History

The Siberian came to the United States as an exchange for four American-bred Himalayan kittens. In June of 1990, after over a year of calls, letters, and paperwork complicated with language barriers, slow mail, and many other problems, Elizabeth Terrell was able to import three Siberian kittens. Elizabeth had seen an article asking for breeders who would donate or trade Himalayans to help establish the breed in Russia. She was able to work out the trade and received one male (Kaliostro Vasenjkovich) and two females (Ofelia Romanova and Naina Romanova) kittens.

The first Siberians entered the U.S. with their "Metrikas" or authenticity, birth certificates and signatures from the Kotofei cat club from Russia. The true Siberian will have these papers when imported. Siberian breeders across the U.S. allow no outcrosses to other breeds. Breeders also warn that not everything called a "Siberian" coming from Russia is a purebred Siberian cat. Just as long haired cats are often called Persian in our country, many cat owners in Russia call all long haired cats a Siberian. That is why it is important, if importing, to make sure it comes with the appropriate documentation . (from Archibald Siberians)

Type and characteristics

Body, legs and feet

The Siberian is a large, massive, strong cat which takes 5 years to mature. They are extremely agile and great leapers. The back is long and very slightly curved or arched but appears horizontal when in motion. Convex muscular waist and round compact belly develop with age. The hind legs, when straightened, are slightly longer than the forelegs. The paws are round, big and quite powerful. The overall appearance should be one of great strength, force and size, excellent mental and physical condition. Legs and Feet: The legs are slightly longer than the forelegs once straightened. The legs are moderately long, the feet are big and round, and the toe tufts are desirable. The claws can be retracted completely with the exception of the dew claw.

Head

The head is medium, rounded modified wedge; broader at the skull and narrowing slightly to a fuller rounder muzzle. There may be a slight muzzle curvature, but the transition between the side of the head and the muzzle is gentle and inconspicuous. The top of the head is flat, with a gentle curve to the forehead. In profile, there should be a gentle slope from the forehead to the nose. There should be a good distance between the ears and eyes. The cheek bones are neither high set or prominent. The chin is well rounded but not protruding and the lips are dry and compact.

Ears

The ears are medium large, wide and set almost as much on the sides as on the top of the head with approximately 1 to 1-1/2 widths between them. The tips are rounded and the ear tilts forward. Lynx tipping is desirable. Hair over the back of the ears is short and thin; from the middle of the ear, the furnishings become longer and cover the base completely.

Eyes

The large, almost round eyes are set wide; the outer corner is slightly angled toward the lower base of the ear. There is no relationship between eye color and coat color/pattern, however, the typical adult color is yellow-green.

Tail

 Wide at base; blunt tip. Long, tip of tail should reach the shoulders. Hair is even and thick; long hairs drape down from the side of tail.

Coat

 This is a moderately long to long hair cat, with hair on the shoulder blades and lower part of the chest being thick and slightly shorter. There should be an abundant ruff setting off the large impressive head. The coat is solid, long, and lustrous, giving the impression of lacquer and oil when ungroomed; drier once groomed. The hair thickens to curls on the belly and britches, but a wavy coat is not characteristic. There is a tight undercoat, thicker in cold weather. The skin is tough and may have a bluish cast. Both maturity and temperature affect the coat and texture may vary with coat color.

Color and Markings

 All colors and combinations of colors are acceptable with or without white with the exception of pointed, which are not allowed. In the tabby group, white or off-white is allowable on the chin, breast, and stomach areas. Buttons, spots and lockets are allowable in all colors.

Condition: The overall physical appearance of the cat should be one of great strength, force and size in excellent mental and physical condition.

Accepted Colors: All colors and patterns except pointed.

At the present time the breed is accepted for Championship status in AACE, ACFA, CFF, ICE, TICA, and UFO. The colorpoint Siberians are being shown as NBC's or AOV's in CFF and TICA . Colorpoint Siberians have been accepted for Championship in AACE, ACFA, ICE and UFO. CFA has accepted the Siberian in all colors in their miscellaneous category.

To Top