Siberian
These large, long-haired cats have bold, independent personalities and love nothing more than to be cuddled and held like a fluffy teddy bear—which they can often be mistaken for. Siberian Cats are powerful, curvy cats with broad barrel rib cages and strong limbs that make them expert jumpers. They have medium-to-large alert and expressive eyes, with the outer corners angled slightly towards the base of the ear. Their thick coats adapt well to almost any environment and they get along with just about everyone.
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Need to Know
- Great for first-time cat owners
- Enjoys playing games and is highly active
- Independent but friendly
- Slightly talkative
- Larger, stockier cat breed
- Requires regular grooming
- Needs outdoor space
- Great family cat
- Can be left alone all day
- Great for a relaxed home
Personality
Siberians are often seen as the perfect cat: They can be left alone for small periods and can sufficiently entertain themselves as long as they are given the means to do so, and they are super affectionate, enjoy being handled, and love being around people.
Adept at problem-solving, they are expressive and use quiet meows, trills, chirps, and a lot of purring to talk to their owners. They’ll meet you at the door when you come home to tell you about their day—and will want to hear about yours.
They are fascinated with water, often dropping toys into their water dishes or investigating bathtubs before they’re dry. This is a cat that will want to be near you when you shower, often walking on the edge of the tub to dip a curious paw into the water to play.
Longhaired Russian cats have been documented as early as the 9th century. Exactly when and how longhaired cats made their way to Siberia is unknown, but it is speculated that the breed arrived with Russian emigrants. Due to the unforgiving cold climate, these cats developed longer hair, all-weather coats, and larger, stockier bodies able to withstand the unforgiving conditions of the region.
Until the 1980s, the government of the former Soviet Union discouraged its citizens from owning household pets because of housing and food shortages. In 1988, the first Russian cat show was held in Moscow. Siberian cats came to the U.S. shortly after, where they’ve enjoyed popularity ever since.
If you’re looking for a true friend who loves to gossip and chat and you are home a lot, the Siberian is a good fit. They love bonding, playing, and loving their owners. An owner needs to be able to devote a lot of outdoor space to their cat, whose nature is to explore, hunt, and play.