Siberian cat
Also known as: Siberian Forest Cat Moscow Semi-longhair
Breed at a glance
- Origin
- Russia
- Weight
- 5–9kg
- Other names
- Siberian Forest Cat Moscow Semi-longhair
About the Siberian cat
Siberian cat breed originated in Russia, known for its thick coat and exceptional agility. This breed is a natural jumper with a muscular build.
Overview
The Siberian is a centuries-old landrace (natural variety) of domestic cat in Russia , and recently developed as a formal breed with standards promulgated the world over since the late-1980s. Since 2006, the breed is recognised for registry and championship status with all major cat registries . The formal name of the breed is Siberian Forest Cat , but it is typically referred to as the Siberian or Siberian cat. Formerly, sometimes the names Moscow Semi-Longhair and Russian Longhair were also used. The colourpoint variant or sister breed, called the Neva Masquerade , is categorised as a separate cat breed by some registries, including FIFe , WCF , and ACF . The breed developed from an ancient, natural landrace from Siberia , and is the national cat of Russia . While it began as a landrace, Siberians are selectively-bred and pedigreed in all major cat fancier and breeder organisations. This means that all Siberian cats are purebred cats with a formally registered ancestry . It is a medium- to large-sized, muscular breed with a bushy tail. The Siberian is often called hypoallergenic because it produces less Fel d 1 than other cat breeds. A research study of Siberian cats native to the area of Russia from which the breed stock originated confirmed the subjects produced less Fel d 1 (the strongest among the eight known Fel d 1 allergens produced in cat saliva, which is deposited on their fur when they groom themselves) than non-Siberian cats.
Health
The Siberian is developed from an ancient natural landrace , which makes it a relatively healthy cat breed. In fact, the Siberian breed has the highest heterozygosity degree ( genetic variation ) among all cat breeds, comparable to random-bred cats. In a study with almost 550,000 cats of 18 breeds, the disease risks of the different cat breeds were evaluated based on 24 diagnostic categories. Due to the athleticism and energy of the breed, injury is the most common cause of morbidity. The Siberian has the highest score in injury risk of all purebreds, whilst it scores lowest, together with the Ragdoll , in the overall morbidity risk. Siberians had a significantly lower risk in 11 of the 24 diagnostic categories compared to other breeds, including endocrine , ear, neurological and neoplasia . Apart from injury, the Siberian had a higher incidence rate of locomotor and female reproduction -related conditions compared to other cat breeds.
History
Siberian landrace cats are Russia''s native forest cats and are known to have existed for a long time in the dense forests of Siberia , appearing in records of Slavic folktales, rural lore, and artwork dating back to the 10th century. It was long speculated by cat experts that the ancient breed was the distant ancestor of all modern-day long-haired breeds. However, phylogenetic studies showed that for example Maine Coon cats are descendants of British cats brought to New England by Puritan settlers. It is not relatedness that makes them look similar to the Siberian, but convergent evolution . These breeds all formed in harsh climates in which natural selection pressures for similar qualities. However, Siberians are genetically closely related to Norwegian Forest cats and the random-bred Northern European cat populations.
Registry
Nowadays, all Siberian and Neva Masquerade cats are selectively bred and pedigreed in all major cat registries under the category ''Siberian (Forest) Cat'', or in several registries under '' Neva Masquerade '' for the colourpoint sister breed. Similar to other officially recognised cat breeds , the term "Siberian" is only meant to be used for cats from this specific breed, which are by definition all purebred cats with a known and formally registered ancestry , also known as the cat''s pedigree "paperwork". The purpose of the registry of Siberian cats is to develop and maintain a healthy cat breed by controlling inbreeding and the spread of hereditary diseases , and regulating the well-being of the cats. Unregistered cats with a similar appearance as the Siberian cat are referred to as domestic long-haired cats . Each of the (inter)national cat registries applies breed standards , which cover a description of the ideal characteristics specific to the Siberian breed. In general, Siberian kittens will grow up to be a representative of this ideal breed standard in both looks and character. Consequently, these breed standards represent the phenotype of the Siberian breed and may include criteria of physical and morphological appearance, genetics , and of athletic or productive performance. In cat shows , Siberian cats will be compared with and judged after these breed standards based on a point system. Faults or disqualifications are given to show cats with medical disorders, uncharacteristic traits, or cats that lack in well-being and proper care from their owners.
