In Praise of the Siberian Cat Trivia Quiz

Answer: Medium to long, dense and textured

Their thick coats enabled them to survive in Russia's extreme climate for hundreds of years. The coat is glossy and matting isn't usually a problem.

Answer: 3

The outer guard hairs are usually straight and slightly pointed. They provide a primary layer of protection for the middle layer, known as the awn hairs. The third layer, known as the silky fine down hairs, provides warmth.

Answer: False

Typically the Siberian is a "late bloomer". Maine Coons reach maturity at approximately three years, whereas Siberians are not "full grown adults" until five years, so you can enjoy the Siberians extended kittenhood!

Answer: longer hind legs

Siberians have been described as a cross between an acrobat and a ballet dancer. Since their hind legs are slightly longer, they have the appearance of being a bit hunched over.

Answer: on the ears

Lynx tipping, the fur that grows from the pointed tip of the cat's ear, is also known as ear tufts. Lynx tipping, or ear tufts, should not be confused with "furnishings", which is the fur growing inside the ear. All cats (with the exception of the Sphinx) have furnishings but only a few breeds have lynx tipping.

Answer: True

Similar to other large breeds, like the Maine Coon and Norwegian Forest cat, Siberians also possess the "toe tuft". This characteristic is an ancestral throwback to their original cold and snowy climates.

Answer: False

Quite the opposite! Both males and females take their family life seriously. The male is very nurturing. He'll watch over his brood, giving a gentle nudge in the right direction at mealtime. It's also quite common to see Dad carrying a wandering kitten back to the "nest" and he'll even help at bath time. The female cat often has one mate for life.

Answer: britches

Britches (derived from "breeches") are interspersed, fluffier and longer hairs. They provide additional warmth, protection and balance.

Answer: howling

Siberians are extremely vocal and the term "meow" simply isn't sufficient. They're known to chirp and trill at people, toys, other animals and just about anyone or anything else. When they do meow it's usually "short and to the point"! (There are some videos online for your listening pleasure, if you want to search them out).

Answer: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)

Not every Siberian cat possesses the gene but, sadly, only one defective gene can cause HCM. The disease can show at any age, sometimes as early as a year while other times at six or eight years of age.

More detailed information can be found online.