Siberian forest cat black and white

Siberian forest cat black and white - the Siberian cat is the archetype of a natural breed. This medium-sized feline with a primitive appearance, robust build and semi-long coat emerged without human intervention in its native country, Russia. Specific breeding of this breed only started in the 80s.

Siberian cats are true lovers of nature. What most impresses the admirers of this breed, known as Kolchak in Russia, its country of origin, is its appearance and uncomplicated character. Its abundant coat is adapted to the freezing winters and hot summers of Siberia. This keeps them warm during the cold times of the year and is light enough for the summer months.

Origin

The Siberian cat was only systematically bred in the 1980s. Since 1990, it has also become very popular with cat lovers in the United States.

In Russia, their country of origin, the designation Kolchak (Siberian cat) was used mainly as a collective term to describe muscular domestic cats with a dense and soft coat, Siberian forest cat black and white. Long-haired cats can be found in all regions of Russia and Siberia, although to a lesser extent than short-haired cats.

It is not clear since when the gene for long hair has become so widespread in the Russian cat population. While some scientists start from an independent mutation, others take the crossing with long-haired cats from the East for granted. Even the exact origin of the Siberian cat in its native country is a controversial issue. For a long time it was assumed that wild Caucasian cats were close relatives of Siberian cats. These differ in the physique and coat texture of African wild cats, which were considered the ancestors of all domestic cats. However, recent studies contradict this theory. A group of researchers from the University of Oxford has discovered that domestic cats on all continents are descended from the wild cat.

Siberian cats in Europe

Long-haired cats were a rarity in Europe until the 19th century, so the Russian variety caught the attention of merchants and travelers from the beginning, Siberian forest cat black and white. Siberian cats were already described in 1864 in an issue of the Berms and later appeared sporadically in European publications.

These long-haired cats from Russia were also part of the Crystal Palace London's first cat show in 1871. Through the recessively inherited long-haired gene, long-haired kittens can also suddenly appear in a litter of cats. These specimens are the ones that later formed the basis of the breeding of Siberian cats.

However, at first the breed fell into oblivion after the first exhibition at the Crystal Palace. At that time, the breeding of the Siberian cat was just beginning. Long-haired cats were a rarity and were interbred to obtain long-haired offspring, Siberian forest cat black and white. For this reason, the Siberian disappeared from the gene pool of Persians and similar cats, giving rise to other more popular and sought-after cat breeds. The political situation in Soviet Russia also contributed to this country disappearing from the history of cat breeding at that time.

A new beginning for the Siberian cat

The 1980s marked a new beginning. These long-haired domestic cats from Russia appeared in Germany, where an experimental breed was established in 1985. The resulting cats were exhibited starting in 1986. After that, everything happened. Since 1987 the Siberian, then called "Siberian forest cat", was officially recognized as an independent breed. The first litter of the new breed was born on May 12, 1988 in East Germany. The first pair of Siberian forest cats came into the hands of an emigrant family from West Germany in 1987, resulting in the first recorded litter in 1989. From then on, the breed, still known as the 'cat of the Siberian Forest”, began to gain more admirers.

About the same time, systematic breeding of the Siberian cat began in Russia. But each breeder association supported different breeding standards, so the cat's appearance was not yet homogeneous, Siberian forest cat black and white. The first specimens were exported from Russia to the US by way of the first Siberian cat that moved to an American home in 1990. However, high import costs from Russia relatively restricted the population of Russian long-haired cats. 

At present, Siberian cats are bred all over the world. The name changed from "Siberian Forest Cat" to "Siberian Cat" in 1991, mainly to better differentiate it from the Norwegian Forest Cat. The breed was officially recognized by the World Cat Federation in 1992 and in 1998. In the English language, this breed is known under the names of "Siberian forest cat", "Siberian" or "Siberian cat".

Appearance

The Siberian cat exudes the charm of a miniature wild cat. Its medium-length coat, with a resistant, waterproof top coat and a dense undercoat, gives it a look similar to the Maine Coon and the Norwegian forest, Siberian forest cat black and white. However, it is noticeably smaller than a Maine coon and has longer legs than the Norwegian forests. Siberians are muscular and relatively heavy, as they can reach 9 kg. This is the reason why they reach adulthood, at the earliest, at 3 years old.

Siberian cats cannot deny their country of origin. In winter their coat has a double layer that is waterproof and keeps them warm thanks to the thick and fine undercoat. Also exceptional is the necklace that forms the long hair on the neck and chest. On the contrary, during the summer these cats lose their undercoat, so that their hair is much shorter and lighter, ideal for the warm summer months of northern Siberia. However, the tail maintains its dense coat even during this hot period. The tufts of hair between the fingers and the ears also remain intact during the shedding of hair.

Siberian cats have a round head, with a curved forehead, large eyes, and medium and wide ears. The color of the eyes should be uniform and match the color of the coat, Siberian forest cat black and white. All shades from yellow / gold to green are accepted, even blue or colors that do not match, in the case of white or bicolor hairs.

