Description, types of color and features of the content of Siberian cats

Siberian cats are considered the pride of Russian breeders. Today, individuals of this breed often appear at international exhibitions, they are appreciated by lovers of natural beauty around the world. The material of this article will acquaint the reader with the features of these cats and will tell about the nuances of their content.

The path of formation of the Siberian breed was laid through the harsh climatic conditions. It is almost natural, despite the fact that the origin is overgrown with legends. Siberian cats are considered native animals, they have a bright appearance and were bred by breeders only partly. In fact, their ancestors were Bukhara cats, the first mention of the beginning of the formation of the breed appeared in the XVI century.

In the annals there were mentions of cats similar to Siberians. They called them Bukhara, they met all over Russia. It is believed that migration throughout the country originated from the regions of Siberia and the Far East.

Officially, the country of origin of the Siberian cat is Russia. Initially, many believed that Siberians were all large and long-haired cats. Breeders at one time were convinced that Siberians called cats exclusively come from Siberia. However, in the 80s felinologists put an end to this issue. They noted that the roots of origin go far back in time.

Exploring in the subsequent breeding work of cats from different regions of Siberia and the Far East, they selected the best representatives of the cat family, collecting an exterior group of individuals living in Krasnoyarsk, Novosibirsk and Kemerovo. To highlight the bright features of the breed were selected animals with large dimensions, massive bones, heavy head and a long coarse fur coat.

Breeding work on breeding a truly Russian breed of cats of the Siberian type was difficult and thorough. However, in 1991, felinologist Olga Mironova was able to achieve recognition of the breed standard by the World Cat Federation. The standard was approved as a worker, and it became official 3 years later.

Americans began to notice Sibirtsev: The breed was officially recognized by the TICA organization in 1996. About a year later, another prestigious organization drew attention to cats - FIFE. To date, felinologists are working to consolidate the type of rock.

Siberian cats are distinguished by their originality and lordly appearance. They belong to the family of large cat breeds. The coat of these animals is not too long, which is why they are sometimes confused with short-haired cats. However, in reality, short-haired breeds are considered relatives of Siberians. As for the standard, it has its own characteristics.

The representative of the breed looks very presentable. To distinguish it from the usual home favorite is easy. It gives large size and thick wool. The height of the fluffy Russian cat at the withers is on average 30 cm, in males it is about 40 cm.These figures may vary depending on the age of the pet.

The body of these cats is heavy and muscular. In the population there are individuals not only large, but also medium in size. At the expense of wool, they seem particularly large, stand out from the background of ordinary domestic cats. They have muscular paws of medium length, proportional build, the body is dense and somewhat elongated. The back is slightly above the shoulders, the stomach is barrel-shaped and hard.

The size of the paws is large, while the hind ones are longer than the front ones, they are round, with pubescence between the pads. The tail of the Siberian fluffy and wide at the base, towards the end it is slightly narrowed. The neck of a Siberian cat is round and muscular, although not long. The head of the animal has a trapezoidal shape with rounded contours. Its size may vary depending on the weight of the cat, but it is always proportional to the body.

The chin is well defined, the cheekbones are developed, the cheeks are plump. The upper part of the head is somewhat flat, the nose is broad and almost straight, has a small cavity near the forehead, which is noticeable when looking at the cat from the side. The forehead itself is pushed forward. The ears of a siberian are medium in size, at the base they are wider, the tips are somewhat rounded. The eyes of an animal are large, rounded, often oval, widely set.

Their color is solid and always combined with coat color. Shades of cat eyes can vary from green to golden, and even yellowish. Rare representatives of the breed may have different eye color, including blue.

Representatives of this breed weigh on average from 6 to 9 kg (less weight in females, it rarely exceeds 7 kg). In the population there are individuals weighing up to 10-12 kg. It is worth noting that a lot of weight does not make the cat slow. Regardless, it is plastic, dexterous and fast.

A unique characteristic of large Russian cats is feature of their fur coat: it is waterproof. The coat of the animal consists of thick and stiff elongated guard hair and a thick undercoat, not very different in length from the main coat.

On average, Siberians live about 15 years. For cats, this is a solid age, it corresponds to the age of an elderly person. However, life conditions are directly affected by living conditions, proper nutrition and care. Shorten pet life stresses and poor care.

