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- Siberian Cat: The Complete Guide to Russia's National Forest Breed
Siberian Cat: The Complete Guide to Russia's National Forest Breed
The complete Siberian cat breed guide: Russia's national cat, its triple coat and plumed-tail look, dog-like personality, size, grooming, health and lifespan, the hypoallergenic truth, cost, and whether the breed suits you.

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The Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) calls the Siberian cat the national cat of Russia, with a recorded history in its homeland stretching back to roughly the year 1000, and it is one of the few natural breeds that built a triple coat, a plumed tail, and a strikingly dog-like temperament without any human design at all. This is a large, powerful, semi-longhaired cat that looks a little like a rounder-faced Maine Coon, behaves more like a Labrador than a typical aloof feline, and carries a hard-earned reputation for producing less of the Fel d 1 allergen that triggers most cat allergies. This guide is the full picture: where the breed came from, what it really looks like, how it acts, what it costs to keep healthy, and how to decide whether a Siberian belongs in your home. We will also clear up two of the most common mix-ups, the "Siberian husky cat" myth and the "Siberian Forest Cat" name, because both confuse first-time buyers constantly.
- 1The Siberian is an ancient Russian landrace and the national cat of Russia, recognized for championship status by TICA (1996) and CFA (2007)
- 2Expect a large, slow-maturing cat: 12 to 20 pounds for males and 8 to 12 pounds for females, taking up to 5 years to reach full size
- 3The breed is famous for a dog-like personality: affectionate, loyal, playful, water-loving, and genuinely good with kids and dogs
- 4A weather-proof triple coat means heavy seasonal shedding in spring and fall, with manageable brushing the rest of the year
- 5Siberians produce lower levels of the Fel d 1 allergen than most cats, which is why so many allergy sufferers tolerate them, though no cat is truly hypoallergenic

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What is a Siberian cat?
The Siberian cat is a centuries-old natural breed (a landrace) of domestic cat from Russia, prized for a dense weather-resistant triple coat, a sturdy muscular body, and an unusually friendly, people-focused personality. Unlike most modern pedigreed cats, which were shaped by deliberate selective breeding, the Siberian evolved on its own across the harsh Russian climate. That natural origin is the reason the breed is generally robust, slow-maturing, and built for cold: everything about the cat, from its triple coat to its powerful hindquarters, is a survival adaptation rather than a show-ring invention.
According to TICA, the earliest known written reference to cats of this type in Russia dates to around 1000 AD, and the breed went on to appear in some of the world's first cat shows in the 1870s, including the 1884 show at Madison Square Garden. For most of its history the Siberian was simply the everyday working cat of Russian farms, monasteries, and homes, a mouser that earned its keep. Formal breeding with written standards did not begin until the late 1980s, when Russian cat clubs (notably Moscow's Kotofei Cat Club) drew up the first breed standard. The breed reached the United States in 1990 and is now recognized by every major registry worldwide.
- A landrace is a breed that developed naturally in a region over centuries, shaped by climate and environment rather than by breeders selecting for looks. That natural history is why Siberians tend to be hardy, well-proportioned, and free of many of the exaggerated features seen in heavily engineered breeds.
Is a Siberian cat the same as a Siberian husky cat?
No. There is no such breed as a "Siberian husky cat." The Siberian husky is a dog, and the confusion comes purely from the shared word "Siberian." When people search for a "Siberian husky cat," they are almost always looking for one of two things: the Siberian cat described on this page, or, occasionally, a cat with husky-like coloring and pale blue eyes. For the record, the only Siberian cats with blue eyes are the colorpoint variety, called the Neva Masquerade (more on that below). A standard Siberian has gold or green eyes, not husky blue.
Why is it also called the Siberian Forest Cat?
You will see the Siberian sold under several names, and they all refer to the same breed. "Siberian Forest Cat" and "Moscow Semi-longhair" are simply older or regional names for the Siberian, reflecting its forested homeland and its dense, semi-long coat. The registries (TICA and CFA) use the single word "Siberian" as the official breed name. So a "Siberian Forest Cat" is not a separate or more exotic animal; it is the same cat. The name matters mostly because some breeders use the longer version to sound rarer, when in fact you are looking at the identical breed under either label.
History and origin of the Siberian cat
The Siberian's story is one of natural selection first and human recognition much later. For roughly a thousand years, these cats lived semi-wild and semi-domestic across Russia, valued as exceptional rodent hunters and as living hot-water bottles through brutal winters. Their thick coats, large size, and rugged constitution all trace directly to that environment. Russian folklore and early literature mention large, longhaired cats repeatedly, and the breed became woven into Russian cultural identity, which is why it is widely described today as the national cat of Russia.
Organized breeding is recent. As Russian cat fancy organized in the 1980s, the Kotofei Cat Club in Moscow established the first formal Siberian standard, reportedly built around two foundation cats, a blue lynx point-and-white male named Mars and a brown tabby-and-white male named Roman. In 1990, breeder Elizabeth Terrell imported the first breeding Siberians to the United States (famously trading several of her Himalayan cats for them), and colorpoint Siberians (the Neva Masquerade) followed later in the decade. TICA granted the breed New Breed status in 1992 and full Championship status in 1996, and the CFA accepted the Siberian for registration in 2000 and elevated it to Championship status in 2007.