Siberian cat colors

As with many cat breeds, different breeder organizations have their own demands on the appearance of the Siberian cat. Depending on the membership of the organization, the breeder applies the standard of the international association of breeders to which his organization is affiliated. This fact is most evident with respect to the desired coat color. According to the umbrella organization TICA (The International Cat Association), the Siberian cat can have "all traditional colors." However, this is the only one that thinks this way, as most breeders' organizations exclude tan, chocolate, lilac and fawn. Breeder-specific English terminology describes reddish and brownish coat colors, as well as their dilutions, which are slight variations in color.

The red variant of the Siberian cat is called cinnamon or “canella in Spanish. The term fawn refers to the dilution of the color red, Siberian forest cat black and white. Siberian fawn cats are red-beige. The English word chocolate designates the brown base color, while lilac corresponds to its dilution.

Except for these, all colors, patterns and white parts are allowed. The Siberian is the only forest cat breed in which the color point designation is also accepted. In fact, Siberian cats with point markings have been given a breed name of their own: nova masquerade. The Fifed (International Feline Federation) considers the nova masquerade as an independent breed. According to the Siberian cat standard, blue eyes are also allowed in specimens with point markings, the darker the better. For more information on the nova masquerade, you can consult the corresponding article in the zoo plus magazine.

Character

The originality of the Siberian cat is not only observed in its appearance, but its simple nature and good instincts are also a reason for joy. Siberian cats are incredibly good hunters who can jump and climb as if their lives depended on it, Siberian forest cat black and white. Because they love to move, they are not the most suitable animals for exclusive possession within the house. A secured yard is more suited to the nature of forest cats. In this regard, they are anything but delicate and insist on going outside, rain or shine. In addition, they love the water, so neither rain nor a snowstorm can prevent them from going outside to explore.

Siberian cats are very curious and know what they want. They are smart and they love adventure. Many Siberians already learn to ring the doorbell at a young age! Of course, these felines have their own ideas, so it is essential to breed them properly to ensure that your little feral cat obeys you. Despite this, these cats give themselves body and soul to their owners. Many lovers of this breed claim to have had real "conversations" with their mustaches.

In short, Siberian cats are sincere, authentic and robust, both in their primitive appearance and in their character.

Care

Siberian cats love nature. They love to move and run, jump and hunt as if their lives depended on it. That is why they are suitable to be kept alone at home only to a limited extent. Ideally, they would have access to a secured garden, Siberian forest cat black and white. They are very fond of climbing and scratching in small and large trees, roaming in undergrowth, and hunting mice and birds.

The coat of the Siberian

The long fur of Siberian cats can easily become tangled and knotted due to the thick undercoat. During winter and the shedding period they need a little help to care for their fur. If you've gotten used to combs and brushes from a young age, brushing them thoroughly every few days should generally not be a problem, as well as removing dead hair and undoing small tangles. When the summer season begins, Siberians lose most of their undercoat. Offering them malt paste or cat grass can help them naturally remove ingested hairs.

In the summer months, these cats tend to take care of their shorter and lighter fur themselves, Siberian forest cat black and white. However, it's not only cats that have access to the outdoors that benefit from regular brushing. This can get them used to longer coat grooming sessions in winter.

Feeding

Apart from the care of the coat, nutrition with a suitable food is essential. This ensures that your Siberian cat lives a long, healthy and active life. Being carnivores, they require a meal rich in healthy protein, and can only take advantage of a small amount of carbohydrates. In addition, the annual visit to the veterinarian can help to detect possible diseases early.

Breeding

Siberian cats are primitive animals. Since the breeding of robust cats is still very recent, there are hardly any hereditary diseases typical of this breed. Crossing different breeds and the so-called 'online' can, of course, lead to hereditary diseases in isolated cases, Siberian forest cat black and white. The best way to prevent them is through a well thought out and professional crossing. Avoiding the mating of specimens with a very close kinship and that pursues the objective of a healthy cross. Both breeders and buyers of Siberian cats are responsible for safeguarding these nature lovers from hereditary diseases also for the future.

Stay away from the supposed bargains

As a buyer, it is important that you purchase your cats only from a responsible and professional breeder. Offers that promise purebred cats at low prices can be tempting to bargain hunters. However, in most cases, the cat's welfare is not a priority.

Raising cats is an expensive hobby, and those who want to profit from the sale often save on food, home and health care and well-planned out breeding. A breeder who takes responsibility for his animals and their young spares no expense or effort. Regular vet visits and tests for known diseases such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and kidney cysts should be considered standard, Siberian forest cat black and white. Also, this breeder can provide potential buyers with relevant test results. It also excludes sick animals from breeding and subjects them to surgical operations if necessary. Breeder associations don't just provide documentation; they also monitor the breed standard. Additionally, serious breeders are members of one of the many cat breeder associations.

