The Siberian cat, also known as the Siberian forest cat, is an ancient breed that dates back hundreds of years.

While popular in its native Russia, where it has become an important element of various fairy tales and folklore, the Siberian didn’t arrive in the United States until 1990, after the fall of the Soviet government. These friendly and people-oriented cats are among the most affectionate and playful breeds you can find.

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Siberian Traits: What to Know before You Buy

• The Siberian is a good-natured breed that seems to get along well with almost everyone, including people, dogs, and other cats. Their personality is laid back and friendly.
• Despite its calm nature, the Siberian cat is also a very playful and fun-loving breed. This cat will actively encourage playtime by bringing toys and balls to its owner. Some even enjoy playing fetch.
• This acrobatic breed also has a remarkable sense of balance and control. It will try to climb on almost any furniture that will support its weight – and even some that may not necessarily support it.
• Owners will need to keep up with the cat’s care. The Siberian cat will require frequent grooming, daily dental hygiene, weekly ear checks, and the occasional nail trimming.
• The thick and elegant coat of fur is another one of the Siberian’s appealing qualities. Breeders will accept almost any color or combination: white, black, blue, red, silver, and everything in between.

Siberian Personality

Unlike your typical cat breed, the Siberian really thrives on the adoration of people. This cat will follow you from room to room and wait for you at the door when you come home. Unfortunately, the Siberian can be a bit of a nuisance when you’re trying to really focus on your activities. It has the tendency to climb over computer keyboards or interrupt your reading.

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But this is sometimes outweighed by their fun and playful nature, their fearless attitude, and their calm and laid-back personality, which should appeal to people of all ages. Since nothing much appears to frighten or ruffle them, this makes it a good choice for households with large dogs or young children.

Siberian Size and Weight

The Siberian is a strong and powerful cat, measuring 17 to 25 inches, with a big barreled chest and long ears. The cat’s typical weight is 8 to 17 pounds, though they can sometimes weigh up to 25 pounds.

Siberian Price

The price of a new Siberian kitten from a respectable breeder will probably cost an average of $1,200 to $2,000, but there are different options on both sides of the price spectrum. The cost can easily exceed more than $2,000 for a high-quality show cat but only a few hundred dollars for an adopted pet. This is in addition to the price of veterinary care, toys, food, and other common expenses.

Siberian Kittens

Siberian kittens should be available for purchase at around the 12 to 16-week mark when they first receive their vaccines. Socialization and training should begin shortly after the cat is brought home in order to ensure they become well-behaved adults. Owners should expect a certain amount of rambunctiousness though. These are exceptionally energetic and playful animals, and their energy won’t necessarily diminish too much with age.

Health and Entertainment for your Siberian

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This breed will do most of its growth in the first 18 months when it will need high-quality kitten food to support its development, but due to continuously growing muscles, it may take up to five years to reach its full size.

Siberian Lifespan

The Siberian cat has a normal lifespan of 11 to 15 years, but with a bit of luck and good health, it’s not uncommon for this breed to live around 18 years old. While generally healthy, the Siberian might be at risk of several health problems, including kidney disease, gum disease, cancer, and a potentially fatal heart disease called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in which the heart becomes enlarged. This can appear at any age of the kitten’s life, beginning at a year old.

Ask your breeder for proof or certification that their cats have been tested for common health problems. While breeders cannot eliminate the risk of all health problems, they can ensure the best chance of a long, high-quality life. Regular checkups at the vet are also necessary to catch potential health problems as early as possible.

Siberian Breed vs. Mixed

A purebred Siberian cat is characterized by a wedge-shaped head, long tufted ears, a thick tail, strong legs, large and tufted paws, and big round eyes with shades of green, yellow, or blue. The Siberian can be mixed with many different breeds of cat, including the closely related Norwegian forest cat and the Maine coon, whose thick, fluffy fur can produce many interesting patterns and combinations.

Types of Siberian Cats and Colors

The Siberian cat has a very thick triple coat of fur, specialized for surviving in the frigid northern climates, that needs to be groomed a few times a week with a simple brush to remove loose hairs and prevent tangles and mats. The arrival of the annual shedding season in the spring and fall may necessitate more frequent grooming, possibly even once a day.

While there aren’t any distinctive types of Siberian cats, prospective owners may be impressed by the sheer variety of its coat. The Cat Fancier’s Association accepts all colors and combinations, including all-white, black, blue, silver, cameo, tortoiseshell, smoke, various tabby patterns, and even some point colorations. There are almost too many combinations to name here.

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