The Siberian Cat: Photos and Breed Information

ORIGIN

The Siberian cat has appeared in Russian paintings and literature for hundreds of years, although it was not exported to to Europe and North America until after the 1980s when it became recognised as a breed. They are therefore quite rare outside of Russia. It was initially called the Siberian Forest Cat, but the name was changed to avoid confusion with the Norwegian Forest Cat.

APPEARANCE

The Siberian is a medium to large longhaired cat. It has a powerful and muscular body that is extremely agile and athletic.

Siberians have three coats of fur with a heavy ruff around a large, roundish head...well suited to the harsh climate of their homeland. Siberians have medium-sized ears with rounded tips. Tails are medium length with a rounded tip.Their eyes are large and round.

They are shorter and stockier than Maine Coons and Norwegian Forest Cats.

PERSONALITY

Siberians are sociable and stable but too active to be lap cats. They are excellent hunters.