Behaviour
The energetic Siberians are known for their playful and adventurous personality, while at the same time being very friendly and easy-going. The breed is known for its dog-like behaviour , due to its affectionate and highly loyal personality. This intelligent breed learns easily and is even known for its ability to learn the "dog game" fetch . They are very social and prefer to be involved in all activities of a household. Siberians are often fascinated by water, and do not mind getting a little wet, as their guard hairs are water-repellent. The Siberian is a vocal cat, although not in loudness but in frequency. It is known to produce a wide range of different sounds including its melodious chirping voice and a deep, resonant purr.
Appearance
Known to be an exceptionally agile jumper, the Siberian is a strong and powerfully-built cat, with strong hindquarters and large, well-rounded paws. Although heavy boned, the legs are relatively short. Their bushy tail is medium in length and slightly shorter than the torso length. Their body lengths varies in size from medium to large. Siberians have firm, barrel-shaped torsos, and stockier builds than other cats. The general impression of the body is one of circles and roundness. The posture can be compared with the characteristic wide and sturdy stance of a bulldog . Siberians have a slight arch to their back, because their hind legs are slightly longer than the front legs. This shape and the power in their hind legs contribute to their incredible agility and enable them to jump exceptionally high. Siberians develop rather slowly, reaching their fully matured body at about five years of age. Female Siberians are considerably smaller than males. Full-grown adults weigh on average between 4,5–9kg. The characteristic round shapes are also clearly visible in the facial features of the Siberian. Their round face consists of a broad forehead at the top of their skull and narrows slightly to a full-rounded, short muzzle. The eyes are large and round, and give an overall sweet expression to their face. The outer corners are slightly angled towards the base of their ears. Their medium-sized ears are broad at the base and rounded at the tip. They are slightly tilted forwards and should be set as much on the sides of the head as on top, preferably one to one and one half ear width apart. Lynx ear tipping is allowed. Siberians express the three natural types of feline fur: guard hair , awn hair , and down hair . These three layers form a semi-long to long, well-developed, very dense triple-coat, of which the guard hairs are water-repellent. This unique dense triple-coat protects the cat from the Russian weather extremes. The thick fur is textured but glossy, and needs frequent grooming to prevent matting. The summer coat is distinctly shorter than the winter coat. Because the Siberians are a slow-maturing breed, it can take several years for the coat of young Siberians to fully develop. Siberian cats moult twice a year. They will shed their heavy winter coat during spring. This winter moult is instigated not by a change in temperature but by a change in day length. Many Siberians will experience a less intense "mini-moult" at the end of the summer season to prepare for their thick winter coat, unlike other cats, which will experience a "heavy moult" more than twice a year. However, they will still lose fur year-round and require grooming multiple times a week in order t
Popularity
Even though the Siberian was introduced outside Russia in the late-1980s, it wasn''t until the mid-2010s that the Siberian breed started to gain in popularity. Especially at the beginning of the 2020s, the popularity of the Siberian rapidly increased worldwide. As a result, the Siberian cat has secured a place among the top 10 most popular breeds in various cat registries, now representing approximately 0–5% of all pedigree cats worldwide, and is particularly popular in Europe. (incl. Neva Masquerades)<br />in the [[Governing Council of the Cat Fancy|GCCF]]<ref name=\"numGCCF\">{{Cite web |title=Analysis of breeds registered |work=The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy |url=https://www.gccfcats.org/breeding-cats/stats-and-policies/analysis-of-breeds-registered/ |access-date=8 July 2023 |publisher=Governing Council