General Information:
Numerous books claim that it was the Siberian mating with the European Wild Cat which led to the evelopment of all the subsequent long-haired breeds in the world. Geneticists believe that the Siberian was the first
long-haired as 64% of all long-hair genes center around Leningrad.  The Maine Coon, Norwegian Forest Cat and Siberian have enough similarities and differences, with enough to be historically related and tales of
their heritage being from the same general geography, even by geometric shape.

A strong and independent native breed from the Soviet Union and one of the oldest recognized breeds, as it was exhibited at The First Organized Public Cat Show, produced in England in 1871. This large domestic cat spread into Siberia with the Immigrants From Russia. They have become popular for many their many outstanding qualities, including their hypoallergenic fur.

History:
The Siberian is a natural breed first imported from Leningrad Russia on June 28, 1990. They were recorded as participants in the first cat show in England in the 1700's, and have been judged to Grand International
Championship overseas prior to their export. Old Soviet law discouraged pet ownership due to the housing and food shortages and war depleted representatives of various purebreds. It was only in 1987 that clubs
(recognized as individual registries there) began to keep official records in an attempt to retrieve what had been proscribed or lost. Russian registries provide pedigrees which have the proper seal and signatures
to be genuine. Owners are recorded.

Description:
This intelligent, energetic and powerful breed is large with a barrel-shaped torso, heavy boning and lynx tips (not to be construed as a pointed ear). They mature in five years. These self-grooming long hair cats take minimal care and the medium long to long coat is most spectacular in winter. The Siberian has a thick triple coat with a full ruff that gets much thicker in the winter months, probably a genetic adaptation trait that helped it deal with harsh Siberian winters. Siberian cats are also popular pets because of their hypoallergenic fur, since they are unique in that they do not have the cat allergen FEL D-1 in their saliva and do not produce dander on their fur. Persons who wanted  a pet cat but couldn't because of allergy related problems, now have this option.

The Siberian is an alert large and muscular cat with a broad chest and short back.. The back is moderately long and slightly vaulted.  after five years of growth, weight can range from 13.2 to 17.6 pounds for females, 17.6 To 26.4 pounds for males, and 25 pounds for castrates. The Soviet Standard provides their weight in Kilograms. One Kilogram equals 2.2 Pounds Per Conversion, in other words: One Kilogram = 2.2 Pounds*

Head: The head is large, softly rounded triangular face and a slightly domed transition from a wide flat forehead to a thick, rounded and muscular neck of medium length. The Norwegian Forest Cat's frontal skull is flat and not as round or large as that of the Siberian. The Maine Coon's head is medium in width and medium long in length.

Nose:  The nose is long and broad with a little narrowing. The Norwegian Forest Cat's base is medium to long and wedge shaped. The Maine Coon has a gentle curve to a medium long nose. The Siberian Muzzle is broad and slightly rounded, short with an almost flat line at the tip and a slight pinch where the symmetrical sides meet in the top lip. The Norwegian Forest Cat's muzzle is almost square. The Maine Coon has a prominent squared-off muzzle.

Ears:  The ears are big and wide at the base with rounded tip, set one to one, and one half-widths apart. In a rounded triangle with the eyes and nose. Inside tuffs. Lynx tipping in some. Hair at the back middle of the ear covers the base of the ear completely. The Norwegian Forest Cat's ears are medium to large and set as much on the side of the head as on the top. They are spaced wider and inclined forward more than that of the Siberian. The Maine Coon's ears taper to appear pointed and are set high on the head.

Eyes:  The eyes are wide set and slightly slanted, almost oval medium size eyes of clear yellow to green in adults, practically tan or amber during growth. Siberians can have blue or odd-colored eyes. The Norwegian Forest cat's eyes are large and almond shaped. The White Maine Coon can have copper colored eyes.

Body:  At maturity (Five Years), weight can range weight can range from 13.2 to 17.6 pounds for females, 17.6 To 26.4 pounds for males, and 25 pounds for castrates. They have a barrel-shaped torso and are large, heavy,
muscular cats of moderate length. Their waists are convex but the belly has compact, strong thick boning. The Norwegian Forest Cat does not have the barrel torso. The Maine Coon has a medium to long rectangular body, also lacking the convex torso.

Legs:  The legs are powerful and thick, medium length with large rounded paws. Tufts on toes common. Hind legs slightly longer than those of the front if stretched straight, but not particularly evident otherwise. The Siberian is an excellent jumper.

Coat:  Long and moderately long, shiny and straight With "Scrolls" not waves. On the breeches and belly, a dense double undercoating and slightly layered hair which is thicker in the winter months, as the season greatly
affects both the coat and underrcoat. Distinctive hair on the mane, collar, and breeches. The Norwegian Forest Cat's standard does not mention the "Scrolling" or layer hair. The Maine Coon Cat should have hair of silky
texture with the coat falling smoothly. The coat is described as heavy and shaggy with less overall length in appearance.

This page was researched by Sister Cats

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