About the Breed
The siberian cat is Russia's native cat and has a rich and vibrant history. This cat originates from the Taiga, which is the largest remaining forested region on earth. The Taiga is known for ex-treme variances in temperature from frigidly cold to 100 degrees farenhiet, therefore the Siberian is very adaptable to almost any climate. The siberian cat first appeared in recorded history in the year 1000. As the breed spread throughout Europe it was noted in Harrison Weir's late 19th century book "Our Cats and All About Them". The siberian was also one of the three long-haired cats in the first cat show held in England in the 1700's. Many different stories have also been told about this breed which we are not sure are true today. Russian folklore tells of Siberians living in Russian monasteries as "guard cats" and loving companions. It is also said that shopkeepers would keep at least one Siberian on the premises for pest control. The siberian was first imported to the U.S. from Russia in 1990 and they are quickly winning the hearts of Americans.

Breed Characteristics
On a scale of 1 to 10 this is how the Siberian stacks up:

Activity Level	6
Playfulness	8
Need for attention	5
Need for grooming	3
Affection toward its owner	7
Vocalism	3
Docility	3
Compatibility with children	8
Compatibility with other pets	8
Intelligence	8
Independence	6
Healthiness and hardiness	9

We are especially excited about the Siberian's personality! This breed has a fun-loving de-meanor that is iresistable. They are very dog-like in many ways, from the way they greet guests at the door and see them off when they leave to the way they play "keep away" from each other with a toy. Everyone that comes to visit our home comments on the friendly nature of our cats.

Breed Standard (description by TICA)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The Siberian is a large, strong cat that takes 5 years to ma-ture. The females may weigh less than the males. They are extremely agile and great leapers. Their muscles are mighty, outstanding and powerful. 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 powerful. The overall ap-pearance should be one of great strength, force and size with an excellent physical condition and alertness; the facial expression is quite sweet. The general impression is one of roundness and circles, rather than rectangles and triangles of similar breeds.

HEAD: The head is a modified wedge of medium size with rounded contours, broader at the skull and narrowing slightly to a full rounded muzzle with well-rounded chin. There may be a slight muzzle curvature, but the transition between the side of the head and the muzzle is gentle and inconspicuous. The cheek bones are neither high set nor prominent. There should be a good distance between the ears and eyes. The top of the head is flat, with a slight nose curvature of a gentle slope from the forehead to the nose and a slight concave curvature before the tip. The neck is medium-long, rounded, sub-stantial, and well-muscled.

TAIL: The tail is medium in length, wide at the base, blunt at the tip without thickening or kinks, evenly and thickly furnished.

EARS: The ears are medium-large, wide and set as much on the sides of the head as on the top; ideal position is 1 to 1-1/2 ear widths apart. The tips are rounded and the ear tilts forward. Lynx tipping is acceptable. 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 com-pletely.

EYES: The large, almost round eyes are set wide with the outer corner 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.

COAT: This is a moderately long to longhaired cat, with hair on the shoulder blade and lower part of the chest being thick and slightly shorter. There should be an abundant ruff setting off the large, impressive head. There is a tight undercoat, thicker in cold weather. Allow for warm weather coats. The coat gives the impression of lacquer and oil when ungroomed. The hair may thicken to curls on the belly and britches, but a wavy coat is not characteristic. The skin may have a bluish cast. Clear strong colors and pat-terns are desirable, but are secondary to type.

ALLOWANCES: Buttons, spots or lockets.

PENALIZE: Adult cats not having substantial weight. Straight profile. Narrow or fox-like muzzle. Almond shaped eyes. Very long legs.