The Siberian is a truly magnificent creature; large, strong, agile with outstanding and powerful muscles. The back is long and very slightly curved but appears horizontal in motion. The hind legs of the Siberian are slightly longer than the front legs with large and powerful rounded paws. The overall appearance is a cat of great strength and size with an excellent physical tone. The facial expression of the Siberian is one of circles and roundness rather than angular as in some of the other breeds. But Siberians are so much more. They are intelligent, loyal, playful, inquisitive, affectionate, excellent with children, a healthy breed - and last but not least - hypoallergenic. What more could anyone want in a cat?

Although the Siberian is still relatively rare in the United States, only being here since 1990, it is far from new to the Asian continent and Europe. The exact origin of the Siberian cat is impossible to confirm due to lack of documentation. Exactly when and how the Siberian made its way to Siberia (and subsequently to Moscow and St. Petersburg) is not known, but it is theorized that the breed arrived with Russian emigrants. Cats are good rodent hunters and were welcomed in the large cities to keep the rats under control. The Siberian survived and developed into a hardy, semi-long haired breed able to withstand the unforgiving conditions of the region. During this time, no one bothered to develop the Siberian into a pedigreed cat. Russia did not allow citizens to own any kind of household pet, pedigreed or otherwise, because of the food shortage. The Siberian did, however, firmly establish itself as the national cat of Russia and the breed slowly spread throughout Europe.

The Siberian cat comes in all traditional colours and several different patterns. There are also colour point Siberians (having a different colour on the legs, tail, ears and face mask). It is one of three breeds known as forest cats. The Siberian is shorter and stockier than the similar looking Maine Coon and Norwegian Forest Cat. It is slower to mature than most other cats. A Siberian kitten may not reach full size until the age of five years.

BREED TRAITS AND PERSONALITY

The Siberian's winter coat is rich and full, while its summer coat is shorter and not as dense. Because it has evolved to survive the harsh northern winters, it has a triple fur coat that resists water. Happily, the fur also resists matting. Unlike other long-haired breeds, a weekly combing is all it takes to keep the Siberian tangle free.

Siberians are an extremely affectionate breed with a playful and inquisitive nature and are often described as having a dog-like personality. They have a special affinity for children. Usually when there are children in a family, the Siberian prefers to spend its time with the kids. Siberians almost always come when they are called and many of them play fetch. This breed enjoys being around people and will become lonely without the socialization of humans or other pets.

A great majority also have a keen interest in water. Many prefer to drink directly from a slowly running tap, like to place toys and objects into their water bowls; some even like to join their owners in the shower!

They are very intelligent and trainable and have the ability to problem solve to get what they want. Although they have a soft voice, Siberians are quite vocal and often "talk" by making a chirping sound.

THE SIBERIAN AND ALLERGIES

Commonly cited symptoms of cat allergy are skin irritations manifesting in rashes and hives, chronic sore throat, congestion, blocked ears, asthmatic symptoms including tightening in the chest and difficulty breathing, red, watery eyes, itchiness of the nose, eyes, throat and skin, sneezing, coughing, wheezing and frequent bouts of bronchitis.

The allergen most often responsible is a protein called Fel D1 which is found in the dander and saliva of cats. The cat applies layers of Fel D1 onto its coat during each grooming session. The allergens dry and become airborne. These microscopic particles are then breathed in by the allergy sufferer. A good percentage of Siberians are low in the Fel D1 allergen and that is why they are called "hypoallergenic".

Siberians North and South are committed to producing kittens with the lowest possible allergen level. To this end, all our adult breeders are tested and only the ones with the lowest allergen level are used in our breeding programs.

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