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- Roughly 1000 AD: first Russian references to the breed type. Late 1980s: first formal standard written in Moscow. 1990: first Siberians imported to the US. 1996: TICA Championship status. 2007: CFA Championship status. The cat is ancient; the pedigree paperwork is young.
What does a Siberian cat look like?

A Siberian is unmistakably big, round, and plush. TICA describes the breed as a medium-to-large cat with "heavy boning and a powerful musculature," and the overall impression is one of circles and roundness rather than the long, angular lines of an Oriental breed. Think of a slightly smaller, rounder-faced Maine Coon: powerful, barrel-chested, and built like an athlete under all that fur.
The triple coat, ruff, and plumed tail
The defining feature of the breed is its coat. A Siberian wears a true triple coat: three distinct hair types layered together. There is a coarse outer layer of guard hairs, a middle layer of awn hairs, and a soft, wooly down undercoat beneath, the combination that ASPCA Pet Insurance and PetMD both describe as guard, awn, and down. This triple structure is highly water-resistant and was built to shed snow and rain. The coat is heaviest in winter and noticeably shorter and thinner in summer. Around the neck the fur forms a full ruff or collar, the hindquarters carry shaggy "britches," the paws are tufted between the toes, and the tail is long, thick, and luxuriously plumed.
Face, eyes, and body
The Siberian head is a modified wedge with soft, rounded contours and a full muzzle, a sweeter and rounder expression than the squarer Maine Coon face. The ears are medium, set well apart and tilted slightly forward, and are often finished with lynx tips and ear furnishings. The eyes are large and nearly (but not quite) round, and they are typically gold, green, or a copper-to-yellow range. The one exception is the colorpoint Neva Masquerade, which has blue eyes. The body is substantial, with a broad barrel chest, dense bone, and strong hindquarters that make Siberians remarkable jumpers, with the back legs slightly longer than the front.
Colors and patterns

Siberians come in a huge range of colors and patterns. The most common is the brown (black) tabby, but the breed also appears in silver, red, black, blue, white, and many bicolor and tabby-and-white combinations, as well as the pointed Neva Masquerade. Eye color is generally independent of coat color (gold or green for standard cats, blue for colorpoints). For a full breakdown of every shade, pattern, and how rarity affects what you will pay, see our guide to Siberian cat colors.
- The Neva Masquerade is simply the colorpoint (Siamese-patterned) version of the Siberian: same body, same coat, same personality, but with a pale body, darker points on the ears, face, legs, and tail, and signature blue eyes. It is named for the Neva River near St. Petersburg.
How big do Siberian cats get?
Siberians are one of the larger domestic cat breeds, behind the Maine Coon but clearly bigger than an average house cat. Sources vary on the exact figures because the breed is slow-maturing and individual cats differ, but the consensus range is roughly 12 to 20 pounds for males and 8 to 12 pounds for females. The CFA breed description puts mature males at about 12 to 18 pounds and females at 8 to 12 pounds, while ASPCA Pet Insurance and WebMD cite males in the 15 to 20 pound range. Standing height is typically around 9 to 11 inches at the shoulder.
The single most important sizing fact is patience: the Siberian is famously slow to mature. TICA notes the breed can take "up to 5 years to reach full maturity," so the lanky one-year-old you bring home will keep filling out, broadening, and growing its full coat well into adulthood. For the full weight-by-age picture and how Siberians stack up against other big breeds, see our detailed Siberian cat size breakdown.
| Trait | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Male weight | 12 to 20 pounds | Heavier sources cite 15 to 20 pounds for big males |
| Female weight | 8 to 12 pounds | Noticeably smaller than males |
| Height at shoulder | 9 to 11 inches | Medium-to-large, stocky build |
| Time to full maturity | Up to 5 years | One of the slowest-maturing cat breeds |
| Coat | Triple coat (guard, awn, down) | Water-resistant, heaviest in winter |
| Lifespan | 11 to 18 years | Many live to the high end with good care |
Siberian cat personality and temperament

