The Siberian cat is a uniquely beautiful breed that does not lose popularity among cat lovers all over the world. Luxurious wool and a noble look tied the hearts of the owners, attracts attention at exhibitions. Many breeders consider Siberians to be the hallmark of Russia, highlighting animals with a smoky and gray color.
Origin
Among experts in the field of felinology, disputes about the origin of the breed do not subside. According to one of the versions, the beautiful animal was originally brought from Asia with merchants' caravans in the 16th century. After adaptation and mixing with other representatives of the feline family, a species of “Bukhara” cat appeared, which the classics repeatedly mentioned in works about Siberia and the Urals.
Studies have shown that Siberian cat may have genetic bonds with Persian and Angora breeds. But the severe frost climate of Siberia influenced the thickness and beauty of wool. The first participation of the furry beauty in exhibitions dates back to 1871, from which the breed is monitored. A full description of the standard was made only in 1990, when breeders and official clubs appeared.
Breed business card
According to the recognized WCF standard, Siberian cats of gray color have the following signs and characteristics.
- Large and muscular body, which is characterized by power and proper structure. The normal weight of a cat reaches 8–12 kg, and the female rarely exceeds 6–8 kg.
- At the withers the animal reaches a height of at least 30–40 cm.
- It takes several years for development and weight gain, so breeders are in no hurry to mate animals earlier than 2 years.
- Trapezoidal shape of the head, corresponding to the large body of the animal. She is surrounded by a luxurious thick wool collar, giving the cat a solid look.
- The ears are set wide apart, which makes Siberians excellent hunters with an unsurpassed instinct.
- Among the claws on the paws there are small islands of wool that prevent the freezing of the delicate skin. Paws are large and proportionate to the body.
Due to the formation of the breed in a frosty climate, nature has endowed the Siberian cat of gray color with stunning wool. This is a real fur coat, consisting of a long nap and a dense undercoat. It not only protects the cat from the cold, but also creates a terrific volume. Particularly noticeable length on the tail, which is incredibly fluffy and graceful.
Among the positive qualities of the Siberian cat is the almost complete absence of enzymes that, when released on the coat, provoke allergies in humans. This allows the breed to be considered hypoallergenic.
Cats have a calm and positive character, easily get along with other animals and become the favorites of the whole family. But the animal is notable for its love of equal treatment: they do not tolerate encroachment on their territory, frequent hugs and coercion to play.
Many owners note that pets have not lost the natural hunger curiosity of the forest. They are happy to explore the premises, are curious and find “adventures” on their bushy tail. Therefore, breeders recommend from the first days of the appearance in the house of a Siberian kitten to be engaged in his upbringing, to accustom him to order and to a certain regime.
Types of gray color
Among the numerous colors of cats of the Siberian breed according to the standards of world organizations are the following.
- Solid or solid. The cat's coat is dyed in one tone, has no spots or stripes.
- Bicolor The animal has several shades of gray, dyed hairs on the tail and over the entire surface of the coat.
The most beautiful and noble cats are the smoke-colored cats, which have repeatedly occupied leading positions at high-level exhibitions. They have bright eyes with a golden or blue tint. The coat is smoky gray, darkening towards the tip of the villus. The undercoat remains whitish, glows from the inside, giving additional visual volume.
Gray shade is sometimes called "blue" for an unusual tide in the light. This is a beautiful species of Siberian cats with bright yellow eyes. The brighter the contrast between the light undercoat and the main pile, the higher the cost of the kitten in the litter. The tone over time becomes darker on the ears, paws and upper line of the tail.
The unusual gray color of the Siberian cat is a silver chinchilla. Nature has formed a unique shade due to the presence of specific melatonin in the gene. He dyes long fibers only on the tips, which contrasts with the white undercoat.
Cat care and health
To preserve the beautiful look of the coat, you should brush your pet with a special brush 2-3 times a week. When signs of molting appear, the procedure is repeated every day, using sprays to improve the quality of the coat, if necessary. Siberian cats love water treatments, so once in 3-5 months they can make a bath with shampoo.
Nutrition Siberian cats must be given due attention. The quality of the animal and the state of the coat depend on its quality. The daily menu includes:
- protein in the form of meat and fish of low-fat varieties, boiled fillet in the range of 120-140 g;
- fermented milk products, cottage cheese, nonfat kefir;
- porridge on the water, mixed with seafood or meat;
- boiled vegetables in the form of mashed potatoes or small pieces (zucchini, carrots, cabbage).
With such a balanced diet, the Siberian cat does not need additional vitamin complexes.
In a small amount you can “pamper” it with chicken liver, boiled eggs, a piece of fresh cod or crucian.
The gray color of the Siberian cat makes any changes in nutrition visible: with a lack of vitamins, the smoky tone fades and becomes faded. In such a period it is necessary to increase the number of vegetables, mixing them with meat. The excellent health of the breed with proper nutrition makes pets real long-livers, without giving the owners much trouble.
Interesting facts about Siberian cats can be found in the following video.
