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About The Siberian Breed

History

The Siberian Forest Cat is an ancient breed of cat which has been wondering the Russian Taiga for centuries. It has been seen in folk art such as palekh, and childrens tales. It even holds a section in a book titled, "Our Cats and All About Them" by H.Weir published in 1889.

The Siberian became recognized by CFA (http://www.cfa.org/Breeds/BreedsSthruT/Siberian.aspx) in 2000 and by TICA (http://www.tica.org/public/breeds/sb/intro.php), after it was imported by Elizabeth Terrell in 1990.

Siberian cats are very personable and want to be near their owners. They enjoy the company of children and dogs. The Siberian is fearless and easygoing. They are a quiet breed that expresses itself in a melodic way through sweet mews, trills, chirps, and lots of purring. this is an intelligent and kind animal.

All types of toys intrigue them. Some learn to play fetch, while others are mezmerized by the moving cursor on the computer screen or sit and watch, entranced, as you type. And then there is the iPad. There is nothing more funny than to watch a Siberian activate apps on the iPad. Acrobatic by nature, the Siberian will play hard, often executing amazing somersaults in pursuit of a feather toy. Siberians stay playful throughout their lives as they bring tremendous joy to their owners.

To learn more about the Siberian, view the discovery channel showcase of the Siberian at http://animal.discovery.com/tv-shows/cats-101/videos/siberian.htm

Breed Standard

The breed standard can be found at http://www.cfainc.org/Breeds/BreedsSthruT/Siberian.aspx

This is a medium to large cat, second only to the Maine Coon. The Siberian is a powerful, intelligent cat with a soulful expression. The look is reflective of their native environment - sporting a dense triple coat which guards against extreme cold and repels water. The gorgeous winter coat is accented with a ‘ruff’ around the neck, fluffy 'pants' around the britches and a stunning bushy tail. Tufts of fur accent the ears allowing for protection from the elements and the slightly upturned eyes come in a variety of colors. A wide array of coat colors are accepted by CFA and TICA. The thick fur requires care and more frequent combing/deshedding during seasons of molt. Siberians also tend to enjoy water, so either an occasional or a regular bath can be quite entertaining. This natural forest cat takes as long as 5 years to mature.

Profoundly loyal, the Siberian breed lived with Russian Monks as they guarded against intruders. Siberians are interctive, love water and display dog like behavior.

Characteristics of the breed:

Activity level -6	Affection toward its owner -7	Intelligence -8
Playfulness -8	Vocalism -3	Independence -6
Need for attention -5	Docility -3	Healthiness & hardiness -9
Need for grooming -3	Compatibility with children -8	Compatibility with other pets -8

Deciphering the chart!

The Siberian cat, while very even keel, is an energetic animal who loves their human and craves their attention and presence. They are highly intelligent and very playful animal, loving great heights and great mysteries (closed cupboards).

This is not a cat for someone who wants a docile animal. These animals only lay on you when you must get up.

The Siberian will enjoy ‘helping’ with all your tasks whether it be brushing your teeth or cooking, so watch the stove and the cutlery. If you don’t like hair floating in the coffee, drink up…as the Siberian loves to dip the paws in all things that have a reflection. They love water and they drink right from the sink. Many are like a dog: come when called, bring a toy, and of course they carry away their prizes/bounty. These cats love their crunchy treats and they love to be complemented on their beauty. They require regular and frequent combing as they do get matted hair.

Siberians require time and attention and in return they provide a lifetime of unconditional love.

Siberian cats also require grooming. Consider a professional to groom your Siberian every 6 weeks.

Contrary to popular belief, the Siberian Forest cat sports a long haired coat. It is a triple coat which can be seen in only 2 breeds. The long hair is a recessive gene, so Siberians must have 2 copies of the long haired alleles. Genetically, there is no 'medium' coat, only short or long.

Greasy skin and coat combined with natural shedding causes matting. Once a small tangle or mat forms, it grows very quickly. The only real defense against tangles and mats is regular bathing and drying done by a professional cat groomer who truly knows what they are doing. Some groomers are not cat groomers and will groom a cat using products and techniques that can cause more problems. Make sure your cat groomer is certified through the National Cat Groomers Institute of America, inc, the only cat grooming association that offers effective, quality training for cat grooming certification. Please visit our grooming website at www.stylepurrpetrator.com

PRESERVING THE SIBERIAN FOREST CAT BREED

To this day, the Siberian Forest Cat is considered a rare breed among household pets and a ‘minority’ breed at cat shows. November 2-3, 2014 Monobreed show held in Moscow, Russia, garnered the attendance of only about 41 Siberian cats! We see ourselves as not only lovers of this elegant Russian breed, but as conservationists of a minority breed.

