Siberian
Cat Breed History: Siberians
have been around for at least one thousand years as far as recorded
history. They were first mentioned in Harrison Wier's book Our
Cats and all About Them, which included information about one
of the earliest cat shows held in England in 1871. However,
finding written information in Russia is fairly difficult. Despite
the fact that the Siberian is a natural breed and is the national
cat of Russia, its very ubiquity makes it taken for granted
rather than worthy of note in Russian literature. Add to this
the vast expanse of Russia which encompasses 13 time zones as
well as a multitude of ethnic and cultural diversity and you
have a cat that seems as difficult to standardize as the country
which gave rise to it.
The Siberian, considered
a semi longhair, has a rich full coat in the winter while the
summer allows for a somewhat shorter less dense coat. The Siberian
can come in just about every color of the rainbow but because
of the rarity of the breed those colors may not be available
in your neighborhood. The Siberian was accepted into the Miscellaneous
class by CFA on February 6, 2000.
The
Siberian cat is a natural breed from Russia. They are found
in St. Petersburg and Leningrad.
The first Siberians entered the United States in 1990.
For a significant period of time, it was against the law in
Russia to own and feed 'pets'. The Siberian ran the streets
of Russia and survived 'underground'. Many found refuge in monasteries
which in itself has been part of the historical lore of the
Siberian.
Features: Most people who exhibit allergies to other cats, have
little or no reaction to the Siberian.
Siberians are loyal and friendly and make great companions.
Their personalities are often referred to as dog like and do
in fact exhibit protective qualities. Siberians are not an extremely
vocal breed, they express themselves with a soft chirping.
This is an intelligent cat with a bold wedge shaped head, rounded
contours and expressive eyes. They are a semi-longhaired breed
with thick undercoats that require minimal grooming. They are
accepted in all color patterns. The Siberian is slow to mature,
taking five years to reach full maturity.
Standard: General Description The Siberian is a large, strong
cat which takes 5 years to mature. The females may weigh less
than the males. They are extremely agile and great leapers.
Their muscles are mighty, outstanding and powerful. The back
is long and very slightly curved or arched., but appears horizontal
when in motion. Convex muscular waist and round, compact belly
develop with age. The hind legs, when straightened, are slightly
longer than the forelegs. The paws are round, big and quite
powerful. The overall appearance should be one of great strength,
force and size with an excellent physical condition and alertness;
the facial expression is quite sweet. The general impression
is one of roundness and circles, rather than the rectangles
and triangles of similar breeds.
Head: The head is a modified wedge of medium size with rounded
contours, broader at the skull and narrowing slightly to a full
rounded muzzle with well-rounded chin. There may be a slight
muzzle curvature, but the transition between the side of the
head and the muzzle is gentle and inconspicuous. The cheek bones
are neither high set nor prominent. There should be a good distance
between the ears and eyes. The top of the head is flat, with
a slight nose curvature of a gentle slope from the forehead
to the nose and a slight concave curvature before the tip. The
neck is medium-long, rounded, substantial, and well-muscled.
Tail: The tail is medium length, wide at the base, blunt at
the tip without thickening or kinks, evenly and thickly furnished.
Ears: The ears are medium-large, wide and set as much on the
sides of the head as on the top; ideal position is 1 to 1-1/2
ear widths apart. The tips are rounded and the ear tilts forward.
Lynx tipping is desirable. Hair over the back of the ears is
short and thin; from the middle of the ear, the furnishings
become longer and cover the base completely.
Eyes: The large, almost round eyes are set wide with the outer
corner slightly angled toward the lower base of the ear. There
is no relationship between eye color and coat color/pattern,
however, the typical adult color is yellow-green.
Coat: This is a moderately long to longhaired cat, with hair
on the shoulder blades and lower part of the chest being thick
and slightly shorter. There should be an abundant ruff setting
off the large, impressive head. There is a tight undercoat,
thicker in cold weather. Allow for warm weather coats. The coat
gives the impression of lacquer and oil when ungroomed. The
hair may thicken to curls on the belly and britches, but a wavy
coat is not characteristic. The skin may have a bluish cast.
Clear strong colors and patterns are desirable, but are secondary
to type.
For
a breed that began his journey to America 11 short years ago,
the Siberian has purred his way into the hearts of North American
cat lovers in record time. These cat comrades, known for their
size, luxurious fur, and almost dog-like devotion, have achieved
recognition in seven of the ten North American cat associations
since their arrival in 1990; an amazing feat, and an indication
of their appeal.
