Siberian cat

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Siberian
Country of origin
Russia
Breed standard
FIFe	: standard
CFA	: standard
TICA	: standard
AACE	: standard
ACFA	: standard
ACF	: standard

The Siberian is a long haired breed of cat. The Siberian cat breed is recognized by most cat organizations, which accept Siberians of any color (including color points) for competition.

History

The Siberian has been recognized in major cat registries such as TICA and the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA).^{[citation needed]}

On 6 February 2006, the Siberian was recognized for competition in the CFA Championship class.^[1]

Characteristics

Body

Known to be an exceptionally high jumper, the Siberian is a strong and powerfully built cat, with well proportioned characteristics that include strong hindquarters and large stomachs. They typically weigh between 15 to 20 pounds (6.8 to 9.1 kg) for the males, or 10 to 15 pounds (4.5 to 6.8 kg) for females.^[2] They are shorter and stockier than Maine Coon cats and Norwegian Forest Cats, even though they can attain approximately the same weight. Also, Siberians typically attain their full growth more slowly, typically over their first 5 years.^[2]

Personality

Siberians are generally intelligent, playful, affectionate, and loyal, leading many to describe their character as dog-like. They enjoy the outdoors to a great degree.^{[citation needed]}

Fur

While there is no scientific evidence, anecdotal evidence from breeders and pet owners claims that Siberians are hypoallergenic.^[3] Siberian fur is textured, medium-long and usually tabby patterned. Their fur is plush, can have a wide range of coloration (including points), and does not have a tendency to mat.^{[citation needed]}

Hypo-allergenic

The Siberian is reportedly hypo-allergenic. Many people believe that the breed produces less Fel d1, the primary allergen present on cats.^{[citation needed]}

Reproduction

On average, a Siberian cat's litter consists of 4 kittens.^[2] Some litters, however, have consisted of as few as one and as many as nine kittens.

Ancestry

While Siberians are a fairly recent introduction to the US (1990) and thus relatively rare (although popular), the breed can be seen in Russian paintings and writings dating back hundreds of years. This sets them apart from breeds that are the result of fairly recent selective breeding.^{[citation needed]}

There is an increasing interest in Siberians worldwide, and they are currently accepted in all registries.^{[citation needed]}

References

Bibliography

• CFA Siberian Breed Profile
• ACFA SIBERIAN Standard

External links

• international breeder-list