Knowing how the Siberian standard look had come to be, and understanding how it has evolved via natural selection, aids us in the preservation of the true standard and the unique Russian blood lines. The Siberian cat is thought (by some) to be a descendant of F. silvestris caucasica, also known as the Caucasian Wildcat. Bearing an uncanny resemblance to today’s Siberian Forest Cat, the Caucasian Wildcat neared extinction in the early 1970’s with only 100 known animals in their wild habitat. This was primarily due to the increase of human population, a change in their environment, as well as a demand for their long, extremely dense fur.

In January of 2003, A.Kolesnikov published an article in a Russian magazine, titled “A "Siberian Exile" for Siberians: Will They Ever Be Back?” where it is indicated that the numbers of Siberian Forest Cats did not exceed two and a half thousand animals.

For additional information on germplasm preservation efforts, genetic testing and proper selection, please feel free to contact us.

Allergies

Allergies & The Siberians

Many allergy sufferers express a sensitivity to a protein called Fel-d1. It has NOT been scientifically proven that Siberians may have less of the Fel-d1 protein in their saliva. There have been no peer reviewed, published papers showing even one human who tested positive for cat allergies being tested against a domestic type cat versus a Siberian.

We do not test, market or guarantee against allergies. What we do is breed for health, temperament and type. Not showing a sensitivity is just icing on the cake!

How does it work? When a cat licks itself, the saliva dries and flakes, becoming airborne. Coat length does not have an effect on the allergen. Even though there are no guarantee that a Siberian will meet a family’s allergy needs as approximately 15-20% of cats are suitable for severe allergy homes.

What is an allergy?

An allergy is an immune response that a body has to a stimulus called an allergen. Most common allergens or triggers are pollen, dust and of course food. Sometimes it can be to animals such as dogs and cats. Please visit the link below to learn more.

https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/conditions-dictionary/allergic-reaction

What type of symptoms may I have?

Some familiar symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, post nasal drip, itchy eyes and hives allow us to more easily recognize allergies. Fatigue, yawning, constipation, headaches are some of the symptoms less frequently associated with allergies.

If you are an allergy sufferer, please seek the opinion of a medicalprofessional, your allergy specialist. A breeder cannot provide you with a medical evaluation or a sensitivity test. As a breeder is not a medical professional, such an opinion is subject to legal review and may be considered gross negligence on the part of the breeder.

Can I be allergic to pet dander?

No. Allergies are to proteins which are secreted by your pet’s glands and therefore saliva. As animals lick themselves, protein is deposited on the hair shaft. When the hair is shed, either the hair itself, or the protein on the hair can cause a sensitivity. Please visit the link below to learn more.

https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/conditions-dictionary/immunoglobulin-e-(ige)

How does one diagnose an allergy?

An allergy is a medical condition. Tiberius Cats does not condone self-diagnosis or self-medication. In order to be truly allergic to cats or any other trigger, one must be tested by an allergy specialist. There are different types of tests, the subcutaneous and the blood test available through Quest and LabCorp Inc. We request that allergy sufferers test for Fel-d1 and Fel-d4. Your allergy specialist is the best resource for diagnosis and treatment plan if you are allergic to cat proteins. If you are found to be allergic to other substance such as ragweed, but not cat proteins, then you are not allergic to cats. Please visit the link below to learn more.

http://allergist.aaaai.org/find/

What are the chances that I will develop allergies to my newly adopted ‘fur-baby’ at a later date?

If you are concerned about allergies, you should seek professional advice from an allergy specialist. One is never too old for allergies and asthma. The chances of one developing allergies in the future depend on your medical history, your medical condition, the environment and your family history. Only a medical specialist can answer this question. Only a medical specialist is able to advise, if the addition of a cat to your lifestyle will cause your health harm. Please know how difficult it is for a cat to be separated from the owners he/she knows and loves, due to allergies. Please consider your pets future as this decision is made. If you plan to rehome your cat due to allergies, please do not get a cat.

Treatment options for allergies?

Treatment options depend on the diagnosis and should be prescribed by your allergy specialist. Using over the counter medication without a proper diagnosis is still considered self-medication and is not condoned by Tiberius Cats. Options may include but not be limited to: anti-histamines, decongestants, steroids and immunotherapy, to mention just a few. Please do not self medicate. An allergy specialist can help direct you toward a treatment plan and appropriate medication should you choose that route.

Where can I find more information?

The NIH (National Institutes of Health), NIAID (National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases) is a great source for finding information and publications relating to asthma, food and pollen allergies. Please check the link provided to learn more. http://www.niaid.nih.gov/topics/allergicdiseases/Pages/default.aspx

Also, the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology can provide additional information. Please visit the link provided to learn more. http://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/library/at-a-glance/allergic-reactions.aspx

My allergies will go away after a few weeks with a new kitten!