If one thing sells the Siberian, it is the personality. This is the breed most often described as dog-like, and the comparison is earned. Google's own knowledge panel summarizes the temperament as "dog-like, loyal, intelligent, affectionate, playful," and breeders and registries echo that across the board. Siberians bond hard with their people, follow them from room to room, greet them at the door, and often learn to fetch. The CFA describes them as sociable, curious, and easygoing cats that want to be near their owners and to know what is going on at all times, adding that they quickly learn the meaning of "no" (though they may treat it as "okay to do when no one is looking").
Affectionate but not clingy
A recurring theme is that Siberians are loving without being needy. They enjoy lap time and cuddling, but they are confident, independent cats that are happy to entertain themselves between sessions of attention. CFA breeders sometimes describe the temperament as "90 percent placid and 10 percent mischief," which captures the mix well: calm and steady most of the time, with playful bursts of athleticism and curiosity. Their purr is famously deep, and many Siberians "chirp" or trill to greet their owners.
Playful, athletic, and water-loving
Do not let the calm reputation fool you into thinking this is a sedentary cat. Siberians are powerful, agile climbers and jumpers who will happily scale your tallest furniture and perch on top of doors. They stay playful and kitten-like well into adulthood and need real outlets for that energy. One of the breed's quirks is an unusual fascination with water: many Siberians will paw at running taps, drop toys in their water bowls, and even join you near the bath or shower. For a deeper look at the breed's behavior, quirks, and how to keep one happy, read our full Siberian cat personality profile.
Good with kids, dogs, and other pets
Siberians are one of the better breeds for busy, multi-pet households. Their confident, even temperament means they generally do well with respectful children, get along with dogs, and tolerate other cats, which is exactly why they make such good family cats. They are social enough that they dislike being left completely alone for long stretches, so they are happiest in a home where someone is around for much of the day, or where they have an animal companion.

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- People often choose a Siberian for the gorgeous coat and then are surprised by the athleticism. Plan for a tall cat tree, sturdy shelves, puzzle feeders, and daily interactive play. A bored Siberian is the one that learns to open cabinets.
Grooming and shedding

