The Siberian cat is one of the oldest and fully natural domestic cat breeds. Its roots trace back to the vast Siberian forests, where for centuries it lived alongside humans, hunting rodents and protecting food storages from pests. The harsh climate and freezing winters shaped a resilient, strong, and independent breed.
The first organized breeding programs began only in the 1980s, and in 1998 the Fédération Internationale Féline (FiFe) officially recognized the Siberian cat. Thanks to this late standardization, the breed has preserved the traits of its wild ancestors — excellent health, endurance, and a well-balanced temperament.
The Siberian is a semi-longhaired, muscular, and well-proportioned cat. It belongs to the group of forest cats, alongside the Norwegian Forest Cat and the Maine Coon.
Size: Females typically weigh 4–5 kg, adult males 6–8 kg, and record-holders can reach up to 10 kg. Full physical maturity is achieved at 3–4 years of age.
Head: Medium-sized with strong cheekbones, a gently rounded forehead, and a softly contoured chin.
Eyes: Large, slightly oval, and wide-set. Eye colour is uniform, ranging from green to amber, with green being the most prized.
Ears: Medium, set wide apart, slightly tilted forward, often with lynx-like tufts at the tips.
The Siberian cat’s coat is a true marvel of nature, made up of three layers:
- Undercoat – dense and soft, providing insulation even in extreme cold,
- Awn hair – coarser and stiffer guard hairs growing above the undercoat,
- Topcoat – semi-long, elastic, and water-repellent.
Around the neck, the coat forms a distinctive ruff, the hind legs are decorated with fluffy “britches”, and the tail resembles a luxurious plume. The coat changes with the seasons: lush and full in winter, lighter in summer, yet it retains its protective qualities year-round.
Siberian cats come in almost every colour and pattern, including:
- Classic agouti tabby,
- Tortoiseshell,
- Black, red, blue, cream, silver,
- White and various bi-colour combinations.
To preserve the breed’s natural character, outcrossing with other breeds is strictly prohibited.
The Siberian has a slightly elongated torso with a strong back. The hind legs are a bit longer than the front, giving the cat a springy, athletic posture. Large, round paws with tufts of fur between the toes provide protection against snow and moisture. The tail is long and bushy, with evenly distributed hair that resembles a feather duster.
The Siberian cat combines elegance with playful energy. It is:
- Intelligent – quick to learn new rules and even simple tricks,
- Sociable – enjoys human company and takes part in daily life,
- Well-balanced – adapts well to both large homes with gardens and city apartments,
- Active – loves climbing, hunting games, and exploring its surroundings.
Despite its energy and curiosity, the Siberian is also gentle and patient, making it an excellent companion for families with children or other animals.
Although abundant, the Siberian coat is relatively easy to maintain. All it requires is:
- Brushing once or twice a week,
- More frequent grooming during shedding seasons (spring and autumn),
- Regular ear, nail, and dental care.
Thanks to the coat’s natural structure, the breed is less prone to matting and rarely experiences skin problems.
Siberians are known for their robust health and longevity. With proper care, they typically live 15–18 years, and often even longer. To keep them healthy and happy, it’s important to provide:
- A balanced diet,
- Plenty of activity and play,
- Regular veterinary check-ups.
Siberians are ideal companions for those who value:
- A close bond with an intelligent and devoted cat,
- Majestic looks and a soft, luxurious coat,
- A healthy, natural breed with a long and fascinating history.
They captivate with their beauty and unique temperament, while retaining their “wild soul” and staying true to their roots.
In our cattery, we ensure that Siberian kittens grow up in a loving home environment, receive proper socialization, and are well-prepared for life with their new families. We offer pedigreed kittens, raised with close human contact, complete with vaccinations and full health documentation.