This is not accurate! This excerpt is taken directly from the Merk Manual:

Environmental factors also increase the risk of developing allergies. These factors include the repeated exposure to foreign substances (allergens)...that means (according to the medical manual) that repeated exposure to cats, if they are a trigger, will only make things worse. Your allergies will not go away magically! Please click on the link below to learn more.

http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/immune-disorders/allergic-reactions-and-other-hypersensitivity-disorders/overview-of-allergic-reactions

Prolonged expose to an allergy trigger is called hypersensitivity. Please click on the link below to learn more.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypersensitivity

Do I have a cold or an allergy?

The NIH, NIAID has developed a checklist to determine if you may be suffering from a common cold or an allergy. Please refer to your family practitioner and/or allergy specialist as self-diagnosis is not recommended. Please click on the provided link to learn more. http://www.niaid.nih.gov/topics/allergicDiseases/Documents/coldallergy.pdf

What is an allergy sitting?

An allergy sitting is when an individual schedules an appointment with their medical specialist to be tested for allergies. An allergy sitting is not when you go to play with cute little kittens in a breeders home.

Can a cat breeder offer an allergy sitting?

Absolutely not. There are very few medical professionals who also breed cats. If that individual happens to be your choice of breeder, then you are a lucky future pet parent. Breeders, generally speaking, are not medical professionals. While many may suffer from allergies, we know where to find resources, but we are not able to provide allergy sittings. Entering a strange person’s home, exposes you to all allergy triggers in that home. That includes dust mites, mold, pollen, ragweed, dogs and cats. Ventilation systems in our homes do not permit for completely sterile environments. Therefore, there is no such thing as an ‘allergy sitting’ at a breeders home or in your car. Besides, I would recommend the advice of a medical professional over a breeder, regardless the case. Only your medical professional knows your medical history, your personal response to immune stimulus and can provide the necessary medical opinions on the status of your immune system....not a breeder.

Are Siberians (Siberian Forest Cats of Russia) really supposed to be hypoallergenic?

No cat breed is fully and truly hypoallergenic, while there are some breeds that boast to show lower expression of allergy triggering proteins. There is no such thing as a GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms) cat designed to address allergies. All cats secrete a multitude of proteins, and someone will be allergic to one of those proteins. The most common assailant on our senses is Fel-d1 and/or Fel-d4. There is no medical, guaranteed, published evidence supporting the existence of Siberian cats with lower levels of Fel-d1 or Fel-d4.

We find that the expression of Fel-d1 is very difficult to measure. When you kitten turns 10 months old, you may purchase a test from Indoor Biotechnologies. This test costs $895 as of 2017. There is a fur test and there is a saliva test. Both tests prove to have an approximately 40% error rate, depending on the condition of the cat. We believe the protein may be tied to a ‘fight or flight’ mechanism. When cats are highly stressed, have just had a litter or require to digest food that has been rottin (as in the desert) for some time, expression of Fel-d1 is heightened in order to help digest harmful bacteria. Nursing mothers lick their young and the saliva digests any bacteria that may be harmful to the young.

How can I be sure I won’t be allergic to the kitten I am buying?

You can’t be. Ever. There are no such guarantees. Just as in marriage, every relationship comes with it’s own ups and downs. Getting a kitten is a commitment, just as any relationship you plan to enter. This animal will provide you unconditional love, entertainment and hopefully joy. If you plan to give away your kitten when it gets older or after it triggers sensitivities, then please consider a different pet. Please consider how stressful this is for your fur-baby to become unloved.

Tiberius Cats Disclaimer

An allergy is a medical condition.

Tiberius Cats does not condone self-diagnosis or self-medication. In order to be truly allergic to cats or any other trigger, one must be tested by an allergy specialist. There are different types of tests, the subcutaneous and the blood test available through Quest and LabCorp Inc. We request that allergy sufferers test for Fel-d1 and Fel-d4 specifically before requesting an allergy ‘test’ with a cat or kitten.

If one has been diagnosed as depicting sensitivities to cats, it is the responsibility of the allergy sufferer, not Tiberius Cats, to make the determination that the cat selected will be able to live out it’s life with the Buyer, regardless of allergy symptoms.

*Please note: There is no such thing as an Allergy Sitting. As each individual has a variety of triggers for allergy symptoms, and a home or cattery is in no way a sterile environment, one cannot expect to be exposed to only one animal during visitation. When entering Tiberius Cats premises, one may be exposed, but not limited, to the following triggers: peanut butter, nuts in general, carrots, whey, wheat, mold, fungus, bacteria, virus, dog, cat, fish, dust mites, birch, pine, and ragweed.

**It is also the responsibility of the allergy sufferer (Buyer) to procure HEPA filters for ventilations systems in their home, HEPA air purifiers, HEPA filter vacuum cleaners, as well as to keep their new pets from the confines of their bedrooms. We also recommend replacing carpeting with hard wood flooring.

***Raw feeding, regular and professional grooming, use of essential oils may help as well. Please contact us for more details.