoms

 

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

1. Predisposition is present from birth but clinical signs are often diagnosed in adults around 2-8 years

Probability Of Onset:

1. Moderate because Siberians are considered an at-risk breed and the breed is among those more prevalent for HCM

Polycystic kidney disease

1. Cysts are present from birth but signs of kidney failure may not appear until middle to old age often after 7 years

Probability Of Onset:

1. Low and the risk is lower than in some other prone breeds though testing is available

Feline dental disease

1. Mild gingivitis may begin at 1-2 years and more significant disease may appear from about 3 years onward

Probability Of Onset:

1. Very high because dental disease is common in cats over 3 years without preventive care

Hairballs and intestinal blockages

1. May occur after the adult coat develops usually after 1 year and can recur with seasonal shedding

Probability Of Onset:

1. High because the long dense coat increases swallowed hair and long-haired breeds are at significantly greater risk

Feline lower urinary tract disease

1. Can occur at any age but is often seen in young to middle-aged cats around 2-6 years

Probability Of Onset:

1. Moderate because LUTD is common in cats and risk rises with low water intake , limited exercise , indoor living , stress and excess weight

Reasons

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy       

 1. This is primarily genetic but taurine is critical for heart muscle function 

 

Feline dental disease:

1. This is mainly plaque-related rather than deficiency-based

 

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy       

 1. This is primarily genetic but taurine is critical for heart muscle function according to the supplied text

Feline dental disease:

1. This is mainly plaque-related rather than deficiency-based

 

Polycystic kidney disease

 1. As kidney failure progresses potassium and water-soluble B vitamins may become low

Hairballs and intestinal blockages

1. The issue is excess ingested hair but limited dietary fiber may make passage harder 

Feline lower urinary tract disease

  1. 1. Water may be lacking and concentrated urine can favor crystal formation 

Normally Treament Methods

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy:

  1. 1. Breeder screening with echocardiography may help reduce risk
    2. Management may include medications to control heart rate , manage congestion and reduce clot risk

 

Polycystic kidney disease:

  1. 1. DNA screening may help prevention
    2. Management may include kidney diet , fluid therapy and medication for blood pressure , nausea or appetite support

 

Feline dental disease

  1. 1. Daily tooth brushing , dental diets and professional cleaning under anesthesia may be used
    2. Extractions or periodontal procedures may be needed in advanced disease

 

Hairballs and intestinal blockages:

  1. 1. Daily brushing , hairball diets and hairball remedies may help
    2. If blockage occurs surgery may be necessary

 

Feline lower urinary tract disease:

  1. 1. Increasing water intake , wet food , multiple water bowls and clean litter boxes may help
    2. Prescription urinary diets , pain control , catheterization for obstruction and stress reduction may be used. Ask professional vets for detailed information.

 

Supplements

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy :

  • 1. Taurine can,might be helpful for heart muscle function
    2. L-carnitine can,might be helpful for cardiac energy support
    3. Coenzyme Q10 can,might be helpful for cellular energy support
    4. Omega-3 fatty acids can,might be helpful for anti-inflammatory support
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Polycystic kidney disease

  • 1. Potassium can,might be helpful if bloodwork shows low levels
    2. B-vitamin complex can,might be helpful for appetite and energy support
    3. Omega-3 fatty acids can,might be helpful for kidney support
    4. Phosphate binders can,might be helpful for reducing phosphorus absorption
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Feline dental disease

  • 1. VOHC-approved water additives can,might be helpful for reducing plaque
    2. Dental probiotics can,might be helpful for oral bacterial balance
    3. Seaweed-based supplements can,might be helpful for plaque control
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Hairballs and intestinal blockages

  • 1. Dietary fiber can,might be helpful for moving hair through the digestive tract
    2. Hairball remedies can,might be helpful for lubricating passage
    3. Omega-3 fatty acids can,might be helpful for coat condition and may reduce shedding
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Feline lower urinary tract disease

  • 1. Glucosamine and chondroitin can,might be helpful for supporting the bladder lining
    2. L-theanine can,might be helpful for stress reduction
    3. Zylkene can,might be helpful for stress reduction
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