Instagram has made Siberians look rather perfect.
And to be fair...
They are beautiful.
But there are a few things the photographs don't show.
A magnificent Siberian sits elegantly beside a window.
Reality
The magnificent Siberian has spent the previous ten minutes attacking a cardboard box.
A fluffy kitten peacefully sleeps on a beautiful blanket.
Reality
The blanket has been rejected.
The cardboard box is preferred.
The blanket is now covered in fur.
A Siberian gazes lovingly into its owner's eyes.
Reality
The Siberian is staring into your eyes because dinner is approximately four minutes late.
A beautiful cat gracefully explores the home.
Reality
The cat has discovered the zoomies.
It is 2:17am.
Everyone else is asleep.
The cat has other plans.
This Is the Part We Love
Living with a Siberian isn't about owning a perfect photograph.
It is about living with a personality.
They can be affectionate.
Funny.
Mischievous.
Curious.
Occasionally dramatic.
They may follow you everywhere and then suddenly decide they would like some privacy.
They may love their expensive new toy and prefer the packaging it came in.
They may look majestic in one photograph and completely ridiculous in the next.
And that is real life.
The Best Part Never Makes It Onto Instagram
It is the ordinary moments.
The soft purr beside you while you work.
The little face appearing when you open the door.
The cat who quietly sleeps beside your child.
The paw resting against your arm.
The sleepy greeting in the morning.
Those moments aren't particularly glamorous.
They are simply life.
And perhaps that is why they matter most.
Because eventually, the photograph becomes old.
The kitten grows.
The Instagram post disappears into the feed.
But the cat is still beside you.
And that is the part worth keeping.