This article will tell you all about the beautiful Siberian cat. You will learn how to care for them, what considerations owners must face, and what’s so special about them.
The Siberian cat, also called the Siberian forest cat, is an adventurous and athletically built cat who possesses a gentle and affectionate disposition.
They are a medium to large breed, weighing anywhere from 12 pounds to 25 pounds, and have a dense semi-long-haired coat, that comes in a wide range of colors.
The Siberian cat is one of the healthier cat breeds with minimal known hereditary health issues.
If you want to learn more about the Siberian forest cat look no further!
What’s In This Guide?
Siberian Cat FAQs
- Are Siberian cats good pets?
- How bad do Siberian cats shed?
- Are Siberian cats indoor cats?
- How long does a Siberian cat live?
- Are Siberian cats really hypoallergenic?
Siberian Cat Breed Review: Contents
- Where do Siberian Cats come from?
- Siberian Cat personality
- Siberian Cat temperament
- Can Siberian Cats go outside?
- How big are Siberian Cats
- Siberian Cat colors and coats
- Grooming your Siberian Cat
- Siberian Cat shedding
- Is a Siberian Cat hypoallergenic?
- Siberian Cat health problems
- Lifespan of a Siberian Cat
- Siberian Cat care
- Feeding your Siberian Cat
- Are Siberian Cats good pets?
- Siberian Cat breeders
- Raising a Siberian Cat kitten
- Rescuing a Siberian Cat
- Popular Siberian Cat breed mixes
What Is A Siberian Cat
A Siberian cat is a specific breed of cat that originated in the cold weather climate of Russia.
There they are referred to as forest cats because traditionally they roamed wild in the subarctic conifer forests, or taiga, of Siberia.
This is why they are also known as the Siberian forest cat.
Because of their cold and wet environment, Siberian cats have a long, waterproof fur coat.
The Siberian is a beloved breed in Russia and has long been a popular family pet due to their easy-going and sociable nature and their patience with children.
Siberian Cat History
The Siberian forest cat’s existence is speculated to date back a thousand years as a wild cat in the forests of Russia. References to the Siberian cat can be found in old Russian fairy-tales and children’s stories.
Even though the Siberian cat has been around for centuries in Russia, it was only recently that they were recognized as a formal breed and bred for their aesthetic qualities.
In 1871, they became part of the first cat show with only four other breeds. Records and registrations of the breed have been kept since the 1980s.
Siberian cats weren’t found in the United States until the 1990s, after the end of the Cold War, when opportunities for export opened up. The breed first arrived in Britain in 2002 and since then the number of breeders has steadily grown.
Siberian Cat Personality
Siberian cats are considered to be quite smart. Some can even play fetch!
They are loyal and like to be near their owners. They enjoy the company of children and other animals.
These cats tend to be relatively quiet, and they express themselves in a melodious way through mews, trills, chirps, and deep purring.
They are natural mousers and excellent jumpers. Some of them appear to enjoy the water as well. So be prepared for your kitty to want to get wet! It is not unheard of for a Siberian cat to make a surprise visit to its owner while in the bath or shower.
Siberian Cat Temperament
Siberians are fearless and adventurous but also naturally calm. They are gentle and loving which shows in their sweet facial expressions.
These gorgeous kitties also love to play. Siberians adore all types of toys and remain vibrant throughout their lives.
The Siberian cat is also known for its affection and intuition. Some owners say that their cat just seems to know when they are in need of moral support.
Siberian cats are often referred to as the dogs of the feline world because they are friendly, highly adaptable, and like to cuddle in your lap. They may even come when called.
Can Siberian Cats Go Outside?
The Siberian cat originated from the rugged, wild landscape of its namesake. They once freely roamed the forests there, which may lead one to think these cats would cope well and naturally gravitate toward an outdoor existence.
However, consideration must be given to the risks presented to domesticated pets in a modern day or urban setting. There are arguments to be made on both sides of the indoor/outdoor cat debate.
One of the biggest arguments in favor of allowing your cat outdoors is related to exercise and boredom. Outdoor cats can exercise their natural instincts to prowl and hunt while getting fresh air. Indoor cats do tend to have a higher prevalence of obesity and its related health issues.
