Siberian cats love to be in the company of others and are loyal to their inner circle. They are an intelligent yet playful breed who will reward their human family with affection and fun. With patience and positivity, Siberian cats are easy to train and a popular addition to any home.
Facts & advice
Siberian
A loyal and affectionate feline
Vital stats
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| Size: | Medium to large |
| Coat: | Long-haired |
| Life span: | 12 – 15 years |
| Temperament: | Energetic, loyal, expressive, playful |
Siberian personality & temperament
The Siberian cat’s personality is energetic and fun, and they make devoted feline companions.
- Siberian cats are known for their friendly and patient temperaments, having a calm yet playful personality.
- Siberians are one of the quieter breeds, usually gently purring to make their presence known, but they will let you know if they’re not happy. They’ll meow if they’re hungry, thirsty, or bored. And they’ll be a lot more vocal if you haven’t been home all day.
- Although they’re not to be left alone for long periods, Siberians are certainly not clingy lap cats. Despite their affectionate temperament and devotion to their owners, they will let you know when they want their own space too.
- The Siberian cat is built for cold climates, which gives them their athletic appearance and ability. Their adventurous personality means they can often be found in some unusual hiding places.
Siberian food & diet
As they mature slowly, this energetic breed requires a high-protein diet for the first four to five years of life, to fuel their active lifestyle.
- Your Siberian cat will need a complete, balanced diet which is suitable for their life stage. If you are concerned about heart disease in your pet, then speak to your vet about the best diet to help boost a healthy heart.
- Siberian cat food needs to be rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 can help promote the health and shine of the Siberian thick winter coat.
Siberian grooming & coat care
Siberian cats have a warm, dense coat designed for the freezing Russian climes in which they originate.
- The Siberian cat coat is semi-long and fluffy requiring regular grooming especially in the summer when they shed their heavy winter coat. Introducing grooming from a young age is important, building up gently to ensure this becomes a positive experience for your pet.
- Despite their three-layered coat, grooming is easier than with most long-haired breeds as they don’t tend to tangle or mat too quickly. A soft bristle brush and greyhound metal toothed comb are best recommended.
- There are a huge variety of combinations in the colours of Siberian cats, but they’re most commonly found in red, black, blue and white.
- The Siberian cat coat is long and attractive with common patterns including tabby, tortoiseshell and colour pointed. Sometimes they will have hair on the tips of their ears giving them a lynx-like appearance.
- Not only is grooming a great way to bond with your cat, it’s also a chance to check their health. Look out for fleas, lumps and bumps as it’s always best to catch these early.
Siberian training & behaviour
As intelligent and energetic felines, Siberian cats love puzzle toys, are easy to train and require lots of mental stimulation.
- If you’re looking for a lap cat, this breed isn’t for you. Siberians make the perfect pets for owners who want an interactive cat and have the time to devote to training one.
- They generally take to litter tray training well as they’re such quick learners. A friendly breed, they require entertaining toys, challenging games and lots of positive interaction.
- Siberian cats can take up to five years to mature so maintain their playful, kittenish character for some time. Be prepared for lots of activity.
- Clicker training for Siberian cats has proven successful, if you have patience, skill and use positive reinforcement techniques. Like dogs, many cats can be taught to fetch but as with all training, this needs to start from a young age.
- Be warned – Siberian cats love to climb! You may want to clear your shelves of any precious ornaments that could fall victim to your cat’s explorations. It’s recommended to have a sturdy, tall scratch post to meet their climbing needs.
- Unlike most cat breeds, some Siberian cats enjoy water. Try giving your cat a clean tray half filled with water and ping pong balls for them to bat about.
Common Siberian health conditions
As a cat owner you will want what’s best for your pet’s health so they can live a long, happy life. Siberians are prone to certain health conditions. To help you be more aware and prepared for these potential ailments if they should arise, we have put together information on the health issues that we see the most in Siberians.
Like most breeds, Siberians may suffer from gum and dental disease during their lifetime. Gum disease occurs when some (or all) of a tooth’s deep supporting structures become inflamed. This begins when food, bacteria and minerals accumulate along the gum line, leading to the build-up of a brown scale known as tartar. When this undermines the gum the condition is called gingivitis. Eventually, small spaces can form between the gums and the teeth creating pockets of space for bacteria to grow, resulting in what is known as periodontal disease. The bacteria from infected gums can spread around the body and damage the liver and kidneys. This condition can be prevented with basic routine care such as feeding cats dry food and brushing their teeth, helping them to lead a normal, pain-free life.