The cat needs human attention, and ordinary paper or even thread can become a toy for him. He has a developed instinct for self-preservation, which is why the animal never climbs to where it can be dangerous. The health of Siberians is excellent, in comparison with fellows of other breeds. Separate individuals live to 20 years. As for the reproductive age, in cats it usually does not exceed 18 years, while in males only rarely crosses the eleven-year mark.

The colors of long-haired Siberian cats may be different. Among the representatives of the breed can be found individuals of the same color or cats with a characteristic pattern. In this case, the texture of wool can be very different: somewhere it is soft, somewhere - hard. Depending on the color on the belly and legs, it can be curly-headed.

Curious is the fact that at birth, the boy kitten inherits the color of the mother, while the baby-girl can take the color from any of the parents. As for the standard, it allows for monochromatic colors, and spotty, and patterned. The colors of many modern cats are the result of breeding. The standard includes animals with white, black, gray, brownish, blue and red hair.

White solid color considered a rarity. The standard implies a perfectly clean color.There should be no patterns or stains on the wool. Sometimes these kittens are born with spots, but over time they disappear. Breeders call these cats Angora. These pets have different eye color (bluish, copper or even orange).

Black color, according to the requirements of the standard, must be uniform. As a rule, in such cats even the tip of the nose is black. Kittens at birth have a grayish or brown fur coat, with time and after molting it turns black. However, it is more difficult to care for these cats, because their wool has to be shielded from the sun so that it does not fade. When burnout black coat becomes ugly, giving red.

Gray color is conventionally divided into two types: chinchilla and smoky. The first type implies wool, tinted not in the entire length, but in part. In this case, the silver color can paint the hair of the hair no more than 1/3, and in some cats even less (for example, the tip). Smoky color has hairs, dark at the ends and light (sometimes completely white) at the roots. Chinchilla coloration is considered rare among Siberians; it can be shaded and veiled.

Tortoiseshell consists of contrasting shades. It can be a superimposition of black on monophonic red or blue on cream. With this color distribution of spots is uniform throughout the coat of the animal. Most often, this color is typical for individuals of the female breed. However, in rare cases, it is observed in males, although, as a rule, in those that can not give offspring.

Common among siberian cats and color tabby. With this coloration of wool, alternation of dark and light shades is noted, which gives the original pattern. In individuals of this breed there can be three types of this color: marble (classic), brindle and spotted. Each type has its own degree of color saturation.

In addition, the standard recognizes several colors with white. For example, it can be a bicolor, in which white in the color should be at least 1/3 of the entire wool.

Siberian cats can not be called lazy, they are characterized by mobility and activity. These are animal-leaders, and therefore they rarely agree to neighborhood with other pets. They rarely recognize other cats or dogs living in the house. As for the person, only one of all households will have authority.

He will obey him more than others, obeying the rules that his master has taught him. However, this does not mean that the animal will behave badly. Not at all: if you teach him the rules of behavior from childhood, the cat will behave quite peacefully with everyone. In general, the character of a Siberian is peaceful and good-natured. Among the representatives of the breed there are individuals peacefully related to all households.

Representatives of this breed are different tactfulness and devotionwhich is shown in relation to its owner. Since childhood, they are not only curious, but also intelligent. They can be taught to some teams, because they are sociable animals. They do not worry because of the change of the situation, they quickly get used to a new place, they can live both in a private house and in an apartment.

By nature, they are great hunters. The desire to hunt is manifested even in very small kittens, which explains their playfulness. However, the desire to hunt indicates that the house should not have birds or small domestic rodents: sooner or later, the hunter's instincts in the cat will work. In a private house, the cat will exterminate all the mice, not only on the territory of its plot, but also among its neighbors.

While the cat is hunting, he looks very good. Hunting gives the pet strength, trains the body, the food caught has a positive effect on the health of the body and coat. The animal is clean. It will never impose its society, even if he wants attention or affection. Even in this case, the cat will not beg for affection, will not allow itself to hang around for the owner and will try not to show its emotions.

Changing the host animals are perceived in different ways. However, they don’t always like outside visitors. And if the pet does not like a particular person, he can afford to grumble a little at him. Other individuals can protect their masters in their own way. By the way, the protective instinct works with young children living in the house. Siberians love small children and try not to give them offense. Other representatives of the breed protect the sensitive sleep of babies, in their own way babysitting with them, they love to play with babies. However, they will not allow themselves to release the claws and play too.

