Siberian
Russia · centuries oldStrong, fluffy, playful and people-loving
Siberians are a natural breed from the Russian forests, with a thick triple coat built for cold winters. They are friendly, playful and confident, and get along with almost everyone.
At a glance
Life with a Siberian
They are athletic jumpers and stay playful well into adulthood. Many greet guests, follow you around and enjoy water. They are affectionate and like being near people without being demanding.
- Active families with kids and other pets
- People who want a sturdy, sociable longhair
- People with mild allergies — only after meeting the kitten
- You need a guaranteed allergy-free cat — none exists
- You don’t want seasonal hair everywhere
- You’re rarely home
Often suggested for people with allergies — but no cat is allergy-free. All cats make the main allergen (Fel d 1), and the amount varies from cat to cat. Spend an hour or more with the kitten and its parents before you pay.
- Brush weekly, and every day during the spring and autumn molts.
- Give them climbing space and daily play.
- If allergies are a worry, spend time with the kitten and its parents before you commit.
Health
HCM (a heart disease) is the main concern in the breed. Pyruvate kinase deficiency (PK-def, a type of anemia) has also been found.
- Heart scan (echocardiogram) of the parents
- PK-def DNA test
Prices are rough ranges from registered breeders and vary by line, color and region. A much cheaper “purebred” kitten is a common scam sign.
See Siberian kittensSimilar breeds
Sources: breed standards and profiles from CFA and TICA, DNA tests listed by the UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, and veterinary breed profiles.