Male vs. Female Siberian Cat: The Differences (With Pictures)

Are you thinking of adding a Siberian cat to your family but have no idea which gender to choose? If so, you’ve come to the right place.

The Siberian cat hails from Russia and has been around for 1,000 years. They have unique personalities and are cuddly and affectionate; however, there are differences between the two genders. Males tend to be more affectionate, and females are more laid-back. Their coats are thick and rich suited for Russia’s cold, harsh climate, and they have a stocky build.

If you’re conflicted about which gender to choose, read on to discover the differences to help you make an informed decision on which gender is best to suit your wants and needs.

 

Visual Differences

At a Glance

Siberian Cats 101

Siberian cats are among the most coveted cats. They are affectionate, gentle with children, and have a playful side, unlike most cat breeds that can be aloof and reserved. They are favorites among dog lovers because their personalities resemble dogs, and they are tremendously personable.

Considered a large cat breed, these cats are big and powerful with leap capabilities to reach the top of refrigerators or the top of doors. They love to be around their humans and other animals, and they love to cuddle in your lap. The Siberian cat is social, interactive, and athletic. Their lifespan is typically around 11 to 18 years, and they have blue or green eyes. They are intelligent and love to play with puzzles. They are also more hypoallergenic than most cats because they produce a low level of Fel d 1, a major cat allergen.

An interesting trait in Siberian cats is that they like water. Most cat owners know this is rare, and some Siberians even play in puddles or may join you in the shower, which is almost unheard of in cats. This is because their coat is water-repellent. They are easy-going and low maintenance, which adds to the desire to own one.

If you’re looking for a cat with tons of personality and who will enjoy the pleasure of your company, this cat breed is for you.

Male Siberian Cat Overview

Personality

The males tend to be more affectionate and playful than females. Males are super friendly and react well to strangers. Males are more engaging and are more apt to play a game with you, such as with a laser pointer or an interactive toy. Males may also be dependent or even clingy at times.

Training

These cats are easy to train due to their intelligence and playful sides. You can train them to use the litter box (that’s a given), sit, come, shake, fetch, and so on. They are easier to train because of their curious and affectionate side, and they love spending time with their humans. As far as gender, males are slightly easier to train because they tend to be more playful and curious than females.

Health & Care

Males are more susceptible to a couple of health conditions listed below. Neutering your male Siberian will provide health benefits and eliminate certain health conditions, such as testicular tumors, and it may prevent hernias, too. Neutered males will not roam, which cuts down on the chance of him running off.

Breeding

If you have a male kitten Siberian and want to breed him, your male will be ready and sexually mature starting at 5 months of age. He can continue to breed up to 10 years of age. Males are excellent fathers and will help take care of the litter, that is, if the female will allow it.

Female Siberian Cat Overview

Personality

The female Siberian cat is affectionate, much like the male; however, she can be much more laid back and reserved. The female may not be quite as engaging as the male, and females don’t enjoy being picked up or carried. The female also bonds with just one person rather than anyone. She is more independent and not as clingy as the male.

Training

As mentioned with the males, Siberian cats are easy to train because of their intelligence and curious nature. On the other hand, females can take longer to train because they are not as affectionate and playful as males. But this doesn’t mean you can’t train females; it’ll just take a little more time and patience on your end.

Health & Care

As in males, the female Siberian is a relatively healthy cat, but there are some conditions to watch out for.

Spaying your female Siberian will only benefit her health and prevent certain conditions, like Pyometra listed above. Spaying eliminates the chances of uterine tumors, ovarian cancer, and uterine infections.

Breeding

Siberian females can start breeding at 5 months of age and usually have anywhere from 5 to 6 kittens per litter. Siberian cat mothers take excellent care of their young, and they are capable of forming strong bonds with their mates; some even prefer to have the same mate for life.

 

Which Gender Is Right For You?

The Siberian cat, also known as the Siberian Forest Cat or Moscow Longhair, is a loving, affectionate breed that acts more like a dog than a cat. As far as gender, there isn’t a long list of differences, as they are both friendly and affectionate. Males tend to be more clingy and dependent than females, and females may not be quite as engaging as males. Nonetheless, whichever gender you choose, these cats make exceptional additions to any family.

To sum it up, if you want a more independent cat, the female will be well suited for you. If you want a more dependent and loving cat, go with a male. Keep in mind that not all of the traits mentioned are set in stone; every cat is different, but in the end, they are fun cats to have around.

We hope this article helps you decide which gender to choose, and we wish you good luck in your search!

See also:

• Siberian Cats vs Maine Coons: The Differences (With Pictures)
• Siberian Cats vs Ragdoll Cats: The Differences (With Pictures)

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Featured Image Credit: left: Male Siberian Cat: Michael Hüttl, Pixabay | Right: Female Siberian Cat: claudia125, Pixabay