of the Cat Fancy |archive-date=21 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230521114105/https://www.gccfcats.org/breeding-cats/stats-and-policies/analysis-of-breeds-registered/ |url-status=live }}</ref> <small>(predominantly [[United Kingdom|UK]])</small>\n |label_type = Year\n |data_type = registered Siberian cats\n |float = right\n |data_max = 380\n |label1 = 2004\n |data1 = 101\n |label2 = 2010\n |data2 = 138\n |label3 = 2011\n |data3 = 147\n |label4 = 2012\n |data4 = 157\n |label5 = 2013\n |data5 = 190\n |label6 = 2014\n |data6 = 194\n |label7 = 2015\n |data7 = 244\n |label8 = 2016\n |data8 = 300\n |label9 = 2017\n |data9 = 260\n |label10 = 2018\n |data10 = 320\n |label11 = 2019\n |data11 = 267\n |label12 = 2020\n |data12 = 358\n |label13 = 2021\n |data13 = 344\n |label14 = 2022\n |data14 = 371\n}}\nSince 2004, the breed has been recognised for registry with the [[Governing Council of the Cat Fancy|GCCF]] (predominantly in the [[United Kingdom|UK]]). By 2022, the Siberian cat (incl. NM) was the 9th most registered cat breed in the GCCF, while in 2012 it was still in 20th&nbsp;place, and in 2017 in 15th&nbsp;place.<ref name=\"numGCCF\" /><br />\n\nIn [[Fédération Internationale Féline|FIFe]], which is primarily active in Europe but operates in 42&nbsp;countries worldwide, both the Siberian and Neva Masquerade (NM) cat breeds gained notable popularity. In 2023, the Siberian breed ranked as the 4th most popular, comprising 4,4% of all registered kittens that year, which translates to 4.538&nbsp;cats. The NM followed closely at 9th&nbsp;place, accounting for 2,8% with 2.835 registered kittens that same year.<ref name=FIFenum23>{{Cite web |author-link=Fédération Internationale Féline |date=June 2024 |title=FIFe breeding statistics summary 2023 |url=https://fifeweb.org/app/uploads/2024/06/FIFe-breeding-statistics-summary-2023.pdf |access-date=12 May 2025 |website=fifeweb.org |archive-date=20 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241120234542/https://fifeweb.org/app/uploads/2024/06/FIFe-breeding-statistics-summary-2023.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> In the FIFe 2024
Recognition
After its introduction worldwide in the late-1980s, it took nearly two decades for the breed to be accepted for registry and championship status with all major international cat registries in 2006. In 1991, the WCF was the first international registry to admit a breed standard of the Siberian, based on the Russian standard. TICA accepted the breed into their ''New Breed program'' in 1992, and in 1996 granted them championship status. In 1997, the breed was recognised by FIFe , and since 2011 the Neva Masquerade officially split off as a separate breed. The Siberian was accepted for registration (under ''Miscellaneous'') by CFA in 2000, and advanced to championship status in 2006. The GCCF has recognised the breed for registry since 2004.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key characteristics of the Siberian cat?
The Siberian cat is a natural variety with a thick double coat, typically brown or grey in color. They have a muscular build, a broad face, and a short, rounded muzzle. Siberian cats are medium to large in size, with males weighing between 15-20 pounds and females weighing between 10-15 pounds.
Is the Siberian cat a good family cat?
Siberian cats are generally good with children, especially if socialized from an early age. They are playful, curious, and affectionate, but may be too energetic for very young children. They also get along well with other pets, especially if introduced slowly and under controlled circumstances.
What health problems do Siberian cats have?
Siberian cats are generally a healthy breed, but like all cats, they can be prone to certain health issues. These include hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (heart disease), patellar luxation (kneecap dislocation), and amyloidosis (a protein buildup in organs). Regular veterinary check-ups can help identify these issues early on.
How much does a Siberian cat kitten cost?
The cost of a Siberian cat kitten can vary depending on factors such as location, breeder reputation, and bloodline. On average, a pet-quality Siberian kitten can cost between $600-$1,200, while a show-quality kitten can cost $1,200-$2,000 or more.