Interested in learning more about Siberians?
Profile of the Siberian Cat: "Cat's Alphabet"
The links below are to a 2009 Russian TV program "Cat's Alphabet." This show highlights the Siberian breed and was filmed at the Fialka cattery, where our beautiful male Indigo was bred. You should really enjoy this, even though it is in Russian - dont let the foreign language scare you away from watching. If you are interested in learning about Siberians, this is really a great visual reference.
The program includes fun historical pictures, videos of many beautiful Siberians and interviews with Indigo's breeder Elena Hildebrandt. European Champion (FIFe) Veilchen Prinzessin, Indigo's mother, is often seen -- she is the blue tabby that is his mirror image. Don't forget to be on the lookout for Indigo's father, World Champion (WCF), European Champion(FIFe) Jonathan-Timange and other beautiful cats from the Fialka cattery.
"Cat's Alphabet Part I"
"Cat's Alphabet Part II"
Profile of the Siberian Cat: "Cats 101: The Siberian"
Animal Planet recently produced a good series on the many different cat breeds. This link will bring you to their profile of the Siberian cat.
Cats 101: The Siberian
General Historical Information
The first 3 Siberian cats were introduced to the U.S. in 1990 by Elizabeth Terrell. Those cats were Kalistro Vasenjkovich of Starpoint, Ofelia Romanova of Starpoint and Naina Romanova of Starpoint. Ofelia and Naina were offspring of the famous Grand International Champion Roman (pictured below) who was the model for the original Russian Siberian standard. We are very proud to have Roman in the pedigrees of all of our kittens.
Siberian cats have ancient Russian origins, however systematic breeding of Siberian cats in Russia did not begin until the late 1980s. For many hundreds of years, one could easily see Siberian-type cats in the streets of large cities like Moscow and St Petersburg, these cats were used as the foundation population of the breed.
Siberian cats are medium to medium/large in size, strong and muscular with surprising heft for their size. Females are generally smaller than the males. Average weights for females are 8-12 pounds, males will generally weigh from 10-15 pounds. Some Siberians, like our Indigo, will be substantially larger when mature (and neutered, as males often lose a good deal of weight during mating season). Siberian
cats come in all colors. Our kittens will generally have a more traditional, "wild" look, very similar to our Russian Queen Junona. Siberians have semi-long, natural "triple" coats (guard hair, awn hair and undercoat) that are rich and full in the winter and a shorter, less dense summer coat. The general look to the Siberian is of roundness and circles as opposed to rectangles such as you would see in Maine Coons, or the triangular features of the Norwegian Forest Cat. They are often described as "dog like" due to their exceptional companionship abilities and how they just love to follow you around the house, and many are incredibly attracted to water. Detailed American breed standards are listed here: CFA (Cat Fanciers Association), TICA (The International Cat Association)
Siberian cats are considered hypoallergenic by many, meaning having a decreased tendency to provoke an allergic reaction. Many people with cat allergies may have much less to no allergy reactions with this breed, however there can be no guarantee that no reactions will occur or will not develop over time.
Siberians are very loyal and intelligent cats who can be taught to play many games, most cat toys will provide hours of entertainment for them and they love it when you play with them. They will often greet you at the door or tell you about their day with a unique, soft chirp.
Forest Cat DifferencesSiberian cats are often grouped together with other natural, wild-type breeds (Maine Coons and Norwegian Forest cats) however they are a very distinct breed. With regard to size, Siberians will be much more compact with a short, powerful body and a thick, muscular chest and neck. Maine Coons are long and tall. I've heard another breeder describe their sizing similar to this: "Maine Coons are like the cat world's basketball players, the Siberians are the football players." I think this is a perfect description. Maine Coons are very long and tall, like your typical basketball player. Football players, they are shorter, stockier, and much more muscular, just like a Siberian cat. The Siberian head and muzzle is substantially broad and round. The Norwegian Forest cat head structure is filled with triangles, and the Maine Coons are rectangular, with extended muzzles.
Forest Cat Legends
Legends about the origins of the forest cats differ as well. The Norwegian Forest Cats, who originated from aboriginal Scandinavian semi-longhair cats, were the charioteers of the goddess Freya. The Maine Coon, a similar semi-longhair cat from the shores of North America, is said to be an offspring of a wild cat and a raccoon. And, legend also has it that Siberians were wild forest cats from the snowy dense forests of Taiga who guarded the Siberian monasteries during the Middle Ages.
