Siberian Cat History
Russian
Siberian Cat History
The Siberia Cat of Russia, or Siberian Cat as it is
called in the US, is believed to have originated in the cold inhospitable
northern regions of Russia. It is believed that emigrants brought the cats with
them as they left these harsh areas for more comfortable climates. The largest
numbers of Siberian Cats are now found in the areas of St. Petersburg and
Moscow.
The Siberian Cat has been around for 1,000 years;
compared to the Maine Coons arrival in the 1500’s and the Norwegian Forest Cats
arrival of the 1770’s. Harrison Weir in his book OUR CATS AND ALL ABOUT THEM
first documented them. They were one of three long hair breeds present at the
first Cat show held in Europe in the 1700’s.
It appears that the genetic mutation controlling
Long Hair originated in Russia, later spreading to Turkey and Iran. The Siberian
Cat, Maine Coon (MC), and Norwegian Forest Cat (NFC) came from the same
demographic areas and may have all descended from the same ancestors, developing
according to their differing habitats. Many believe the Siberian Cat is the
foundation for all Long Hair species including the Persian and the Angora.
Pet ownership was
discouraged in Russia secondary to food and housing shortages. With the nearing
of the end of the Cold War Cat Enthusiasts and their Clubs were becoming
fashionable. Cat ownership again became a part of life, the first Cat exhibition
was held in 1987. KOTOFEI (‘’Catfriends’’), named after a fabled Russian
character with a cat’s head, was established in 1988 after government
restrictions to groups such as these were lifted. Cats continue to be somewhat
of a luxury in their home country and are not sold but exchanged and or traded,
as there is little money to buy.
American
Siberian Cat History
In the late 1980’s, Elizabeth
Terrell, of Starpoint Cattery - formerly of Baton Rouge, discovered through a
cat trade journal that the Russian Cat Fanciers were looking for help in
importing Himalayans to their country. Elizabeth was a breeder of Himalayans and
had a long time interest in the cultures and peoples of Russia.
In 1990, Beth’s first trade was made…Beth
traded 4 Himalayans for 3 Siberian Cats. More Siberian Cats were imported in 1991. There have been other reports
and claims of Siberian Cat importing done prior to the documented importing of Elizabeth Terrell.
Betti Schultze of Newskij’s Sibirsche Katzen in Pletttenberg, Germany
sent one of her own, Newskij’s Borodin to Mr. and Mrs. Bohm in the spring of
1990. Borodin became part of their Little Woolie’s Cattery in Hackensack. An
unsubstantiated claim periodically surfaces of several unregisterable Siberian
Cats imported also prior to the work of Beth Terrell.
Beth, who was active in the CFA, with the help of the CFA, wrote color
descriptions. ACFA was the first registry to recognize the Siberian Cat. These
wonderful cats are now registerable with and have achieved champion status in
AACE, ACA, CFF, NCFA, TICA, UFO and ACFA. Most recent is the recognition of the
breed by CFA. It will be many more years until the Siberian will be eligible for
championship status with CFA.
Siberian Kittens imported from
their home country come with a METRUKA or METRIKAS (certificate of birth).
Russia has developed quite a black market now for these cats in becoming aware
that westerners are willing to pay such a high price for the Siberian Cat. Care
must now be used in purchasing and importing as any cat with long hair may be
sold as a Siberian Cat.
source: http://www.pet-net.net/wufnpur/siberians.htm