Siberian Cat History - Timeline
1000
Siberians first appeared in recorded
history. Siberian Cats from the unforgiving climate in Siberia
first appeared in recorded history around the year 1000.
1700
Siberians at first cat show in England.
The Siberian cat was one of the three longhairs represented
at the first cat shows held in England in the 1700's.
1900
First entry into USA found in a book.
First entry into USA, found in a book -- originally published
in 1900 by Helen M.Winslow entitled "Concerning Cats,"
"Mrs.Frederick Monroe of Riverside Ill. owns a remarkable
specimen of a genuine Russian cat, a perfect blue of extraordinary
size. The Russian long-haired pet is much less common even than
the Persian and Angora."
1960
First feral pointed patterned cats found.
Russian People had thought that long ago the feral pointed patterned
cats and the feral Siberian cats "got together" along
the banks of the Neva River in Leningrad (which is now named
St. Petersburg) in the 1960s.
1987
The first cat show in the city of Leningrad,
Russia. It was organized by two cat clubs ‘Kotofei’
and ‘Kis’. This is the actual date of the beginning
of breeding of Siberians in St. Petersburg. The Soviet Felinological
Association registered the Siberian breed. It included both
the traditional colors and the Siberian color point (Neva Maskarade).
1990
06/28/90 Siberians First Arrived in
USA. The first breeding Siberians were introduced in the United
States in 1990. Elizabeth Terrell imported the initial kittens.
They arrived on June 28, 1990. Their names were KALIOSTRO VASENJKOVICH
OF STARPOINT, OFELIA ROMANOVA OF STARPOINT and NAINA ROMANOVA
OF STARPOINT.
07/24/90 Registration accepted in ACFA. The original 3 Siberians
imported by Beth Terrell were accepted for registration in ACFA
10/15/90 First magazine article in USA. Cat Companion from Friskies
contained the first article about Siberians.
8/??/90 First ACFA show in USA Fort Worth
8/??/90 First TICA show El Paso
1991
WCF accepted a working Siberian Standard
7/13/91 First Siberian Litter sired and born in USA. "Anastasie
gave birth to the first litter sired by Aleks - 3 babies in
litter
Linda Gray and Mary Armentrout both of Maine were the first
ones to purchase breeding cats from Beth "
Kotofei met in 1991 to establish their own Siberian standard.
1992
02/23/92 ACFA granted Siberians probationary
status. ACFA semi annual approved the standard and granted probationary
status
03/06/92 TICA accepted the standard. TICA accepted the standard
with some adjustments & put Beth & Foye & Sandy
Roberson on breed committee
03/08/92 CFF granted Siberians experimental status. CFF accepted
the standard and the Siberian as Experimental - ( the first
registry we had to work from the ground up
03/??/92 CCA, NCFA, & ACA approached CCA. NCFA ( later accepted
) & ACA approached & approved standards
CFF 91-92 show season first National year end award Starpoint's
Irida Kaliostrovna earned the title of 2nd Best Experimental
in CFF
11/??/92 TAIGA formed 11/92. The first Siberian Breed Club was
formed by Elizabeth Terrill for the promotion of the Siberian
breed through out all registries.
12/24/92 Second generation of Siberians born in USA. First litter
of Starpoint kids born out of Starpoint Cattery to Mary Armentrout
in Maine
06/24/93 First introduced to CFA. "The Siberians were first
presented to CFA in 1993 by Linda Gray, but were not accepted
for MISC. class. Starpoint's Irida Kaliostrovna & Starpoint's
Karina Loukanovna - another cat was there from another importer
from CA but did NOT look like the 2 Starpoint cats."
12/11/93 First Siberian Champion. First Siberian Champion in
any registry - AACE - Audrey Oliver with non Starpoint cats
- AACE accepted for championship immediately
1993
AACE new registry formed Siberian Accepted
1994
Russian Standard Official standard was
accepted by the expert commission of WCF in 1994
03/10/94 Asked to present Siberians to CFA Board. Tom Dent (
CFA EXEC DIR ) asked Beth to present Siberian to board - she
declined due to the expense ( remember they also invited the
breed in 93 ) she sent written presentation
05/01/94 CFF accepted Siberian as provisional. Siberian grandfathered
in as Provisional by CFF after a changing of their Experimental
rules
10/30/94 First Grand Champion AACE - Troika Zahar Ahlmazovich
11/26/94 Largest competitive Siberians in one show. Largest
competitive Siberians in one show - 13 - CFF
1995
Russian Standard published
04/30/95 First Supreme Grand AACE Troika Zahar Ahlmazovich
05/06/95 CFF accepts Siberians for Championship
Standard of St.Petersburg Felinological Society and was published
in the compilation of WCF standards.
