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Question
We have been feeding and providing outdoor shelter for a stray cat for the past few months. As I hope you can see by the attached picture, it's a really beautiful cat with unusual features: long black hair with some almost-reddish streaks, a very fluffy tail like a plume, and a "ruff" around the neck. We're wondering if it's possibly Siberian or something along those lines. We'd love to find this cat a home, so any information you could provide would be very helpful. In addition to being beautiful, this is a very friendly cat who seems desperate for a home, but we just can't afford to take in another cat right now; we just rescued a kitten in December, and we're still working on integrating him into the household!
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Hi Colleen. He is certainly beautiful!
The truthful answer here tends to be unpopular. Unlike with dogs, 98% of the world's cat population is of no apparent breed, and we call these "domestics". They will fall into the categories of domestic short hairs or domestic long hairs. I feel that this handsome fellow is a domestic long hair. I know it doesn't sound as fancy as a Siberian, but I do feel it's the most accurate breed description for him.
If you wanted to go with a "breed type" for him, perhaps Norwegian Forest Cat would fit best. They have a full ruff around their neck, which usually sheds during the spring, and a plume on their tail. Maine Coon is a popular breed name used to label long-haired cats of unknown descent, too.
I would avoid calling him a Siberian, because there is a belief that Siberians are less allergenic than other cats. It could be possible that potential adopters may be seeking a Siberian in particular based on that belief, and if this kitty isn't a Siberian and causes a family member bad allergies, he may end up without a home once again.
Good luck finding him a great home!
Jessica
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thanks so much for the expert opinion! I appreciate the advice, especially the part about avoiding the "Siberian" label in our description of him; I didn't realize there could be a danger in advertising him that way. Your assessment of him sounds right on target. Hopefully we'll be able to find him a home soon. Thanks for your help! | ||
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Answers by Expert:
Jessica
Expertise
The areas in which I have gained the most experience are cat health and feral cat management/rescue. I provide supportive care to chronically ill cats, hospice care to terminally ill cats and also am involved in trap-neuter-return efforts. My specialities lie in taming feral cats and in the allopathic treatment of cats with illnesses or special needs. I also have owned Siamese, Himalayans, Abyssinians, Russian Blues, Savannahs, Bengals, Peterbalds, Don Sphynx and Oriental Shorthairs and am well-versed in cat breeds as well as cat behavior and nutrition.
Experience
I have 15 years of extensive experience with cats ranging from breeding to medical care. My daily routine consists of caring for cats with diabetes, thyroid disease, kidney failure, feline leukemia, feline AIDS as well as feral cats. I have experience with liver patients, heart patients, feline infectious peritonitis, cancer, recovery from amputation and trauma, congenital deformities and most every disease in between. I have assisted cats giving birth and hand-nursed kittens who were neglected by their mother from 2 days old through weaning.
Education/Credentials
15 years' hands-on experience
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