Siberian Cat

Here is arguably the finest choice for a feline pet for all autistic spectrum individuals both young and old alike. The characteristics and features of this spectacular cat actually put it at the top in feline choices for all humanity, special needs or no.

Beguilingly dog-like in its its behavior and temperament, it asks playfully of the autistic to be fully engaged with it yet without an attendant heavy physical component that dogs may require. It comes eagerly to greet its owner while emitting short chirping sounds and most un-cat like, they are not shy at all and come forth readily to greet visitors into the home. With a distinctive triple purr that is so iconic of this breed, it will overwhelmingly steal the hearts of all special needs owners and lovingly coax from the individual an instinctual urge to interact, communicate and care for the animal. Love and reaction to pets – towards cats for certain – is a ‘language’ that transcends all prosaic modes of human speech, for it is language of the heart which all human beings possess at ones core.

Siberians are very intelligent, easily trained and will not in the least way comprehend that an autistic or Aspergers child has any deficit in spoken or facial communication. Siberians will lovingly attach a devotion to its owner that will be brimming with a whole series of charming quirks that will enrich the life of the autistic. This includes calling softly for a door to be opened so that it can enjoy a warm bed with its owner on a cold night. They are uniformly fascinated by water and you may expect them to drop their toys or various objects into their water bowl to observe the reaction, or playing with the water in an almost empty sink. They will also emit the most delightful short, chirp-like sounds as they come across new objects of interest that fascinate their prodigiously inquisitive mind. What autistic child is capable of resisting such creatures?

In addition to everything else, in case your autistic or Aspergers child is allergic to cats, don’t worry; this breed is one of the few whom it has been found are hypoallergenic – meaning they have less of the Fel d1 which causes allergic symptoms among certain owners. The ‘silver’ colored fur variety of the breed can tend to produce more of the Fel d 1 than the other colors, however Siberians come in almost any color you may prefer since all colors are genetically possible including tabby and tortoiseshell.

Historically a very ancient breed of cat hailing from the vast primeval forests of Russia, it is large, strongly built and well muscled. It has a rounded head and large paws, and Siberians most obvious visual feature is its long magnificent luxuriant coat. Consisting of a triple layer; guard hairs, awn hairs and down, this is a natural protection against the severity of Russian winters found in the Taiga- the vast Siberian Russian forest. Not surprising then, their full original name is Siberian Forest Cat.

Being very affectionate, they make wonderful parents both female ‘and’ male, with routinely larger litters than most cats– 5 to as many as 9.
Despite their heritage as outdoor hunters of the frozen north, Siberians have for centuries been a mutually beloved family entity within the indoor confines of a loving home. No surer direction could obtain better aim in promoting the growth and betterment of all within the autistic spectrum than having a Siberian cat as a pet.