Kittens have to stay with their mother and siblings for at least 12 weeks. Only then will they be prepared to move into a new home. During this important impregnation phase, kittens learn everything that prepares them for a long and healthy life. The breeders supervise their animals 24/7 and supply them with everything they need for the growth phase. They are also happy to offer advice and assistance to customers who buy their kittens, even after the sale.

Price of a Siberian cat

Of course, all of this costs money. To cover his expenses, a responsible breeder should ask for a certain price for each cat. Siberian cats from a registered cattery cost 800-1600 euros. This means that future owners who wish to have more than one cat can expect large expenses. In return, in the ideal case you will receive a socialized and healthy cat that will be a fantastic companion for many years, Siberian forest cat black and white. Alternatively, you can visit animal shelters that have numerous cats, even long-haired ones, who want a good home.

Siberian cat: characteristics and character

The Siberian Cat hides, under its imposing figure, an extremely close and affectionate character.

If you want to know it better, join us on the trip to its origins, which show us a mystical cat, with a very peculiar character and curiosities that you may not know.

Where does the Siberian Cat come from?

The Siberian Cat, as its name implies, has its origin in Siberia. A vast region that is located in the East Asian part of Russia.

It is said that the origin of this breed comes from the cross between the European cat and the wild cat of the Siberian forests.

This feline breed began to spread across the European continent after the fall of the Berlin Wall, Siberian forest cat black and white. As of 1987, the pedigree would be recognized with the name of the Siberian Mountain Cat, but eventually it would be called Siberian, to distinguish it from the Norwegian Forest cat.

Since its arrival in Russia and later in countries such as Germany and the United States, France and Spain, it became popular in society, for its beauty and majesty, which it also shared with the Maine Coon, as big cats that they are.

Character of the Siberian Cat

The Siberian cat is a breed of friendly cat, with its human, it can chase it around the house until it receives its attention, as they are quite close and will not hesitate to be the first to welcome you cordially, when you enter the door of your house.

At the same time, they are independent cats, and sometimes they prefer to be alone, without being disturbed by anyone.

For this breed of cats, it is a magical experience to lie down on their trusted person, to have them brush their beautiful fur, since they feel especially happy and for the Siberian cat, this is a very special moment.

It is a very social breed, with other cats, with humans and even with other pets. In addition, when you caress it, it usually corresponds with soft purrs.

Is the Siberian cat hypoallergenic?

Latest studies ensure that it could be a recommended breed of cat for people allergic to cats.

And it is that despite the exuberance of their beautiful hair and mane, Siberian cats have a lower concentration of the Fell D10 protein in their saliva, and this substance is responsible for 80% of the allergies that cats produce, Siberian forest cat black and white. It is still debated whether this statement is proven.

Characteristics of the Siberian

Siberian cats can weigh between 5 and 8 kilograms and are generally medium to large in average size.

They have a strong and muscular build, with a large body and solid legs.

They reflect security, balance and intelligence. It is considered a breed that has adapted to the natural environment from which they come, with a harsh and selective climate.

Layers of hair that protect you from the cold

A representative physical characteristic of the Siberian cat is its thick coat made up of 3 layers of hair around the torso and abundant also on the neck, legs and tail.

A long, firm tail that they use not only to hold it upright as they gracefully stroll but to wrap it around their torso and warm up.

The upper layer of the Siberian cat's coat is waterproof and has natural oils, as well as a very thick lower layer with a great insulating capacity, which protects it from the most intense cold.

Its thick fur can be of different colors: unicolor, bicolor or tricolor, Siberian forest cat black and white. With all possible combinations: with stripes or without stripes, spots, circles or gradients in the tones of her hair. 

They can even have different colored eyes. A curious fact about this breed is that they like to play in the water, so they have no problem if you want to bathe them sometime, although you already know that if the cat does not leave the house, they can clean themselves.

Health and care of the Siberian Cat

Fortunately, the Siberian cat, being a breed of pure origin and not genetically manipulated by man, does not suffer from many congenital health problems and like other cats, it can suffer from common diseases that occur in all cats.

It is important to brush its coat regularly with a special brush at least twice a week and with greater intensity during the shedding periods (spring and autumn).

Since this helps to remove excess hair and prevents the formation. This occurs by swallowing dead hair, licking it.

Neva masquerade

Little or less is known about the Neva Masquerade, which is a breed not widely recognized and results from the "pointed" variant in the coat pattern of the Siberian cat.

This means that the "less hot" extremities of the cat's body (the ears, the final part of the tail, the legs and the face) are the base color of the animal, and all the rest of its coat is a color warmer, Siberian forest cat black and white. Clear.

All this is due to an alteration in the way in which the enzyme tyrosine produces the melamine pigment and giving the appearance that the cat has a certain albino hue.

In this breed or variant, this relationship between the point tones of its extremities and its definition with the rest of the body, clearer, is highly valued.

If you have a Siberian cat, tell us how your experience has been with him and share this article on social networks, so that everyone knows this beautiful animal.