Details

Siberian cats are lovable and loyal family companions who get along well with children and other pets. Learn more about this hardy Russian cat breed. Siberian cats are (as their name suggests) native to Siberia, a region of Russia known for its long, harsh winters. Their robust origins are reflected in their long, hardy triple coat and strong body.
Alert and solidly built, these cats have a somewhat cat-like personality. This breed has a sweet disposition and loves cuddles. Siberians are totally devoted to their parents and generally get along well with children and other pets.
Siberian kittens typically cost between $1,200 and $4,000, depending on pedigree and age. Why the high price? The breed is expensive because of its high demand and the relatively low number of purebred Siberian cats outside of Russia, making them quite rare in the U.S. These medium-sized cats were certainly built for their environment in the forests of icy Siberia. Siberian cats have a long, three-layered, water-resistant coat and a robust, muscular body that appears heavy for their size. Their thick coat of long hair comes in any colour, including solid white, black, red, blue and silver. They also come in a wide variety of patterns, including smoky, point, calico, brindle, tortoiseshell and bicolour. Siberian cats usually have golden, green or copper eyes, although white Siberian cats may have blue eyes.
With all this fur, it is not surprising that these cats moult a lot. In fact, Siberian cats moult twice a year: In spring, this breed sheds its longer, warmer winter coat, and in autumn it sheds a shorter summer coat.
Despite all this shedding, Siberian cats are considered “hypoallergenic” because their fur produces less of the chemical associated with cat allergies (Fel-d1), according to the Siberian Cat Club (SCC). However, there is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic pet, and Kirsten Kranz, director of Specialty Purebred Cat Rescue, says it is important to know that these cats are not conducive to all allergy sufferers. “While some people find relief from cat allergies with this breed, we get Siberians [at the shelter] every year from people who can’t tolerate them because of their own allergies,” she says. “Allergies are very different from person to person and these cats are not a panacea.” If you’re thinking of bringing home a Siberian kitten, spend some time with the breed first to see how their allergies support them. “