05/07/95 ACA accepts for championship
1996
01/01/96 Siberian accepted in Italy
05/01/96 CP accepted for championship in AACE
05/01/96 first Siberians in Canada
06/09/96 1st GRC Siberian in CFF Comrade Vashin Paschanovich-
1st and still only GRC in CFF
08/31/96 TICA accepted Siberians for championship
1997
02/28/97 Color point introduced in the
US First color point was imported by Dana Osborn.
05/01/97 CP's accepted for NBC in TICA
1998
02/24/98 1st litter of colorpoints born
8 babies - Dana Osburn
09/01/98 1st white Siberian enters US Barbara Naame
09/01/98 1st Siberian in Hawaii
1999
02/20/99 ACFA accepts breed for Championship
2000
05/01/00 Accepted in CFA as MISC Accepted
for Misc. Class in CFA.
2001
04/30/01 Siberian is TICA International
Cat of the Year "IW,SGC Treskuchiy Sibirskiy Moroz Mur
Owner: Dan & Judy Chappetta"
2002
05/01/02 CP advances to championship
in CFF
05/01/02 CP advances to championship in TICA
Welcome
to Exotic Siberian Cats.com, where we breed quality exotic siberian
cats, the world's best breed of cat! Our Siberian kittens are
loving, playful, energetic, full of purr-sonality and waiting
to be new family members of loving homes. Siberian cats are
known for their uncanny "dog-like" personality, and
hypo-allergenic fur.
Siberian Kitten Pricing: Russian Treasures Siberian Kittens range from $1000 to $1600 depending on color, show quality kittens range from $1250-$1800. Most of the time you get a show quality animal, at a pet quality price, unless there are people waiting that actually want to show their Siberian Cat. Sure, you can find a breeder who sells their kittens for a couple of hundred dollars less, BUT you can NOT find a Siberian Cat breeder with the same quality champion bloodlines who gives their siberian kittens as much care, love and attention we give ours. We are not the cheapest, nor do we claim or want to be, but we are the best. You are investing in an animal that will hopefully live 14-22 years of age. Spending a few dollars more for grand champion 100% genetically diverse bloodlines, will not only save you much more in vet bills over the years, could possibly be the reason your cat lives so long! For an example: we only feed Royal Canin Dry Kitten Chow. It is $35.00 per BAG! Most breeders feed $8.00 a bag purina. Once a kitten leaves our home/cattery, we have spent more on food and nutrition than most breeders even charge for their inferior kittens! Our kittens receive human interaction daily from 2 weeks of age and up. They are exposed to other cats, dogs, children, and given constant love and attention, raised under foot. They are litter trained by their mothers at 4 weeks of age. They are fed only top quality food with filtered water. Our bloodlines have no record of any health or genetic problems at all. Our lines are as genetically diverse as humanly possible. We invest thousands per cat in our Champion Breed Stock. Our cats not only conform to, but exemplify the Siberian Cat Breed Standard, and we continue to strengthen our lines while stressing strong genetic diversity and breeding for genotype (healthy genetic traits) , not just phenotype (physical traits like color) like most other breeders.
BREED
STANDARD - The
Siberian Cat is one of the 2 Largest Cats, and is very similar
in size to a Maine Coon, just cuter and more "dog like" in
personality! It's large rounded head, a modified wedge, is
one of "circles" rather than "triangular" like the Maine Coon.
In our opinion, the Siberian Cat is the most beautiful, loyal,
affectionate cat on the planet.
The
breed standard with TICA ( The International Cat Association)
as follows:
RECOGNIZED
CATEGORY / DIVISIONS/COLORS: Traditional Category, all Divisions,
all colors.
GENERAL
DESCRIPTION: The Siberian is a large, strong cat which takes
5 years to mature. The females weigh less than the males. They
are extremely agile and great leapers. Their muscles are mighty,
outstanding and powerful. The back is long and very slightly
curved or arched, but appears horizontal when in motion. Convex
muscular waist and round, compact belly develop with age. The
hind legs, when straightened, are slightly longer than the forelegs.
The paws are round, big and quite powerful. The overall appearance
should be one of great strength, force and size with an excellent
physical condition and alertness; the facial expression is quite
sweet. The general impression is one of roundness and circles,
rather than the rectangles and triangles of similar breeds.