The Pros and Cons
On the other hand, outdoor cats may get more physical activity and see more excitement than an indoor cat, but it also puts them at greater risk of other serious feline diseases, parasites, injury, and poisoning.
Outdoor cats may also have altercations with other cats, dogs, or even coyotes and raccoons, which can exist in urban environments.
Some of the other common concerns are incidental poisoning (like walking through spilled antifreeze), car collisions, theft, and becoming trapped in a remote place like a neighbor’s shed.
For further consideration on this debate, check out our article, “Outdoor Cat Versus Indoor Cat.”
Siberian Cat Weight
Siberian cats have a stocky and athletic build. They can range in size and weight, from medium to large, depending on gender and muscularity.
The male Siberian cat can weigh between 15 to 20 pounds. on average, but a muscular male may even reach 25 pounds! Females tend to be smaller and can weigh between 10 to 15 pounds.
Their heads are shaped like a rounded wedge and their body is barrel-shaped. Siberian cats have hind legs that are slightly longer than their front ones. Overall, they look well-balanced and rounded. They are agile and acrobatic.
Siberian Cat Colors And Coats
Siberian cats come in all color combinations. Their patterns and colors can be deep and dramatic.
They sometimes have white markings and can be colorpoint, like Siamese cats. There are even lynx point Siberian cats.
The Happy Cat Handbook - A unique guide to understanding and enjoying your cat!
In general, however, they sport medium-long fur that’s tabby-patterned.
Common colors include black, white, gray, orange, and blue.
Their large, round eyes can be green, gold, or a blend between the two. Some even have eyes of two different colors!
Their Coat
Siberian cats are considered a semi-longhair breed. They have a warm and dense triple coat as a result of their icy, northern origins. Their coats are thickest in winter and shortest in the summer, and the fur is sturdy and waterproof.
They Siberian cats often have a ruff around the neck, fluffy britches, and bushy tails.
Sometimes, they will show lynx-like tipping on the ears. They may have hair on the tops of their ears that make rounded ears look more pointed.
Grooming Your Siberian Cat
Although Siberians have long, lustrous fur, fortunately, it does not have a tendency to tangle or mat.
Bi-weekly grooming sessions with a steel comb are often sufficient to keep them healthy and reduce the incidence of hairballs.
Siberian cats shed their coats in the spring and the fall. During these transitions, Siberians can shed a lot and may more frequent grooming.
Siberian Cat Shedding
Siberian cats do shed. However, considering how much hair they actually have, it’s not unmanageable.
Twice a year, Siberian cats shed their coat. Their longer, heavy winter coat is shed in spring, while their shorter summer coat is shed in the fall. You may wish to groom daily under these circumstances for optimal health.
Are Siberian Cats Hypoallergenic?
Some breeders and others claim that Siberian cats are hypoallergenic. This has not been scientifically proven.
In fact, scientific research has not shown that any hypoallergenic cat breeds exist.
It is true that Siberian cats have less “Fel d 1,” a cat-specific allergen that people react to than some other cats.
“Fel d 1” is created in the saliva, tears, skin, and perianal glands. During grooming, it becomes distributed across the fur. The perianal glands secrete it onto feces
too.
However, “Fel d 1” only accounts for about 60 percent of cat allergies. At least 10 other substances found in cats can cause an allergic reaction. So, there are other factors to consider.
How To Find A Cat For You
Siberian cats with low allergen levels often—but not always—have kittens with low allergen levels.
If you are looking for a cat that will not trigger an allergic reaction in you or someone you love, the best way is to spend time with your potential cat.
There are no guarantees for cat allergy sufferers. However, a Siberian cat may have a lower chance of triggering allergies than other breeds.
Siberian Cat Health Problems
All cats may suffer from certain illnesses. Kidney disease, cancer, urinary crystals, and gum disease are common to many breeds.
Siberian cats are a healthy, hardy breed, in general. Studies show that they are one of the cat breeds with more genetic diversity within their population.
This makes them less prone to problems from inbreeding, however, Siberian cats are still bred for specific traits. As such, these cats are prone to certain health conditions. The most common concern for Siberian cats is heart disease.
