22.08.2022

Choosing a Siberian cat—female vs male

Every Siberian cat (female or male) has a unique personality. Even though all of them are affectionate and cuddly, there are some differences between toms and queens.

Untamed explains all the physical and temperamental similarities and differences to help you decide which kitty is perfect for you. We’ll also advise you on how to provide the best care for your Siberian cat so they can lead a healthy and happy life regardless of gender.

Crucial differences between female and male Siberian cats

When discussing the differences between Siberian cats based on their gender, there are three main points to consider:

1. Personality
2. Physical traits
3. Health

Personality

Both male and female Siberian cats share some qualities that make them highly desirable companions. They are:

• Affectionate
• Gentle with kids
• Playful (almost dog-like)
• Friendly
• Intelligent and easy to train

A few distinctions between toms and queens make one gender more suitable for specific households.

Female Siberian cat personality and training

Siberian queens tend to be more reserved and laid-back than males. This isn't to say they are less affectionate, but they won't overly display their love. Females prefer to pick one favourite person and form a strong connection with them, unlike males who bond with anyone.

Queens may need more persuasion to engage in playtime, and they won't respond well to being held and carried around. You may also need more time and patience to train them because they are not as playful and engaged as males. They require some encouragement to interact a bit more.

Here is an overview of the upsides and downsides of Siberian females:

Male Siberian cat personality and training

Have I told you that you are my entire world today?

Source: Inna Kupchenko

Male Siberian cats are often more affectionate and playful than females. They are friendly with strangers and will happily engage in playtime with their cat parents. Siberian toms love chasing a laser or playing games like hide and seek.

They are effortless to train, so teaching them to use a litter box will be a breeze. Male Siberians are more curious, making it even easier to get them to learn fun tricks such as sit, come, fetch, etc. Toms also love spending time with their cat parents, so they will enjoy any interaction with you.

Check out the overview of the positive and negative sides of picking a male Siberian cat in the following table:

Female vs male Siberian cats' appearance

Don’t question my manhood! Look at my mane!

Source: Moderne Attraction

Siberians are larger than typical household cats. They have a stronger built and dense fur suitable for colder climates. Their coat is also water-repellent, which is probably why these felines like bathing and swimming.

There are almost no differences between males and females regarding physical characteristics. Males usually have a fuller mane, wider face, and generally stronger and more muscular physique. Other than that, the most notable difference is in their weight:

• Males: 6.8–9 kg
• Females: 4.5–6.8 kg

Female vs male Siberian cat's health

Siberian cats are generally healthy, but boys seem to be prone to more health problems than girls.

Males are more susceptible to feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD). They can also suffer from testicular cancer or hernias, but neutering can successfully prevent that. Sterilisation can bring other benefits, including:

• Lower production of Fel d 1—a protein responsible for most cat allergies in the human population
• Reduced need to roam—Intact males tend to run off searching for females in heat and are exposed to numerous dangers
• Calmer and less territorial demeanour—Fixed males don't have a strong urge to mark their territory or fight with other cats

Females are overall healthier, but you should watch out for illnesses such as pyometra, i.e., uterine infection. Spaying prevents this condition and lowers the chances of breast cancer.

Illnesses to watch out for whether you choose a male or a female Siberian cat are:

1. Polycystic kidney disease
2. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
3. Diabetes

Polycystic kidney disease

Polycystic kidney disease is an inherited disorder, predominantly affecting Persian cats and occasionally Himalayans, British Shorthairs, and Siberian cats.

The condition entails cyst formation in the kidney tissue. The cysts grow and multiply over time, overwhelming the kidneys and leading to renal failure.

The symptoms are the same as in any other kidney disease and include:

• Frequent urination
• Increased thirst
• Lower appetite
• Weight loss
• Nausea and vomiting
• Lethargy

There is no way to prevent this disease, but it is possible to manage it with a combination of:

• Medication
• Fluid therapy
• Diet control

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)

HCM is a hereditary condition common in Siberian cats. A defective gene causes the thickening of the heart ventricle, making it difficult for the organ to function properly.

This disease can also be accompanied by blood clot formation, potentially leading to partial or total paralysis of the hind legs and fluid accumulation in the lungs.

Common symptoms include:

• Increased heart rate
• Heart murmur
• Weakness
• Weight loss
• Difficulty breathing

Cats often don't exhibit symptoms, so scheduling regular vet checks is crucial. It is also necessary to watch your kitty's diet and portions because obese cats are more likely to develop this disease.

Diabetes

You can get diabetes from me because I am so cute.

Source: Nick Sokolov

Diabetes prevents the body from regulating or producing insulin, which leads to increased blood sugar levels.

