Siberian

By 1000 Ventures · Last reviewed

A powerful, rounded forest cat from Russia with a thick triple coat.

A Siberian cat sitting, full body
Size
Medium to large
Weight
8 to 17 lb (3.6 to 7.7 kg)
Lifespan
12 to 15 years
Coat
Semi-long, triple layer, water-resistant
Colors
All colors, often tabby
Origin
Russia, an old natural forest breed
97% of the time, our scanner puts a Siberian in its top three. It names it first 90% of the time. How we tested

What does a Siberian look like?

Siberians are strong, heavy cats with a rounded, barrel-shaped body, a rounded head and medium ears with tufts. The triple coat is thick and water-resistant, with a full ruff in winter. Their large paws and long hind legs make them excellent jumpers.

Siberian personality

Siberians are friendly, playful and confident, and they get along well with children, dogs and other cats.

How to care for a Siberian

Comb two or three times a week, more during the spring and autumn molts.

How do I know if my cat is a Siberian?

A Siberian is rounder than a Maine Coon or a Norwegian Forest Cat, with a rounder head and shorter body. The colorpoint version is called the Neva Masquerade.

A photo can only tell you what your cat looks like. Pedigree papers from a breeder, or a cat DNA test, are the only ways to prove a breed. For a quick first answer, upload a photo to our free cat breed identifier. It compares your cat with 31 breeds and the ordinary house cat and shows the three closest matches.

Curious which breed your own cat looks like? Upload one photo to the free cat breed identifier and see the three closest matches in seconds.

Identify my cat

Breeds that look like the Siberian

Norwegian Forest Cat Norwegian Forest CatA big, sturdy longhair with a triangular face, a straight profile and a thick winter coat. Maine Coon Maine CoonThe gentle giant of cats: big, shaggy, with tufted ears and a long, bushy tail. Neva Masquerade Neva MasqueradeA colorpoint Siberian: big, fluffy and blue-eyed.

Or browse all 31 cat breeds side by side.

Frequently asked questions

Are Siberian cats hypoallergenic?
No cat is fully hypoallergenic. Some Siberians make less of the main cat allergen, and some people with allergies react less to them, but it varies from cat to cat.
How big is a Siberian cat?
Usually 8 to 17 lb, with males larger. They grow slowly and reach full size at around five years.

What breed is your cat?

Upload one photo and the free cat breed identifier shows the three closest breeds in seconds, or tells you it is a classic house cat.

Identify my cat