SIBERIAN CAT BREED OVERVIEW BY CARTIER SIBERIANS
In 1990 the first three Siberian cats were imported to the United States by Elizabeth Terrll, Starpoint Siberians: Ofelia, Naina, and Kaliostro (pictured below). In 1997 Dana Osborn, Willowbrook Siberians, imported the first colorpoint Siberians: Ustin El Magrib of Willowbrook and Roskana Babyan of Willowbrook. Even today the Siberian cat is still a new cat breed to many! Our retired male, Twofold Salemborn of Cooncreole, is a great-grandson to Roskana, five generations back from Kaliostro, and only six generations back from Ofelia. There is so much more to ancestry than just a name and many more healthy foundation lines may be found in our pedigrees!
Siberian cats are known for the following cat characteristics:
- hypoallergenic cat
- ‘dog-like’ personality
- beautiful long-haired cat
- intelligent cat
- affectionate cat
- energetic cat
- playful cat
- healthy cat
The Siberian cat requires approximately five years to reach maturity and will be as large as a Maine Coon. They are a loyal cat breed and often have been taught to fetch by their cat owners. The Siberian cat loves to ‘speak’ and greet you at the door.
RATING THE SIBERIAN CAT
On a scale of one to ten the Siberian cat rates the following:
Affection toward its owner – 7
Intelligence – 8
Vocalism – 6
Independence – 6
Docility – 3
Healthiness & hardiness – 9
Need for grooming – 3
Compatability with other children – 8
Compatability with other pets – 8
SIBERIAN CAT HYPO-ALLERGENIC TENDENCY
The most notable theory is that Siberian cats have a lower Feld1 allergen level than ordinary cats. This is the Feld1 protein found only in cats and is produced in the sebaceous glands that trigger approximately 60% allergic reactions to cats.
Typical reactions to the Feld1 allergen may vary, but can include symptoms ranging from sneezing, itchy, or swollen eyes to hives and severe difficulty breathing. Individuals allergic to cats and not other animals are often allergic only to Feld1.
All cats have some level of Fel d1 allergen, including Siberian cats. The Feld1 of Siberian cats tends to range from .5 mcg to 27.9 mcg . Allergic reactions are most severe with cats with an Fel d1 over 8.0 mcg.
SIBERIAN CAT BREED STANDARD
These links are very important and helpful for you to be able to recognize a true Siberian cat and to understand what the Siberian Cat Breed is and is not! The links below will leave Cartier Siberians and open in a new window.
TICA Siberian Cat Breed Standard – Includes photo examples of good and bad representation of the Siberian Cat Breed
CFA Siberian Cat Breed Standard
CFA Siberian Cat Breed Profile
