The history of the Siberian cat breed
Everybody’s favorite Siberian cat is an animal that embodies the power of the Russian lands and the good-natured, independent character of the people living there. A beautiful and graceful creature has been the character of many tales and legends for a long time.
The severe climatic conditions provided our beauty with bushy and fluffy hair, stocky build and extraordinary endurance. This cat loves free range and thanks to the dense and long hair it perfectly endures frost.
In our time, the Siberian and Neva Masquerade cats enjoy reasonable popularity not only in their homeland, but also in other countries for a long time.
Russian character, strength and beauty
The first mentioning of these cats dates back to the 16th century. At that time they already lived in Russia, but were called Bukhara cats. When did the Bukhara breed changed into Siberian? Indeed, at those times the Siberia lands were inhabited by nomads who did not keep cats.
The vast territory from the Ural Mountains to the Pacific Ocean was actively cultivated. People from the European part of Russia moved to Siberia. Tradespeople from Asian countries also came here. Supposedly, these were the ways the Bukhara cats were brought here, and so the spontaneous formation of the breed began.
Siberia is known for taiga spaced out for ten thousand km, frosts down to -60 C° and heavy snow. In cold climates, the Siberian breed of cats acquired the “coat” and fur between paws.
Savage-colored forest cats chose to mate domestic cats. In addition to enviable health and forest grace, these animals inherited affection for the human, which is manifested in modern animals as the character of the Siberian cat. The progenies were growing up tall, reaching a weight of 6-8 kg over time; they were smart, well-trained, active, curious and sociable.
Even the archives of Peter I (17-18 centuries) mention the cats personifying the beauty, strength and good health of the Russian people. His contemporaries believed that the main difference of the breed was not attachment to the house, but fidelity to the owner.
It was the Siberian cat that was in the lead among those purposefully bred by Russian felinologists. Later, they began to work on color-point variant of these cats, which were then called Neva Masquerade cats. Cats of traditional color and Neva Masquerade cats participated in prestigious exhibitions. Already in 2003 there were about 70 world champions among them.
Only by looking at this proud creature one can see, that all the years spent side by side with the human could not erase its freedom-loving nature from this animal. Siberians are born hunters, so if you already have hamsters or parrots in your house, think twice before you get yourself a cat like this. In other respects these animals are quite unpretentious. They are amenable to training and learn the rules of behavior in the house quickly.
Siberian cat is a very active animal. It likes to climb all sorts of heights and to watch the household from there. The animal is quite loyal towards children and may get on with other animals of a bigger size in the house.
In spite of its independence, the Siberian cat is very affectionate and friendly, though it can’t bear unceremoniousness. If you manage to get her trust, you will get a faithful and loyal friend.