Interview with Tatiana Mareeva, RU*Dauria Cattery in Moscow , Russia.

When did you start breeding Siberians ?

I started breeding Siberians in 1993 when I bought my first couple. My first male is Miron Rusich, a cream silver and my first female is Anuta Rusich, a black smoke with white.

Kay-Kassiy

Anuta Rusich, black smoke with white

You have exported cats during the years all around the world, to which countries?

Dauria Siberians live in many countries around the world; USA , Poland , Czech Republic , Hungary , Germany , Italy , Finland , the Netherlands , England , Belgium and even in South Africa .

What is fascinating about this breed?

The Siberian Cat’s behaviour and nature can be compared to dog and they are clinging to their landlady rather, than to their house. My cats have always adapted well to any situation, if only I was beside them. The Siberians are very communicative cats, just like dogs require the attention of the owner. These cats love to speak, expressing all their emotions. The Siberian cat has a strong biological field. They are very good energy doctors and masseurs since, they like to trample, when the be loved owner, is going to sleep.

Anuta’s son, LEL, seven months.

Few words about Miron Rusich

Miron was my first cat and he is an inborn aristocrat not only from appearance, but also behaviour wise. He never quarrels and would not leave the females and the kittens. Even, a little kitty can pull from his mouth a piece of meat. He loves to be close to me. He goes to sleep at the same time as me, and complains if it takes long time for me going to bed. He speaks the word” a ma”, when he asks me something and this surprises all my friends. He is now 13 years, but he looks very young and often plays like a young kitten. I love him very much ; he is like a son to me.

Forever young; Miron Rusich, 13 years. Picture taken in September 2006.

Shows

These days, I go seldom to cat shows. I am not so young anymore and it’s difficult for me to sit there the whole day. Also, there is a risk of bringing home an infection, and I often have little kittens at home. An infection can be dangerous for them. Unfortunately it’s well known that not all breeders at the shows are responsible. Some one can bring to the show a sick cat. I try to spare myself from such problems.

Importance of type

Russia has a rather tough climate and to survive the Siberian cat must have thick and rich fur. The Siberians are also identified as aboriginal cats, with out a pedigree. They spend lots of time on streets even in winter time. Therefore, they must have good health and bold nature. Those Siberian Cats, which participate in breeding, must have good type. Colour has no importance, under good type; a Siberian will always look beautiful.

Happy bunch of Dauria kittens

Show Preparation

I usually wash 1-2 days before the show.

What food do you give to your cats?

I am so devoted to my cats and breeding, I give all my time to my cats Therefore; I prepare myself their meals and feed them only with natural food.
In example; chicken meat, liver and mush, boiled or raw one day old chickens.

How would you like the future of the Siberian Cat?

I would like that in Russia, the Siberian Cat is as valued as the Maine Coons are in North America and the Norwegian Forest Cats are in Norway. Hopefully, Russian people learn to value and respect its’ national wealth; as clever and beautiful the Siberian Cats are.

Kay-Kassiy, seven months with Miron Rusich

As an experienced breeder, what kind of advise can you give to those who are looking for a Siberian Cat?

This is a very complex question, each chooses what they love. Some people like the black colour and for other people the white colour is most preferable. Tastes differ.

Ingus, blue smoke, three months old.

What is most challenging in breeding?

Keeping the type can become challenging. Therefore, it’s good to use line breeding. It is possible to infuse new blood of course, but necessary to return to its’ type once again. If all the time new blood is added, the Siberian Cat quickly looses its’ good type and gets more look of a feral cat.

Gordey, eight months old male, black tabby mackerel with white.

How to keep a Siberian Cat happy?

Halley, five months old in the picture, cream silver tabby female.

Siberian cats are very vivid animals and for them it’s necessary to have big space to move in. They love to jump to high places, and like moving around. In this way they use their spare energy and develop their condition.

Thank you, Tatiana Mareeva, RU* Dauria Cattery  for this unique interview. Siberiancatworld wishes you and your beautiful Siberian cats many auspicious blessings.

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