Here is the good news and the catch. The good news: a Siberian's coat is far less prone to matting than its volume suggests, so day-to-day grooming is surprisingly manageable. For most of the year, a thorough comb-through once or twice a week is enough to keep the coat healthy and tangle-free. A stainless-steel comb plus a slicker brush, working through the ruff, britches, belly, and tail, covers it.
The catch is seasonal shedding. Siberians "blow" their coat twice a year, heavily in spring and again in fall, as the dense winter coat is exchanged for a lighter summer one. During those few weeks, expect a dramatic increase in loose fur and step up brushing to daily to stay ahead of it. Outside those windows, shedding is moderate. Baths are rarely necessary thanks to the water-resistant coat, though the same water-resistance can make a Siberian surprisingly hard to wet down when a bath is needed. Round out grooming with regular nail trims, ear checks, and dental care.
- Twice a year a Siberian sheds heavily as it changes coats. If you cannot commit to near-daily brushing during the spring and fall shed (and a good vacuum the rest of the time), this is not the breed for a fur-free home, hypoallergenic reputation notwithstanding.
Are Siberian cats hypoallergenic?
This is the question that draws many people to the breed, and the honest answer is "lower-allergen, not allergen-free." No cat is truly hypoallergenic. The protein that triggers most cat allergies is Fel d 1, produced mainly in a cat's saliva and skin and spread onto the fur during grooming. Multiple sources, including ASPCA Pet Insurance and WebMD, report that Siberians tend to produce lower levels of Fel d 1 than the average cat, which is why a meaningful share of mild-to-moderate allergy sufferers can live comfortably with a Siberian when they could not tolerate other breeds.
The important caveats: Fel d 1 levels vary from cat to cat (and even by coat color and sex within the breed), Siberians still produce some allergen plus dander, and no breed is a guaranteed safe bet for a severe allergy. Anyone with cat allergies should spend extended time around the specific cat (ideally the individual kitten or its parents) before committing, rather than relying on the breed reputation alone. We cover the science, the testing, and how to lower allergen exposure at home in depth in our dedicated guide to whether the Siberian cat is hypoallergenic.
- Siberians average lower Fel d 1, but levels vary by individual and they still produce allergen and dander. If your allergy is severe, do not buy a kitten sight-unseen on the breed's reputation. Spend several hours with the actual cat or its parents first, and consult your allergist.
Health and lifespan of Siberian cats
As a natural breed with a large, diverse gene pool, the Siberian is generally healthy and hardy, and lifespan reflects that. Most sources put the Siberian lifespan at about 11 to 18 years, with TICA citing "11 to 18+ years" and many well-cared-for cats reaching the upper end of that range. Good preventive care (annual vet visits, dental care, parasite prevention, weight management, and a quality diet) is the biggest lever you have on how long a Siberian lives.
No breed is risk-free, and there are a few conditions responsible Siberian owners should know about:
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM): The most important health concern in the breed and the most common form of heart disease in cats generally. HCM is a thickening of the heart muscle that can lead to trouble breathing, weakness, and in severe cases blood clots or sudden decline. Reputable breeders screen their breeding cats with cardiac ultrasound, and the condition can often be managed if caught early by a veterinarian.
- Pyruvate kinase deficiency (PK deficiency): An inherited enzyme deficiency, flagged by WebMD as a known Siberian concern, that shortens the lifespan of red blood cells and can cause anemia. A simple DNA test lets breeders identify carriers and avoid producing affected kittens.
- Polycystic kidney disease (PKD): Cysts that develop in the kidneys over time. It is screenable by DNA test and ultrasound, and the CFA lists it among the hereditary issues responsible breeders test for.
- Everyday risks: Because Siberians are heavy, athletic climbers, they can be injury-prone from falls and ambitious jumps, and like many food-motivated cats they are prone to obesity if overfed, which compounds joint and heart risks.
The single best protection is buying from a breeder who DNA-tests and cardiac-screens their breeding cats, then keeping up with routine veterinary care for the life of the cat.

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- A responsible Siberian breeder should be able to show cardiac (HCM) screening on the parents and DNA results for PK deficiency and PKD. If a breeder cannot or will not provide health testing documentation, walk away, no matter how rare or discounted the kitten sounds.
Diet and nutrition
Siberians are big, muscular, active cats, and they do best on a high-quality, protein-rich diet built around real animal protein, the way an obligate carnivore is meant to eat. Portion to the individual cat: a typical adult cat needs roughly 250 calories a day, but a large, active 18-pound male Siberian will need more, while a sedentary indoor cat will need less. Because the breed is prone to obesity, measure meals rather than free-feeding, and keep treats to no more than about 10 percent of daily calories.
Fresh water should always be available, and many Siberians genuinely enjoy a pet water fountain (a nice fit for a breed that loves moving water). Match the food to life stage (kitten, adult, senior), and because Siberians mature slowly, keep growing cats on a kitten or all-life-stages formula until they are physically mature. As always, your veterinarian is the best source for a specific feeding plan, especially if your cat has any health conditions.
- Published "250 calories a day" figures are for an average-sized cat. A 5-pound difference in body weight, plus how active your Siberian is, can swing the right portion meaningfully. Use body condition (you should feel the ribs easily but not see them) and your vet's guidance to fine-tune.
Siberian cat versus similar breeds

