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If you’re considering adopting a cat, you can’t go wrong with the Siberian cat. The breed is loving, fluffy, big, and has an excellent personality. The problem comes in when it’s time to choose between a male and a female. Both make great pets, but their temperament and size are slightly different.
Siberian cat owners report that males are more playful, loving, and engaging, but the breed is energetic and friendly as a whole. As with any breed, the cat’s traits are influenced more by their environment and upbringing than their sex.
In this article, we’ll outline the differences between the female and male Siberians, so you can make an informed decision on which one you want to give a forever home.
Visual Differences
At a Glance
- Average height (adult): 17–25 inches
- Average weight (adult): 9–18 pounds
- Lifespan: 10–18 years
- Exercise: Lots of playtime
- Grooming needs: Moderate
- Family-friendly: Yes
- Other pet-friendly: Yes
- Trainability: Easy
- Average height (adult): 17–25 inches
- Average weight (adult): 8–15 pounds
- Lifespan: 10–18 years
- Exercise: Lots of playtime
- Grooming needs: Moderate
- Family-friendly: Yes
- Other pet-friendly: Yes
- Trainability: Easy
Male Siberian Cat Breed Overview
The male Siberian cat seems to be a favorite among the Siberian cat owners. We’ll explain why below.
Personality / Character
In general, the male Siberian cat is more loving and affectionate than the females, which makes him more inviting and more playful. This results in the males becoming more attached to their owners and makes them great companions for someone willing and able to spend a lot of time with the breed.
Males also have no problem with strangers due to their friendliness. In fact, they see anyone who comes into your house as a chance to get more attention.
Maturity
Siberian males mature slower than females, taking 3–5 years to reach full maturity. This might be why they’re more affectionate and more playful than the females tend to be.
Health & Care
While both sexes are pretty easy to care for, the male is easier because of his affectionate nature. However, the males have a higher risk of developing hereditary diseases, such as feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD).
While Siberian cats are known to be hypoallergic, unneutered males carry the highest levels of Fel-d1—the protein in cat saliva that causes allergic reactions in some people—while neutered males have lower levels, making neutered males more suitable for pet lovers who have allergies.
Suitable for:
The male Siberian cat is suitable for anyone who wants a loving, affectionate, playful companion. They are also ideal for families since he’s active and enjoys playing. Since the male Siberian is very social, it’s best if he goes to a family where someone is home with him most of the time.
Female Siberian Cat Breed Overview
While the female is pretty similar to the male, she has differences we’ll discuss below.
Personality / Character
The female Siberian cat is friendly, affectionate, and loving but more reserved than her male counterpart. In the social department, the female has no problem with strangers but is more aloof around them than males are.
She has a certain level of dependence on her owners but has no problem being left alone for a bit. In fact, she often prefers to be by herself.
Maturity
The female Siberian matures faster than the male. They reach full maturity between 2 and 3 years of age.
Health & Care
As previously stated, caring for these cats is pretty easy, whether male or female. Females are less likely to develop FLUTD and other hereditary diseases common to these cats. Regarding allergies, an unspayed female produces lower levels of Fel-d1 than unneutered males.
However, as with any breed, males and females will develop their personalities and other characteristics according to the individual cat rather than their gender.
Suitable for:
Like the males, the females like to play, are affectionate, and are suitable for families and anyone looking for a loving pet. She is a bit more aloof than a male but will still love her family to no end.
If you’re going to be gone a lot, a female is probably your best choice since she doesn’t become quite as attached to her owners as males.
Which Breed Is Right For You?
These are a few of the differences between the female and male Siberian cats you should know about before deciding which sex is the best choice for you. Remember, though the female is a little aloof and slightly smaller, both cats are loving, affectionate, sweet, and even-tempered, and perfect for families who have the time for them.
See also:
- Male vs Female Cats: The Main Differences (With Pictures)
- Can I Use Dove Soap On My Cat? Are There Better Options?
Featured Images: Top: Male Siberian Cat Breed: Massimo Cattaneo, Shutterstock | Buttom: Female Siberian Cat breed: Tania_Wild, Shutterstock