Siberian Cat Siberian Cat - Ben - photo ©copyright Helmi Flick 
Introduction The
Siberian
Cat is my kind of cat. Helmi calls this breed one of the
"natural breeds". To me this means that this breed has evolved
naturally as opposed, for example, through a "spontaneous" genetic
mutation (e.g. the American
Curl) or by deliberate mating
(e.g.
the Bengal).
Although the natural part only counts until the cat fancy became
involved and started to refine the cat by selective breeding. It could
be argued that there are no natural domestic cats any more.
Origin
The breed originates in Russia (link to a Google map), where he/she is as ordinary and ubiquitous as the "moggie" mixed breed cat. On exporting this breed to the West (in 1990) she has been bred as a pure-bred cat and registered by the CFA in 2000 (very recently in cat history terms). The history of this cat in Russia, though, is very long, going back 1000 years according to the CFA. To me she looks a little like the Maine Coon, medium/long hair (I guess for protection against the Siberian weather) and a "distinguished" and classic cat face. There is obviously a difference to the Maine Coon, which is hard to describe, but you can see it when you study the photographs on this website. According to Kathy Wade (a breeder based in America, Croshka Siberians) there was an exchange of breeds between the Russians and the Americans arranged by Elizabeth Terrell of Starpoint Cattery (a Himalayan cat breeder). The Russians got the Himalayan and the Yanks got a Siberian. I can see why there was a formal exchange of breeds. In 1990 the communist party was still (just it seems) in charge in the USSR (as it was then). The break-up of the communist party took place in about 1991. There were heavy restrictions and bureaucracy in those days on anything leaving the country. Also, at this time a certain David Boehm also imported Siberian cats from the USSR to the US.  Siberian
cat
- photo copyright © Helmi Flick
Character + Health I like the naturalness of this cat and the appearance of the cat indicates that she is well suited to the Russian climate. In short, she looks like a Siberian cat. The Maine Coon has that natural outdoor cat look as well. A cat that has survived without domestication (or minimal domestication) and who has "come in from the cold" to live with humans.She is agile, a great jumper and is another one of those cats that is "dog like". Bengals can be dog like for example as they like to play "fetch". So, if your wife likes cats and you like dogs, compromise and adopt a Siberian.
This cat breed is larger than the average domestic cat (see a weight comparison chart), friendly, good with pets and children, and has no outstanding propensities to ill health found with some breeds (e.g. Modern Siamese). Siberian cat health A short discussion on the health issues affecting this cat breed. There aren't many but nearly all domestic cats have some health issues. She is a balanced and healthy cat by all accounts. And fairly playful and active. This breed of cat is still rare in the West. Dani and Rick of Cattery Yeri Shaes live with a Siberian (amongst other lovely cats) and Dani as you probably know by now is a great cat photographer so you've got some fine pictures of this cat breed accompanying this article (see the thumbnails above). This really is a handsome cat, I think you'll agree. You will love Dani's photographs. I had a cat called "Missie" who had a bit of Norwegian Forest cat in her and she could jump massive distances vertically. The Norwegian Forest cat is a similar looking breed. Interestingly the Siberian cat is also called the "Siberian Forest Cat".  Siberian
cat
- photo ©Helmi Flick
Hypoallergenic? She may be good with people with an allergy to cats. This is claimed by Kathy Wade. Kathy runs a very good and informative website, which is top on a Google search. I don't know her, but I would expect her to run her cattery well too. Visit her site and make some enquiries www.siberiancat.net . It would seem that in tests carried out in the USA fur samples had less Fel D1 flakes (cat dander, the allergen that produces the allergic reaction in some people).It isn't just Kathy who says that this cat breed is at least to a degree hypoallergenic. There is however no scientific evidence to support the claims of breeders and keepers of this cat who claim this (except for the above as far as I am aware). Pictures These are all thumbnail photos linking to very large pictures. All are by Helmi Flick and are her copyright:  ©Helmi Flick  ©Helmi Flick  ©Helmi Flick  ©Helmi Flick  ©Helmi Flick  ©Helmi Flick Sources:
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