About these cats can not say that they are doing something thoughtlessly. Any of their action is meaningful. After studying an object or a toy, they quickly find use for it. They love various outdoor games, while they often jump and deftly climb high objects in the house. However, if Siberians are patient and able to behave with respect to children, then adult family members will not allow themselves to be bothered.

Pet misses the owner and does not like loneliness. During the day he may go to sleep on any master's thing. Even at night, the cat will find an opportunity to cling to the owner, even for this purpose he will settle down in his legs. With regard to the period of wakefulness, then fluffy can not be left for a long time, and even more so without toys, which he often carries in his teeth, as prey. Given its ingenuity, it is necessary to understand: the animal will find something to do.

In addition to the fact that the cat can easily open the door handle, he can get to the taps in search of water. By the way, he is not only not afraid of her, but even loves her. This is manifested in relaxation while bathing. Besides, A pet may purposely drag toys into the bath to entertain itself by catching them.

With age, some individuals who have received little attention at one time may experience hyperexcitability. And the peak of activity usually occurs at night, when the household wants to sleep.

Siberian cats are easily trainable, and therefore it will not be difficult to accustom them to the tray. They quickly understand where the toilet is and their bedding. They love gaming complexes and need scratching points. If an animal does not acquire a bed, it will not understand its place, as there will be no clear separation into “its” and “master’s” things. Need to take care and purchase shleyki or collar for walks.

For example, the animal must have its own dishes. Plates from the master's table cannot be used, in the future the cat will not understand why he is not allowed to eat the food on the table. Regardless of the time of feeding, the animal should always have a bowl with fresh water. Pet should not look for water when he wants to drink. The lack of water in the usual place will lead to the fact that the cat will climb into the sink, bath or toilet.

A bed for a cat is selected, considering its size. He must accommodate a pet so that he does not have to huddle or look for more comfortable places to sleep in the house. In the presence of finance, you can buy two loungers, and their models can be either standard floor or suspended. For example, if you wish, you can choose a variant for a siberian on a radiator or a hammock. Other breeders make pet lodge with their own hands.

Good models can be obtained from ordinary old suitcases, sweaters or even pillows. Some cat owners make two-story designs.Such products like cats, they are more functional and especially relevant if there are two pets in the house.

Trays for cats are selected based on their size and character traits. In spite of the fact that there are quite a few options on the market today, when choosing it is worth starting from open models. Determining the type you need is easy: the tray should be strong, stable, with relatively high sides and a removable frame.

You need to buy a tray with rubberized legs, made of very durable and thick plastic. At the same time, the tray should not smell sharply, as cats do not like it, and they are looking for other places to meet their natural needs. High sides will allow to protect the space surrounding the tray from excrement, urine and filler granules.

With regard to the characteristics of the trays, then you have to choose between the options with the grid and without it. Products without mesh need to use filler. Trays with a lattice are good because they can be used without granulated material. The filler in this case is necessary to eliminate the unpleasant smell.

It is difficult to call a Siberian cat fastidious in care, but it is extremely important to ensure regular hygiene procedures. Particular attention will have to be paid to combing the dead wool, because the longer the cat will wear it, the more tangles will be on the wool coat. Double combing will be needed during the molting, because at this time the cat is vital. Besides, timely combing will save the house from dead hairs lying around the perimeter of the housing.

It is better to comb the cat with a special device with a comb-trimmer. This will allow without any difficulty and fatigue to remove dead hair from the wool, while not injuring the pet's skin. Cats like combs like, because they not only do not touch the skin, but do not pull out hairs, and also massage the skin.

In the period of molting, which occurs in spring and autumn, long-haired fluffies are often combed out. Some individuals need this more than twice a week. If the owner for some reason does not have enough free time to rid the pet of dead wool, you can buy a brush with teeth that is attached to the wall. So the animal will be able to scratch their fur coats on their own, these combs are rarely left without cat attention.

Furminator teeth should be rare, and the width of the working surface of the ridge - wide. This is necessary in order to reduce the time for processing a pet. On the muzzle, behind the ears and in the tail area, the hairs should be combed out very carefully. Cutting wool shortly in these places is undesirable.

From time to time the cat needs to clean its ears and eyes. Do it with warm boiled water, using napkins or cotton pads. Hygiene of the ears and eyes, coupled with a visual inspection will not only prevent infection by any infection, but also notice the presence of parasites. For example, if a cat begins to scratch its ears for a long time, this may indicate the presence of small ear mites. If whitish eyeside appear in the corners of the eyes, they indicate the presence of worms.

