Description, color types and features of keeping Siberian cats

Siberian cats are considered the pride of Russian breeders. Today, individuals of this breed often appear at international exhibitions, they are appreciated by lovers of natural beauty around the world. The material in this article will introduce the reader to the features of these cats and talk about the nuances of their content.

The path of formation of the Siberian breed was laid through harsh climatic conditions. It is almost natural, despite the fact that the origin is overgrown with legends. Siberian cats are considered indigenous animals, they have a bright appearance and were only partly bred by breeders. In fact, their ancestors were Bukhara cats, the first mention of the beginning of the formation of the breed appeared in the XVI century.

In the annals there were references to cats similar to Siberians. They called them Bukhara, they met throughout Russia. It is generally accepted that migration across the country originates from the regions of Siberia and the Far East.

Officially, the country of origin of the Siberian cat is Russia. Initially, many believed that all large and long-haired cats are Siberians. Breeders at one time were sure that Siberians were called cats exclusively from Siberia. However, in the 80s, felinologists put an end to this issue. They noted that the roots of origin go far back centuries.

Investigating in subsequent breeding work of cats from different regions of Siberia and the Far East, they selected the best representatives of the cat family, collecting an exterior group of individuals living in Krasnoyarsk, Novosibirsk and Kemerovo. To highlight the bright features of the breed, animals with large dimensions, a massive skeleton, a heavy head and a long rough coat were selected.

The breeding work on breeding a truly Russian cat breed of Siberian type was difficult and thorough. However, in 1991, felinologist Olga Mironova was able to achieve recognition of the breed standard by the World Cat Federation. The standard was approved as a worker, but it became official after 3 years.

Americans began to notice Siberians: TICA officially recognized the breed in 1996. About a year later, another prestigious organization paid attention to cats - FIFE. To date, felinologists are working to consolidate the type of breed.

Siberian cats are distinguished by their originality and lordly appearance. They belong to the cat family of large breeds. The coat of these animals is not too long, which is why they are sometimes confused with short-haired cats. However, in reality, short-haired breeds are considered relatives of Siberians. As for the standard, it has its own characteristics.

The representative of the breed looks very presentable. It’s easy to distinguish it from your usual pet. It is given out by large dimensions and thick wool. The height of the fluffy Russian cat at the withers is on average 30 cm, for males - about 40 cm. These indicators can vary depending on the age of the pet.

The body of these cats is heavy and muscular. In the population, individuals are found not only large, but also medium in size. Due to the wool, they seem particularly large, standing out against the background of ordinary domestic cats. They have muscular legs of medium length, proportional physique, the body is dense and somewhat elongated. The back is slightly higher than the shoulders, the stomach is barrel-shaped and firm.

The size of the paws is large, while the hind legs are longer than the front ones, they are rounded, have pubescence between the pads. The tail of the Siberian is fluffy and wide at the base, by the end it narrows slightly. The neck of the Siberian cat is round and muscular, although not long. The head of the animal has a trapezoidal shape with rounded contours. Its size may vary depending on the weight of the cat, but it is always proportional to the body.

The chin is well defined, cheekbones are developed, cheeks are full. The upper part of the head is somewhat flat, the nose is wide and almost straight, has a small depression near the forehead, noticeable when looking at the cat from the side. The forehead itself is pushed forward. Siberian ears are of medium size, at the base they are wider, the tips are somewhat rounded. The eyes of the animal are large, rounded, often oval, widely set.

Their color is solid and always combined with the color of the coat. Shades of cat's eyes can vary from green to golden, and even yellowish. Rare representatives of the breed may have different eye colors, including blue.

Representatives of this breed weigh on average from 6 to 9 kg (less weight in females, it rarely exceeds 7 kg). Individuals weighing up to 10-12 kg are found in the population. It is worth noting that A lot of weight does not make a cat slow. Regardless of this, it is plastic, agile and quick.

A unique characteristic of large Russian cats is feature of their fur coat: it is waterproof. The coat of the animal consists of a thick and hard elongated outer hair and a thick undercoat, not particularly different in length from the main coat.

On average, Siberians live about 15 years. For cats, this is a respectable age; it corresponds to the age of an elderly person. However, life expectancy is directly affected by the conditions of detention, proper nutrition and care. Stress and poor grooming are shortened.

