Compare
American Shorthair vs Siberian
Both are common family cats with top marks for children; the Siberian is larger, livelier and needs a lot more grooming.
Verdict
Both are common, sturdy, quiet-voiced cats with top marks for children and each lists a heart condition. The Siberian is large, up to about 18 lb, with a dense triple coat that needs regular combing and sheds heavily. It is livelier and scores higher for play and affection. The American Shorthair is smaller, calmer and more independent, with a short hard coat and a better fit for small homes. Choose the American Shorthair for ease and the Siberian for an active, sociable family cat.
Choose the American Shorthair if
- You want a short coat that needs little grooming.
- You live in a smaller home.
- The home is empty for part of the day.
- You want a calm cat with a short health watch-list.
Choose the Siberian if
- You want a sturdy, playful, sociable cat with a dog-like nature.
- You will comb a thick coat and accept heavy shedding.
- You have room for it to climb and play.
- You have other pets, as it scores top marks for getting along.
Where they are alike
Both are common breeds that suit families with children. Ask your vet and your breeder about heart screening for either.
Side by side
| American Shorthair | Siberian | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Shorthair | Longhair and semi-longhair |
| Origin | North America, from European cats brought by settlers | Russia |
| Size | Medium | Large |
| Typical weight | 6-15 lb (2.7-6.8 kg); males are larger | 8-18 lb (3.6-8.2 kg); males are larger |
| Lifespan | — | 11-15 years |
| Coat length | Short | Long |
| Coat | Short, dense, hard-textured coat that protects against cold and scratches | Dense, water-resistant triple coat, thicker in cold months |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | — | Championship breed since 2007 |
| How common | Common | Common |
| Affection | 3 | 4 |
| Energy | 3 | 4 |
| Playfulness | 3 | 4 |
| Talkativeness | 2 | 2 |
| Grooming needed | 2 | 4 |
| Shedding | 3 | 4 |
| Good with children | 5 | 5 |
| Good with other pets | 4 | 5 |
| Happy alone | 4 | 3 |
| Trainability | 3 | 4 |
| Suits a small home | 4 | 3 |
| Allergies | No breed is hypoallergenic. The dense coat sheds steadily, and people who react to cats are likely to react to this breed. | No breed is hypoallergenic. Some owners report fewer symptoms with Siberians, but there is no good evidence for it and individual cats vary. |
| Suits | A family or first-time owner that wants a calm, durable, low-maintenance cat that copes with busy homes. | A family or a household with other pets that wants a sturdy, playful, sociable cat and will comb a thick coat. |
| Less suited to | Anyone looking for a very talkative, clingy or highly acrobatic cat. | A small flat with little room to climb, or anyone who cannot spend time grooming and playing. |
| Registries that recognise it |
|
|
| Health conditions to watch |
|
|
Facts come from each breed's profile. Scores run from 1 (low) to 5 (high) and describe a breed in general. Every cat is an individual, so meet the cat before you decide.
Last reviewed November 7, 2026