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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.
Anecdotally, 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): 10–12 inches
- Average weight (adult): 11–17 pounds
- Lifespan: 10–18 years
- Exercise: Lots of playtime
- Grooming needs: Moderate
- Family-friendly: Yes
- Other pet-friendly: No pocket pets, okay with other cats and dogs with correct socialization
- Trainability: Easy
- Average height (adult): 9–11 inches
- Average weight (adult): 8–14 pounds
- Lifespan: 10–18 years
- Exercise: Lots of playtime
- Grooming needs: Moderate
- Family-friendly: Yes
- Other pet-friendly: No pocket pets, okay with other cats and dogs with correct socialization
- 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 reported to be 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 can take 3–5 years to reach full maturity. This is longer than most other cat breeds but keep in mind the growth rate will slow considerably after around 18 months.
Health & Care
Both sexes of Siberian cats are prone to dental disease, obesity, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). It is extremely important to monitor your Siberian cat’s weight. When overweight, the males are more prone to diabetes and urinary obstruction than their female counterparts.
If affected by HCM the males generally present with more severe disease earlier in life.
Siberian cats have been noted to produce fewer allergic reactions in people than other cats. Although not yet scientifically confirmed, this is backed up by findings that these cats have mutations in the genes that code for allergen production.
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. However, as with any breed, males and females will develop their personalities and other characteristics according to the individual cat rather than their gender.
Maturity
The female Siberian usually matures to a smaller size than the males. She may reach maturity at an earlier age than the male.
Health & Care
If not spayed, the female Siberian cat will come into heat and show behaviors like vocalizing, lordosis, and rolling on the floor. Without spaying she will also have a higher risk of mammary cancer.
Like the males, the females can become obese with overfeeding. This can lead to joint problems and other issues. You must ensure to feed the appropriate amount of calories each day.
You should groom your Siberian cat a few times a week to maintain their hair coat. If they have mobility issues and can’t groom themselves you will have to step in to help them more often. Feeding dental treats and training your cat to have their teeth brushed are great ways to prevent plaque, dental calculus, and periodontal disease.
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, often bonding closely with a specific family member.
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 Image Credit: Left – evrymmnt, Shutterstock | Right – Dany Store, Shutterstock
