Siberian Cat
The Siberian Cat, the Siberian cat has been around for several hundred years. An old and noble breed. Believed to be the descendants of various Russian felines. A Russian stories once likened them to huge beasties, capable of reaching weights of up to 45 pounds. These giant felines were said to be as loyal and ferocious as their canine counterparts, more than capable of guarding hearth, home and human. While today’s Siberian cats are loving and affectionate. The number of Siberian cats that were owned were very low until the 1980’s. The former Soviet Union strongly discouraged their people from keeping any kind of pet, whatsoever, due to the shortages in both housing and food. Owning a dog or cat became a status symbol and a show of wealth for the upper class, so those Siberians who found themselves kept by wealthy owners enjoyed the lap of luxury.The Siberian Cat is a very large and impressive-looking feline. A strong cat which can take up to five years to mature. The females being smaller than the males as in all breeds. The hind-leg of the the Siberian is slightly longer than the front legs, with large and powerful firm rounded paws. His coat is heavy enough to provide him adequate insulation in the winters. Including sporting heavily furred ears that help to protect them from the elements and the large tufted feet of the breed work as snow shoes, allowing them to travel more easily in the deep snow and over ice. The tail of the Siberian is medium in length wide at the base with thickly covered with fur from the base of the tail to the tip of the tail. The eyes are large almost round eyes set wide apart with the outer corner slightly angled toward the base of the ear. All colors and patterns of Siberian cat are allowed, both with and without white markings. This includes the pointed pattern, which boasts Siberian Cats with blue eyes, while the rest usually have copper or slightly rounded green eyes. The overall appearance should be one of great strength, force and size with an excellent physical condition and alertness.
The Siberian has a very dog like temperament and are very affectionate. They come out to great the visitors in the house and are not shy. They are very intelligent and very quick learners. When they are around water they appear to be fascinated with it and will drop toys into it and play in sinks with water left in. The Siberian makes the ideal lap cat and will live quite happily indoors with you
Another neat thing about siberian cats is that they have whats known a "triple purr" (as well as a triple coat of fur) and also they are known to be able to jump higher than almost any other breed of cat