Breed Profile  | Forest Cat Differences | Breed Standard

Profile

Siberians were first documented in history in the year 1000. There have always been cats in Russian homes and strays in streets. Before 1917 there were isolated facts testifying cats being thought of as breeding animals, there were some catteries but no breed clubs existed. During the war in 1941-1945, the city suffered a 900-day siege and the citizens died of hunger, no cats survived this disaster. Rats invaded the city and to fight them, cats were brought into Leningrad by train from different parts of the USSR.

   In the late 1980’s the first imported breeds appeared these were mainly Persians and interest in cats start to grow, with the first cat shows being held in Moscow Riga and St Petersburg, and were supported by huge public interest. Between 1988-1990, the new breed attracted attention in other countries. Judges visiting Russia developed an interest and quite a lot of the first generation were exported. This was the beginning of the acceptance of this breed, that is now found in all parts of Europe, USA the UK, Australia; and finally here in Singapore. Matreshka Cattery is the first importer of Siberian Cats into Singapore.

  Siberians are very intelligent and are quick learners. They have a triple purr and unlike other breeds, have a chirping sound they use. When they are around water they appear to be fascinated with it and will drop toys into it. The Siberian is a physically affectionate cat, and loves attention. They are also loyal, protective of their humans, sociable and confident. These cats have also been known to give their owners love bites. Being a mellow breed they make great companions. They are happy to share your lap and bed (usually your pillow) with you.

  They can adapt to almost any kind of lifestyle. People who work long hours or just stay at home, will be happy with a Siberian. Siberians also enjoy the company of dogs, other animals, and children. They are fearless and easygoing. Some kids enjoy dressing cats in doll dresses or playing with them like dolls; and Siberians can let them do this for hours.

   The Siberian coat is hypoallergenic and for many unable to live with a cat, a Siberian may be the one for you. If you are an allergy sufferer, arrange for a test with your local breeder before committing to a kitten. On average, about 75 percent of the people that come out to test have little or no reaction. There are no guarantees, but there is hope for allergy sufferers. Siberians are also a very healthy breed, with few, if any, health issues and no documented genetic problems. 

Forest Cat Differences

    Their physical shape is what distinguishes the Siberians from other forest cats. Maine Coons are more rectangular with a longer body, tail, and legs, and taller ears. Siberians are more circular, with a rounded head and eyes, and a barrel shaped body. Overall physical appearance should be one of strength and power, but with a sweet expression. Norwegians have a triangular head, slanted eyes, and pointed ears.

GC Himedaruma Mt Takao. Brown Tabby & White Maine Coon

World CH(FIFE) QGC(TICA) Othello Onix Gloria. Brown Tabby Siberian

Standard

POINT SCORE

HEAD (45)
15 ... Shape
3 ... Profile
5 ... Ears
5 ... Eyes
4 ... Chin
10 ... Muzzle
3 ... Neck
BODY (40)
10 ... Torso
5 ... Legs
3 ... Feet
5 ... Tail
10 ... Boning
7 ... Musculature
COAT/COLOR (15)
5 ... Length
5 ... Texture
3 ... Pattern
2 ... Color


GENERAL: the Siberian, Russia's native forest cat, first appeared in recorded history around the year 1000 and hails from the unforgiving climate of Siberia. This is a cat that nature designed to survive, with no extremes in type. The Siberian is a medium to medium large, strong triple coated cat with surprising heft for its size. The overall appearance should be one of strength, presence, and alertness, with a sweet facial expression. The breed is extremely slow to mature taking as long as 5 years. Females are generally smaller than males and allowances should be considered when comparing females and young cats to the standard. Size is secondary to type. The general impression is one of roundness and circles, rather than rectangles and triangles.

HEAD:

SHAPE: modified wedge of medium/large size with rounded contours, in good proportion to the body. The head is broader at the top of the skull and narrows slightly to a full-rounded muzzle. The cheekbones are neither high set nor prominent. There should be a slight doming between the ears and an almost flat area on the forehead. Males will have well developed jowls and females will have a more moderate look.

EARS: medium-large, rounded, wide at the base and tilt slightly forward. The ears should be set as much on the sides of the head as on top. The hair over the back of the ear is short and thin. From the middle of the ear, the furnishings become longer and cover the base of the ear. Ear tipping is allowed.

EYES: medium to large, almost round. The outer corner angled slightly towards the base of the ear. The eyes should be set more than one eye's width apart and should be open, alert, and expressive. There is no relationship between eye color and coat/color pattern except in the color points which have blue eyes.

CHIN: the chin is well rounded but not protruding, and is in line with the nose.

MUZZLE: the muzzle is moderately short in length, full and rounded. There is a slight muzzle curvature, but the transition between the side of the head and the muzzle is gentle and inconspicuous.

PROFILE: the top of the head is almost flat, with a slight nose curvature of a gentle slope from the forehead to the nose and a slight concave curvature before the tip when viewed in profile.

NECK: rounded, sturdy, and well muscled.

BODY:

TORSO: the body is medium in length, and well muscled with the back arched slightly higher than the shoulders, with a barrel-shaped, firm belly giving the sensation of solid weight.

LEGS: medium in length. The legs should have substantial boning with the hind legs slightly longer than the front legs.

FEET: the feet are big and rounded, with toe tufts desirable.

TAIL: the tail is medium in length, being somewhat shorter than the length of the body. It should be wide at the base, tapering slightly to a blunt tip without thickening or kinks, evenly and thickly furnished.

BONING: substantial.

MUSCULATURE: substantial, powerful.

COAT/COLOR/PATTERN

LENGTH: this is a moderately long to longhaired cat with a TRIPLE coat. The hair on the shoulder blades and lower part of the chest should be thick and slightly shorter. There should be an abundant full collar ruff setting off the head in adults. Allow for warm weather coats. The hair may thicken to curls on the belly and britches, but a wavy coat is not characteristic.

TEXTURE: varies from coarse to soft, varying according to color. There is a tight undercoat (in mature cats), thicker in cold weather.

OTHER

TEMPERAMENT: must be unchallenging.

ALLOWANCES: because the Siberian is a slow maturing breed, coat and physical structure should be taken into consideration when judging kittens and young adults. Buttons, spots and lockets are allowed.

PENALIZE: straight profile, narrow or fox-like muzzle, long tail, delicate boning, non-muscular, long body, almond-shaped eyes, and very long legs or very short legs; an adult with a long body or without good body weight.

DISQUALIFY: kinked tail, incorrect number of toes, crossed eyes. Evidence of illness, poor health, emaciation.

The following information is for reference purposes only and not an official part of the CFA Show Standard.

Siberian Color Class Number

All Championship Colors................................. 3700 3701
(All accepted colors as defined in the Show Standards
and Any Other Siberian Colors.)

Siberian allowable outcross breeds: none.
 

Information taken from the CFA website.