Also called Siberian Forest Cat, Moscow Semi-longhair, Moscow Longhair, Russian Longhair
Recognised breedDeep profile
From Russia. A natural landrace of Siberia and the wider Russian forests, working as a farm and household mouser for centuries before organised breeding began in the late 1980s.123
A sturdy, powerful cat built as a solid rectangle, with a broad chest, strong neck, medium legs and big round paws with tufts between the toes. The strong hindquarters make it an impressive jumper. Its head is a softly rounded, slightly broad wedge with large, nearly round eyes. The coat has three layers: a dense undercoat, a middle layer and glossy water-shedding guard hairs. In winter it grows a full ruff, bib and fluffy 'knickerbockers', and in summer it becomes noticeably shorter. It is a slow developer, often not fully grown until 3 to 5 years old.4231
Coloursbrown (black) tabbyblackblueredcreamwhitesilvergolden ('sunshine')smoketortoiseshellbicolour and whitecolourpoint (CFA/TICA/GCCF; Neva Masquerade in FIFe/WCF)1243
Personality what they are like
Calm but playful, the Siberian is a friendly, devoted family cat that tends to follow its people around and join in, much like a dog. It is clever, patient and tuned in to its owners' moods, and usually mixes happily with children, dogs and other animals. It keeps a playful streak well into adulthood.23
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Moderate to high. An energetic, agile cat that loves climbing and leaping, so sturdy cat trees, high perches and regular play sessions suit it well.32
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Needs vary between cats. Aim to comb with a steel comb a few times a week, paying attention to the belly, tail and hind 'trousers'. During the spring and autumn moult, daily combing helps with the heavy shedding.32
Home where they are happiest
Adapts well to family homes; its dense coat suits cool climates. Give it vertical space to climb and jump.213
Company who they like around
High. A sociable cat that likes company and joins in family life; gets on well with children and other pets.23
The story where it all began
Long-coated forest cats have lived in Russia for about a thousand years, keeping farms, shops and homes free of mice and appearing in Slavic folk tales. In the West a 'red Tobolsk cat from Siberia' was mentioned in Brehms Tierleben in 1864, and Harrison Weir described a slate-blue Siberian female in 1892. Planned breeding started in Russia in the 1980s, and in 1987 a pair travelled from St Petersburg to Berlin. In 1990 breeder Elizabeth Terrell brought the first Siberians into the United States, and registries followed: WCF in 1991, TICA in 1992, FIFe in 1997, CFA in 2000 and GCCF in 2004, after the breed officially reached the UK in 2002. It is often called Russia's national cat, and today it is among the most registered breeds in Europe.123
The coat has three layers and changes with the seasons, with a big ruff and 'knickerbockers' in winter and a much lighter summer coat.4
3
It is one of the slowest cats to mature, often taking 3 to 5 years to reach full size.2
4
A golden 'sunshine' colour, caused by a variant of the CORIN gene, is found in Siberians.1
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Legend says Siberians lived in Russian monasteries, patrolling the rafters as watchful yet loving companions.1
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A red Siberian cat from Tobolsk was written about in a German natural history book as early as 1864.1
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CFA sums up the breed's character as '90% placid and 10% mischief'.2
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Many Siberians have tufts of fur between their toes, handy 'snowshoes' for a cat from a cold land.4
Where the name comes from the story behind it
The breed is named after its place of origin, Siberia, a region in Russia. It is also known as the Siberian Forest Cat, Moscow Semi-longhair, Moscow Longhair, or Russian Longhair, reflecting its Russian heritage.1
I woke up early and followed my human to the kitchen, weaving between her ankles. After a quick head rub, I climbed my cat tree and surveyed my kingdom. When the kids came downstairs, I joined their game of hide-and-seek, pouncing from behind the sofa. Lunchtime meant a sunny spot on the windowsill, watching birds. In the afternoon, I helped my human with her laptop by walking across the keyboard. Now I'm curled up on the dog's bed, because he doesn't mind sharing.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
Recognised by the official bits
WCF
First international registry to recognise the breed, 19911
TICA
New Breed programme 1992, championship status 19961
Accepted for registration 2000; championship status 2006 per GCCF and Wikipedia, 2007 per the CFA breed page2
GCCF
Recognised 2004; Section 2 (Semi-longhair), Group 33
Popularity 4th most popular breed in FIFe (4,538 cats, 4.4% of registrations) in 2023; 9th in GCCF registrations in 2022; rose to 10th in CFA rankings by 2022; 6th in France (LOOF) in 20221
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Siberian. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery 2 days
Deshedding springBrush more while sheddingevery day
Nail trimevery 3 weeks
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
Litter scoopevery day
Litter changeevery week
PlayAbout 30 minutes of play a dayevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 11every year
Treats they will love homemade and simple
Cat-Friendly Pancakes
A simple, no-bake treat that is high in protein and low in fat, making it a suitable occasional reward for cats who gain weight easily.