HEAD:
The head is a modified wedge of medium size with rounded contours,
broader at the skull and narrowing slightly to a full rounded
muzzle with well-rounded chin. There may be a slight muzzle
curvature, but the transition between the side of the head and
the muzzle is gentle and inconspicuous. The cheek bones are
neither high set nor prominent. There should be a good distance
between the ears and eyes. The top of the head is flat, with
a slight nose curvature before the tip. The neck is medium-long,
rounded, substantial, and well muscled.
TAIL:
The tail is medium in length, wide at the base, blunt at the
tip without ticking or kinks, evenly and thickly furnished.
EARS:
The ears are medium-large, wide and set as much on the sides
of the head as on the top; ideal position is 1 to 1-1/2 ear
width apart. The tips are rounded and the ear tilts forward.
Lynx tipping is desirable. Hair over the back of the ears is
short and thin; from the middle of the ear, the furnishings
become longer and cover the base completely.
EYES:
The large, almost round eyes are set wide with the outer corner
slightly angled toward the lower base of the ear. There is no
relationship between eye color and coat color/pattern, however,
the typical adult color is yellow-green.
COAT:
This is a moderately long to longhaired cat, with hair on the
shoulder blades and lower part of the chest being thick and
slightly shorter. There should be an abundant ruff setting off
the large, impressive head. There is a tight undercoat, thicker
in cold weather. Allow for warm weather coats. The coat gives
the impression of lacquer and oil when ungroomed. The hair may
thicken to curls on the belly and britches, but a wavy coat
is not characteristic. The skin may have a bluish cast. Clear
strong colors and patterns desirable, but are secondary to type.
ALLOWANCES: buttons, spots or lockets.
PENALIZE:
Adult cats not having substantial weight. Straight profile.
Narrow or fox-like muzzle. Almond shaped eyes. Very long legs.
VARIETIES:
The Siberian Cats come in a variety of colors and markings.
Taken from CFA (Cat Fanciers Breed Standard) All colors are
genetically possible. In the traditional class all colors and
combinations are accepted with or without white. In the tabby
group white or off white is allowable on the chin, breast, and
stomach area. Buttons, spots or lockets are allowable in all
colors. The pattern/color descriptions are the same as the Persian.
In the colorpoint class, mitted, bicolor, lynx and tortie patterns
are allowed. The pattern/color descriptions for the colorpoint,
mitted and bicolor are the same as the Ragdoll. The pattern
description for lynx points and tortie points are the same as
a Birman. In the traditional colors, description for the blue
golden is the same as the golden except tips are blue rather
than black. No outcrosses are allowed for this breed.
COLORPOINTS:
Russians have had the colorpoints as a part of their breeding
program since records were kept by the various cat fancy clubs
in Russia. People had thought that long ago the feral pointed
patterned cats and the feral Siberian cats “got together”
along the banks of the Neva River in Leningrad ( which is now
named St. Petersburg ) in the 1960’s. Russian breeders
soon noticed the festive pattern of these cats and began incorporating
them into their Siberian breeding program. The Russians use
the nickname “Neva Masquerade” for this breed- Neva
for the river and Masquerade for the coloring. Neva Masquerade
is not a separate class of the Siberians but is a Siberian.
According to breeders no outcross has ever been used to produce
the colorpoint Siberian. They say that being a natural breed
of cat anything is possible in any line of the breed. Three
breeders in United States soon noticed that there were not any
of the colorpoints here. When the kittens arrived controversy
began on acceptance of the colorpoint. After much debate the
colorpoints are now an accepted part of the Siberian standard
in the United States. Many other countries still do not allow
the colorpoints into their breed standards of acceptance.
PERSONALITY: The Siberians have a wonderful dog like purrrrrrrsonality
and they are very affectionate!!! A Siberian never runs off
and hides under a chair or bed when seeing a stranger. Unlike
many breeds this breed will come over and greet the stranger.
They are very intelligent and learn quickly and even "problem
solve" to get what they want. They love to be spoken to
and will come running if called by name. Siberians also have
a triple purr and unlike other breeds have a chirping sound
when coming up to greet you. They also have a large bushy tail
that stands at attention and does a shimmering effect when happy,
that may look like they are spraying to some which is not what
they are doing. Siberians have a fascination with water, often
dropping toys into their water dishes or investigating bathtubs
before they dry. This is the ideal lap cat that is calm and
yet very active at playtime.
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