Frequently Asked Questions

How to describe a Siberian Cat?

Semi long-haired, strong and well muscled.
Inquisitive, active and friendly.

Is the Siberian Cat a Forest Cat ?

There are those who will tell you that the Siberian cat is a forest cat, there are those who will tell you that the Siberian cat breed is designed by the Russian breeders in the eighties from the cats picked from the streets of St.Petersburg and Moscow. Which is also true. However, it is an aboriginal Russian cat breed.
A natural cat breed, some of them have a long pedigree and some of them have a short pedigree.

Are there lot of myths in this breed ?

We recommend you to ask for proven evidence if you ever read in cattery websites that a Siberian is a crossing of a Siberian cat and the Feline Euptilura, the far Eastern Forest Cat. Try not to believe blindly everything that's said on the forums. Especially, when no documentation is backing up the statements. Another myth is that the Neva Masquerade is only a colour.

Are the prices different for a cat buyer from outside Russia?

It's up to everyone what they want to ask vs. to pay. It's a free market.
Personally, I would pay a bit more in order to get a good quality and a healthy kitten.

What is the character of the cat?

It is very open-minded, playful, charming, intelligent and a really balanced Siberian cat will reach your soul. This cat is “dog-like”. It’s loyal, active and brave. A Siberian will charm you instantly and you will tell nice stories about your cat to your friends. However, there are also Siberians with a hostile temperament, just like in any other breed.

Is the Siberian Cat good with children?

Yes, absolutely! As long as the children know how to handle kitten/cat they are wonderful companions for them. With young children the parents have the responsibility in teaching their children proper behaviour with animals.

Can it cope in cold weather?

It has a rich full coat with dense underwool.
The cat is designed for winter conditions, however, it shouldn't walk around freely and kept outside. Pls. remember for the safety of your beloved Siberian use a leash. I must say though, that the Siberian just like any other cat enjoys more warmth and cozyness than winter weather with - 10 Celcius and below.
Well, - 10 C with no wind is nice to take a walk in. My cats are used to take walks in colder weather as well, however, only for a short time.

Is Siberian Cat a healthy breed?

The Siberian Cat coming from responsible breeders is considered to be one of the healthiest cat breeds available today.
A responsible breeder should test the breeding cats for FeLV, FIV and do blood typing. HCM scanning is not mandatory, and unfortunately doesn't guarantee anyone of having / buying a HCM free cat. However, it's good to scan the breeders for HCM. Do remember though, that no one's cat is safe from HCM. HCM can occure to any cat regardless breed or gender. Despite scannings.
Ask the breeder to show you the test documents for FIV, FeLV. FIP test doesn't indicate FIP, a positive test might indicate that the cat has been in contact with a Corona virus cat and has developed antibodies for the virus. Catteries with more than three cats are more likely in having corona positive cats. FIP can develop when the cats immune system is weakend and when there is a case of heavy inbreeding. FIP can only be determinded with 100 % certainity after neocropsy.

What is a Neva Masquerade/Colour pointed Siberian?

A Siberian Cat which is colour pointed, registrations in Russia started in 1987. FIFe has not accepted this variation of the Siberian Cat until recently from Jan,01.2009. 

The word Neva comes from the river Neva in St Petersburg and the breed was developed there buy mixing Siamese and Siberians. Also, the colourpoint gene has occured in the traditional coloured Siberians as well.  it was a mistake buy the Russians to accept the colourpoint as the Siberian...I am sorry to say, but the dilemma is awful and causes lots of problems.

How should I choose a kitten?

Contact your local cat club, search for breeders near you. Take your time, don’t make a hasty decision. Study the breed and study even other breeds that you might be interested in before deciding. Make sure that this breed is the right for you.
Visit the cattery, if possible.
Study the pedigrees, avoid too inbred cats. Or, take a chance and import a foundation Siberian from Russia!

Should I by a kitten through the internet?

We recommend you not to buy a kitten only via internet. Best, thing ofcourse is to be able to visit the cattery for yourself. However, not always possible, due to long distances. In these cases the internet comes handy. Be careful when buying a cat through the internet. There has been cases where A) the cat received has been very timid and unsocialized. B) One has sent the money upfront and never received a kitten C) Or one has received a cat with worms and illnesses. Or, if you are lucky you will meet a wonderful breeder who really is responsible and will sell you a well socialized and a healthy Siberian kitten.

It’s very rewarding for you and your kitten to have the support of your the breeder you can trust.   I have recieved fantastic individuals from Voronezh and Tomsk. Both cats were clean, well taken care of, well socialized fabulous cats.  The breeders have become my friends as a bonus. I have been  greatful for such good breeders I have met in Russia. Once, I got unlucky with one domestic purchase, a breeder sold me for breeding a cat with hernia umbilicalis that was corrected by vet surgeon. Later, we could trace the documents and got info of the horribilities the cat had gone through before coming to us. It is a matter of luck really, sometimes you get lucky and and sometimes not. 

How about catteries that cage their cats ?

We are against such catteries that have created a system where the cats are caged. Cats are not LIVE STOCK!

How about declawing ?

Declawing a cat is a cruel action. Luckily forbidden in Europe. The word declawing is a misleading term, since it's in reality an AMPUTATION of the last joint in the cat's paw. Imagine yourself, if someone would A) take your finger nails out B) would amputate yout last joint in your fingers. Would you be able to function normally with your hands afterwards ? No.
Do not ever even consider of declawing your cat.

Which country is considered to have the best Siberian Cats?

Different cat associations have different standards it's difficult to draw a general line. Try to look for a Siberian that doesn't look traditional Persian and is of the traditional colour.

How can I keep my Siberian Cat happy?

Since it’s a smart and active cat, talk to your cat, communication is important.
Play with her daily. Give her proper food. No food scraps from your plate.
Keep her healthy. If you do not plan to breed, neuter the cat.
Take the appropriate vaccinations. Go out for walks in a leash, in a nice calm area. If possible, build a safe cat yard. Make her feel loved and appreciated. She will return your love in tons.

How to by a Siberian Cat safely from Russia?

Consult someone in your cat club or a Siberian cat breeder in your
country who knows the breeders in Russia. Try to get as much
information as possible by contacting breeders who have the
experience in importing cats from there. Perhaps they can help you
by sharing knowledge and giving you recommendations whom to contact.
Study the pedigrees carefully by checking them at http://www.pawpeds.com. It is a reliable site with a lot of useful information. I have had one bad experience and several good experiences when importing a cat from Russia.

Why should I avoid cats with a
high inbreeding percentage in the pedigree?

High inbreeding percentage might result in problems like weaker immune
system, genetic diseases, infertility, deformations in spine, jaws etc. and even mental problems. However, that is not the whole truth, sometimes a breeder must use some inbreeding in order to establish the type.
You can check most European and some USA Siberian Cat pedigrees online by clicking into http://www.pawpeds.com.

How will I know the information about the cat I am planning to buy is correct ?

Your national Siberian Cat Club should be a neutral organisation and will give you assistance. They usually have a database and updated information you can rely on. Study your breeder's accomplishments, cat's pedigree, merits and health documentations.Maintain your focus on proven facts instead of gossip.