Siberian cat breed: facts, temperament and care
A strong, semi-longhaired cat from Russia with a dense triple coat, a friendly dog-like nature and a slow growth to full size.
Also known as Siberian cat, Siberian Forest Cat, Siberian Forest, Moscow Semi-longhair
Quick facts
| Origin | Russia |
|---|---|
| Size | Large |
| Typical weight | 8-18 lb (3.6-8.2 kg); males are larger |
| Lifespan | 11-15 years |
| Coat length | Long |
| Coat | Dense, water-resistant triple coat, thicker in cold months |
| Colours and patterns | All colours and patterns, with or without white, including colourpoint |
Recognition
| Cat Fanciers' Association | Championship breed since 2007 |
|---|---|
| How common | Common |
Temperament and care (1 low, 5 high)
| Affection | 4 |
|---|---|
| Energy | 4 |
| Playfulness | 4 |
| Talkativeness | 2 |
| Grooming needed | 4 |
| Shedding | 4 |
| Good with children | 5 |
| Good with other pets | 5 |
| Happy alone | 3 |
| Trainability | 4 |
| Suits a small home | 3 |
Allergies and health
| Allergies | No breed is hypoallergenic. Some owners report fewer symptoms with Siberians, but there is no good evidence for it and individual cats vary. |
|---|
Best suited to
| Suits | A family or a household with other pets that wants a sturdy, playful, sociable cat and will comb a thick coat. |
|---|---|
| Less suited to | A small flat with little room to climb, or anyone who cannot spend time grooming and playing. |
Registries that recognise it
- CFA
- TICA
- FIFe
Health conditions to watch
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- Polycystic kidney disease
About the Siberian
The Siberian is a natural breed from Russia, where long-haired cats have lived for centuries and the cat is regarded as a national cat. It was first described in Western writing in 1864, and organised breeding in Europe began in the late 1980s, with Siberians reaching the United States in 1990. TICA gave it championship status in 1996, FIFe recognised it in 1997 and the CFA granted championship in 2007.
The cat is powerful and rounded, with a barrel chest, strong hind legs and a medium-long tail with a full plume. The triple coat is thick, water-resistant and heavier in winter. A colourpoint sister type is registered elsewhere as the Neva Masquerade. Siberians mature slowly and are not fully grown until about five years of age.
Temperament and living with one
Siberians are playful, adventurous, loyal and clever, often compared to dogs. They greet visitors, follow their people around and like to take part in the household. Many fetch, enjoy water and climb to high places. They are usually good with children, dogs and other cats. They are fairly quiet, with a loud purr and soft chirps. They want company and activity, so provide play and perches.
Care: coat, food and play
The coat can mat on the belly, britches and tail, and needs combing several times a week, more during the heavy moults in spring and autumn. Trim nails, check ears and brush teeth as part of a routine. Feed a complete diet in measured meals, and choose a large-breed kitten food while the cat is growing. Strong scratching posts and a tall, stable cat tree suit their size.
Health
The breed is generally robust and has more genetic variety than many pedigree cats. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy occurs in cats generally, and breeders often screen for it as well as for polycystic kidney disease. Solid-white blue-eyed cats can be deaf. Ask a breeder for health test results and ask your vet about heart checks. Keep the cat lean, as weight strains joints.
Is it right for you?
Choose a Siberian if you want a big, friendly, active cat that fits a lively home and accepts regular grooming. Expect shedding and a bigger food bill. If you want something similar in a different build, compare the Norwegian Forest Cat or the Maine Coon.
Profile last reviewed November 7, 2026