The most common symptoms are:

• Increased thirst
• Frequent urination
• Weight loss despite good appetite

The critical risk factors are:

• Age—Older felines are more susceptible to diabetes
• Gender—Males are at a higher risk
• Physical activity—Inactive felines are at a higher risk
• The use of glucocorticoids—Cats who get steroid therapy to treat conditions like asthma tend to suffer from this condition more often
• Obesity—Overweight felines are four times more likely to develop diabetes

The diet is crucial in preventing and managing not only diabetes but other lifestyle-related illnesses in Siberian cats. Knowing what your cat should eat and how much to feed them is critical in keeping your Siberian healthy and fit.

Should male and female Siberian cats eat the same food?

Unless they suffer from a specific illness, all felines, male or female, have the same dietary requirements. The only difference is the number of calories they need in a day.

Siberian males are bigger and usually more active than females, so they need more energy and, thus, more food. On average, adult Siberian cats need 50 to 60 calories per kilogram of their body weight.

What’s the ideal feline nutrition?

Ideal feline nutrition consists of animal protein and a bit of animal fat.

Image (c) Untamed

High-quality, complete, and balanced meals are your best bet to combat the medical issues mentioned above and provide your Siberian with all the nutrients they need.

Cats are obligate carnivores, so the best diet for them should consist of:

1. Animal protein
2. Animal fat
3. Vitamins and minerals

Animal protein

Cats get all the necessary vitamins, minerals, and essential amino acids—arginine, lysine, and taurine—from meat and fish. Vegan and vegetarian diets won't do the trick because felines can't metabolise plant protein properly. Check out the biological values of different protein sources in the table below:

High quantities of animal protein in cat food ensure:

• Stable energy levels
• Normal organ function
• Muscle growth
• Healthy skin and fur
• Easy weight control

Animal fat

Cats need healthy fatty acids from meat and fish to maintain cellular structure. Animal fat is also a natural taste enhancer, so felines go crazy about food with even traces of it.

Keep in mind that your Siberian cat's diet shouldn't contain more than 20% animal fat to avoid weight gain.

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamins and minerals are crucial for nearly all bodily functions.

A diet based on lean meat and fish provides all the necessary micronutrients your cat needs to stay healthy.

Check out the best sources of vitamins for your Siberian cat:

Why is Untamed an excellent option for your Siberian cat?

Will you help me open one of these or what?

Image (c) Untamed

Untamed provides everything your Siberian cat needs to stay healthy, fit, and happy.

Our delicious meals are:

1. Full of animal protein
2. Vet-formulated
3. Made with human-grade ingredients

High-protein nutrition

Containing twice as much protein as most products on the market, Untamed is the best option for keeping your Siberian cat looking and feeling fantastic!

No matter what type of cat food you have been feeding your kitty—wet, semi-moist, dry, or raw—you can be sure they won't refuse our delicacies. Your Siberian can enjoy our scrumptious dishes without gaining excess weight.

Untamed also helps in the prevention of:

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Cystitis
• Bladder stones
• Gastrointestinal problems (diarrhoea, vomiting, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, upset stomach, etc.)

With adequate portion control, you can provide well-balanced nutrition to:

• Growing kittens
• Seniors struggling with keeping their muscle mass
• Neutered males who have trouble staying fit
• Pregnant queens in need of extra energy to deliver and raise healthy kittens

Vet-formulated recipes

Untamed recipes evolved from homemade meals to perfectly balanced products with no unwanted ingredients, such as:

• Grains
• Vegetable protein
• Supplements
• Additives
• Artificial colours and taste enhancers

In collaboration with vets, we created dishes suitable for the pickiest and most sensitive kitties. Our meals are great for felines who struggle with food allergies, and we offer two single-source-protein options:

1. Chocka Chicken in Jelly
2. Tuck-In Tuna in Jelly

Human-grade ingredients

The best cuts of high-quality meat and fish go into our jelly and gravy dishes.

We believe your Siberian cat deserves the same quality as you, so we make our food with top-notch ingredients. We stay away from meat derivatives and anything that might hurt your kitty.

Order Untamed and see the difference in your Siberian cat in a few days!

How to get Untamed for your Siberian cat

A few clicks and a box of healthy delicacies for your Siberian cat lands on your doorstep.

Image (c) Untamed

All you need to do to start the Untamed journey is:

1. Tell us all about your Siberian cat
2. Create a tailor-made meal plan
3. Order the trial pack online

The package will arrive in a day, with no shipping fees. Your kitty can immediately start sampling the goods. When they decide on their faves, we can keep you supplied with regular monthly deliveries for as long as you choose.

Here are some improvements cat parents whose felines have already switched to Untamed say you should expect: