The glamorous natives of Siberian arctic taiga are beauties with a thick, protective coat that is perfect for their habitat. Still, they will impress you with their character and affectionate behavior.
Grey Siberian cats are highly affectionate and playful only if they like to, and may snuggle up with their owner as they are chasing the laser toy. They have a habit of following you wherever you go and be very glad if you let them participate in whatever you do. It is not up to you if you like it or not. It’s simply their wish. But this does not mean that they are stubborn.
So, if you are chasing for a warm cuddle pet the Grey Siberian cat is the number one candidate from the feline world.
There are two ways to get a Grey Siberian cat. You may either adopt one and obtain a warm house for a kitty in need of a home, or you may buy one. Buying will mean that you should explore and find a reputable breeder. In the second option, it is very important that the breeder follows all the ethical practices and takes care of the cat’s well-being.
All the reputable breeders of Grey Siberian Cats prioritize the health and character as well as the temperament of their cats. They take good care of health screenings and obtain a nurturing environment for the litter.
Facts about the Grey Siberian Cat
This breed originates from Siberia, Russia. Their size is medium to large and the breed group is natural. The lifespan of a Grey Siberian Cat is between 12-15 years. They weigh between 8 and 17 pounds (3.6-7.7kg). Grey Siberian cats have a very thick and triple coat that matches their natural surroundings. They are affectionate, playful and intelligent. Grey Siberian cat needs moderate exercise, but they are trainable. Grooming needs are also moderate.
Grey Siberian cats are generally healthy but still prone to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and hip dysplasia. The first time this breed was introduced to the Western world they were called Russian Longhair cats.
Siberian cats are national cats of Russia, and so is the Grey Siberian cat.
Interestingly, their coat is water repellent and they like playing in water.
Speaking in general the Grey Siberian Cats are cat-friendly so getting along with another cat in the family won’t be a problem.
Grey Siberian Cat History
The glamorous beauty from the Siberian taiga, a forest area with a subarctic climate. This breed has existed for more than 1000 years in Russia. It happens to be among the main characters in Russian folktales.
Siberian cats were first brought to the US in 1990 and were recognized by the International Cat Association in 1996. American Cat Fanciers Association accepted the Siberian Cat breed as well as Grey Siberian Cats in 2006. This breeds appreciation comes from the fact that they happen to be hypoallergenic. This may be regarded as a truth, but still depends from person to person or simply the sensitivity of a human that lives with Siberian Grey
The Personality of a Grey Siberian Cat
The homeland of this breed is very cold, but the heart of a Grey Siberian Cat is extremely warm. This cat loves people and will be around the family members all the time showing affectionate nature. It will do whatever its owner is doing, no matter if that is watching TV, reading newspapers, or doing any computer work. They are so cute that sitting in your lap while you comb is a real highlight of the day.
If you are out of the house the Grey Siberian Cat will look forward to seeing you come back. There won’t be a drink to welcome you, but the best-ever charming trill and chirp interrupted with some purrs and meows.
When you will have guests at home they will be surprised by their gentle and kind host. Grey Siberian Cat is not shy when you have visitors in your house.
This cat is also playful and active. It likes to play a fetching game and will be more than happy to bring you back its favorite toy. This clever cat breed can make a toy out of any interesting thing around it. Its agile brain will make you happy to teach your Grey Siberian different tricks.
Grey Siberian cat likes to play with water which is assumed to be a genetic memory since their predecessors had to go fishing for supper. It is highly athletic so do not be surprised if he climbs the highest points in the room.
On the other hand, the calm nature of this breed gives it an advantage to be a therapy cat. If not, you can be sure that the Grey Siberian cat will snuggle with you on a cold winter night or if you are down with a cold or flu.
Grey Siberian Cat Health
This breed is suffering almost the same problems as other cats do. The health problems may be genetic or appear because of another issue. Grey Siberian cats are generally healthy but here are some health issues that may affect your cat:
⦁ Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy is a heart disease that causes the enlargement of the heart muscle. It is found in both, pedigreed and not pedigreed cats. This disease may affect Grey Siberian cats.
⦁ The locomotor injury may occur due to their curiosity and active nature. They have an adventurous nature and can easily injure themselves while playing.
Grey Siberian Cat Care
The triple coat of the Grey Siberian cat should be combed and brushed at least three times per week. It will prevent tangles and mats. The coat in these cats’ sheds seasonally in spring and in the fall and at those periods of the year, you may have to comb them more frequently. They do not necessarily need a bath which is good because their coat is anyway water resistant. It is a hell of a job to make a Siberian cat wet enough to put shampoo on it.
Their teeth have to be regularly brushed to prevent periodontal diseases. Daily dental care is of great importance. Trim the nails of your Grey Siberian cat and wipe the corners of the eyes with a wet soft cloth. Please try to use a separate part of the cloth for a different eye.
Ears hygiene is also a must. If they look dirty you better clean them because they can easily develop an infection. Clean the ears with a wet cloth which has been dumped in a mixture of 50-50% vinegar and warm water.
Grey Siberian cats grow in the first year of age and less in the years to follow.
Clean their litter box regularly and try to keep your Grey Siberian cat as an indoor pet since if it goes out the chance to be affected by the diseases is big.
What you can do for your Grey Siberian cat is to build a big cat tree outside and make it play while out.
How Social is Grey Siberian Cats
Grey Siberian Cats have bold temperaments and this is the most important characteristic that makes it perfect for a family pet with children. It will guard the bed of your kid and nothing will bother the kids while the Grey Siberian cat is close.
This cat is also happy to live with other cats or cat-friendly dogs but the one in charge will be the Grey Siberian, that is for sure. If this is the situation you have to introduce the pets slowly and later on control if they get well.