If there are parasites in the ears or eyes, the pet owner must contact the veterinarian. After examination, the specialist will select the optimal drug and dosage based on the cat's age and weight. Ears are treated with drops, having previously cleaned their inner surface. As a rule, the procedure is repeated once, to consolidate the therapeutic effect. Teeth need to be cleaned often. The teeth of cats, like people, are prone to the formation and buildup of tartar. Their gums also become inflamed, and the enamel strength may weaken. Brush your teeth special paste, without delaying the procedure.

Nails must be trimmed in a timely manner. To do this, you can purchase a nail clipper, which will save the animal from tedious and prolonged hygiene. Shear for one procedure can be no more than 1 mm in length. So that the cat does not tear the wallpaper and furniture upholstery, It is worth getting a clawboard. Choose it is necessary, given the massiveness of the animal. It must be resistant to clawing.

Washing your pet too often is not advisable. Siberians are pretty neat cats, they constantly lick their fur. It is necessary to wash them with the use of zoo shampoo no more than three or four times a year. However, no one cancels playing in water, as well as washing a cat without shampoo. With regard to detergents, then to care for the hair of these animals are provided for rinsing today.

Cats feel best if they are often in the open air. Private home for them is the best place to stay. Here the cat will find something to do, be able to hunt enough, and also to train their muscles. No airing of the rooms of the apartment will replace the pet street walks. Even equipped game complexes will not make the cat stronger if it does not walk daily.

Staying outdoors is the prevention of many diseases. This allows you to strengthen the immune system, keep yourself in good shape and gain strength for active games and normal growth. Animals that are not taken to the street are weaker.

Visit the vet constantly. Vaccination should be timely, as well as preventive measures to disinfect a pet from fleas and ticks. Someone is buying anti-parasitic collars for Siberians. However, as practice shows, not all of them are effective. Every time after the walk, the owner must inspect the pet.

Due to the high activity, the Siberian cat needs high-calorie food. However, this does not mean that it can be fat. The approach to the preparation of a nutritional ration should be carefully considered. It is unacceptable to feed a pet exclusively with industrial feed, regardless of their type. Even with the alternation of wet and dry food, the animal will not receive all the necessary vitamins and nutrients. To strengthen tooth enamel in the food should be mineral-vitamin complexes. In the diet must attend natural products. What the owners eat is not good for a pet.

For the preparation of the cat menu, you can contact the veterinarian, who will tell you in what form to submit a particular product. For example, a cat may eat meat raw and boiled, but if it eats raw, antihelminthic treatment should be more frequent.

Particular attention in the preparation of the menu should be given to small kittens. At three months of age, they are usually fed 5-6 times a day, as they grow older, the frequency of meals is reduced to two to three times a day. Animal nutrition should be balanced, varied and age appropriate pet. However, you need to feed the Siberian right, he should not overeat. The same can be said about pregnant cats. Their food should be high quality, rich in vitamins and minerals.Overeating is fraught with weight gain, and the lack of useful substances will negatively affect the health and immunity of the offspring. As for the nutrition of cats during lactation, at this time their food should be more high-calorie.

Food for the Siberian is selected based on the characteristics of the animal itself and its age (for example, for kittens, sterilized animals). Cheap food does not have in the composition of nutrients, can harm health. You need to buy food from proven manufacturers. As for natural food, cats need chicken, beef, turkey, rabbit meat. In addition, the diet should be boiled fish, eggs, seafood, kefir and cottage cheese.

Milk can be given to small kittens, adult cats need exactly kefir. Even in the diet should be cereals, as well as germinated cereals (for example, green oats). Cereal seedlings are needed to help clear the animal's stomach from swallowed wool.

The nature of the Siberian cats can be different, as evidenced by reviews of breeders left in the vast world wide web. Their owners point out that other representatives may be offended by the owners, and even take revenge on them for occasional offenses. Cats float nails, play, scratching not only adults but also children.

Other comments indicate that pets quickly adapt to changing owners, and may require attention. They bring their toys to the owners and move them with their paw, showing that they want to play. Owners note that similar behavior is observed among the offspring of friendly cats. In addition, rare representatives of the breed, according to the breeders, are cowardly. But many have cunning, which they use in relation to other pets and all households.

On the features of Siberian cats, see the following video.