A cat needs human attention, while a toy for it can be ordinary paper or even thread. He has developed the instinct of self-preservation, in view of which the animal never crawls to where it can be dangerous. The health of the Siberians is excellent, in comparison with fellow breeds of other breeds. Individual individuals live up to 20 years. As for reproductive age, in cats it usually does not exceed 18 years, while in males it only occasionally surpasses the eleven-year boundary.

The colors of long-haired Siberian cats can be different. Among the representatives of the breed, you can find individuals of the same color or cats with a characteristic pattern. At the same time, the texture of the wool can be very different: somewhere it is soft, somewhere it is tough. Depending on the color on the stomach and legs, it can be curly.

Curious is the fact that at birth, the kitten boy inherits the color of the mother, while the baby girl can take the color from any of the parents. As for the standard, it allows for plain colors, and spotty, and patterned. The colors of many modern cats are the result of selection. The standard includes animals with white, black, gray, brownish, blue and red hair.

White solid color considered a rarity. In this case, the standard implies a perfectly clean color. There should not be any patterns or spots on the coat. Sometimes such kittens are born with specks, but over time they disappear. Breeders call such cats Angora. These pets have different eye colors (bluish, copper or even orange).

Black color, according to the requirements of the standard, should be uniform. As a rule, in such cats even the tip of the nose is painted black. Kittens at birth have a coat of grayish or brown color, with time and after molting it turns black. However, caring for these cats is more difficult, because their hair has to be protected from the sun so that it does not fade. When burned out, the black coat becomes ugly, giving off a redhead.

Gray color is conditionally divided into two types: chinchilla and smoky. The first type means wool, tinted not along the entire length, but partially. At the same time, a silver color can dye the hair of the hair by no more than 1/3, and in some cats even less (for example, the tip). The smoky color has hairs that are dark at the ends and light (sometimes even completely white) at the roots. Chinchilla color is considered rare among Siberians; it can be shaded and veiled.

Tortoise color Consists of contrasting shades. This can be an overlay of black on a solid red or blue on a cream. With this color pattern, the distribution of spots is uniform throughout the coat of the animal. More often this color is characteristic of individuals of the female breed. However, in rare cases, it is observed in males, although, as a rule, in those that can not give offspring.

Distributed among Siberian cats and color tabby. With such a coloring of the wool, an alternation of dark and light shades is noted, which gives an original pattern. In individuals of this breed, three species of this color can be found: marble (classic), tiger and spotted. Each type has its own degree of color saturation.

In addition, the standard recognizes several colors with white. For example, it can be bicolor, in which at least 1/3 of all wool should be white in color.

Siberian cats can not be called lazy dogs, they are characterized by mobility and activity. These are animal leaders, and therefore they rarely agree to be neighbors with other pets. They rarely recognize other cats or dogs living in the house. As for a person, only one of all household members will be the authority.

He will obey him more than others, obeying the rules that the master will teach. However, this does not mean that the animal will behave badly. Not at all: if he was taught the rules of behavior from childhood, the cat will behave quite peacefully with everyone. On the whole, the Siberian’s character is peaceful and good-natured. Among the representatives of the breed there are individuals peacefully related to all household members.

Representatives of this breed are different tact and devotionwhich is shown in relation to its owner. Since childhood, they are not only curious, but also smart. They can be trained in some teams, because these are sociable animals. They do not worry about a change of scenery, quickly get used to a new place, and can live in a private house or in an apartment.

By nature they are wonderful hunters. Craving for hunting is manifested in very young kittens, which explains their playfulness. However, the desire to hunt indicates that there should not be birds or small domestic rodents in the house: sooner or later, the cat’s hunter instincts will work. In a private house, a cat will exterminate all mice, and not only on the territory of its site, but also among neighbors.

While the cat is hunting, it looks very good. Hunting gives the pet strength, trains the body, caught food favorably affects the health of the body and coat. The animal is cleanliness. It will never impose its society, even if it wants attention or affection. Even in this case, the cat will not beg for affection, will not allow itself to be wary of the owner and will try not to show its emotions.

Animals perceive the host change in different ways. However, they do not always like outsiders to their homes. And if the pet does not like a particular person, he can afford to grumble a little at him. Other individuals can protect their owners in their own way. By the way, the protective instinct also works with young children living in the house. Siberians adore small children and try not to give them offense. Other representatives of the breed protect the sensitive sleep of infants, in their own way, babysit with them, like to play with babies. However, they will not allow themselves to release their claws and play too much.

