Bringing home a Siberian is a joy. Here are the simple, everyday things that help your new cat feel at home.
Grooming
The Siberian wears a triple coat: a soft, dense undercoat, a middle layer, and longer guard hairs on top that shed water.¹ The coat changes with the seasons. The winter coat is full, with a ruff around the neck, and the summer coat can be much shorter and lighter.¹ That means more loose fur in spring, when the winter coat comes out.
A good brushing or combing once or twice a week is a fine start for most Siberians. During seasonal shedding, brush more often to catch loose fur before it tangles. Keep sessions short and calm, with a treat at the end, so grooming becomes a quiet time you share.
A few other small habits:
- Nails: Trim the tips every few weeks. Your vet can show you how much to take off.
- Ears: Take a quick look each week. If you see redness, dark wax, or a smell, ask your vet.
- Teeth: Dental disease is common in cats, and brushing at home helps.² Start slowly with a cat toothpaste, and ask your vet about a dental routine.
Play and enrichment
Siberians grow up slowly and can take three to five years to reach full maturity.¹ ³ Plan on playful years ahead. Wand toys, balls, and simple puzzle feeders are good outlets. A sturdy cat tree and a window perch give your cat places to climb and watch. Two short play sessions a day are often more welcome than one long one. Rotate toys so they stay interesting.
Diet and water
Cats are obligate carnivores and need nutrients found in animal products.⁴ Choose a complete and balanced food made for your cat's life stage, and look for the AAFCO statement on the label.⁴ Keep treats to a small share of the day's food.⁴ Clean, fresh water should always be available.⁴
How much to feed, and which food, depends on the cat. Your vet can check your cat's body condition at each visit and help you choose a diet, as the WSAVA nutrition guidelines recommend.⁵ Please don't add supplements unless your vet suggests them.⁴
We're here for you
If you have questions about your Siberian, we're always happy to hear from you.
Sources 1. TICA Siberian (SB) Breed Standard, revised 05/01/2026: https://tica.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/SIBERIAN.pdf 2. Cornell Feline Health Center, Feline Dental Disease: https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feline-dental-disease 3. CFA, Siberian breed profile: https://cfa.org/breed/siberian/ 4. Cornell Feline Health Center, Feeding Your Cat: https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feeding-your-cat 5. WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines: https://wsava.org/global-guidelines/global-nutrition-guidelines/