The Siberian cat is an imposing cat that nevertheless seems very gentle and is now considered a true domestic cat, despite the fact that in Siberia it has a reputation as a so-called "wild" cat. It is a very sociable feline that can adapt easily and gets along very well with other cats, dogs and even children.

Origin and history
The origin of the Siberian cat belongs to our century! The Siberian was first described in 1925 among the semi-longhaired cats of the Caucasus. It is said to be a cross between the domestic cat and the wild cat of the Ural Mountains and the central Siberian plateau. The breed was discovered recently and imported to Germany by two breeders in 1989: Hans and Betti Schulz. Today there are many examples of Siberians that have become great champions. It was in the United States that it conquered the Guinness Book of Prizewinners by obtaining the very famous title of American Maine Coon.

Character and skills
These are truly proud representatives of Russia! Strong and massive, they have beautiful proportions and are perfect for families where one or more members have allergies. Indeed, not all Siberian cats are born equal and about 50% of them have a lower level of the Fel D1 allergen than a normal cat. This is therefore a highly sought-after cat for those who have allergy problems.

In addition to its anti-allergenic capabilities, the Siberian cat is an animal that is well suited to family life, regardless of whether you have children or not, whether you are an active couple or whether you are more of a sedentary type! You will find that this cat's ability to adapt is simply remarkable!

This confident cat easily feels safe, is less fearful than some others and does not constantly show itself on the defensive. Very cuddly, it likes to be held and petted, contrary to what we often hear about felines. Its magnificent fur is really very soft and splendid in color. There are two types of Siberian cats: the traditional, usually tabby in color, and the Neva Masquerade, white-pointed in color.

Health
Regarding maintenance, brushing once a week is sufficient, except during moulting periods when it is better to brush more frequently in order to eliminate dead hair. It is important to insist on the areas where knots can form: behind the ears, between the legs, the chest and the buttocks.

The average price from breeders is around $2,000, but can go up to $3,800 if you are looking for a kitten that has been tested for the lowest level of Fel D1 allergens.

Martin Siberians, Quebec (Quebec)
www.martinsiberien.com/index.html

At Martin Siberians, the breeding stock is saliva tested and they are selected for low allergen levels. The only breed raised is the Purebred Neva Masquerade Siberian cat.

Troika Cattery, Joliette (Quebec)
www.ccc-cats.ca/troika/index.shtml

Troika Cattery is a traditional Siberian cat breeding facility. All kittens are vaccinated and sterilized, microchipped and registered with the CCC (Chats Canada Cats). One year warranty.

For more details regarding Fel D1 allergen studies for this breed of cat, visit Siberians research at www.siberianresearch.com

Here are its general characteristics:
Hair: Short and fine on the back, thick and long around and at mid-height
Coat: Medium to long, very full and waterproof.
Head: Medium sized and triangular in shape, with rounded contours
Ears: Set at the corners of the head and tilted forward with the tip tufted.
Eyes: Very large, almost round and well spaced, intense yellow-green in color.
Body: Well developed and heavy musculature
Tail: Broad at the base, moderately long and blunt at the tip
Weight: Female between 4 to 6 kg – Male between 6 to 12 kg
Size: Approximately 30 cm for an adult individual
Life expectancy: Minimum 15 years – Maximum 20 years