About these cats can not be said that they are doing something thoughtlessly. Any of their actions is meaningful. Having studied an object or a toy, they quickly find its application. They love various outdoor games, and often jump and deftly climb tall objects in the house. However, if Siberians are patient with respect to children and can behave with dignity, then adult family members they will not allow themselves to be bored.

The pet really misses the owner and does not like loneliness. In the afternoon he can go to bed on some kind of master's thing. Even at night, the cat will find an opportunity to cling to the owner, even if for this he will settle down at his feet. As for the period of wakefulness, the fluffy can not be left for a long time, and even more so without toys, which he often wears in his teeth, like prey. Given his quick wits, you need to understand: the animal will find something to do.

Besides the fact that the cat can easily open the door handle, he can get to the water taps in search of water. By the way, he is not only not afraid of her, but even loves her. This is manifested in relaxation when swimming. Besides, the pet can deliberately drag toys into the bathtub to entertain themselves by catching them.

With age, some individuals, which at one time received little attention, may exhibit hyper-excitability. Moreover, the peak of activity usually occurs at night, when the household wants to sleep.

Siberian cats are easily trained, and therefore to accustom them to the tray is not difficult. They quickly understand where the toilet is and their bed. They love game complexes and need claws. If an animal does not get a couch, it will not understand its place, as there will be no clear division into “own” and “master's” things. Need to take care of the purchase harness or collar for walking.

For example, the animal must have its own dishes. Plates from the owner’s table cannot be used, in the future the cat will not understand why he is not allowed to eat food on the table. Regardless of the time of feeding, the animal should always have a bowl of fresh water. The pet should not look for water when he wants to drink. The lack of water in the usual place will cause the cat to climb into the sink, bath or toilet.

Lounger for a cat is selected, given its size. He must contain a pet so that he does not have to huddle or look for more comfortable places to sleep in the house. If you have finances, you can buy two sun loungers, and their models can be either standard floor or suspended. For example, if you wish, you can choose for Siberia an option for a radiator or a hanging hammock. Other breeders make do-it-yourself pet beds.

Good models can be obtained from ordinary old suitcases, sweaters or even pillows. Some cat owners make two-story structures. Cats like these products, they are more functional and especially appropriate if two pets live in the house.

Trays for cats are selected based on their size and character traits. Despite the fact that there are many options on the market today, when choosing it is worth starting from open models. It’s easy to determine the type you need: the tray should be strong, stable, with relatively high sides and a removable frame.

You need to buy a tray with rubberized legs, made of especially durable and thick plastic. In this case, the tray should not smell sharply, because cats do not like it, and they are looking for other places to cope with their natural needs. High sides will protect the space surrounding the tray from excrement, urine and filler granules.

As for the features of the trays, you will have to choose between options with and without a grill. Products without a mesh need a filler. Trays with a grid are good in that they can be used without granular material. Filler in this case is necessary to eliminate the unpleasant odor.

It is difficult to call a Siberian cat a fickle in grooming, but it is extremely important to ensure the regularity of hygiene procedures. Particular attention will have to be paid to combing out dead hair, because the longer the cat will wear it, the more tangles will be on the wool coat. Double combing will be needed during molting, because at this time the cat is vital. Besides, timely combing will save the house from dead hairs lying around the entire perimeter of the housing.

It is better to comb the cat with a special device with a comb-trimmer. This will allow you to easily remove dead hair from the hair without much labor and fatigue, without damaging the skin of the pet. Cats like such combs, because they not only do not touch the skin, but also do not pull out the hair, and also massage the skin.

In the period of molting, which occurs in spring and autumn, long-haired fluffies are combed out often. Individual individuals need this more often twice a week.If for some reason the owner does not have enough free time to rid the pet of dead hair, you can buy a brush with teeth, which is attached to the wall. Since the animal will be able to scratch a fur coat on its own, these combs rarely remain without cat's attention.

The teeth of the furminator should be sparse, and the width of the working surface of the crest should be wide. This is necessary in order to reduce the time for processing the pet. On the muzzle, behind the ears and in the tail area, the hairs need to be combed out especially carefully. It is undesirable to cut the hair short in these places.

From time to time, the cat needs to clean its ears and eyes. Do this with warm boiled water, using napkins or cotton pads. Hygiene of the ears and eyes, coupled with a visual examination, will not only prevent infection by any infection, but also notice the presence of parasites. For example, if a cat begins to scratch its ears for a long time, this may indicate the presence of small ear mites. If whitish eyes begin to appear in the corners of the eyes, they indicate the presence of worms.

