Siberian
Russia's natural forest cat — large, hardy, and unexpectedly hypoallergenic.
Siberians are large, robust cats with thick triple-layered coats designed for harsh Russian winters. Affectionate, playful, and dog-like, they bond strongly with families. Notably, they often produce less Fel d 1 than other breeds, making them tolerable for many allergy sufferers.
Key facts
| Origin | Russia |
|---|---|
| Size | Large |
| Weight | 10–20 lbs |
| Lifespan | 12–18 years |
| Energy | Medium |
| Vocality | Low |
| Grooming | Brush 2–3 times a week |
| Shedding | High |
| With children | ●●●●● |
|---|---|
| With other pets | ●●●●● |
| For beginners | ●●●●● |
| Apartment life | ●●●●○ |
Pros & cons
✓ What's great
- Allergy-friendly for many
- Hardy and long-lived
- Excellent family cats
- Cold-tolerant
✗ Things to know
- Heavy seasonal shedders
- Slow to mature (5 years)
- Need space
Ideal owner
A Siberian may suit you well if you:
- Are a first-time cat owner looking for a forgiving, adaptable breed
- Have children or a busy, sociable household
- Already have dogs or other cats at home
- Live in an apartment or smaller home
- Have mild cat allergies and need a more allergy-friendly option
A Siberian may not suit you if you:
Health considerations
Siberians are generally considered a robust, healthy breed with no well-documented breed-specific conditions at this time. As with all cats, annual vet check-ups, a balanced diet, and keeping them up to date on vaccinations and parasite prevention are the best health investments you can make.
Is a Siberian right for you?
The best way to find out if a Siberian suits your lifestyle is to take the What Cat? breed quiz — it weighs your living space, schedule, household, and preferences against all 68 breeds in our encyclopedia.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Siberian a good cat for first-time owners?
Yes — Siberians are an excellent choice for first-time cat owners. They are adaptable and forgiving, with a temperament described as: affectionate, playful, and devoted to their families.
Are Siberians good for apartments?
Yes — Siberians adapt well to apartment living. They don't require a large territory and are content indoors provided they have adequate enrichment and attention.
Are Siberians good with children?
Siberians are generally excellent with children. They are patient, tolerant of handling, and social enough to enjoy the energy of family life including young children.
Are Siberians hypoallergenic?
Siberians are considered more allergy-friendly than most breeds. Often produces less Fel d 1 — many allergy sufferers tolerate them well.
Does a Siberian suit your lifestyle?
Take the free 18-question What Cat? quiz to find out — and get a full ranked list of breeds matched to your real life.
Take the free quiz →Further reading: Siberian on Wikipedia