Siberians are constantly compared with the other big, fluffy "forest" breeds, and Google's own "people also search for" list pairs them with the Maine Coon, the Norwegian Forest Cat, and the Ragdoll. Here is how to tell them apart and choose.
Siberian versus Maine Coon
This is the most common comparison. The Maine Coon is the larger of the two and is built on longer, more rectangular, more angular lines, with a distinctly squarer muzzle and bigger ears. The Siberian is a touch smaller, rounder all over, and has a sweeter, more rounded face. Personality-wise both are friendly and dog-like, but Siberians edge toward more athletic and water-loving, while Maine Coons are famous for their sheer size and gentle-giant reputation. For a full side-by-side on size, coat, temperament, and cost, see our Siberian cat versus Maine Coon comparison, and our complete Maine Coon breed profile and Maine Coon size guide for the other side of the matchup.
Siberian versus Norwegian Forest Cat
The Norwegian Forest Cat is the Siberian's closest look-alike and another natural northern landrace, but the Norwegian has a more triangular face with a straight profile, taller ears, and a slightly leggier, less rounded body. Siberians are rounder in the face and body and more compact and powerful. Both are cold-adapted with weather-proof double-to-triple coats. Our Norwegian Forest Cat profile lays out the differences in detail.

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Siberian versus Ragdoll
The Ragdoll is the pointed, blue-eyed gentle giant the Siberian's Neva Masquerade variety most resembles at a glance. Ragdolls have a softer, silkier single-layered coat and a famously floppy, docile temperament, whereas Siberians have a denser triple coat and a more athletic, playful streak. If allergies are your main concern, note that both breeds get asked about constantly; see our take on whether the Ragdoll is hypoallergenic alongside the Siberian.
- Maine Coon: biggest, squarest face, gentle giant. Norwegian Forest Cat: triangular face, straight profile, leggy. Siberian: rounder face and body, athletic and water-loving. Ragdoll: pointed, blue-eyed, floppy and docile. All four are big and fluffy, but the faces and temperaments give them away.
How much does a Siberian cat cost?
Siberians are not cheap, mostly because they are still relatively uncommon in North America and responsible breeding (with health testing and limited litters) is expensive. A well-bred Siberian kitten from a reputable breeder typically runs from about $1,200 to $2,500, with show-quality or rare-colored kittens and established bloodlines reaching $4,000 or more. Beyond the purchase price, budget for the ongoing costs every cat brings: food, litter, routine veterinary care, vaccinations, parasite prevention, and pet insurance, plus the breed-specific extras of good grooming tools and a sturdy cat tree to satisfy all that climbing. For a complete cost breakdown, including kitten prices by region, adoption options, and the true lifetime cost of ownership, see our Siberian cat price guide.
- A pedigreed Siberian priced far below the typical range often signals a backyard breeder or kitten mill skipping the health testing that keeps the breed sound. Pay for documented HCM screening and DNA testing on the parents; it is far cheaper than treating an avoidable inherited condition later.
Is a Siberian cat right for you?
A Siberian is an outstanding choice if you want an affectionate, dog-like companion that bonds closely with the family, gets along with kids and other pets, and brings a striking, plush appearance, and if you have a real chance of tolerating it despite cat allergies. It is a particularly good fit for active households that can provide climbing space, daily play, and company for much of the day.
It is a poorer fit if you want a low-maintenance, low-shedding cat that mostly keeps to itself, if you travel constantly and would leave the cat alone for long stretches, or if you expect the "hypoallergenic" label to be a guarantee rather than a tendency. Be honest about the seasonal coat blow and the slow, five-year road to full size. Get those expectations right, and few breeds reward you more.
- 1Best for: families and active homes wanting an affectionate, playful, dog-like cat that is good with kids and other pets
- 2Plan for a large, slow-maturing cat (up to 5 years to full size) that needs climbing space and daily play
- 3Grooming is manageable most of the year but heavy during the twice-yearly seasonal shed
- 4Lower Fel d 1 makes Siberians friendlier to allergy sufferers, but always test your own tolerance with the actual cat first
- 5Buy only from a breeder who provides HCM cardiac screening and DNA testing for PK deficiency and PKD
Frequently asked questions about the Siberian cat
A well-bred Siberian kitten from a reputable breeder typically costs about $1,200 to $2,500, and show-quality or rare-colored kittens with established bloodlines can reach $4,000 or more. Prices are higher than many breeds because Siberians are still relatively rare in North America and responsible breeders invest in health testing. Always confirm the parents were HCM-screened and DNA-tested before paying a premium.
