Group Classification: Longhair
Country of Origin: Russia
Date of Origin: 1980s
Weight (M): 15-20 lbs.
Weight (F): 10-15 lbs.
Life Expectancy: 15 years

History
While there is a good argument for believing the Siberian was native to Russia for millennia or more, the lack of records or documentation to substantiate that history has led to using the date the cat appeared in the west as their start, which was in the late 1980s. Within Russia, many registries recognize far earlier dates for this native cat.

Given the resemblance to the Maine Coon and the Norwegian Forest Cat, it does seem likely that the Siberian represents the same sort of example of local evolution to climate and condition. The Siberian has every trait necessary to survive the harsh conditions in Siberia and elsewhere in the frigid climates of its home country.

General Description
These are large, robust and sturdy cats with heavy protective topcoats that have an oily finish and dense undercoats that keep out wind and cold.

Siberians have a broad head that is flat between their medium size ears. Their eyes are large and slightly slanted. They have short wide necks and long, muscular, powerful bodies highlighted by a broad chest. Solid legs are of medium length; the paws are rounded and tufted. Wide dense tails are thick with a rounded tip.

Colors
All

This includes self and tortie, smoke, shaded and tipped, tabbies and silver tabbies and all bicolors.

Coat
The topcoat is long and slightly oily, providing excellent protection from the elements. The undercoat is incredibly dense.

Notable Features
Powerful appearance overall is the hallmark of the Siberian, and every feature backs up that impression.

Health and Care
Siberians may need regular grooming, as some have a tendency toward topcoat matting. Others, perhaps with slightly more oil in the topcoat, self clean and never mat.

Many people with cat allergies find that they are not sensitive to Siberians, yet in most environments the cats do shed year round.

Like many of the larger breeds, Siberians are slow to reach maturity, taking as much as five years to come into full adulthood. Thanks to their innate strength all Siberians are natural athletes and great leapers. Suprisingly, they are extremely agile. Combined with their muscular power, these are formidable cats that need significant exercise, preferably outdoors. They are sociable and bond extremely well with their families and can be successfully trained which makes them good game-players and chasers. They are not lap cats! They get along well with other animals as a rule. While they are vocal, they chirp rather than meow.

Resources
Taiga Siberian Breed Club at www.taigasiberians.homestead.com
The Siberian Cat Club at www.siberiancats.org