Heart Disease (Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy)
This hereditary disease is a major cause of deaths in house cats and a condition that can affect Siberian Forest cats. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) causes the heart muscle to thicken and become rigid and leads to heart failure, fluid in the lungs, and lethal blood clots.
In the Siberian cat, it can show up at any age starting from as young as one year old.
Just one defective gene from one parent can result in this disease. Some lines with heavy inbreeding suffer the most deaths.
Because Siberians are a young breed, studies are ongoing about the genetics that cause this disease.
Health Tests
DNA testing is available for HCM so ensure your breeder can provide certificates that both parents are not carriers.
Other recommended genetic testing includes:
Siberian Cat Lifespan
The life expectancy of a cat is based on a number of factors, including diet, lifestyle, environment, genetics, and breed.
The average expected lifespan of a Siberian cat is 12 to 15 years.
Siberian cats are sturdy and are prone to minimal genetic health issues. They are generally a long-living breed.
Caring For Your Siberian Cat
In addition to their coat care needs, as discussed earlier, Siberian cats need weekly nail trimming and ear checks for signs of infection. If the inside of the ear looks dirty, gently wipe it with a damp cotton ball.
Regular teeth brushing is also recommended to prevent any dental or gum issues.
It is advised that you start these grooming habits early on with your kitten so that they become used to and accepting of them.
Siberian Cat Food
Siberian cats are obligate carnivores like all cats. They require a diet that consists of quality animal protein.
Protein helps cats build and maintain muscles mass as well as manufacture antibodies, enzymes, and hormones.
Protein also helps cats maintain proper pH balance and assists in growth and development.
Cats also require some amino acids that other animals don’t, such as taurine. Taurine is only derived from animal protein sources.
Certain types of fat provide cats with a concentrated source of energy. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are essential for cats, as are linoleic and arachidonic acids. DHA is necessary for vision, reproductive health, and the immune system.
Additionally, cats need a variety of vitamins and minerals for all their biological processes: from oxygen transportation to metabolism regulation. They need antioxidants, too.
They do not need carbohydrates. In fact, studies show that a high carbohydrate diet can contribute to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other health issues.
Are Siberian Cats Good Pets?
Siberian forest cats have a long history as treasured family pets in Russia and continue to be sought-after today for their gentle disposition.
These cats are known for their friendliness and patience with children and other pets. They enjoy the company of their owners and are affectionate lap cats.
Siberian cats have a playful side and are rather intelligent cats that take well to training. You may even be able to get your cat to play fetch.
Siberian Cat Breeders
Siberian cat breeders can be found all over the United States and Canada as well as in Germany and Singapore. These can be located through The International Cat Association (ICA) website.
Choosing a reputable breeder over a pet store or online and can drastically improve your chances of taking home a healthy kitten.
It is important to know if you want a pedigreed, championship-quality Siberian forest cat, or just a healthy cat for a family pet. This may make a difference in terms of finding an appropriate breeder.
You may wish to find out if the breeder is registered this can help make it more likely that your cat is healthy and has championship bloodlines.
Be sure to locate an ethical and responsible breeder. A visit to the breeder is also helpful so you can see the conditions under which the kitten lives. This can help determine how healthy your kitten might be.
Ask about health issues and about results of genetic testing. Make sure to view the results of previous parental health testing before you commit to buying from a breeder.
Siberian Cat Kittens
Siberian kittens are absolutely adorable, but don’t let their cuteness blind you.
You should still do your research about the breeder and the genetic line of the cat you wish to purchase. Caring for a vulnerable Siberian kitten is a big responsibility.
Siberian kittens are usually available at 12 to 16 weeks after inoculations. These Siberian kittens mature at a slow rate and may take up to 5 years to reach full maturity.
For tips on how to properly care for your new Siberian kitten, take a look at The Happy Cat Handbook.
Also check out our article, “12 Week Old Kitten — A Complete Guide.”
Rescuing A Siberian Cat
Breed-specific Siberian cat rescues do exist. And occasionally, Siberian cats also turn up in regular animal shelters.
The advantage here is that you may find a Siberian cat for a cheaper rate. However, you may not have options regarding the age of the cat or their health.
Chances are a rescue cat will not be championship-quality. If this doesn’t matter to you, adopting a Siberian from a shelter might be a good option.
But be prepared. It may take time to find a one that needs rescuing.
