SIBERIAN BREED HISTORY
Siberian cats, having been around for at least 1,000 years as far as recorded history is concerned, are believed to be the ancestors of all forest cats and ancestors of many long-haired breeds. As the Siberian migrated westward, populations were isolated and developed in Turkey (Turkish Angoras), Persia (Persians), Norway (Norwegian Forest Cats), and even traveled with seafarers all the way to the Americas (Maine Coons); however, this may be dispelled with some of the known Maine Coon history.
Siberian cats' characteristics were developed for survival in the harsh Russian climate. Their wide, tufted feet are perfectly designed for walking on snow. Their medium length, low shedding and triple coat protects them from cold and rain. Their alert, forward tilting ears with tufting and lynx-tipping are sized to avoid freezing but large enough to catch sounds of prey. The lynx-tipping is thought to facilitate hearing and hunting for prey in the barren wilderness.
The medium-large size of the Siberian cat makes it large enough to be an effective predator, but small enough not to require too much food for survival. Siberian tails are well and evenly furred, some appearing fox-like, allowing the cat to wrap the tail around the body for additional warmth and protection. The cats' slightly hexagonal head gives it a regal expression. The eyes are slightly rounded with the outside corner of the eye tipping up towards the bottom of the outside edge of the ear. The Siberian cat can come in just about every color of the rainbow, similar to the Maine Coons.
The Siberian was officially recognized in Russia in the 1980's and first imported into the United States in 1990. The Cat Fancier's Association (CFA) first recognized the breed into Championship in 2006.
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MAINE COON HISTORY
One of the oldest of the "natural" breeds of North America, the Maine Coon has been known as a true variety for over 100 years. Originating in Maine, it was thought to be a cross between semi-wild domestic cats and raccoons, now known to be biologically impossible. As referenced by Angela Rixon in The Cat Breed Handbook, it was believed that Marie Antoinette, in planning her escape from the horrors of the French Revolution, sent her cats to be cared for in Maine until she could find a new home. Now it seems more likely that the long-coated cats such as the Angora may have been introduced to coastal downs by seamen, and these bred with domestic cats resulting in the large and handsome American longhaired we know today.
The earliest known version of the Maine Coon is recorded as having won the Best in Show award at the Madison Square Garden Cat Show in 1895, but the popularity declined with other and more striking breeds from Europe. In 1953 the Central Maine Coon Cat Show was formed to promote the breed. By 1967, a show standard was accepted by American cat associations. In 1976, the CFA accepted the breed into championship status. Maine Coons come in a variety of colors, and should have substantial bone; large frame; well proportioned, muscular, broad chest; and large, slightly oval, eyes.
Siberians and Maine Coons make up two of the three
Forest Cats. You can't go wrong with either breed.