If parasites are present in the ears or eyes, the owner of the animal should consult a veterinarian. After examination, the specialist will select the optimal preparation and dosage based on the age of the cat and its weight. Ears are treated with drops, having previously cleaned their inner surface. As a rule, the procedure is repeated once, to consolidate the therapeutic effect. Teeth need to be cleaned often. The teeth of cats, like humans, are prone to the formation and growth of tartar. Their gums also become inflamed, and enamel strength may weaken. Cats need to brush their teeth special paste without delaying the procedure.

Claws need to be trimmed in a timely manner. To do this, you can purchase a clipper, which will save the animal from tedious and long-term hygiene. Cutting in one procedure can be no more than 1 mm in length. So that the cat does not tear apart the wallpaper and upholstery, it is worth getting a scratching post. It is necessary to choose it, given the massiveness of the animal. It should be resistant to nail claws.

Washing your pet too often is undesirable. Siberians are fairly clean cats, they constantly lick their wool. They should be washed with zoo shampoo no more than three to four times a year. However, no one cancels games in water, as does washing a cat without shampoo. As for detergents, rinsing agents are now provided for the care of the hair of these animals.

Cats feel best if they are often in the fresh air. Private house for them is the best place to stay. Here the cat will find something to do, will be able to hunt enough, and also train his muscles. No ventilation of the rooms of the apartment will replace the street walks for the pet. Even equipped game complexes will not make a cat stronger if he does not walk every day.

Staying in the fresh air is the prevention of many diseases. This allows you to strengthen the immune system, maintain yourself in good shape and gain strength for active games and normal growth. Animals that are not taken outside are weaker.

Visiting a veterinarian is a must. Vaccination should be timely, as well as preventive measures to disinfect a pet from fleas and ticks. Someone is buying antiparasitic collars for Siberians. However, as practice shows, not all of them are effective. Each time after a walk, the owner should inspect the pet.

Due to its high activity, a Siberian cat needs high-calorie food. However, this does not mean that it can be oily. A nutritional approach must be carefully considered. It is unacceptable to feed a pet exclusively with industrial feed, regardless of their type. Even with the alternation of wet and dry food, the animal will not receive all the vitamins and nutrients necessary for it. To strengthen tooth enamel mineral-vitamin complexes should be in food. In the diet must attend natural products. What the owners eat is not good for the pet.

For compiling a cat menu, you can contact the veterinarian who will tell you in what form to serve this or that product. For example, cat meat can be eaten raw and boiled, but if it eats raw, anthelmintic treatment should be more frequent.

Particular attention in the preparation of the menu should be given to little kittens. At the age of three months, they are usually fed 5-6 times a day, as they grow older, the frequency of food intake is reduced to two to three times a day. Animal nutrition should be balanced, diverse and age-appropriate pet. However, the Siberian must be fed correctly, he should not overeat. The same can be said of pregnant cats. Their food should be high quality, rich in vitamins and minerals. Overeating is fraught with weight gain, and a lack of nutrients will adversely affect the health and immunity of the offspring. As for the nutrition of cats during lactation, then at this time their food should be more high-calorie.

Food for the Siberian is selected based on the characteristics of the animal itself and its age (for example, for kittens, sterilized animals). Cheap feeds do not have beneficial substances in their composition, they can harm health. You need to buy food from trusted manufacturers. As for natural food, cats need chicken, beef, turkey, rabbit meat. In addition, the diet should have boiled fish, eggs, seafood, kefir and cottage cheese.

Milk can be given to little kittens, adult cats need kefir. Even in the diet there should be cereals, as well as germinated cereals (for example, oat greens). Cereal sprouts are needed to help cleanse the animal’s stomach from swallowed hair.

The nature of Siberian cats can be different, as evidenced by the reviews of breeders left on the expanses of the World Wide Web. Their owners note that other representatives may be offended by the owners, and even take revenge on them even for random insults. Cats float their nails, play, scratching not only adults, but also children.

Other comments indicate that pets quickly adapt to a change of owners, and may require attention. They bring their toys to the owners and move them with their paw, showing that they want to play. The owners note that similar behavior is observed in the offspring of friendly cats. In addition, rare representatives of the breed, according to breeders, are cowardly. But many have a trick that they use in relation to other pets and all households.

Look at the features of Siberian cats in the next video.