Nikarl Chagall Leopold-Son of Puff Nikarl Silver Puff 2006 Puff, Nov.2007
WHY Nikarl SIBERIANS
I became interested in breeding Siberians after many years of cat rescue work with my own solely-operated service
and shelter (Project C.A.T.S.: Care About The Strays!) in Michigan and northwest Ohio. After eighteen-plus years,
the expenses and physical demands of this mission forced me to take a leave from it, however, my lifetime love and
knowledge of cats inspired me to get involved in small-scale breeding. The fact that the Siberian is a natural breed,
along with their very affectionate nature, are among reasons why I chose this amazing breed. Furthermore, when
I successfully place a kitten in a home with allergies, I feel a deep sense of accomplishment.
The name of my cattery, Nikarl, is a combination of my first name and my husband, Carl's. He has always been a
very significant "behind the scenes" person in my cat projects!
My cats and kittens receive the highest quality care possible in an immaculate non-smoking cat-friendly home environment.
Many visitors, as well as my family and friends, comment that my cats are "spoiled"...whatever that means. It has always
been my belief that every living being deserves the deepest love and the best of everything that results in optimum health
and happiness. My kitties receive regular affection, cuddling, grooming and interactive playtime several hours a day. Cat
naps in the afternoons are a favorite occurrence for all of us (cats and kittens and me)! In pleasant weather I and they enjoy
a stroll in the pink kitty stroller out in the fresh air.
My cats and kittens are fed a healthful diet of holistic human-grade cat and kitten foods: Wellness, Pinnacle, Avoderm and
EVO. They are offered raw organic meat occasionally. They have a fresh supply of purified water in ceramic crocks in various
locations. Siberians love water and often enjoy dishing it out of the bowl with their paws!
I become very bonded with my kittens, so when it's time for them to go to their homes, I struggle somewhat with the ache
in my heart,...knowing that soon it will be replaced with just the joy of knowing how happy they will be, as well as the person
or family who adopts them. If the adoption is an allergy situation, I feel happy that an allergic cat-lover is able to have
a kitty!
CHARACTERISTICS AND A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE SIBERIAN CAT:
The Siberian Cat is a very handsome, large longhair, with a dense waterproof coat that is unique in texture from
other longhairs. The coat is moderately long to long, with the fur on the shoulder blades being thick and slightly
shorter. They have three layers of fur to help them cope with the cold Siberian winters. The neck ruff is full. The
ears are round, wide-set and medium in size. The tail is long and full. They have big, powerful paws with tufts of fur,
capable of protecting their feet in frigid climates. The Siberian characteristics differ from other Forest Cats – the
Maine Coon and Norwegian Forest – in his more rounded body shape. Where the Norwegian Forest Cats have
triangular shapes, wedge-shaped faces with slanted eyes – and the Maine Coons have a rectangular appearance,
longer in body and proportionately longer legs and tail – the Siberian is rounded and of more heft. His chest is barrel-
shaped and the contours of his face, which is a modified wedge, are softer with large, expressive eyes and full
rounded muzzle and chin.
Siberians do shed; some shed less than others and most will shed or "molt" every spring. Their coats do not easily
mat and require little grooming, a combing about once or twice a week.
Their agility belies their hefty appearance, as they enjoy jumping up in high areas, doing so with ease. Owners claim
they have “dog-like” qualities of loyalty to their owners, seeking almost constant interaction with them.
The Siberian Cat is believed to have earned his keep in Russia in the monasteries where he protected the granaries
from rodents and kept watch in the high beams for strangers. In Soviet Russia cats were forbidden as pets and the
Siberian did not develop a high profile until cats arrived in East Germany in the 1980s. Originally, he was known as
the Siberian Forest Cat, but the latter part of the name was removed in order to avoid confusion with the Norwegian
Forest Cat. The first post-Soviet cat show was held in Moscow in 1988, and in the following years, a number of clubs
and catteries have appeared, devoting themselves to the well-being and furtherance of the Siberian.
With Russia's freedom from communism's grip, Siberian cats were able to travel to the U.S. in 1990, an exchange for
four American-bred Himalayan kittens. After over a year of telephone calls, letters, and paper work, complicated
with language barriers, slow mail, and many other problems, Elizabeth Terrell was able to import three Siberian
kittens in June of 1990. Elizabeth had seen an article asking for breeders who would donate or trade Himalayans to
help establish the breed in Russia. She was able to work out the trade and received one male (Kaliostro Vasenjkovich)
and two female (Ofelia Romanova and Naina Romanova) kittens. Since then, many other kittens have been imported
by many of the American breeders to increase the genetic diversity available.
