Siberian cat

Also called the Siberian Forest cat, the Siberian is a cat breed noted for its robust body and dense, semi-long coat, adapted to the harsh climatic conditions of Siberia. Known for its affectionate nature, the Siberian is also famous for being hypoallergenic, making it a popular choice for people with allergies. They are intelligent, playful, very sociable and meowing cats.

General details

Siberian cats are medium to large in size, with males typically weighing between 6 and 9 kilograms and females between 4 and 6 kilograms. They are approximately 30 to 35 centimeters tall and have a body length of about 35 to 45 centimeters. Under normal conditions, they can live between 13 and 15 years. This breed is recognized by associations such as the International Cat Association (TICA) and the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA).

Breed history in brief

The Siberian has its origins in Russia, where it has existed for centuries, with records of these cats dating back as far as 1,000 years. This breed adapted to the harsh climatic conditions of Siberia, developing a thick coat and a robust structure. It is considered one of the ancestors of today`s long-haired breeds. From 1850 onwards, records of this breed are also found outside the Russian region, in German and English books. However, it was not until the 1980s that Russian breeders began to standardize the breed and present it at cat shows. In the early 1990s, the first Siberian cats began to be exported to Europe and the United States, although it remains an uncommon breed outside Eastern Europe.

Breed characteristics

The Siberian is a medium to large breed with a muscular and well-proportioned body. Its eyes are large and expressive, and can be green, gold or blue, depending on the color of the coat, as they match each other. The ears are medium-sized, with rounded tips and tufts of hair on the inside, accentuating their alert appearance. The Siberian`s coat is its most distinctive feature: it is semi-long, dense and water-resistant, with a thick undercoat that provides thermal insulation. In winter they have a double coat with an undercoat that keeps them warm in freezing temperatures. The tail and ears keep the coat thick in summer. Coat colors and patterns can vary widely, making each cat unique. Siberians are known to be very active cats, true hunters in peak physical condition. They enjoy human companionship and love to go outdoors. They are intelligent and love to explore their environment.

Common health problems

It is a very healthy cat, although it is predisposed to suffer problems related to mobility and reproduction. Among all cat breeds, it is the most genetically heterogeneous.