Siberian Cats Are Nothing to Sneeze at

Do you feel that cats can't compete with dogs?above, they have powerful muscles and are great
Think again. In 2003, Rachel Tucker of Baker City,leapers, with hind legs, when extended, slightly longer
OR, entered her two hundred strong Siberian cat sledthan the front ones. Their paws are large and
team in the Atta Boy 300 sled dog race as a publicitypowerful as well. But in spite of all this strength, they
stunt. Much to the amazement and embarrassmentare extremely agile, and have the sweetest facial
of the Husky competitors, Tucker's cats ran theexpressions. They are very vocal and can be heard
three hundred mile course in just over twenty-twogiving off a soft chirping sound. Siberian cats have
hours, not only winning the race, but beating out thequite a regal bearing.
nearest dog team by about an hour. No one thoughtBut one of the most fascinating things about
she had a prayer, except for Tucker of course. "ISiberians is that people who are typically allergic to
told the puppy lovers to watch out, that these catscats, who experience sneezing, wheezing, hives, and
were for real, but they thought I was joking," saidwatery eyes as well as other symptoms, have
Tucker. Centuries ago, Siberian cats were initially bredabsolutely no allergic reaction to a Siberian. For a
as watch cats and used in Russian monasteries.shaggy cat, that is quite an astounding fact. People
Siberians are beautiful breed large cats that are awho in the past have even been hospitalized because
natural product of Russia, typically found in Leningradof an allergic reaction to cats can comfortably cuddle
and St. Petersburg. They did not have it easy, either.with a Siberian and suffer not a single sniffle.
Not only did they have to endure the harsh RussianSiberians have wonderfully affectionate natures and
climate, but for a number of years it was against theare quick to give a kitty massage or bath to their
law for Russians to own and feed pets. These catsowner when they're feeling sad or down. They also
had to run the streets surviving 'underground' andhave been said to have dog-like qualities, especially
eventually finding refuge in the local monasteries.when it comes to protective behavior. For all of their
They weren't introduced into the United States untilpower and protectiveness, Siberian cats are
the 1990s.absolutely wonderful around children. So if you
Siberians are semi-longhaired cats with thickhappen to have children with allergies or asthma, but
undercoats and come in all color patterns, usuallyyou would love to give them a pet, a Siberian Cat is
taking up to five years to mature. As illustratedjust the ticket.