The respiratory tract is divided into the upper (the nose, nasal passages and windpipe) and lower (small airways and lungs) sections. Like all cats, Siberians can suffer from cat flu, which affects the upper respiratory tract and causes sneezing and a nasal discharge. It is an incurable viral condition, but it is easily prevented by vaccination and the symptoms can be managed. Siberians can also be affected by a lower respiratory tract problem known as feline asthma, which occurs when allergies and irritants cause the lower airways (bronchi) and lungs to become inflamed and sensitive. Symptoms include coughing and wheezing. While many respiratory tract disorders are not curable, they can be managed with various long-term medications, including tablets, injections and even inhalers.
Heart disease in cats refers to when the heart’s structures aren’t working as they should be. There are two categories of heart disease: congenital (meaning the cat is born with it) and acquired (meaning the disease develops later in life). Congenital heart diseases include defects in the wall of the heart, abnormal valves and blood vessels. Siberians are prone to a disease called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which can lead to heart failure. Whilst this condition is not curable, it can be treated with lifelong medication.
The Siberian, like all cats, can suffer from problems affecting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The GI tract is a long, winding tube that starts at the mouth and ends at the anus, with various twists and turns along the way. Conditions such as gastroenteritis caused by infections (like feline enteritis), poisoning or an obstruction within the bowel (due to the cat eating string for example) commonly cause vomiting and/or diarrhoea. Treatment depends on the exact cause, but prompt intervention usually results in a full recovery.
Kidney disease is caused by infections, toxins (especially licking anti-freeze) as well as age related changes. Although many signs of kidney disease are the same as those for any problem with the urinary tract (frequent, painful attempts to urinate, and blood in the urine for example), there may be some differences. Siberians are prone to a condition of the kidneys where multiple cysts form within the organ, which compromises kidney function. Medication and special diets can be used to treat most kidney problems although surgery may be required for cysts.
What to know before you buy or rehome a Siberian cat
The Siberian cat personality is both affectionate and adventurous which can land them in some sticky situations, as they are naturally trusting and inquisitive.
- Choosing, naming, and bringing home a new kitten is a wonderful experience, but it can be a little overwhelming – especially if you’ve never owned a cat before. It’s a good idea to speak to the breeder, consult with a vet, and find expert resources online from reputable animal welfare organisations.
- As with most cats, Siberians thrive with the stimulation of outdoor access, and bear in mind that their thick coats mean they are designed for cold outside temperatures.
- If you decide to keep your cat as an indoors cat, it’s beneficial to give them secure access to the outside, which can be done by building an outdoor run or an enclosed cat-safe garden to keep them both mentally and physically healthy.
- There are some common illnesses which can affect all kittens and a few health problems which we see more in Siberian cats than in other breeds. These include kidney disease, heart conditions such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and dental problems. Discuss this with your vet should you have any concerns.
- Organising reliable cat insurance for your Siberian cat once you’ve brought them home means they’re protected as they age.
Siberian frequently asked questions
As the name suggests, Siberian cats originate from Siberia and are the national cat of Russia. Their dense coats are a throwback to their subarctic roots.
Siberian cats have been referenced in Russia for some 1,000 years and can be seen in Russian folklore.
Yes! Siberian cats are intelligent and loyal, making them famed for their trainability. Clicker training and positive reinforcement can be successful in teaching Siberian cats to play fetch, do tricks and get used to cat carriers, making vet visits easier.
Warm, affectionate and loyal – Siberian cats will look for love from the whole family. They are charismatic, snuggly cats but equally enjoy an active life playing games with their humans. Lap cats they are not!
Siberian cats are also known as Siberian Forest cats or Moscow Longhairs.
Siberian insurance considerations
Siberian cats sometimes suffer with certain health conditions and may require treatment. Petplan cat insurance offers peace of mind that they will always be protected.
We always offer these things as standard:
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy & pet therapies
Along with physiotherapy, which is covered within the Vet Bills benefit, we also cover Pet Therapies like herbal medicine, homeopathy and acupuncture. You can also claim for hydrotherapy, up to £500 per illness/injury in dogs and cats (no additional limit for rabbits).
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