Today we meet the national cat of Russia, hailing from ice-cold Siberia: the Orange Siberian cat. Although this breed has been around for centuries, it has achieved global popularity only in the past few decades.
Its characteristics and impressive looks make it a highly desirable pet, and it’s always a pleasure to enjoy their company. Once it curls up in your lap for a nap, it’s very hard to let go of the Siberian.
An energetic, playful, and friendly cat, it’s more than a welcome addition to any family. When getting a cat, people often go for the looks and ignore the traits, only to realize later they’ve made a mistake. A typical example would be the Bombay: attractive, panther-like on the outside, but with a rather aggressive and hostile demeanor, making it unsuitable for small children. The Siberian, however, is both an eye candy and a super-friendly cat that won’t shy away from affection.
There’s a lot to say about this unique breed, but this article will explore the main traits that give this animal its character.
The Orange’s Origin
In Russia, the Siberian cat is a valuable part of the folklore, having been featured in a number of tales and songs. The first record of this breed dates from around 1000 AD, roughly ten centuries ago, when it still didn’t stray from the cruel Siberian forests.
Originally, it was just a local landrace, but later on, breeders became more organized and selective, turning Siberians into purebred, formally registered felines. They used to call it the Russian Longhair, or Moscow Semi-Longhair, now it’s known as the Siberian, but the official name is the Siberian Forest Cat.
It was first introduced at cat shows in Britain probably in 1871 when Westerners marveled at this novel longhair from the Russian wilderness. Almost two decades later, in 1889, the Siberian appeared in a book by Harrison Weir, a cat expert. This description roused the interest of many cat lovers who held it in high regard. It took much longer for them to arrive in the States; they didn’t get here until 1990 in exchange for Persian cats. In only two years, the Siberian was finally recognized as a new breed by the International Cat Organization.
What Does It Look Like?
If you need proof that nature takes care of its creatures, look no further than the Siberian: it was perfectly suited for the famously unforgiving Russian forests. The same goes for the shorthair Egyptian cat, for instance – imagine this creature wearing a furry coat in such a hot climate!
The Siberian is a medium-sized cat, with an average height of 30-35 cm at the shoulder, usually weighing between 13 and 20 pounds. It’s a longhair feline, with a thick, triple-layered coat that protects it against cold weather and also regulates the body temperature all year long. It usually takes up to five years to grow fully, give or take. Indeed, the fur can make the Siberian look twice as big, and after it’s shed, which happens twice a year, you might think a different cat wandered into your house.
Patting this animal is a delight: cat owners know very well how soothing it feels to caress this ball of floof. Of course, it requires a little more brushing than usual to avoid matted fur. The Siberian comes in different patterns, like tabby, bi-color, smoke, tortoiseshell, etc. Even though the title says “Orange Siberian Cat”, the coat can be black, blue, white, silver, or even red.
Stocky and sturdy, the Siberian is quite a powerhouse for its medium size. Don’t let the chonkiness fool you – its jumping ability can catch you off guard, partially owing to the strong hind legs. It has a bushy tail, short legs, and big paws. The curious eyes are typically golden, but some have copper, green, or even blue eyes.
A Fun-Loving Creature
What’s very interesting about Siberians is the contrast between their playfulness and calm, patient disposition. They can be very still, even placid, but once you engage them in play, they turn into a real dynamo. Kittens and adults like games with equal passion, especially with their owners, to whom they show a dog-like devotion.
Even so, this feline is not overly clingy and often needs its own space. This is perfect for busy cat owners who often need their alone time, too. While generally known as a quiet breed that minds its own business, Siberians can be quite vocal when the situation calls for it. They often get loud if left alone for too long, or meow extensively when hungry, thirsty, or injured.
The confidence of this animal is something to admire. When you have a stranger or unexpected visitor, it doesn’t feel threatened or endangered. Rather, it acts in a calm, poised manner until they’re convinced they can trust the new person, and then it’s game on. The same goes for other pets in the household – as long as there is no aggression or jealousy, you can expect harmony and friendship from your Siberian as long as they live.
Some Grooming Advice
Because of their thick, luxurious coat, Siberians require regular brushing every week. It’s best to get grooming tools that will make your life easier, like a toothed comb and a quality brush. Even if it resists at first, this feline is very intelligent and can adapt quickly to your hygienic method.
Knotting and tangling are common in every longhair breed, so don’t let that bother you. But the Siberian has natural undercoat oils that keep the fur smooth and straight, which helps significantly. When smoothing the hair, owners need to be gentle as cats are sensitive creatures.
As you might expect, there is a lot of shedding in spring and fall, and that’s when you groom more than usual.
Luckily, this breed likes water, so bathing is an easy-peasy job. But considering the fur thickness, it’s important to rinse it completely and apply shampoo all over. And in the end, you get a fresh-smelling, adorable-looking Siberian that’s ready to play!