Yes, Siberians are excellent pets for most homes. They are affectionate, loyal, intelligent, and playful, often described as dog-like, and they generally get along well with children, dogs, and other cats. They do dislike being left alone for long periods and need climbing space and daily play, so they are happiest in an active household where someone is around for much of the day.
No, they are two separate breeds, though both are large and fluffy. The Maine Coon is bigger overall with a longer, more rectangular body and a squarer, more angular face and larger ears. The Siberian is slightly smaller, rounder in both face and body, and tends to be more athletic and water-loving. They are easy to tell apart once you look at the face shape: square for the Maine Coon, sweet and round for the Siberian.
Relatively, yes. Siberians only arrived in the United States in 1990 and remain less common than mainstream breeds, which is part of why kittens command higher prices. They are far from impossible to find through reputable breeders, but you may need to join a waitlist, and you are unlikely to come across one in a typical shelter.
Not for long. Siberians are social, people-oriented cats that bond closely with their families and dislike being alone for extended periods. They can be gradually acclimated to some alone time, but they should not be left by themselves for more than a day. A second pet for company and plenty of enrichment (puzzle feeders, cat trees, toys) help a lot if you work away from home.
The main downsides are heavy seasonal shedding twice a year, a high purchase price, a need for daily play and company (they do not like being left alone), and the fact that the hypoallergenic reputation is only a tendency, not a guarantee. Health-wise, the breed can be prone to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and pyruvate kinase deficiency, which is why breeder health testing matters.
Not fully, but they are lower-allergen than most cats. Siberians tend to produce less of the Fel d 1 protein that triggers cat allergies, so many mild-to-moderate allergy sufferers tolerate them well. However, levels vary from cat to cat, Siberians still produce some allergen and dander, and no cat is truly hypoallergenic. Anyone with allergies should spend extended time with the specific cat before committing.
Siberians are a large breed. Males typically weigh about 12 to 20 pounds and females about 8 to 12 pounds, standing roughly 9 to 11 inches at the shoulder. They are slow-maturing and can take up to 5 years to reach their full adult size and coat, so a young Siberian will keep filling out well beyond its first birthday.
Siberian cats generally live about 11 to 18 years, and many well-cared-for cats reach the upper end of that range. As a natural breed they are relatively hardy, and lifespan is strongly influenced by preventive care: annual vet visits, dental care, parasite prevention, weight management, and a quality diet all help maximize it.
They shed moderately most of the year and heavily during two seasonal "coat blows" in spring and fall, when the dense triple coat changes over. Outside those windows, brushing once or twice a week keeps things under control; during the shed, daily brushing is recommended. The coat resists matting better than its volume suggests, so it is manageable, just not low-shedding.
It is the same animal as the Siberian cat. "Siberian Forest Cat" and "Moscow Semi-longhair" are older or alternative names for the breed, reflecting its forested Russian homeland and semi-long coat. The registries officially call it simply the "Siberian," so there is no separate, rarer "Forest Cat" version, even if some sellers use the longer name.
No. The Siberian husky is a dog; there is no "Siberian husky cat" breed. The two share only the word "Siberian." People searching for a "husky cat" are usually looking for the Siberian cat on this page, or occasionally a cat with husky-like blue eyes, which among Siberians only occurs in the colorpoint Neva Masquerade variety.
Kristine Lacoste has been researching dog and cat breeds for nearly a decade and has observed the animals up close at dog shows in both the United States and the United Kingdom. She is the author of the book One Unforgettable Journey, which was named as a finalist for a Maxwell Award from the Dog Writers Association of America, and was host of a weekly pet news segment on the National K-9 Academy Radio Show. In addition, she was the New Orleans coordinator for Dogs on Deployment, a nonprofit that helps military members and their pets, for 3 years. Kristine has researched and written about pet behaviors and care for many years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology, another bachelor’s degree in English and a Master of Business Administration degree.

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