You need
1 tin of tuna in water, no salt added
1/2 cup finely diced cooked chicken
1/2 cup pure sweet potato puree (no added sweeteners)
How
Drain the tuna and place it in a mixing bowl.
Break the tuna into small bits with a fork.
Add the diced chicken to the bowl.
Slowly stir in the sweet potato puree until the mixture binds together, being careful not to make it too watery.
Shape the mixture into mini pancakes.
Serve to your cat as an occasional treat.
How much: Give small amounts occasionally, as treats should not exceed 10-15% of daily calorie allowance. Reduce main meals accordingly.
These crunchy biscuits are made with simple ingredients and are a healthier alternative to many shop-bought treats, helping to manage weight when given in moderation.
You need
1 tin of tuna in water (undrained)
1 egg, beaten
250g plain flour (can be gluten-free)
Extra water as needed
How
Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and line a baking tray with baking paper.
Blend the tuna until smooth using a food processor or hand blender.
In a large bowl, combine the blended tuna and beaten egg.
Add the flour and mix thoroughly to form a dough. If too dry, add a little water.
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
Cut out small biscuits using small biscuit cutters and place on the lined tray.
Bake for 20 minutes or until crunchy.
Allow to cool completely before storing.
How much: Treats should be given in moderation, not exceeding 10% of daily food allowance. Reduce main meals accordingly.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Siberian, and at what times?
Feeding schedules vary by age and activity. Consult your vet to set a routine that works for your cat. Most adult cats do well with two meals a day.
What should a Siberian eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a high-quality cat food that meets nutritional needs. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol, as listed by the ASPCA. Always ask your vet for specific dietary advice.6
Does a Siberian need baths?
Baths are rarely needed for a Siberian. Their water-repellent coat stays clean with regular brushing. Only bathe if they are very dirty or sticky, as per general cat care guidance.7
How often does a Siberian need brushing?
Brush a few times a week with a steel comb, and daily during spring and autumn moult. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests brushing every 2 days and daily deshedding when shedding heavily.32Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim a Siberian's claws, and how often?
Trim claws every 10 to 14 days, or as needed. Start with one or two claws per session to get your cat comfortable. Furry Diary's plan suggests every 21 days. Use cat nail clippers and avoid the quick.7Pet Wiki plan
How much play does a Siberian need?
About 30 minutes of active play each day is ideal. They love climbing and leaping, so sturdy cat trees and perches are great. Their playful streak lasts well into adulthood.32Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after a Siberian's teeth and ears?
Brush your Siberian's teeth daily if possible, or at least every other day as Furry Diary suggests. For ears, check weekly and gently clean with a vet-approved solution if needed. Ask your vet for the best routine. Pet Wiki plan
How long does a Siberian live?
Siberians typically live 12 to 15 years. With good care, many enjoy a long, healthy life.3
Is a Siberian good with children and other pets?
Yes, they are patient, friendly, and devoted. They usually mix happily with children, dogs, and other animals, often following their people around like a dog.23
Can a Siberian be left alone?
Siberians are sociable and enjoy company, so they may not like long periods alone. Provide toys, climbing structures, and a stimulating environment if you are away. Ask your vet or breeder for advice on your cat's needs.23
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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