Siberian Cat

Siberian is the name given to Russia's native semi-longhair. This large, powerful cat is still quite rare in the U.S., though it is more common on the Asian continent and in Europe.

The first Siberians were imported to the United States in 1990, but very little is known about their early history and development otherwise. Brown tabby is the most popular color, but it is accepted in all other colors as well.

This breed has a thick triple coat with a full ruff that gets thicker in the winter months.The coat is a bit oily and very water-resistent, possibly an evolutionary trait that helped it deal with harsh Russian winters.

The cat's personality is often described as dog-like, as they tend not to be shy with strangers. It is a loyal, affectionate, and playful breed.

Although some claim that the Siberian is hypoallergenic, there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic cat. Some claim they do not produce dander or a certain protein in their saliva, but to date there has been no scientific study or proof of this claim.

Associations: The Siberian is accepted for championship status in most North American cat registries. It is accepted as Provisional in CFA.

Provided with permission of Barbara French
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