The Siberian cat is great (but not hypoallergenic)

The Siberian cat is great (but not hypoallergenic)

Mr. Rebel in a Santa hat holds a white Siberian forest cat

Loyal, social and sweet. And even though the Siberian cat is not hypoallergenic, anyone who has met this beautiful animal is in love! The Siberian cat is a real family cat that we are happy to tell you all about here.

In this blog:

The origins of the Siberian cat
The character of a Siberian cat
The appearance and coat of a Siberian cat
Hereditary diseases and disorders of a Siberian cat
How old does a Siberian cat get?
The care of a Siberian cat
Is a Siberian cat hypoallergenic?
Buying a Siberian cat (kitten)

Siberian forest cat in living room

The origins of the Siberian cat

Not that much is actually known about the origin and ancestry of this beautiful cat. What we do know is that this cat breed has been around for more than a thousand years. And that it is often mentioned in folk tales and Russian literature. Because that is where this magical animal originally comes from. The breed was already very popular there, but was only officially recognised by international breed associations in the 1990s. This was due to strict export controls.

The character of the Siberian cat

The Siberian cat is actually always cheerful and in a good mood. It is active, intelligent and sweet. And that makes this cat particularly suitable for a life with a family. And also gets along fine with other cats and dogs. He likes to be around his people, but never asks for much attention. The presence of its master is often cosy enough for the Siberian cat. The Siberian cat also loves to play, but preferably with intelligent toys – interactive cat toys and learning tricks make this cat breed very happy.

The Siberian cat has long hind legs, making it a very good climber who likes to rest in high places and keep an eye on his family. For this cat breed in particular, an extra-high scratching post is therefore a must.

Fun fact: Siberian cats like to talk to their owners and love water!

Mr rebel and siberian forest cats in the lookout 198 scratching post

The appearance and coat of the Siberian Cat

Siberian cats are generally medium-sized. They resemble wild cats, but a size smaller. They are fully grown around the age of five and males can then weigh up to nine kilos. Females grow up to seven kilos.

The body of the Siberian cat is muscular, strong and quite long. The neck of these cats is short and strong. Their legs, too, are strong but rather short. Their tail, on the other hand, is very long and well-haired, as is the collar. And the head of these cats is sweetly round, has large oval eyes that are wide apart and cute tufts of hair grow out of the ears.

One of the most important features of a Siberian cat is its fur. It is made to survive harsh winters in Russia, so it is dense and very strong. And also water-repellent.

Difference between Norwegian Forest Cat and Siberian Forest Cat
Left: Siberian Forest Cat – Right: Norwegian Forest Cat

Siberian cat versus Norwegian Forest Cat

The Siberian Forest Cat is often confused with the Norwegian Forest Cat. This is not surprising, as they are somewhat similar. Yet there are distinct differences between these two cat breeds:

The head: Siberian cats have a round head and Norwegian Forest Cats a triangular one.
The ears: Both breeds often have lynx-like fluffs on the end of the ears, but Siberian cats’ ears are smaller and rounder.
Coat: The coat of Norwegian Forest cats has two layers, while that of the Siberian cat has three.
Character: Norwegian Forest cats are more private and Siberian cats appreciate their owners’ attention more.

Diseases and disorders in the Siberian cat

The Siberian cat is not overly bred with. Therefore, this breed is generally healthy and strong. But – like any other cat – these breed cats can also face diseases. One disease that can affect this cat breed, for example, is HCM, which stands for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy – a heart disease that is more common in cats.

How old does a Siberian Cat get?

Siberian cats live to the same age as ‘normal’ cats. So you can count on twelve to sixteen years of companionship and fun. And if you are lucky he will get older, as 25% of Siberian cats live beyond sixteen years.

The care of the Siberian cat

A Siberian cat has a thick and long coat. And it should be well cared for by brushing and combing it at least three times a week. And a few times a day to play with its owner is also appreciated.

A Siberian kitten also needs extra attention and care. Because these breed cats grow a lot during their first two years of life, they also need lots and extra high-quality food. Which kind is good and how much you should give is best discussed with your vet.

And other than that, caring for this cat breed is the same as caring for any other cat:

love and genuine attention
a safe home
bowls of fresh water every day
high-quality cat food
several clean litter trays with high-quality cat litter
a warm sleeping place
plenty of (intelligent and interactive) cat toys
a high cat tree with large sleeping places
treatment against worms, ticks and fleas
regular check-ups at the vet
vaccinations against diseases

Is a Siberian cat hypoallergenic?

Siberian cats are known – wrongly – for being hypoallergenic. Because they shed very little and because there has been a mutation in breeding. But both of these are fables. You see, people are not allergic to cat hair, but to the proteins in cat saliva, urine and dander. And the Siberian cat produces all of those, just like any other cat. Hypoallergenic cats don’t exist. [bold] And so a Siberian cat is not hypoallergenic either!

Buying a Siberian cat (kitten)

Would you like to buy a Siberian cat? Then do so from a recognised breeder or inquire at a breed association. And never buy your cat from a bread breeder, from Marketplace or Ebay. And we know – a kitten is super cute and fun. But they also grow up and need your care and attention throughout their lives. So maybe you could also check out the shelter or a mediation website, as you can often find super cute older cats there who are also looking for a sweet new owner.

Disclaimer: Petrebels does not consist of veterinarians or behavioral experts: all content, information and tips on this blog are intended to inspire and inform you. Does your cat have complaints or problems and do you have doubts about your cat’s health? Then always go to the vet or a behavioral expert.

