The Cat Haven Of Koshlandia In Siberia
In the Siberian town of Prigorodny is a regular farm that has turned into a haven for fluffy Siberian cats.
Russian farmer and owner Alla Lebedeva claimed that there are "a million, maybe more" Siberian cats that occupy her property. Though that may be an exaggeration, Lebedeva's farm has indeed become a populous sanctuary.
Dubbed "Koshlandia" or "Catland," the farm's community began to take form in 2004 when Lebedeva's first cat, Babushka, gave birth to five kittens. Within the next ten years, Lebedeva and her husband, Sergey, were breeding a farm full of Siberian cats.
The felines that live on Lebedeva's farm are a specific breed known as Siberian cats, which have long and bushy coats that protect them from the harsh Siberian winter. They are commonly mistaken for other long-haired breeds like Norwegian Forest cats or Maine Coon cats.
The Siberian breed has existed since the 1870s and is mentioned in a number of Russian fairytales. These cats were prized for their intelligence, agility, and regal appearance. When the Cold War between the Soviet Union and the U.S. ended, the Siberian cat began to be exported worldwide. The first Siberian cats arrived in the U.S. in June of 1990.
Though they resemble a plush doll, Siberian cats are actually strong hunters. Lebedeva said that her crowd of cats has helped "protect the chickens and rabbits from rats and mice" that sometimes invade her farm.
Lebedeva's cats are kept outdoors as they are able to withstand the snow. They have a very dense water repellent triple coat that includes a ruff around the neck. They also have a bushy tail which they can use to wrap around their face and paws to stay warm.
Despite the Siberian cat's natural cold-resistance, the farming couple built three little "bedrooms" inside the farm's henhouse for them. When they are tired of playing outside, the cats can huddle indoors.
