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. It is not true. This cat breed is designed by the breeders in the eighties from the cats picked from the streets of St.Petersburg and Moscow. With systematic and skillful breeding the Russian breeders developed the Siberian Cat. Remember, street cats have an unknown background, they have Siamese and other pointed cats in their inheritage. This is why many Siberians carry the colourpoint gene.Pointed Siberians can occure in litters where both parents are of traditional colours. There are breeders who frenetically try to keep the myth alive that the Siberian is a forest cat. Persuation, presenting undocumented facts are the technics they use, specially on new breeders. We have seen so many shelters in Russia where homeless street cats represent everything from a normal house cat to a flashy Persian. So, you can imagine how blended the Siberian Cat can be.

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.

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

We have seen Siberian's for sale from a Russian breeder for 384 Euros to customers in Russia. The same breeder sells abroad for 800-1000 Euros.
It's up to everyone what they want to ask vs. to pay. It's a free market.

What is the character of the cat?

It is very open-minded. This cat is “dog-like”. It’s loyal, active and brave.

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.

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. Catteries with more than six 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 obtopsy.

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. Since, original forest breeds like the Norwegian Forest Cat and the American Main Coon are not supposed to be colour pointed. However, the Siberian Cat is not a forest cat.

The word Neva comes from the river Neva in St Petersburg. Colour pointed stray cats have been mating with the non-colourpointed cats in this way the gene was also spread. Siberian Cat is a Russian Semi-Long hair house cat, originated from streets and alleys in St.Petersburg and Moscow.
Other organisations accept the colourpointed Siberian Cat, i.e. ACFA, WCF, CFA, TICA,GCCF.
There are many European breeders waiting for the FIFe acceptance of the colour pointed Siberian Cat/ the Neva Masquerade.

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.

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.
Once again, develop a longterm relationship with the cattery abroad before buying.
It’s very rewarding for you and your kitten to have the support of your the breeder you can trust.

How about catteries that cage their cats ?

We are against such catteries that have created a sytem where the cats are caged.

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. In FIFe countries, we know that Finland has one of the best Siberian cats in Europe. The Finnish breeders have done a great job with the breed. Now a days, Siberians are oftenly on the show panels and winning Best In Show awards.

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.

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

High inbreeding percentage results in problems like weaker immune
system, genetic diseases, infertility and even mental problems. 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.