Siberian
Also called Siberian Forest Cat.
The third of the big longhairs, and the roundest. Where the Maine Coon is rectangular and the Norwegian triangular, the Siberian is built on curves.
- Coat
- Long
- Build
- Large and rectangular
- Head
- Round
- Weight
- 4.5–9 kg
- Origin
- Russia
What it looks like
Large and rounded, with a barrel chest, a triple coat, a rounded head with rounded contours throughout, and a full ruff and britches.
The characters that confirm it
- Rounded everywhere — head, eyes, paws, body. No straight lines or angles.
- A triple coat: guard hairs, awn hairs and a dense undercoat.
- A barrel-shaped body with substantial hindquarters slightly higher than the shoulders.
- Slower to mature than most cats, often not full-grown until five years old.
Temperament
Affectionate, agile and notably fearless. Frequently described as dog-like.
Health
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy occurs. Claims that the breed is hypoallergenic are overstated — some individuals produce less Fel d 1, but it is not a property of the breed and no cat is reliably safe for an allergic person.
Confused with
Triangular head and a straight profile; the Siberian is round-headed with a gentle curve.
Squared muzzle and a rectangular frame.
Questions about this breed
How do you recognise a Siberian?
Rounded everywhere — head, eyes, paws, body. No straight lines or angles. A triple coat: guard hairs, awn hairs and a dense undercoat.
What is a Siberian like to live with?
Affectionate, agile and notably fearless. Frequently described as dog-like.
What health problems do Siberians have?
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy occurs. Claims that the breed is hypoallergenic are overstated — some individuals produce less Fel d 1, but it is not a property of the breed and no cat is reliably safe for an allergic person.