Siberian

Longhaired Russian cats have been documented as early as the 9th century. Exactly when and how longhaired cats made their way to Siberia is unknown, but it is speculated that the breed arrived with Russian emigrants. Due to the unforgiving cold climate, these cats developed longer hair, all-weather coats, and larger, stockier bodies able to withstand the unforgiving conditions of the region.

Until the 1980s, the government of the former Soviet Union discouraged its citizens from owning household pets because of housing and food shortages. In 1988, the first Russian cat show was held in Moscow. Siberian cats came to the U.S. shortly after, where they’ve enjoyed popularity ever since. 

If you’re looking for a true friend who loves to gossip and chat and you are home a lot, the Siberian is a good fit. They love bonding, playing, and loving their owners. An owner needs to be able to devote a lot of outdoor space to their cat, whose nature is to explore, hunt, and play.

The Siberian is a highly active cat who enjoys exercising, eating from food puzzle toys, and playing games involving chasing, catching, and hunting.

Ideally, these active cats would have access to a secure yard or outdoor area to play and roam. Provide them with tree branches, resting platforms at various heights, tunnels, and scratching posts and they will be purring happily. You can even hide food-dispensing puzzle toys in their outdoor area during the day so that they can “hunt” while you are away to help keep them preoccupied and entertained. However, Siberian Cats should not be left out in the open outdoors to roam as their curiosity may get the best of them.

Siberians are a rarity in the cat world and actually enjoy being groomed. Their long-haired coat will need brushing several times a week, with extra grooming needed as their coat thickens in winter and sheds in summer. While they are generally good at keeping themselves clean, this is also an ideal opportunity to bond and check them for any possible wounds—especially if they are spending a great deal of time outdoors.

Siberian Cats are considered easy to train due to their intelligence, quick learning skills, and enjoyment of mental stimulation. They can learn simple tricks and obedience commands and can be trained to use the litter box easily. They respond well to positive reinforcement and rewards.

The Siberian is a good family cat that gets along well with other pets and is best suited to homes with older children where less chaos might be present, and where owners can devote more time to them instead of tending to the needs of a small child. While Siberians are independent, they love being around people and are best suited for homes where people will be present.

The cost of a Siberian Cat from a breeder is significantly more than the cost of adopting one from a local shelter or rescue. The adoption fee usually covers additional items such as spaying or neutering, vaccines, and microchipping.