US Rescues
UK Rescues
Canada Rescues
Australia Rescues
Siberian Cat Mixes
Some breeders may attempt to create more allergy-friendly cats by mixing Siberians with other domestic cat types. So, Siberian mixes do exist.
Siberian mixes can be popular because they are more affordable than purebred Siberian cats.
If you can find one you would like to get, be cautious and responsible. You’ll want to make sure a kitten has the combination of qualities that you want.
You’ll also want to check on the kitten’s health. Both parents should be tested for any potential genetic issues.
Siberian mixes don’t have too many hereditary health problems but other cat breeds might.
Pros And Cons Of Getting A Siberian Cat
Getting a pet it a big, and long term, responsibility. It is important that you find the right cat for you and your family. Let’s look at the pros and cons of owning a Siberian cat.
Pros
- Enjoys the company of their owner
- Gentle, affectionate, and playful
- Good with children and other animals
- Low allergen levels
- Minimal hereditary health risks
Cons
- Bi-weekly (or more) grooming needs
- Can be a large and heavy cat
- Expense
- Shedding seasons
Should I Get A Siberian Cat?
That depends. Now that you’ve learned all the basics about Siberian cats, you can hopefully make an informed decision.
These cats have great personalities. They love to play, they get along well with animals and children, and they also love to cuddle. A family setting or place where they can interact with others would be a great fit.
These are gorgeous kitties with long fur and sweet faces.
They are a hardy breed that doesn’t have too many hereditary health issues, however, they are prone to heart disease.
A Siberian cat might be the one for you if you’re looking for a playful but affectionate companion and don’t mind some shedding,
Do you own a Siberian cat? What is your cat’s personality like?
Do you want one?
Let us know in the comments!
References And Resources
- American Humane. 2019. “ Indoor Cats vs. Outdoor Cats.”
- Butt, A. et. al. 2012. “Do hypoallergenic cats and dogs exist?” Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.
- The Cat Fanciers’ Association.“About the Siberian.”
- The Cat Fanciers’ Association. 2015. “Siberian Show Standard.”
- Gandolfi, B. 2018. “Applications and efficiencies of the first cat 63K DNA array>.” Scientific Reports.
- Gough, A. et. al. 2018. Breed Predispositions to Disease In Dogs and Cats. Wiley Blackwell
- The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy. 2019. “Siberian.”
- International Siberian Breeders Club. 2019. “Siberian Health.”
- The International Cat Association. 2018. “Siberian Breed.”
- Kurushima, J. D. et. al. 2012. “Variation of cats under domestication: genetic assignment of domestic cats to breeds and worldwide random-bred populations.” Animal Genetics.
- Lipinski, M. J. et. al. 2008. “The ascent of cat breeds: Genetic evaluations of breeds and worldwide random-bred populations.” Genomics.
- Mucha, S. et. al. 2010. “Inbreeding rate and genetic structure of cat populations in Poland>Inbreeding rate and genetic structure of cat populations in Poland.” Journal of Applied Genetics.
- Rand, J.S. 2004. “Canine and feline diabetes mellitus: nature or nurture?” The Journal of Nutrition.
- Siberian Research, Inc, “ Schultz, K. 2015. “Your Cat’s Nutritional Needs: The Basics
- .” Feline Nutrition Foundation.
- VCA Hospitals. “Siberian.”
- Vet Street. 2019. “Siberian — Grooming.”
This article has been extensively revised and updated for 2019.
Your Amazing Cat!
We are so excited to share our new book with you!
If you have enjoyed your visit to The Happy Cat Site we think you'll love The Happy Cat Handbook.
Written by the founders of this website including the author of the hugely successful Happy Puppy Handbook, it's packed with cat care information and fascinating cat facts.
Grab your copy today!
Free Updates For Cat Lovers!
Our cat care articles, tips and fun facts, delivered to your inbox
Are these part of the Siamese cat family? Do they shed in the Spring and does that make them more allergic to their owners at that point? Is there much difference between the chance of someone being or showing allergic reaction from this breed and how does that happen with a Siamese?
As the article states…Siberian cats are…Siberian cats, not Siamese cats. There is no “Siamese family” of cats…there are only Siamese cats, and cats that are not Siamese.