Share this post

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


DE LUIE REBEL

Katten slapen gemiddeld 16 uur per dag en doen dat vol overgave: er wordt gerekt, gestrekt en schaamteloos gegaapt. Heerlijk. De Luie Rebel is er wel héél goed in. Die laat rennen en spelen liever aan een ander over en ploft met gemak overal neer voor een overheerlijk dutje. Maar het liefst ligt deze Rebel in een lekker zacht mandje of hangmatje.


This will close in 0 seconds

DE KRABBEL REBEL

Katten hebben van nature de behoefte om hun nagels te scherpen. Ze markeren daarmee hun territorium en worden er ontspannen en blij van. De Krabbel Rebel weet van geen ophouden als het om krabbelen gaat. Maak van je huis daarom een feestje voor deze Rebel en zet één (of meer) goede krabpalen neer.


This will close in 0 seconds

DE OUTDOOR REBEL

Buitenkatten houden van hun vrijheid en van avontuur. Ze verstoppen zich vaak in struiken en houden de hele buurt in de gaten. Ze kunnen zich uren vermaken met rondvliegende insecten en nemen – als het even meezit – een echte muis voor je mee naar huis. De Outdoor Rebel komt thuis om gezellig met de baasjes te kroelen en rustig te eten. En stelt het op prijs als er een fijn plekje is om uit te rusten voor het volgende avontuur.


This will close in 0 seconds

DE INDOOR REBEL

Sommige katten blijven liever binnen. Of het baasje wil dit graag. Indoor Rebels vinden het heerlijk om naar buiten te kijken – naar al het spannends wat zich daar afspeelt. Je maakt deze katten blij door het binnen net zo spannend te maken als buiten. Prikkel hun instincten met speeltjes en krabmeubels waar ze lekker in kunnen klimmen, want dan blijven ze gelukkig en gezond.


This will close in 0 seconds

THE LAZY REBEL

Cats sleep up to 16 hours a day with full commitment: lots of stretching and shameless yawning… Mhmm, delicious. The lazy Rebel masters this trait like no other and prefers to leave the running and playing to someone else. This lazy napper is able to lie down anywhere to take a well-deserved rest, but they prefer a nice and soft hammock or basket.


This will close in 0 seconds

THE SCRATCHING REBEL

Cats naturally have the need to sharpen their nails. This way they mark their territory. It also makes them relaxed and happy. The scratching Rebel will never stop when it comes to this. Transform your house into a “scratching paradise” for this Rebel and supply it with one or several good cat trees.


This will close in 0 seconds

THE OUTDOOR REBEL

Outdoor cats love adventure and freedom. They often hide in bushes to keep an eye on their surroundings. They can entertain themselves for hours with bugs flying around and they might even take home a real mouse for you! The outdoor Rebel will come home to cuddle with its owner and to eat peacefully. This adventurer would appreciate it if there is a nice spot in your house to rest before the next adventure.


This will close in 0 seconds

THE INDOOR REBEL

Some cats prefer to stay inside, this can also be a decision made by the owner. Indoor Rebels enjoy watching the outside world – and everything exciting that happens there. You can make these cats happy by making the indoor world just as exciting as the outdoor world. Stimulate their senses with toys and cat furniture in which they can climb. This way they remain healthy and happy.


This will close in 0 seconds

DER FAULE REBELL

Katzen schlafen durchschnittlich 16 Stunden pro Tag und tun dies voller Hingabe. Sie strecken sich, dehnen sich und gähnen unverhohlen. Herrlich! Der faule Rebell ist sehr gut darin. Er überlässt das Toben und Spielen am liebsten jemand anderem und macht stattdessen lieber ein kleines Nickerchen. Am liebsten bevorzugt dieser Schläfer ein weiches Sofa oder ein gepolsterte Liegefläche.


This will close in 0 seconds

DER KRATZENDE REBELL

Katzen haben von Natur aus das Bedürfnis, ihre Nägel zu schärfen. Damit markieren sie zum einen ihr Territorium und verhindern zum anderen, dass die Nägel zu lang werden und einwachsen. Kratzen, wetzen und schärfen macht sie entspannt und glücklich. Der Kratz-Rebell kennt dann auch kein Halten mehr, wenn es ums Wetzen und Kratzen geht. Mach dein Zuhause also zu einer Partyzone für diesen Rebellen und stelle einen (oder mehrere) gute Kratzbäume mit viel Wetzmöglichkeiten auf.


This will close in 0 seconds

DER OUTDOOR-REBELL

Freigängerkatzen lieben die Freiheit und das Abenteuer. Oft verstecken sie sich im Gebüsch und behalten die ganze Nachbarschaft im Auge. Sie können sich stundenlang mit fliegenden Insekten vergnügen, streunen herum und bringen im schlimmsten Fall eine Maus als Geschenk mit nach Hause. Der Outdoor-Rebell kommt nur nach Hause, um mit den Besitzern eventuell zu kuscheln und sich sein Fressen servieren zu lassen. Und er schätzt es über alle Maßen, wenn er einen schönen, gemütlichen Platz am liebsten auf einem Kratzbaum zum Ausruhen für das nächste Abenteuer angeboten bekommt.


This will close in 0 seconds

DER INDOOR-REBELL

Einige Katzen sind reine Indoor-Rebellen. Entweder, weil sie es vorziehen in einem warmen und gefahrlosen Zuhause zu leben oder weil der Besitzer dies so möchte. Indoor-Rebellen lieben es nach draußen zu schauen – und das aufregende Leben draußen aus sicherer Entfernung zu beobachten. Diese Katzen sind glücklich, wenn man drinnen die gleichen Abenteuer simuliert, die sie draußen beobachten können. Stimuliere deren Instinkte mit Spielzeug und Kratzmöbeln, in denen sie herumklettern und toben können, damit sie gesund, agil und glücklich bleiben.


This will close in 0 seconds

My cart
Your cart is empty.

Looks like you haven't made a choice yet.