Siamese vs Siberian

Verdict

Almost nothing about these two matches. The Siamese is slender, short-coated, very talkative and scores 1 for independence, so it wants someone home and needs almost no grooming. The Siberian is large, quiet-voiced and heavily coated, needs regular combing and sheds in season, and it is reliable with children and other pets. Choose the Siamese if you are home often, enjoy a cat that follows you and answers back, and want an easy coat. Choose the Siberian for a sturdy, playful family cat.

Choose the Siamese if

• You want almost no grooming; it scores 1 against 4.
• You are home much of the day and enjoy a talker, scoring 5 for voice against 2.
• You want a pointed pattern with vivid blue eyes.
• You want the more affectionate, cleverer cat, scoring 5 for both.

Choose the Siberian if

• You are away part of the day; it scores 3 for independence against 1.
• You have children and other pets; it scores 5 for both against 4.
• You want a large cat of 8-18 lb with a water-resistant triple coat.
• You will comb a dense coat through the cold-season thickening.

Where they are alike

Both are common breeds that score 4 for energy and playfulness, and both are clever. Each has a short list of inherited concerns that your vet can explain.