Siberian cats molt twice a year. Also as the article states, hair and shedding have nothing to do with allergic reactions or not. Fel D1 is the primary allergen present in cats, and it is present in their saliva, urine, and feces. Due to the natural cleaning of cats, their saliva is all over their fur, and thus allergic reactions to the Fel D1 protein on their fur, but not the fur itself.
Siamese have normal amounts of Fel D1 protein in their system, whereas Siberians have dramatically less Fel D1 than most other breeds.
I have a beautiful Siberian boy named kosmos. He is a loving affectionate cat who when he wants something he tells me. When he is hungry he will go after my feet under my blanket. He is very intelligent. He gets along with my kids and my older cat.
I have the most beautiful cat, she is curious, smart, comes when her name is called, and holds my hand when I sleep. I can’t recommend this breed of cat highly enough. She does ‘collect’ shiny objects and hide them or kick them under the fridge, but it’s a small price to pay for such beauty and and so much love.
We adopted a beautiful Siberian we named Leia 2 1/2 months ago. She is a loving kitty who is very inquisitive, intelligent and down right entertaining. She has since learned her name and always comes when I call her. She’s on week 2 of toilet training and is picking it up rather quickly. She sleeps on my chest, in my arms or sometimes above my head when she wants her space. Everyday she seems to surprise us with just how smart she is. My boyfriend and I have been searching for the right cat for over 7 years now due to his moderate allergies to cats. Since adopting her he’s had no issues. I can’t recommend this breed enough! You wont be disappointed if you do adopt one.
This past August I went to my church office where I volunteer. A skinny black kitten came up to me and stayed with me all day. I fed it some cheese. I had thought about getting a cat because I live in the country and mice are prevalent. I couldn’t find any people around that claimed him so I brought him home. I purchased some Rachel Ray cat food and kept him in s dog crate for a few days with a litter box. I have 2 female 60 pound black labs and I wanted to introduce him slowly to them. Fast forward…6 months later. He has turned into s beautiful cat. He has played fetch with me. He loves my dogs. He plays with other dogs we have. He comes running when I call his name (Ninja). He has started growing a mane and has the typical dense coat with gray trim and beautiful wavy tail. He doesn’t meow much at all. He and I have become very attached. He is very playful and loves to sit in my lap. He is quite the mouse too. The only field mice I have seen are the ones he has caught and brings inside to play with…lol. He is a perfect companion for me and my dogs plus a mouse deterrent. The vet seems to think he is mainly Siberian by his looks and temperament. I feel so blessed to have found him. I didn’t pay the high dollar for him. He cost me one piece of cheese. He is a joy and growing into a beauty.
We had the pleasure of finding a Siberian mix cat as a stray. The vet approximated his age to be 9 months when we took him in. Unfortunately at two years old he died from a urinary infection despite multiple vet visits and multiple antibiotics. As these are generally healthy cats, we suspect this tendecy for illness came from the non-Siberian parent. We’ve had many cats all are life, and this cat was the best ever. We miss him very much and think about him every day. As soon as we can, we plan to purchase two Siberian kittens. We highly recommend this breed. They have the best personality. They’re so lovable.
I have two and love them both! I started with one from a local breeder and another from a breeder in another state. After just a few months, the latter one died of accute heart disease. She was only 7 months old. Despite the shock and pain, we got another one because these cats are extremely sociable. They are beautiful, smart, sweet, and do act more like dogs. I have terrible cat allergies and these cats cause no response.
As an adult I started experiencing cat allergies. Watery, red, I want to claw my eyes out itchiness. Throat and ears would react, etc… Never thought I would be able to own a cat again. It was super odd as when I was a child I never experienced that issue with cats.
Regardless, I had excepted cats would not be an option again. My husband, knowing how badly I wanted to love on a cat, started researching and found that many people don’t experience allergy issues with Siberian Cats.
We found a wonderful cattery in our state. She let me come over and see how I reacted after holding, petting, and loving on the potential mama cat. After about 20 minutes I was fully coated with cat fur, no issues.
Needless to say, we now belong to a beautiful female Siberian named Yana and today (8/6) is her one year birthday. Best decision ever! (Of course my Pomeranian begs to differ)